Switzerland and Italy ending in Venice

On arrival in Zurich, we will transfer you to your hotel where you can settle in at your own pace. The afternoon is free to relax or explore independently. Later, you’ll find important details and information about the start of your tour displayed on the notice boards at the hotel reception.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour.

We begin the day with a guided tour of Zurich, Switzerland's largest city and its financial and cultural centre. Known worldwide for its banking industry, Zurich has also been recognised twice as having the highest quality of life. Following the city tour, we board a scenic cruise on Lake Zurich lasting nearly two hours, with short stops to appreciate the character of the lakeside villages en route. We disembark at Rapperswil, a charming village famous for its medieval castle. From there, we return to Zurich by train, allowing us to experience the renowned punctuality and efficiency of the Swiss railway system. Note that transfers to and from the city centre may be by public transport, depending on group size.

Today’s journey showcases some of Switzerland’s most stunning scenery, with towering mountains and clear, pristine lakes. We’ll travel to the Interlaken region, beginning with a stop in Grindelwald where there’s time to enjoy a coffee before taking the cable car up the mountain. From the summit, we’ll follow a winding path that leads to a suspended bridge—those feeling adventurous can cross it to take in spectacular views of nearby glaciers. Lunch on the mountain is included before we descend and continue to Lucerne, celebrated as one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities. You’ll have free time here to explore its charming streets and lakeside setting. Later, we’ll return to Zurich. For those interested, the guide offers an optional full-day excursion starting in the morning, including a rotating cable car ride to the summit of Mount Titlis at over 3,000 metres, where you can enjoy breathtaking alpine views.

We leave Zurich early this morning, crossing the Alps to reach the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Our first stop is Bellinzona, famed for its three medieval castles, which are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These fortifications, perched on the surrounding hills, once served as key Alpine strongholds. You’ll have some free time to explore the charming town centre. Next, we cross into Italy and stop in the picturesque town of Como for lunch. Known as the jewel of Lombardy, Como is admired for its lakeside gardens and impressive cathedral. We then continue to Milan, where our guide will lead us to the striking Piazza del Duomo. You’ll have some time to wander before we transfer you to the hotel for the evening.

We continue our journey to Pisa, where we board a small tourist train to the Piazza dei Miracoli – the Square of Miracles. Here, you’ll have time to admire one of Italy’s most striking art complexes, including the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Later in the day, we travel onward to Rome, arriving by evening.

This morning, we’ll take a three-hour guided tour of Rome, combining a walking route through Imperial Rome with a panoramic bus ride to showcase some of the city’s most historic landmarks. Highlights include 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. Afterwards, you may choose to join an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Later in the day, we’ll provide a transfer to Trastevere—a vibrant neighbourhood known for its inviting restaurants and lively atmosphere. We will return to the hotel by approximately 8:30 p.m.

Today, we leave Rome and travel north through scenic countryside to Florence. Upon arrival, we head straight to Piazzale Michelangelo, offering stunning panoramic views of the city. From there, we’ll walk to the historic centre for a guided tour with a local expert. You’ll visit iconic sites such as the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, and Piazza della Signoria—Florence’s open-air museum. After the tour, you’ll have some free time to explore at your own pace. In the evening, the area offers many dining options with a variety of international cuisines to choose from.

We’ll travel across the Apennine Mountains, taking in the impressive scenery en route to Venice. Upon arrival, we’ll cross the Giudecca Canal by boat to reach the island itself. With a local guide, we’ll explore the iconic St Mark’s Square before visiting the Murano Glass Factory to witness traditional glassmaking techniques firsthand. Afterwards, you’ll have some free time to discover Venice at your own pace. Tonight’s accommodation will be in the Mestre district.

After breakfast, your tour concludes, and you will take your leave with many memorable experiences from your journey.