Scenic Italy & Switzerland - 13 days

Begin your adventure in Milan, meeting your group at the AC Sesto (or similar) hotel. Depart for the enchanting shores of Lake Garda, where the picturesque town of Peschiera del Garda invites you to wander its charming streets and canals. Continue to Verona, a city steeped in romance and history, where you can explore iconic sites such as Juliet's Balcony and the ancient Roman Arena. As evening falls, arrive in Venice, where you'll settle in for a two-night stay and experience the city's magical ambiance as the sun sets over its storied canals.

Immerse yourself in the allure of Venice with a guided walking tour that unveils the city's rich heritage and architectural wonders. Afterward, the day is yours to explore at leisure. Whether you choose to relax in the iconic Piazza San Marco, glide along the romantic canals in a gondola, or discover hidden gems tucked away in quiet corners, Venice promises endless discoveries. As dusk settles, savor the tranquil beauty of the city as it transforms under the evening sky.

Depart Venice for the rolling hills of Valdobbiadene, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its lush vineyards and sparkling prosecco. Enjoy a tasting or stroll through the peaceful town before continuing to the charming village of Mel for a leisurely lunch. Indulge in local gelato before arriving in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the Queen of the Dolomites, where alpine vistas and a vibrant town center await. Settle in for an evening surrounded by mountain majesty.

Venture into the heart of the Dolomites, beginning with a thrilling cable car ascent into the Tofane mountains for breathtaking panoramas. After a scenic lunch, journey along the Cortina d'Ampezzo circular route, pausing at the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the serene Lake Misurina. Return to Cortina d'Ampezzo for a relaxing evening, perhaps sampling regional cuisine or gazing at the stars from a local observatory.

Begin your day with awe-inspiring views from the Pordoi Pass and a cable car ride to the summit of Sass Pordoi, where the Dolomites stretch out before you. Descend through the lush forests of Val di Fiemme, famed for their musical timber, and discover charming alpine towns along the way. Arrive in Trento, a city where Alpine charm meets Renaissance history, and unwind in the lively Piazza Duomo as evening approaches.

Explore the formidable Castello del Buonconsiglio in Trento before journeying to the lakeside village of Bardolino for a taste of its renowned olive oil or a relaxing stroll by Lake Garda. Continue to Bergamo, where the Renaissance splendor of Cappella Colleoni and the majestic cathedral await in the historic upper town. Conclude your day in Milan, where you bid farewell to your fellow travelers and prepare for a day of independent exploration.

Enjoy a full day at your own pace in Milan, a city where culture, style, and gastronomy converge. Seek out hidden gems like the flamingos of Villa Invernizzi or the enigmatic House of the Omenoni. Art aficionados can marvel at Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper, while architecture lovers will be captivated by the grandeur of the Duomo. Indulge in Milanese culinary delights and experience the city's fashion-forward spirit in its elegant shopping districts. As evening falls, embrace the local tradition of aperitivo to unwind and reflect on your discoveries.

Meet your new guide and companions in Milan before heading to the breathtaking shores of Lake Como. Enjoy a scenic boat ride to Lenno, where you can explore the lakeside promenade or visit the ancient baptistry and crypt. Cross into Switzerland to discover Lugano, with its vibrant piazzas and artistic treasures, before concluding the day in the charming lakeside town of Locarno, your base for the night.

Set out from Locarno for the elegant resort town of Stresa on Lake Maggiore. Choose to visit the enchanting Isola Bella and its lavish Palazzo Borromeo or enjoy the lakeside ambiance of Stresa. In the afternoon, explore the tranquil Sacro Monte of Ghiffa, a UNESCO-listed sanctuary offering panoramic views and peaceful woodland walks. Return to Locarno for another restful evening by the lake.

Travel through the Alps, pausing in the alpine town of Santa Maria Maggiore before crossing the historic Simplon Pass. Board a train in Tasch for a scenic ride to Zermatt, where the iconic Matterhorn dominates the skyline. Enjoy free time in this car-free mountain town before continuing to Lausanne, a vibrant city on the shores of Lake Geneva, where you will spend the night.

Journey to Gruyeres, the birthplace of Switzerland's famed cheese, where you can delve into the art of cheesemaking or explore the medieval Château de Gruyères. Continue to the glamorous resort village of Gstaad, a haven for luxury and alpine beauty. On your return to Lausanne, opt for a visit to the fairytale Chillon Castle near Montreux before enjoying a relaxing evening in the city.

Depart Lausanne for the awe-inspiring Lauterbrunnen Valley, where waterfalls cascade from towering cliffs and alpine villages nestle in lush meadows. Spend your day exploring Lauterbrunnen or venture by train to the breathtaking heights of Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe.' In the evening, continue to Interlaken, a picturesque resort town set between two sparkling lakes.

Travel through the scenic UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch, with its rolling meadows and mountain vistas, pausing for lunch and short breaks in picturesque towns like Altdorf. Descend from the Alps to Bellinzona, where you can explore its trio of imposing UNESCO-listed castles or relax in the historic town center. Conclude your multi-day journey with a return to Milan, where your unforgettable adventure comes to an end.