Lake Como & the Swiss Alps

Milan - Como - Lugano (Switzerland) - Locarno. Welcome to Italy! Starting the day in Milan, we begin by travelling to stunning Lake Como. Marvel at the panoramic mountain views and picturesque villas as we glide across the lake on an included boat trip to the town of Lenno. After enjoying the views and lunch in Lenno, we cross the border into Switzerland and visit the city of Lugano where we have a couple of hours to explore this melting pot of Swiss, Italian, and Mediterranean cultures. Following an hour-long drive, we arrive in the small and sunny town of Locarno, where we spend the night.

Please note: Pick up point for this tour is at 8:15 on day 1 (tour departs at 8:30) - AC Hotel Milan Sesto 4*, Via Luciano Lama, 10, 20099 Milano MI, Italy.

Locarno - Stresa (Italy) - Locarno (Switzerland). After breakfast we travel back across the border to the Italian lakeside town of Stresa. Here there is an optional tour to Isola Bella where we wander through picturesque gardens and explore Palazzo Borromeo, a 17th century palace of the influential House of Borromeo.

In the afternoon, we make our way to the Sacro Monte of Ghiffa. This atmospheric sanctuary features three stunning chapels set within a verdant nature reserve, offering magnificent views over Lake Maggiore. You take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, reflecting on their fascinating history. Returning to the shores of Lake Maggiore we spend our second night in the town of Locarno.

Locarno - Lausanne. Leaving Locarno, our first stop of the day is the alpine village of Re. After this quick stop that gives you time to take some pictures of this stunning village, we head up to the Simplon Pass. This is a historic location that has been a major route through the Alps since the Stone Age. Arriving in the village of Tasch we take a round-trip train journey to Zermatt where we admire the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the world-famous Matterhorn peak. Returning to the mini-coach, we head to our overnight accommodation in the city of Lausanne, overlooking the shore of Lake Geneva.

Lausanne - Gruyeres - Gstaad - Lausanne. We begin our day in Gruyeres, the birthplace of Gruyere cheese. Explore the charming medieval town and enjoy panoramic views of the Saane Valley. Next, we'll journey alongside majestic Alpine peaks to Gstaad, a renowned Alpine village frequented by skiing enthusiasts and celebrities alike. Following this, there is an optional excursion to Chillon Castle near Montreux. This captivating castle is the most famous and visited in all of Switzerland. Returning to Lausanne in time for dinner, we spend our second night here.

Lausanne - Lauterbrunnen - Interlaken. Welcome to the "Valley of 72 Waterfalls," a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and our first destination today. We have the entire day to explore Lauterbrunnen at our leisure. Take a pick from scenic walks, mountain peak train rides, and much more. If suggestions are needed, feel free to ask the guide for recommendations. After immersing ourselves in Lauterbrunnen's breath-taking mountain views and picturesque Swiss landscapes, we journey to Interlaken. This charming resort town, nestled snugly amidst the mountains, is our home for the night.

Interlaken - Bellinzona - Milan (Italy). Leaving Interlaken, we journey along the picturesque Lake Brienz, a dazzling alpine gem framed by rugged peaks. Take in the magnificent turquoise waters as we pass quaint villages and dramatic mountain slopes.

Descending from the Alpine heights, we arrive in Bellinzona, where ancient castles, now UNESCO heritage sites, have guarded the northern Italian access since Roman times. You can choose to explore these impressive castles or simply relax in the town.

We arrive in Milan in the evening where the tour comes to an end.

Please note: This tour finishes at 16:00 - Milan Drop Off, AC Hotel Milan Sesto 4*, Via Luciano Lama, 10, 20099 Milano MI, Italy.