Scenic Switzerland & Northern Italy - 13 Days

Milan - Como - Locarno (Switzerland). Welcome to Italy! Departing Milan, we begin our adventure by travelling to idyllic 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 some free time for lunch in Lenno, we cross the border into Switzerland and visit the city of Lugano. Here we have a couple of hours to explore this melting pot of Swiss, Italian, and Mediterranean cultures. We then drive for around one hour to the small and sunny town of Locarno, where we stay the night.

Please note: Check-in closes at 08:15 (tour departs at 08:30)- AC Hotel Milan Sesto 4*, Via Luciano Lama, 10, 20099 Milano MI, Italy.

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 can wander through picturesque gardens and explore Palazzo Borromeo, a 17th century palace of the influential House of Borromeo.

In the afternoon we continue 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 for our second night in Locarno, on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

Locarno - Simplon Pass - Zermatt - 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 can 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 Swiss city of Lausanne.

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, the evening is at leisure.

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

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. Your guide will locate an excellent lunch spot, possibly in Altdorf. This historic town is famous for being the place where William Tell shot an apple off his son’s head. 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 back in Milan in the evening.

Today is at leisure in Milan, a hub of art, fashion, and culinary delights. Recommendations for today include Da Vinci's enigmatic Last Supper, one of the world's most famous paintings, housed in the Santa Maria delle Grazie. Make make sure to secure tickets in advance due to its popularity. You could also spend time exploring the colossal Duomo, a Gothic masterpiece, showcasing intricate design.

In a city synonymous with fashion, indulge in window shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II or Quadrilatero della Moda, the home of many luxury brands. In the evening join the Milanese in the pre-dinner ritual of aperitivo, relishing a moment of relaxation before the next stage of our tour.

Milan - La Spezia - Cinque Terre - La Spezia. Meet your new guide and group in the hotel lobby at 8:15am today, to begin the second part of the tour. Leaving Milan behind for the final time, we make our way to La Spezia, a charming port town serving as the gateway to the stunning Cinque Terre. After checking in at the hotel, our guide will accompany us on a brief train journey to the first of the picturesque seaside towns. From there, you are free to explore for the afternoon and evening.

Each of the towns of Cinque Terre has its own unique charm. If you crave beaches and a scenic seafront promenade, head to Monterosso. Wine enthusiasts will find Manarola perfect, with the opportunity to savour its local wines. And for those seeking breathtaking views, consider visiting one of this fantastic trio: Riomaggiore, Vernazza, or Corniglia.

After exploring Cinque Terre, we board the train back to La Spezia, where we spend the night.

La Spezia - Pisa - Lucca - Florence. Departing from La Spezia in the morning, our first stop is Pietrasanta, where Michelangelo once selected the finest marble for his sculptures. Next, we head to Pisa, where you'll have a couple of hours to explore independently. Pisa is globally renowned for the intriguing Leaning Tower of Pisa. Despite its tilt, the tower showcases exquisite Romanesque architecture and a captivating history. Find a spot for lunch and take in the views of other architectural marvels at Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles).

Our Italian adventure continues in Lucca, celebrated for its remarkably preserved city walls. You'll have a couple of hours to stroll along the city walls and explore its charming squares before we continue our journey.

These architectural wonders are a prelude to what awaits in Florence, where we're based for the next two nights.

Today is completely free for you to explore the "Birthplace of the Renaissance". Recommended activities include taking in the awe-inspiring Duomo, the city's iconic Cathedral dominating the skyline. Explore the Uffizi Gallery (we recommend booking your tickets in advance!) to see masterpieces like "The Birth of Venus," and visit the Galleria dell'Accademia (book in advance) to admire Michelangelo's masterpiece, David. Of course, Florence offers more than just art. Sample local delicacies like handmade pasta, pizza, pastries, wine, and gelato to refuel.

In the afternoon, you could uncover the power and secrets of the Medici family as you explore Palazzo Pitti, their grand palace housing some of the Renaissance's greatest treasures. To cap off your day, visit the enchanting Boboli Gardens, adorned with statues, fountains, ponds, and hidden mazes. Spend the evening immersing yourself in the lively squares, excellent restaurants, and bars that the city has to offer.

Florence - Siena - Montepulciano. Bid farewell to Florence as we delve into Tuscany's enchanting medieval hill-towns. Travelling through the renowned Chianti wine region, you'll be captivated by the 14 soaring towers of San Gimignano. Learn about the noble families' race to build the tallest tower houses and savour local delicacies during a leisurely lunch.

Continuing south, we arrive in Siena, a breathtaking red-brick city renowned for its Gothic architecture. The heart of Siena lies within the unique shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. This iconic square featured in James Bond's 'Quantum of Solace' chase scene. Our journey then winds along scenic country roads, until we reach Montepulciano in the early evening. This charming hilltop town in rural Tuscany will be our home for the next two nights.

Montepulciano - Pienza - Montalcino - Montepulciano. Today, we visit UNESCO-listed Val d'Orcia, where time seems to stand still. There's free time in the morning to explore Montepulciano before we journey to Pienza, a jewel of urban design and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, often referred to as the 'Ideal City.' Next, we indulge in an included wine tasting at a selected winery dependent on availability.

Concluding our Val d'Orcia exploration, we visit Bagno Vignoni, known for its therapeutic hot springs. Admire this ancient spa and trace the flow of spring waters through the archaeological park. After savouring the best of rural Tuscany, we return to Montepulciano in the early evening.

Montepulciano - Maremma - Rome. This morning, we depart Tuscany and head south to the captivating Maremma region. Here, you can choose to delve into Etruscan history at the Sovana Necropolis and the Vie Cave, a remarkable network of roads carved from tuff during the Bronze Age. Next, we visit medieval Sovana, where there is time for a look around and to grab some lunch.

In the afternoon, our journey continues to Capodimonte, a charming town nestled on the shores of Bolsena Lake. Take in the charms of this picturesque hamlet before the final leg of our journey to Rome. Our tour ends on arrival in the Italian capital.

Please note: This tour finishes at 18:30 - Rome Drop Off, Hotel Sheraton Rome Parco de' Medici, Rome.