Lake Como, St Moritz and the Bernina Express

Overview

Alpine Beauty: Italian Lakes and Swiss Splendors

Italy presents a great diversity of people, food, wines, iconic architecture, and a variety of scenery. On this tour, we explore the beauty of Lake Como and other stunning destinations in northern Italy and Switzerland.

Tour Highlights:

• Lake Como Exploration:

  • Explore Lake Como, described by Wordsworth as a treasure the earth keeps to itself.
  • Experience the eerie, near-silence atmosphere, broken only by gentle waves and the soaring birds of prey.

• Lake Maggiore Excursion:

  • Visit nearby Lake Maggiore, almost Mediterranean in character.
  • Explore picturesque towns creating a true belle poque atmosphere.

• Swiss Adventure:

  • Discover Switzerland with dramatic alpine scenery.
  • Explore chic St Moritz and take a trip on the iconic Bernina Express through the gorgeous Poschiavo Valley.

Inclusions:

• • Return flights & transfers

  • Daily tours & visits

  • Half Board

  • Expert Tour Manager

  • Checked luggage

  • All local taxes

  • 7 nights in three-star accommodation

Tour Highlights Include:

• – St Moritz & Bernina Express:

Full day visit to St Moritz with a journey on the Bernina Express, one of the worlds most spectacular alpine railway journeys.

• – Lake Maggiore & Isola Bella:

Full day visit to Stresa on Lake Maggiore, including a tour of the beautiful Isola Bella.

• – Lake Como & Bellagio:

Lake cruise to stunning Bellagio with a private visit to the enchanting Villa del Balbianello and its inspirational gardens.

• – Lugano Exploration:

Visit the Swiss lakeside town of Lugano.

Itinerary Details

Tour Itinerary: Alpine Beauty – Italian Lakes and Swiss Splendors

DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT LAKE COMO

Arrive at the airport for your flight to Milan. Transfer to your selected four-star hotel in Lake Como. Enjoy leisure time to settle in and explore.

DAY 2: LAKE COMO & BELLAGIO

Embark on a private boat tour of Villa del Balbianello, an 18th-century villa with a renowned art collection. Explore Bellagio, often described as the most beautiful town in Italy. Enjoy a lakeside lunch and a stroll through formal Italian gardens. Return to the resort by boat.

DAY 3: THE BERNINA EXPRESS

Journey through the Valtellina to Tirano. Board the Bernina Express, one of the worlds slowest express trains. Marvel at the Swiss engineering as the train ascends to Ospizio Bernina. Descend to St Moritz for leisure time. Return to Lake Como for dinner.

DAY 4: LAKE MAGGIORE & STRESA

Visit Lake Maggiore and the lakeside town of Stresa. Stroll along the palm-lined promenade. Opt for a boat trip to Isola Bella with its stunning terraced garden. Explore Stresa or take a cable car to Monte Mottarone. Return to the hotel for dinner.

DAY 5: FREE DAY

Explore Lake Como or visit the gardens of Villa Carlotta. Enjoy a leisurely day at your own pace.

DAY 6: LUGANO

Travel to Lugano, the capital of the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. Experience the eclectic mix of Swiss and Italian influences. Explore the charming main square and enjoy a typically Italian lunch. Return to Lake Como for dinner.

DAY 7: BERGAMO

Visit the historic town of Bergamo, considered one of the most beautiful in northern Italy. Enjoy a guided tour of the old town and free time for exploration. Optionally, visit the Galleria dell’Accademia for art lovers. Absorb the atmosphere of medieval streets and traditional shops. Return to the hotel for dinner.

DAY 8: RETURN FLIGHT

Check out and transfer to the airport for your return flight. Depart with memories of a memorable and varied tour.