Italian & Swiss Highlights - 13 Days

Rome - Orvieto - Bologna. We leave Rome's hustle and bustle for the serene charm of Orvieto, an idyllic Italian village known for its traffic-free streets and exquisite wines. Visit the vibrant cathedral and explore at your own pace. Next, venture through Parco Naturale Le Balze, a landscape that inspired Leonardo da Vinci, with striking balze rock formations, sulphur streams, and stunning vistas.

We make a lunch stop in the quaint hamlet of Piantravigne, offering authentic Italian cuisine. Satisfied and reinvigorated, we continue our journey to the enchanting city of Bologna, where we spend the night.

Please note: Pick up point for this tour is at 8:15 on day 1 (tour departs at 8:30) - Rome Pick Up, Hotel Sheraton Rome Parco de' Medici, Rome. Be there 15 minutes before the departure time.

Bologna - Ravenna - Bologna. In the morning, there's an optional half-day trip to Ravenna, renowned for its mosaic masterpieces and unique blend of early Christian and Byzantine architecture. With eight UNESCO-listed sites, it's an unforgettable destination and the final resting place of Dante Alighieri.

After lunch, we return to Bologna, and the afternoon is at leisure. This Renaissance city, a hub of art and intellectual innovation, boasts the western world's oldest university. Stroll along the extensive UNESCO-listed porticos, uncover the university's secrets, or savour the flavours of Ragu alla Bolognese.

Bologna - Po Delta - Venice. It's time for a sun-soaked adventure as we begin in Porto Tolle. There is an optional boat trip along the Po Delta. The Po is Italy's longest river, which offers a chance to spot rare migratory birds. Returning to solid ground, we journey to Este, a picturesque town with a 3,000-year history. Here we enjoy free time to stroll along city walls or visit the moated Medieval castle.

Next, we venture to the floating city of Venice, one of Italy’s most captivating destinations and our home for the next two nights. There’s something magical about Venice after dark—the crowds thin, the noise fades, and the city’s ghost stories seem to drift through the quiet canals and winding streets.

Today, we explore Venice, known as 'the Floating City,' with its 177 canals, 350 gondoliers, and unparalleled cityscape.

Venice's history is rich with wealth, trade, and power. Built on 118 islands, it hosts world-famous festivals and boasts a unique painting style and architecture, making it a Renaissance masterpiece on par with Rome and Florence. Upon arrival, we enjoy a two-hour guided walking tour, taking in highlights such as St Mark's Square. There is then free time for you to further explore at your own pace. From an excursion on one of the city's famous gondolas, to exploring renowned galleries, use this time as you wish. In the early evening, we return to Venice.

Venice - Valdobbiadene - Padua. Our first stop of the day is Villa Pisani, where we explore fantastic art exhibitions within this prime example of late baroque architecture. This grand estate was once owned by Napoleon, who gifted it to his stepson. Entrance to Villa Pisani is included. Next, we head to Valdobbiadene, where we can savour the region's finest prosecco. An exclusive optional tasting awaits, promising the freshest prosecco you've ever experienced.

Our indulgent journey continues in Bassano del Grappa, offering a chance to sample sweet and potent Grappa. If you've had your fill of spirits, admire the castle and the town's famous old bridge instead. Our day concludes as we head to Padua for the evening, where centuries of spiritual devotion and scientific innovation come together. It’s here that St. Anthony found his final resting place, and where brilliant minds once reshaped the world during the Renaissance.

Padua - Verona - Garda - Milan. We begin today with a visit to Verona, the backdrop of famous William Shakespeare play, Romeo and Juliet. Spend time reminiscing at the famous balcony, marvel at a grand Roman Colosseum, and stroll through ancient piazzas at your leisure. Next, we head to Lake Garda, cherished by artists, poets, and travellers for its crystal-clear waters and Dolomite vistas since Roman times. Take in the incredible views of this Italian lake before we continue to Milan.

Today we have the opportunity to embrace Milan's art, fashion, and cuisine. When it comes to art, da Vinci's Last Supper is a must. This enigmatic piece of work attracts many visitors, so book your tickets in advance. There's also the magnificent Duomo, a Gothic masterpiece and one of the biggest churches in Italy. Experience the city's fashion culture with a stroll through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II or Quadrilatero della Moda, the home of the most luxurious brands. The we can join the locals in the aperitivo tradition, savouring the moment before our next adventure.

Please note: In Milan, some members of your group may be ending their tour, and others may join. You may also meet a new guide for the next part of your trip, and change vehicle.

Milan - Como - Lugano (Switzerland) - Locarno. Starting the day in Milan, meet your new guide and group in the hotel lobby at 8:15am, to begin the second part of the tour. We begin by travelling to stunning Lake Como. Marvel at the panoramic mountain views and picturesque villas as we glide across the lake on an included boat trip to the town of Lenno. After enjoying the views and lunch in Lenno, we cross the border into Switzerland and visit the city of Lugano where we have a couple of hours to explore this melting pot of Swiss, Italian, and Mediterranean cultures. Following an hour-long drive, we arrive in the small and sunny town of Locarno, where we spend the next two nights on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

Locarno - Stresa (Italy) - Locarno (Switzerland). After breakfast we travel back across the border to the Italian lakeside town of Stresa. Here there is an optional tour to Isola Bella where we wander through picturesque gardens and explore Palazzo Borromeo, a 17th century palace of the influential House of Borromeo.

In the afternoon, we venture to Sacro Monte of Ghiffa. This evocative sanctuary comprises of a trinity of stunning chapels set in a luscious nature reserve with views across Lake Maggiore. Enjoy a stroll through the gardens as you ponder its history. Then we travel via the lush Campo dei Fiori landscapes back to Locarno.

Locarno - Lausanne. Leaving Locarno, our first stop of the day is Santa Maria Maggiore. After this quick stop that gives you time to take some pictures of this stunning town, we head up to the Simplon Pass. This is a historic location that has been a major route through the Alps since the Stone Age. Arriving in the village of Tasch we take a round-trip train journey to Zermatt where we admire the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the world-famous Matterhorn peak. Returning to the mini-coach, we head to our overnight accommodation in the city of Lausanne, overlooking the shore of Lake Geneva.

Lausanne - Gruyeres - Gstaad - Lausanne. We begin our day in Gruyeres, the birthplace of Gruyere cheese. Explore the charming medieval town and enjoy panoramic views of the Saane Valley. Next, we'll journey alongside majestic Alpine peaks to Gstaad, a renowned Alpine village frequented by skiing enthusiasts and celebrities alike. Following this, there is an optional excursion to Chillon Castle near Montreux. This captivating castle is the most famous and visited in all of Switzerland. Returning to Lausanne in time for dinner, we spend our second night here.

Lausanne - Lauterbrunnen - Interlaken. Welcome to the "Valley of 72 Waterfalls," a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and our first destination today. We have the entire day to explore Lauterbrunnen at our leisure. Take a pick from scenic walks, mountain peak train rides, and much more. If suggestions are needed, feel free to ask the guide for recommendations. After immersing ourselves in Lauterbrunnen's breath-taking mountain views and picturesque Swiss landscapes, we journey to Interlaken. This charming resort town, nestled snugly amidst the mountains, is our home for the night.

Interlaken - Bellinzona - Milan (Italy). Leaving Interlaken, we journey through the picturesque UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch, a landscape straight out of a "Sound of Music" scene, with cows grazing in lush green fields and awe-inspiring views. While nature rejuvenates the soul, it won't satisfy your hunger. Your guide will locate an excellent lunch spot, possibly in Altdorf, however, we're flexible and may explore other fantastic dining options.

Descending from the Alpine heights, we arrive in Bellinzona, where ancient castles, now UNESCO heritage sites, have guarded the northern Italian access since Roman times. You can choose to explore these impressive castles or simply relax in the town.

We arrive in Milan in the evening where the tour comes to an end.

Please note: This tour finishes at 18:30 - Milan Drop Off, Hotel AC SESTO, Via Luciano Lama, 10, Milan, 20099