Lake Como, St Moritz & The Bernina Express

Day 1: Arrival at Lake Como

You should arrive at the airport to take your flight to Milan; from where you'll be taken to your choice of hotel. The rest of the day will be spent at leisure, allowing you time to settle into your hotel and start exploring if you wish.

Day 2: Lake Como & Bellagio

Lake Como, one of the deepest in Europe, has been loved by romantics for years. The delights of Lake Como are many and varied and this morning you can enjoy one of its many highlights, a private boat and tour of the beautiful, 18th century Villa del Balbianello - one of the finest villas surrounding the lake. Originally built for a cardinal, it features a renowned collection of art and historic furniture - much of it is English, including an oak bureau from Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory. The stunning gardens comprise a series of manicured terraces full of fragrant roses and colourful borders, dominated by a classic three-arched ‘loggia’, and all planted using the rugged topography to great effect.

The boat then takes you to the elegant and exclusive resort of Bellagio which, with its idyllic location on a promontory on the lake, is often described as the most beautiful town in Italy. Once the haunt of European monarchs; today the attractive, pastel-coloured buildings line the lake shore and narrow cobbled streets and lanes wind their way to the hilly centre. Awash with colourful flowers; Bellagio is perfect for a long lazy lunch in one of the many lakeside restaurants, followed by a stroll amongst the typically formal Italian gardens sprinkled with fine, 18th-century sculptures. Spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace before returning to the resort by boat when you wish. (Subject to available boat timetable)

Day 3: The Bernina Express

Today, you'll get to enjoy a contrasting day of spectacular scenery and extraordinary Swiss engineering. Firstly, you'll ascend the Valtellina, a classic alpine valley with soaring peaks rising steeply on both sides to Tirano; where you’ll board the famous Bernina Express. One of the slowest ‘express’ trains in the world; this remarkable Swiss train twists upwards in an amazing sequence of spirals, loops, and tunnels to the summit at Ospizio Bernina, the highest through station in Europe. Here, you'll be surrounded by stunning vistas over snow-clad peaks and ice-cold glacial lakes which mark the watershed between the Mediterranean and Black Sea river systems. 

You'll then descend through pretty pastures and dense pine forests to the chic resort of St Moritz; home of the infamous Cresta Run toboggan track, where there’s time for a spot of window shopping or perhaps afternoon tea and cake. Listen carefully and you may notice a rather unusual tongue: here, in this tiny corner of Switzerland, the locals speak Romansch, an ancient and little-known Latin language. You'll return through yet more spectacular scenery to Lake Como for dinner.

Signature Experience:
From Tirano settle into your upgraded first-class seat in a spacious carriage; sit back and soak up the dazzling mountain views as you ride the legendary Bernina Express in style and comfort. This world-famous journey will be something special as you recline in luxury in extra spacious leather seats to stretch out and relax whilst admiring the stunning landscapes through the train’s panoramic windows – and complimentary Wi-Fi lets you share the views with your loved ones back home.

Day 4: Lake Maggiore & Stresa

Today you'll visit nearby Lake Maggiore and the attractive lakeside town of Stresa - which owes its origin to the days of the ‘Grand Tour’ when Europe’s 19th-century aristocracy crossed the border from Switzerland to experience their first taste of Italy! Unmistakably Mediterranean in character, its shores are lined with oleanders and palms and backed by classic belle époque hotels. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Isola Bella, one of the real gems of northern Italy; once owned by a Milanese Count who created the most amazing ‘belle époque’ villa. 

The villa's staterooms boast fine furniture, sculptures, and art; intricate parquet flooring, elegant pastel-coloured plasterwork, and high frescoed ceilings. The impressive grounds feature ten interlocking terraces planted with orange and lemon trees, plus magnolias and a host of other fragrant and colourful shrubs and plants. Marble statues and unique, white peacocks add the final touches. 

In complete contrast, the narrow cobbled streets, picturesque harbour, and charming buildings of the fascinating Isola dei Pescatori, the second island you'll visit, reflect its 10th-century origins and centuries-old fishing tradition after which it is named.

2024 departures only: Enjoy a guided tour of the Baroque Palazzo on Isola Bella – its resplendent rooms feature refined furniture, sculptures, and paintings; while outside exquisite terraces are planted with citrus trees and magnolias.

Day 5: Free Day

Today you're free to explore as you wish and enjoy a delicious Italian coffee in one of the pleasant cafés. Alternatively, you may decide to take the boat to the lakeside town of Como or visit the gardens of Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo.

Signature Experience:
Discover a true Italian treasure with an included visit to the 17th-century Villa Carlotta with its majestic views over the lake. From world-famous azaleas, heavenly camellias, and exotic orchids; wander its magnificent gardens, immersing yourself in the displays of colourful and fragrant plants from around the world. Step back in time as you explore the villa’s impressive interior with an included entrance to view its superb artworks, sculptures, and antique furniture collected over three centuries.

Signature Experience:
As you soak up the spectacular views - forested hillsides sweeping down to clusters of terracotta roofs elegantly nestled at the lake shore and snow-capped peaks reflected in the sparkling lake - savour an inspirational view unchanged in centuries, over a refreshing local aperitivo and nibbles at Villa Carlotta's panoramic terrace.

Day 6: Lugano

This morning, you’ll travel to Lugano, the capital of the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino - which was seized by the Swiss in 1512 and has refused to revert to Italy ever since! It's fascinating; an eclectic mix of traditional Swiss values and the more laid-back Latin influences from across the border. There’s a distinctive Mediterranean feel, unlike anything you’ll experience elsewhere in Switzerland. 

Tiny alleyways lead to unmistakably Italian piazzas, where you can relax over a typically Italian lunch. Lugano is a delight to explore being centred around the café-lined main square; ideal to people-watch whilst enjoying a superb coffee. Alternatively, you can explore the old town's twisting lanes or the dense network of shops with their amazing displays. Lugano is a lovely place to idly wander before you enjoy yet more outstanding scenery on your return journey to your hotel for dinner.

Day 7: Free Day

Today you’re free to explore Lake Como at leisure. Perhaps enjoy a boat trip to one of the picturesque villages dotted around the lake, or simply relax at the hotel and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Day 8: Return Home

Return to the airport for our flight home.