Swiss and Italian Lakes

Arrive in Zürich and be transferred to your hotel. This evening meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers.

Begin your Swiss adventure with a guided walking tour of Zürich led by a local English-speaking guide. Afterwards, travel by coach to Basel to collect additional guests before continuing to Lucerne. On arrival, enjoy a guided walking tour of Lucerne’s charming Old Town. See landmarks such as the Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument, and admire views across Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner.

This morning, cruise across Lake Lucerne to the lakeside village of Vitznau, enjoying tranquil waters and mountain scenery along the way. From Vitznau, board the historic cogwheel railway for the journey to Rigi Kulm, the summit of Mount Rigi. At the top, take in sweeping panoramic views over Lake Lucerne and the surrounding peaks. You may wish to enjoy a gentle alpine walk or lunch at a mountain restaurant before returning to Lucerne (additional expense). Spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

After breakfast, cruise across Lake Lucerne to Flüelen, enjoying lunch on board as you take in the alpine scenery. Enjoy an Insider Experience before continuing by coach into the lakeside town of Stresa on Lake Maggiore. This evening, enjoy a delicious Italian dinner.

Insider Experience – First Class Aboard Gotthard Panorama Express

From Flüelen, board the Gotthard Panorama Express for a First Class journey along the historic Gotthard route to Lugano, passing mountain landscapes and dramatic valleys.

Today enjoy a special Insider Experience, with the remainder of the day at leisure in Stresa.

Insider Experience – Lake Maggiore and Isola Bella Private Cruise

Set out on a private cruise across Lake Maggiore, taking in views of the lakeside Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso from the water. Continue to Isola Bella to explore the magnificent Palazzo Borromeo and its terraced gardens, then enjoy free time on the island before returning to Stresa.

Choose how to spend your day in Stresa today. Explore at your own pace or perhaps choose an optional excursion to Lake Orta.

Enhance Your Journey – Lake Orta

Discover the serene beauty of Lake Orta on a full-day excursion from Stresa. Wander the charming village of Orta San Giulio, cruise across the lake to the enchanting San Giulio Island, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere of one of Italy’s most picturesque destinations.

This morning travel to Milan and join a guided walking tour with a local expert. Discover the city’s iconic landmarks while learning about its rich culture and renowned fashion heritage. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure.

Travel by First Class rail to Bologna, Italy’s culinary capital and a city steeped in history. After checking in to your hotel, enjoy some free time to explore.

Discover Bologna’s historic streets before a special culinary experience today.

Insider Experience – Bologna Gastronomic Experience

Delight in a guided journey through Bologna’s renowned food culture. Sample fresh pasta, artisanal cheeses and cured meats, taste authentic local specialties and learn why the city is celebrated as Italy’s culinary capital.

Board your train to Venice, your final destination. After checking in to your hotel, enjoy time at leisure to soak up the beauty of the city’s canals and historic streets.

Explore the streets of Venice today, including the iconic Piazza San Marco, before venturing beyond the main sights to explore quieter corners of the city. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, enjoying your final moments in Italy with your fellow travellers.

Insider Experience – Bacaro and Cicchetti Tour

Experience Venice like a local as you wander through lanes and hidden alleyways on a bacaro (wine bar) and cicchetti (tapas) tour paired with regional wines. The tour concludes with a Farewell Lunch.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight, bringing your Swiss and Italian journey to a close.