DAY 3 - THE BERNINA EXPRESS Today, we enjoy a day of spectacular scenery and extraordinary Swiss engineering. Firstly we ascend up the Valtellina, a classic alpine valley with soaring peaks rising steeply on both sides to Tirano, where we board the famous Bernina Express. One of the slowest ‘express’ trains in the world, it 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 are surrounded by stunning vistas over snow-clad peaks and ice-cold glacial lakes which strikingly mark the watershed between Mediterranean and Black Sea river systems. We descend sinuously through 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. We return through yet more spectacular scenery to Lake Como for dinner.
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL ON LAKE COMO Fly to Milan from where you will be taken to your hotel. We use excellent four-star rated, fully air- conditioned hotels all situated by the lake, with pools and very comfortably appointed rooms. The four-star Grand Hotel Cadenabbia, in delightful Cadenabbia exudes historic charm with elegant high ceilings, columns and intricate plasterwork. The restaurant has stunning views over the lake with an al fresco terrace where you can savour the typical Italian cuisine. The classically traditional Hotel Regina Olga in
the charming lakeside village of Cernobbio is on undoubtedly one of the most picturesque parts of the lake with glorious views across the shimmering waters to Como with a delightful terrace and private gardens. The Grand Hotel Imperiale is in the beautiful
lakeside hamlet of Moltrasio. This beautiful late Art Nouveau style property is set in classic landscaped gardens with a stunning lakeside location. The Grand Hotel Menaggio is set right on the
lakefront in the delightful town of Menaggio. This well known hotel is located a short stroll from the resort centre and is designed with a lovely relaxing lounge and bar area opening out onto the heated lakeside swimming pool and sun terrace. The four-star Grand Hotel Victoria enjoys an
enviable location overlooking Lake Como in the charming town of Menaggio, just a few moments from the main piazza. The majestic art nouveau style 19th century building is set in its own gardens and surrounded by centuries-old trees. The décor harks back to a golden age of grandeur with ornate chandeliers, intricate cornicing and elegant furniture. A highlight is the glass-fronted restaurant terrace where you will enjoy views across the lake to Bellagio as you dine. The fully air-conditioned rooms are classic in style with safe, satellite TV and minibar.
DAY 2 - LAKE COMO & BELLAGIO Lake Como has been beloved of romantics since the famous Roman chronicler Pliny wrote of its luxuriant beauty. A favourite of Shelley and Wordsworth, the delights of Lake Como are varied and this morning you can enjoy one of its many highlights, a private boat and tour of the 18th century Villa del Balbianello, one of the finest villas surrounding the lake. The boat then takes us to the elegant resort of the 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 lake is lined by attractive, pastel-coloured buildings, faded by decades of sunshine with narrow cobbled streets and lanes climbing their way to the hilly centre. Spend the afternoon exploring before returning by boat when you wish.
DAY 4 - BERGAMO After breakfast we visit the historic town of Bergamo, said by many to be the most beautiful town in all of northern Italy! We agree – it’s enchanting. The Old Town, strikingly crowning a hill, was ruled for centuries by Venice, one of the world’s great Renaissance powers, when much of the graceful city we admire today was built. Centred around the Piazza Vecchia, its harmonious main square is a wonderful collection of medieval and Renaissance buildings. This morning you will enjoy a guided tour of the Old Town followed by some free time to explore as you wish. For art lovers, a short distance from the Old Town, you may wish to visit the highly acclaimed Galleria dell’Accademia. All in all, Bergamo is a superb spot to just to watch the Italians going about their daily business.
DAY 5 - LAKE MAGGIORE & STRESA Today we visit nearby Lake Maggiore and its most attractive lakeside town, Stresa, which owes its origin to the days of the ‘Grand Tour’ when Europe’s 19th century aristocracy, having crossed the border from Switzerland, experienced their first taste of Italy! Unmistakably Mediterranean in character, its shores, lined with oleanders and palms, backed by classic belle époque hotels create an ambience of classic gentility. Take a stroll along its palm-lined promenade and enjoy the fine views across the lake to the Borromean Islands just offshore. You can also take the short boat trip to Isola Bella, an island transformed by a 17th century Count into an amazing terraced garden.
DAY 6 - LUGANO This morning we travel to Lugano, capital of the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino which was seized by the Swiss in 1512 and has steadfastly refused any opportunity to revert to Italy ever since! It is absolutely fascinating, an eclectic mix of traditional Swiss values and the more laid-back Latin influences from across the border. The town is a delight to explore, being centred round the café-lined main square, ideal to people-watch whilst enjoying a superb coffee - just wander idly, before we enjoy yet more outstanding scenery on our return journey to our hotel for dinner.
DAY 7 - FREE DAY Today you are free to explore. Enjoy a delicious Italian coffee in one of the pleasant cafes, or simply relax by the hotel’s pool. Alternatively you may decide to take the boat to the lakeside town of Como or visit the gardens of Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo.
DAY 8 - RETURN FLIGHT We return to the airport at the appropriate time for our return flight.
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