Lake Maggiore, Como & Garda - Private - 12 Days

Milan - Stresa (Lake Maggiore). Welcome to Milan! You're not stopping in Italy's fashion capital (you'll be back later in the tour!), a private driver will collect you at the airport and take you straight to your hotel in Stresa, on the shore of Lake Maggiore. This is Italy's second-largest lake, shared with Switzerland. Known for its colourful villages, picturesque islands and mild climate, your first evening at Lake Maggiore is at leisure.

Stresa - Domodossola - Locarno (Switzerland) - Stresa. Today, you'll be transferred from the hotel to Domodossola, where you'll catch the train to the Swiss city of Locarno. The journey takes you through the Centovalli ("One Hundred Valleys"), a scenic journey through gorges, past waterfalls and over towering bridges. You'll have free time in Locarno to explore the city before retracing your steps back to Stresa.

You've got a free day on the shore of Lake Maggiore today. Spend time wandering the elegant town of Stresa, a favourite of Ernest Hemingway’s and the gateway to the Borromean Islands, where opulent villas and exquisite gardens await. Take a boat to explore the islands or visit the cliffside monastery of Santa Caterina del Sasso, perched above the lake since the 14th century. For a deeper dive into local history, head to the medieval Rocca di Angera, a striking fortress with panoramic views and an unexpected treasure inside - the 12-room Museo della Bambola, featuring a unique collection of antique dolls and mechanical figurines.

Stresa - Milan - Como (Lake Como). Say goodbye to Lake Maggiore as you take the first class train from Stresa to Como (via Milan). You'll be staying in the city of Como itself, located at the far south of the lake, at the tip of one of the forks in the unique upside-down Y shape of Lake Como. Your first evening in Como is free to head out for a walk along the shoreline, or to ride the funicular up to Brunate for panoramic views over Lake Como.

Lake Como, the third-largest lake in Italy, is a glamorous destination known for its dramatic alpine backdrop, charming lakeside villages, and lavish villas that have long attracted A-list celebrities, including George Clooney and Madonna. You've got two free days to relax and explore the lake at your own leisure, making use of the regular ferry services between lakeside towns.

Alternatively, you can join us for an optional full-day tour from Como that lets you explore two countries and two lakes. Travel by coach with an expert English-speaking tour manager to the Swiss town of Lugano, where you can stroll through the quaint city centre, sample Swiss chocolate, and enjoy lunch. Continue to Cadenabbia, a peaceful village once frequented by Queen Victoria and Tsar Nicholas I, and board a panoramic cruise to Bellagio, famed for its romantic setting and elegant gardens. End the day with a scenic ferry ride across Lake Como, taking in breathtaking views from the water before returning to your base.

Como - Milan - Peschiera del Garda - Desenzano del Garda (Lake Garda). You're heading to your third and final Italian lake today as you catch a first class train from Como to Peschiera del Garda (via Milan) and then transfer to the hotel in Desenzano del Garda. Located on Garda's southern shore, it's the perfect gateway to exploring the lake.

The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda offers a stunning blend of natural beauty and cultural richness that appeals to visitors of all kinds. With a three-night hotel stay, you’ll have time to experience its diverse landscapes - from the olive groves, Roman ruins, and inviting beaches of the southern shores to the dramatic alpine views and charming lakeside towns of the north, nestled beneath towering mountains.

You've got a free day to explore some of the towns along the shore of Lake Garda - there are regular ferries between all the main ones. Discover Sirmione, known for its thermal springs, Scaligero Castle, and the impressive Roman ruins of the Grotte di Catullo. Nature lovers might choose to walk in the hills for panoramic lake views, while Riva del Garda boasts medieval fortifications, cobbled streets, and an elegant lakeside setting.

Embark on an included guided wine tasting tour today, heading into the countryside surrounding Lake Garda. This region is world-famous for its wine, particularly Bardolino and Pinot Grigio. You'll have the chance to taste some of these and admire rolling green vineyards on today's excursion. The tour ends back at the hotel by Lake Garda.

Desenzano del Garda - Peschiera del Garda - Milan. Today you'll return to Milan, taking a first class train from Peschiera del Garda. On arrival, you'll have the rest of the day free to discover the mighty Duomo, La Scala theatre and Milan's world class shopping opportunities. Spend the night at a hotel in Milan.

Milan - St Moritz (Switzerland) - Milan. Pop into Switzerland for the second time (or third, if you joined the optional tour to Lugano!) as you ride the iconic Bernina Express train to the resort town of St Moritz.

This iconic train, celebrating over a century of service and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers one of the world’s most scenic rail routes. As you travel, you'll pass through tunnels and over viaducts, and ascend to an altitude of 2,253 meters (7,400 feet), the highest point a train can reach in Europe. Marvel at the Swiss Alps and the Bernina Pass as you make your way to St. Moritz, Switzerland. Enjoy some free time to explore this elegant mountain town before returning to Milan.

Your tour comes to an end after breakfast and hotel check out. An included transfer takes you to the airport for your onward journey.