Italy and Switzerland Highlights

Welcome to Rome. On arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel where our guide will meet you to provide all the essential information for your stay. You can also find details on the information board in the hotel reception. In the evening, we will take you to Via Cavour, offering a great introduction to the city. Here, you can choose from a variety of restaurants serving Italian, Indian, Chinese and international cuisine.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour.

In the morning, we'll take you on a three-hour guided tour of Rome, beginning with a walking route through Imperial Rome and continuing with a panoramic bus ride to see some of the city's most iconic sites. You'll experience landmarks such as the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum, the Imperial Forums, Circus Maximus, Baths of Caracalla, Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius, and Castel Sant-Angelo. The tour concludes at Vatican City around 11:00 a.m. Our guide will then offer an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Later, we'll transfer you to the lively Trastevere district, known for its charming restaurants and vibrant atmosphere, where you can enjoy dinner at your leisure. We'll return to the hotel at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Today we depart Rome and travel north through picturesque landscapes before arriving in Florence. Our first stop is Piazzale Michelangelo, where we take in stunning panoramic views of the city. From there, we walk towards the historic centre. After time for lunch, we enjoy a guided walking tour with a local expert, visiting key landmarks including the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, and Piazza della Signoria. Florence is often described as an open-air museum, offering a remarkable glimpse into Renaissance art and architecture. Following the tour, you will have some free time to explore at your own pace. In the evening, the area offers a wide range of restaurants with international cuisine for your dinner options.

Today we travel from Florence to Venice, crossing the scenic Apennine Mountains. Upon arrival in Venice, we'll take a boat across the Giudecca Canal to reach the island city itself. With a local guide, we'll explore the remarkable St Mark's Square, a focal point of Venetian history and culture. Afterwards, we'll visit the Murano Glass Factory to witness the traditional techniques behind this iconic craft. You'll then have some free time to explore Venice independently before we transfer to our accommodation in the Mestre district for the night.

We leave Venice this morning and travel towards Austria. Upon arrival in Innsbruck, you'll have time to explore the historic town centre and enjoy lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, we continue through the striking Tyrolean landscape before crossing into Switzerland, arriving in Zurich for the evening.

Today we travel through some of Switzerland's most striking landscapes - towering mountains and crystal-clear lakes. Our first stop is Grindelwald, where we'll pause for a coffee before taking a cable car up the mountain. From the top, we'll follow a winding path to a suspended bridge, which offers extraordinary views of the surrounding glaciers - crossing it is a rewarding experience for the adventurous. Lunch is included on the mountain before we descend. Later, we continue to Lucerne, one of Switzerland's most picturesque cities, where you'll have time to explore its charming streets and landmarks at your own pace. We then return to Zurich. For those interested, the guide will offer an optional full-day excursion starting in the morning: after some free time in Lucerne, we'll take a rotating cable car to the summit of Mount Titlis, rising over 3,000 metres. The alpine views of glaciers and the Alps from the top are truly breathtaking.

We leave Zurich early and cross the Alps into the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Our first stop is Bellinzona, famous for its trio of medieval castles perched on the hills - these UNESCO World Heritage Sites reflect the area's historic role as a strategic alpine fortress. You'll have some free time to explore the charming town centre. Continuing into Italy, we pause in Como for lunch. Known as the jewel of Lombardy, Como boasts beautiful lakeside gardens and an impressive cathedral. Later, we travel to Milan, where our guide will lead us to the grand Piazza del Duomo. You'll have some time to explore before we transfer you to your hotel.

Today we travel to Pisa, where we'll take a short tourist train ride to Piazza dei Miracoli, known as the Square of Miracles. Here, you'll have time to admire this remarkable complex, including the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, a highlight of Italian art and architecture. Later, we continue on to Rome, arriving in the evening.

After breakfast, your tour concludes, leaving you with lasting memories of your time in Rome and beyond.