Scenic Italy & Switzerland

Milan - Peschiera del Garda - Verona - Venice. This morning, make your way to hotel AC Sesto in Milan before 08:15 AM. From here, we leave the city and travel towards the beauty of Lake Garda. With mountain scenery, clear blue waters, and charming villages, it is one of Italy’s most photographed regions, and it will not take long to see why.

We begin in Peschiera del Garda, a small town at the southern tip of the lake. Surrounded by old walls and crossed by canals, it is a pleasant place to explore. You may stroll the cobbled streets, walk along the waterfront, join a boat ride, or enjoy local food and wine while taking in the views.

Next we continue to Verona, a city long associated with romance. Here you have free time to discover the sights at your own pace. You might visit Juliet’s Balcony, admire the Roman Arena, which still hosts performances, or simply relax in the historic piazzas and cafés.

Later, we travel on to Venice, where we spend the next two nights. Known for its canals and timeless beauty, the city is especially captivating in the evening, when the crowds fade and the quiet streets reflect centuries of stories.

Meeting point:Hotel AC SESTO, Via Luciano Lama, 10, Milan, 20099 at 08:30 AM.

Please note: To arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the pickup time as the tour will depart at 08:30 AM. The itinerary and sightseeing are subject to change depending on operational or local factors. On some departures, the itinerary for this tour runs in a different order, with days 1 - 6 becoming days 8 - 13 and days 8 - 13 becoming days 1 - 6. All information and Tour Inclusions remain the same. If you wish to know which order a specific departure runs in, please contact us.

Today, we spend a full day in Venice, a city shaped by centuries of wealth, trade and power. We begin with an included two-hour walking tour, where a local guide introduces us to the highlights and history of this extraordinary place. After that, the day is yours to enjoy as you wish.

Venice is a city of endless choices. You might sit in Piazza San Marco and watch the world go by, visit one of the renowned galleries, or take a gondola ride along the canals and under the city’s elegant bridges. With 177 canals and more than 100 islands connected by winding lanes, every turn reveals something new.

Getting lost is part of the experience. One moment you may find yourself in a quiet church, another in a hidden courtyard or a small restaurant serving unforgettable Venetian dishes. Perhaps you will come across a restored 17th-century pharmacy, now home to luxury perfumes, or step into a shaded crypt that whispers stories of the past.

As evening falls, the crowds drift away, and the city takes on a different character. With the streets and canals quieter, you are left to savour the unique atmosphere of the Floating City at night.

Venice - Valdobbiadene - Mel - Cortina d'Ámpezzo. After breakfast, we leave Venice behind and turn our attention to the traditional flavours of northern Italy. Our first destination is Valdobbiadene, set among rolling hills and endless vineyards. This UNESCO-listed landscape is the birthplace of prosecco, celebrated for centuries of winemaking. Here, you have the option to enjoy a special tasting, or you may prefer to spend your time exploring the town’s quiet streets and welcoming squares.

From here we continue towards the Dolomites, pausing in the village of Mel. Nestled in the foothills, Mel is known for its cobbled lanes and historic centre. There is time for lunch here, with plenty of chances to try authentic Venetian dishes, though you may want to leave space for a treat at our next stop. Your guide will lead you to their favourite gelato spot in the province of Belluno.

Our journey ends in Cortina d’Ampezzo, often called the Queen of the Dolomites. Surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery, this stylish resort town is famous for winter sports, hiking trails and its lively centre. On arrival, the fresh mountain air and spectacular views provide a memorable welcome. The rest of the evening is yours to spend as you choose.

Today, we set out to enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Dolomites, a mountain range renowned for its striking peaks and rich cultural heritage.

Our first stop is Tofana–Freccia nel Cielo, where we take the cable car up into the Tofane mountains. From the top, we are rewarded with sweeping views of cliffs, spires and valleys. You may choose to enjoy a short hike or simply relax on the terrace and take in the panorama.

After lunch at a spot recommended by your guide, we continue along the scenic Cortina d’Ampezzo circular route. We pause at Tre Cime di Lavaredo, one of the Dolomites’ most iconic viewpoints, where three towering peaks rise dramatically against the sky.

We then travel on to Lake Misurina, often called the Pearl of the Dolomites. Here you can take a walk around its beautiful alpine lake, where the surrounding mountains are mirrored in the clear waters.

Back in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. You might dine in one of the town’s many restaurants, sample regional cuisine, or visit a local observatory for stargazing as night falls over the mountains.

Cortina d'Ámpezzo - Trento. We begin today in the heart of the Dolomites at the Pordoi Pass, set between two mountain ranges and offering some of the region’s most spectacular views.

Here, we ride the Sass Pordoi cable car, climbing to 2,950 metres above sea level. From the summit, the panorama stretches across lush valleys and dramatic ridges. You may choose to take a short walk or simply relax on the terrace and admire the sight of Piz Boè, the highest peak of the Sella group.

This afternoon, we descend into Val di Fiemme, known for its eco-certified spruce forests. These woods are prized for their unique resonance, used to craft fine string instruments. Legend has it that Stradivari himself searched here for the perfect timber. Your guide will introduce you to the valley’s charming towns and can suggest further walking routes if you wish to explore on foot.

Our journey continues to Trento, where we spend the night. This lively city combines Alpine character with a rich history. At its centre lies Piazza Duomo, framed by mountains, palaces and towers. Standing by the Fountain of Neptune, it is easy to picture the city’s role in the famous Council of Trent while also enjoying the vibrant spirit that defines Trento today.

Trento - Bardolino - Bergamo - Milan. After breakfast, we leave the Dolomites behind, though there are still more Italian treasures to discover on our way back to Milan. Our first stop is Castello del Buonconsiglio, a striking fortress that later became the residence of the Prince-Bishops of Trento. Dating back to the 13th century, it now serves as a museum with fascinating collections of art and archaeology.

We then continue to Lake Garda for a final visit, pausing in Bardolino. This lakeside village is renowned for its olive oil, and you have the option to enjoy an olive oil experience here. Alternatively, you may prefer to take a gentle stroll along the waterfront, or relax over lunch by the lake.

Our last stop of the day is Bergamo, one of Lombardy’s lesser-known gems. Its historic upper town sits high on a hill, with views stretching across the city. You may wish to take the funicular to the top, where highlights include the Renaissance Cappella Colleoni and the richly decorated Bergamo Cathedral. Or you might simply enjoy the atmosphere by people-watching in one of the bustling squares.

After six memorable days, we return to Milan, marking the end of the first leg of our journey. This evening, you say farewell to your group and look forward to a free day in Milan before joining the second stage of the tour on day eight.

This morning, you have a full free day to discover Milan, a city where art, fashion and food set the rhythm of daily life. Whether you enjoy the energy of a big city or prefer to wander quieter corners, Milan has something to surprise you. A stroll through its hidden streets might lead you to unexpected treasures such as the pink flamingos of Villa Invernizzi or the unusual House of the Omenoni.

For art lovers, seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper is a highlight, though advance booking is essential. If architecture is more your style, the Duomo is unmissable. One of the largest cathedrals in Italy, its Gothic facade and intricate design make it a masterpiece to admire inside and out.

Food is an experience in itself here. You may wish to try Risotto alla Milanese, famous for its delicate saffron flavour, or taste Mondeghili, the city’s traditional meatballs. Between meals, Milan’s love of fashion is everywhere. Even window shopping feels special in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II or the Quadrilatero della Moda, home to some of the world’s most prestigious brands.

As evening approaches, you might join the Milanese tradition of aperitivo, a relaxed pre-dinner ritual with drinks and light snacks. It is the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration and prepare for the next stage of your journey.

Please note: This is a free day for you to explore the city at your own pace and there will not be a guide on hand. The second part of the tour begins tomorrow (day 8) - please see tomorrow for more details.

Milan - Lenno (Italy) - Lugano (Switzerland) - Locarno. Today, we meet our new driver-guide and fellow travellers in the hotel lobby at 8:15 AM to begin the second stage of our journey.

We leave Milan behind and travel to Lake Como, considered the most beautiful of Italy’s northern lakes. With the Rhaetian Alps rising above its crystal-clear waters, this lake has long inspired poets and writers, and more recently featured on the big screen in Casino Royale.

To experience the lake at its best, we enjoy an included boat trip across the water to the village of Lenno. From the deck, the views of mountain peaks and colourful villas are unforgettable.

Once ashore, you have a few hours of free time to discover Lenno at your own pace. You may wish to stroll along the lakeside promenade, visit the 11th-century baptistry and Romanesque crypt, or simply sit back and enjoy lunch with views stretching across the water towards Bellagio.

This afternoon, we cross the border into Switzerland and stop in Lugano. Here you have time to explore as you wish, perhaps with a coffee in Piazza della Riforma, a visit to the Church of Santa Maria degli Angioli with its remarkable frescoes, or a lakeside walk along the shores of Lake Lugano. We end the day in Locarno, a charming town with a rich cultural character, where we stay overnight.

Please note: You will transfer to a new mini coach and travel with a new guide and group from day 8 onwards.

Locarno (Switzerland) - Stresa (Italy) - Locarno. After breakfast, we set off for more lakeside adventures, beginning with the stylish resort town of Stresa on Lake Maggiore.

Here, you have the option to take a boat across to Isola Bella, where you can explore the elegant gardens and admire the lavish Palazzo Borromeo, once the grand residence of a wealthy 17th-century family. If you prefer to stay in Stresa, you may spend your free time strolling along the Art Deco promenade or finding a lakeside restaurant for a leisurely lunch.

In the afternoon, we travel to the Sacro Monte of Ghiffa, a UNESCO World Heritage site set in the hills above Lake Maggiore. This peaceful sanctuary is home to a trio of chapels surrounded by woodland, offering sweeping views over the lake. A gentle walk here provides both a sense of history and a moment of calm in nature.

We return to Locarno in the evening for our second overnight stay by Lake Maggiore, with time to enjoy dinner and the beautiful lakeside setting.

Locarno (Switzerland) - Santa Maria Maggiore (Italy) -Tasch (Switzerland) - Zermatt - Lausanne. We depart early today, heading for the Alps. Our first stop is the alpine town of Santa Maria Maggiore, where there is time to enjoy a coffee and take a few photographs before we continue along winding mountain roads to the Simplon Pass.

This high pass links the Pennine and Lepontine Alps in Switzerland and has served as a vital route since ancient times, used by Stone Age travellers, Roman legions, and medieval smugglers. We pause here briefly to admire the sweeping views, capture a few pictures and, if needed, take a short break.

Our journey then takes us to one of Europe’s most iconic peaks, the Matterhorn. From Tasch, we board a train for the short ride to Zermatt. The views from the train alone are spectacular, and on arrival in Zermatt, you have free time to enjoy the car-free town at your own pace. You might choose to sit down for lunch in a lively restaurant or simply wander the streets, all under the watchful presence of the Matterhorn.

Later, we return to our coach and travel to Lausanne, a city overlooking Lake Geneva. With its lakeside setting, mountain backdrop and Olympic Museum, Lausanne is our base for the next two nights.

Lausanne - Gruveres - Gstaad - Lausanne. This morning, we make our way to Gruyeres, the birthplace of Switzerland’s most famous cheese.

Here, you have time to explore at leisure. Cheese enthusiasts may wish to visit the museum to learn about centuries-old production methods and perhaps enjoy a fondue lunch. If you prefer something different, the town offers much more, from the 13th-century hilltop Château de Gruveres to its charming square and even a chocolate factory. Its fairytale setting has inspired artists and storytellers for generations.

We then continue through Alpine landscapes to Gstaad, a glamorous resort village favoured by ski-loving celebrities. You might choose to enjoy lunch here, browse the boutiques, or simply take in the views of the surrounding peaks.

In the afternoon, we travel back towards Lausanne, pausing for photographs along the way. Near Montreux, you have the option to visit Chillon Castle, a striking lakeside fortress and Switzerland’s most visited castle. Afterwards, we arrive back in Lausanne in time for you to grab dinner.

Luasanne - Lauterbrunnen - Interlaken. Today, we leave Lausanne after breakfast and travel towards one of Switzerland’s most dramatic landscapes, the Lauterbrunnen Valley, known as the valley of 72 waterfalls.

Our first stop is the village of Lauterbrunnen, set against the backdrop of the 300-metre-high Staubbach Falls. This extraordinary setting even inspired J.R.R. Tolkien in 1911 when he imagined Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings. You have the day free to spend as you wish, and your driver-guide will be able to help you plan your time here.

If you wish to explore further, you can arrange train tickets to surrounding mountain villages or even travel to Jungfraujoch. Known as the “Top of Europe,” this is the highest railway station on the continent, where the views are truly unforgettable.

Later, we continue to Interlaken, a resort town nestled between lakes and mountains, where we spend the night.

Interlaken - Bellinzona (Switzerland) - Milan (Italy). After our final breakfast, we leave Interlaken and travel through the rolling landscapes of the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch. This picturesque region, with its meadows and mountain pastures, has often been compared to scenes from The Sound of Music.

During the morning, we make a stop for you to enjoy lunch at a spot chosen by our guide. We also take time to enjoy short breaks along the way, perhaps in the historic town of Altdorf, depending on the group and the day’s pace.

From here, we descend from the Alps towards Bellinzona. Since Roman times, this town has been protected by its imposing castles, now recognised as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Here you may choose to explore the castles or spend a relaxed afternoon in the town itself.

In the evening, we return to Milan, arriving at approximately 6:30 PM.

Drop off point: Hotel AC SESTO, Via Luciano Lama, 10, Milan, 20099 at approximately 06:30 PM.