Vistas of Italy and Switzerland
Venice
Zurich
Vistas of Italy and Switzerland
Tour summary
9 days
Italy & Switzerland
12 meals
18 guests (max)
Driver
Trip leader
Luxury minicoach
Twin-share / double / double for single occupancy
8 nights in thoughtfully selected accommodation8 nights
On this soul-stirring alpine tour, the journey is just as captivating as the welcoming communities and fascinating local traditions you’ll encounter along the way. Watch the mirror-like water ripple as you glide across Lake Iseo towards fairytale Monte Isola. Marvel at the sunlight glinting off the snow-dusted Swiss Alps as you ride the iconic Bernina Express. With us, every moment’s a memory waiting to be cherished long after you return home.
Tour highlights
- Learn the traditions of authentic Italian cuisine with a cooking class in the Franciacorta region
- Experience scenic train journeys on two of the great alpine railways: the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express
- Observe a traditional mask-decorating demonstration in the magnificent floating city of Venice
Tour itinerary
Day 1 - Venice (Italy)
Welcome to Venice – the magnificent floating city boasting unparalleled elegance, grandeur and romance. Meet your travel companions and Tour Leader at the hotel, before settling into a delicious welcome meal at a local restaurant. Salute!
Welcome to Venice – the magnificent floating city boasting unparalleled elegance, grandeur and romance. Meet your travel companions and Tour Leader at the hotel, before settling into a delicious welcome meal at a local restaurant. Salute!
Included today
Accommodation
Hotel Pesaro (or similar)
Meals
- Dinner
Day 2 - Venice – Sirmione
After breakfast, we’ll acquaint ourselves with Venice’s maze-like backstreets on an orientation tour with our Tour Leader, before meeting with a local artisan for a traditional mask-making demonstration. Enjoy some free time to indulge in la dolce vita (the sweet life) along the canal-lined streets and lavish piazzas before we continue onwards to the resort town of Sirmione. Located on the southern bank of Lake Garda, we’ll have the evening to explore at our leisure.
After breakfast, we’ll acquaint ourselves with Venice’s maze-like backstreets on an orientation tour with our Tour Leader, before meeting with a local artisan for a traditional mask-making demonstration. Enjoy some free time to indulge in la dolce vita (the sweet life) along the canal-lined streets and lavish piazzas before we continue onwards to the resort town of Sirmione. Located on the southern bank of Lake Garda, we’ll have the evening to explore at our leisure.
Included today
Accommodation
Hotel Ideal (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 3 - Sirmione – Borghetto – Sirmione
This morning we’ll make our way to a local farmhouse – where we’ll be treated to a light lunch filled with fresh regional produce. Then: we’ll learn a fact or two on a walking tour of the quaint village of Borghetto. Running through the heart of this picturesque destination is the mighty Mincio River – along which you’ll find many ancient watermills and riverside restaurants dishing up delicious tortellini. Upon returning to Sirmione, the evening is ours to spend relaxing at the hotel, enjoying the local hot springs or seeking out a waterfront restaurant for some fresh local cuisine.
This morning we’ll make our way to a local farmhouse – where we’ll be treated to a light lunch filled with fresh regional produce. Then: we’ll learn a fact or two on a walking tour of the quaint village of Borghetto. Running through the heart of this picturesque destination is the mighty Mincio River – along which you’ll find many ancient watermills and riverside restaurants dishing up delicious tortellini. Upon returning to Sirmione, the evening is ours to spend relaxing at the hotel, enjoying the local hot springs or seeking out a waterfront restaurant for some fresh local cuisine.
Included today
Accommodation
Hotel Ideal (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Day 4 - Sirmione – Monte Isola – Lake Iseo
Today, our road will carry us to the Port of Sulzano where we’ll embark on a boat tour across Lake Iseo – docking at picturesque Carzano on the mountain island of Monte Isola. Enjoy some free time to explore this charming village and its lakeside cafes. Later, we’ll round off the day with a relaxing evening at our hotel or seeking out some gastronomic delicacies in town.
Today, our road will carry us to the Port of Sulzano where we’ll embark on a boat tour across Lake Iseo – docking at picturesque Carzano on the mountain island of Monte Isola. Enjoy some free time to explore this charming village and its lakeside cafes. Later, we’ll round off the day with a relaxing evening at our hotel or seeking out some gastronomic delicacies in town.
Included today
Accommodation
Hotel Capovilla (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 5 - Lake Iseo
Rolling hills, charming vineyards and authentic Italian cuisine are on the cards today. Our first stop will be a local farmhouse in the Franciacorta region, where a guided tour of a traditional wine cellar awaits. Continuing our gastronomic discovery, we’ll roll up our sleeves and get stuck into a rustic cooking class – where we’ll learn some regional culinary secrets. And then? It’s time to savour our creations and enjoy a wine tasting over lunch – before returning to Iseo for an evening spent relaxing at the hotel or exploring the array of local eateries.
Rolling hills, charming vineyards and authentic Italian cuisine are on the cards today. Our first stop will be a local farmhouse in the Franciacorta region, where a guided tour of a traditional wine cellar awaits. Continuing our gastronomic discovery, we’ll roll up our sleeves and get stuck into a rustic cooking class – where we’ll learn some regional culinary secrets. And then? It’s time to savour our creations and enjoy a wine tasting over lunch – before returning to Iseo for an evening spent relaxing at the hotel or exploring the array of local eateries.
Included today
Accommodation
Hotel Capovilla (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Day 6 - Lake Iseo – Tirano – Engadin Valley (Switzerland)
Today our path will lead us to Tirano, one of the prettiest towns along the Switzerland-Italy boundary. We’ll enjoy some free time to explore before embarking on a spectacular tour highlight: the Bernina Express. One of the world’s most iconic railway journeys, our train will climb steadily into the Swiss Alps, with spectacular views of soaring mountain peaks and awe-inspiring glaciers in every direction. Our final stop of the day will be the Engadin Valley, where we’ll be welcomed into Switzerland with an outlook of pristine scenery and warming local cuisine.
Today our path will lead us to Tirano, one of the prettiest towns along the Switzerland-Italy boundary. We’ll enjoy some free time to explore before embarking on a spectacular tour highlight: the Bernina Express. One of the world’s most iconic railway journeys, our train will climb steadily into the Swiss Alps, with spectacular views of soaring mountain peaks and awe-inspiring glaciers in every direction. Our final stop of the day will be the Engadin Valley, where we’ll be welcomed into Switzerland with an outlook of pristine scenery and warming local cuisine.
Included today
Accommodation
Hotel Laudinella (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 7 - Engadin Valley – Andermatt – Interlaken
After feasting on a hearty breakfast, we’ll board the famous Glacier Express train to Andermatt. Prepare for an experience unlike any other! Sit back and relax as we leisurely make our way through spiral tunnels, alpine villages and the Rhine Gorge – soaking up breathtaking panoramic views as we go. Upon arriving in Andermatt, we’ll board the minicoach once again for the short journey to Interlaken. For dinner tonight, we’ll have an abundance of sumptuous local menus to choose from.
After feasting on a hearty breakfast, we’ll board the famous Glacier Express train to Andermatt. Prepare for an experience unlike any other! Sit back and relax as we leisurely make our way through spiral tunnels, alpine villages and the Rhine Gorge – soaking up breathtaking panoramic views as we go. Upon arriving in Andermatt, we’ll board the minicoach once again for the short journey to Interlaken. For dinner tonight, we’ll have an abundance of sumptuous local menus to choose from.
Included today
Accommodation
Hotel Krebs (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 8 - Interlaken – Brienz – Interlaken
This morning we’ll continue to Brienz – where we’ll take a memorable journey along one of the oldest railways in Switzerland. Step back in time as we ride the chugging steam train to the top of the Brienzer Rothorn. From the top of the mountain, we’ll enjoy a light refreshment overlooking panoramic views over the Emmental Alps. Following that, we’ll travel back to Interlaken on a scenic paddle steamer cruise – before clinking glasses over one final dinner together. What a trip it’s been!(B,D)
Please note: During the summer season (June-October), we will visit the Brienzer Rothorn and enjoy a paddle steamer cruise as listed in the itinerary. In spring (March-May), we will take a cable car from Mürren to Schilthorn instead – with some free time to explore Mürren before we return to Interlaken.
This morning we’ll continue to Brienz – where we’ll take a memorable journey along one of the oldest railways in Switzerland. Step back in time as we ride the chugging steam train to the top of the Brienzer Rothorn. From the top of the mountain, we’ll enjoy a light refreshment overlooking panoramic views over the Emmental Alps. Following that, we’ll travel back to Interlaken on a scenic paddle steamer cruise – before clinking glasses over one final dinner together. What a trip it’s been!(B,D)
Please note: During the summer season (June-October), we will visit the Brienzer Rothorn and enjoy a paddle steamer cruise as listed in the itinerary. In spring (March-May), we will take a cable car from Mürren to Schilthorn instead – with some free time to explore Mürren before we return to Interlaken.
Included today
Accommodation
Hotel Krebs (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 9 - Interlaken – Lucerne – Zurich
For our last day together, we’ll continue to Lucerne – where an indulgent chocolate tasting awaits. We’ll have some free time to explore this lakeside city and enjoy lunch at our leisure – before moving on to our final destination of the tour: Zurich. We’ll go our separate ways upon arriving later this afternoon.
For our last day together, we’ll continue to Lucerne – where an indulgent chocolate tasting awaits. We’ll have some free time to explore this lakeside city and enjoy lunch at our leisure – before moving on to our final destination of the tour: Zurich. We’ll go our separate ways upon arriving later this afternoon.
Included today
Meals
- Breakfast
Things we think you'll love

A scenic train ride
All aboard the Bernina Express! Wind through landscapes on railway tracks that claim the crown for being the highest in Europe and steepest in the world, spotting manmade and natural phenomenas along the way.

Venetian mask magic
Behold the magic of Italian mask-decorating as a local artisan works wonders during a demonstration in the heart of Venice.

Farmhouse recipe secrets
Test your culinary skills at a rustic farmhouse in the Franciacorta region, where a local will share recipe secrets - then, taste your own creations!
Read the reviews
Verified customer feedback powered byFeefo

Jeanine November 2024
Great tour. Lots of fun. Extremely comfortable bus and a lovely bunch of people on our small group tour. The tour showcased gorgeous areas of Italy and Switzerland. Our tour guide Chiara was extremely...
Read full reviewAnonymous October 2024
Good guide Chiara. Hotels fine. Itinerary good mix of places and activities.
Anonymous October 2024
Brilliant tour guide- Chiara
Wonderful tour that would benefit from more 2 nights stops
Patricia Ev June 2024
We had the most amazing trip, seeing the best of Italy and Switzerland in this small tour group - only way to experience it. Everything was organised so well thanks to our tour guide Michele - so...
Read full reviewSusan Wr June 2024
Well organised tour . Spectacular scenery and daily tours arranged . Hotel accomodations chosen were excellent. The assistance with luggage at all stages was much appreciated particularly on the two...
Read full reviewAnonymous June 2024
Fantastic tour. Great itinerary and activities - scenic and fun. Very lucky to have Michele Macali as guide and driver Guiliano. Also a group of 14 guests who all got on well.
Alison He May 2024
Had a wonderful time, such an organized and stress free trip.
Our guide Chiara was exceptional with her knowledge and relaxed manner, and Guiliano was a very safe driver. Enjoyed the small number of...
Anonymous May 2024
Accommodation, transport guides were all excellent.
The tour covered a fascinating part of Italy and Switzerland. The tour guide and driver provided interesting insights to this part of the world....
Anonymous May 2024
The scenery was spectacular, the organisation by our guide Chiara was very good, and she was very helpful with recommendations.
Anonymous May 2024
We had a wonderful time seeing the fantastic scenery of the lakes of Italy and the Swiss alps. We enjoyed the unique hands on excursions to family run farms. The tour had a relaxed pace and it was...
Read full reviewLynette Bu May 2024
From the moment we met our guide and fellow passengers it was like one big happy family sharing fun times, amazing scenery, great excursions.
Helen & May 2024
We enjoyed every minute of this tour. Our guide Chiara was friendly, professional, knowledgeable and entertaining. We went to amazing places and had a great mix of breathtaking scenery, history and...
Read full reviewEric Sk October 2023
All fantastic. Great Guide and Driver
Katharine Pr October 2023
It contained three places and experiences I’ve always wanted to visit all in the one tour and it was so well organised
Anonymous September 2023
Scenery was magnificent and we did some great highlights like cookery class., cheese factory and 3 amazing train journeys
Nick Ze August 2023
Just have above. abcdefghij
Anonymous May 2023
Varied and interesting excursions each day. A blend of history and site visits. Hilights included cooking our own lunch, visit to chocolate factory and cable car journey to summit of Schilthorn...
Read full reviewTheresa Bu May 2023
The tour included many experiences such as a cooking class, Venetian mask making presentation, train and boat rides, and a spectacular cable car ride to the top of Shilthorn Summit in the Bernese...
Read full reviewJohn Ru October 2022
Although expensive in relation to other tours, the inclusions were good and met our expectations.
You provided quality staff ie tour leader and driver.
Esther Pr October 2022
It was a dream come true. We absolutely loved the tour.There wasn’t a thing about the tour we would change. Flavio was so knowledgeable and went above and beyond to make sure we had such a wonderful...
Read full review
Our friendly Customer Service team are available to advise you Monday to Friday.

Full tour details covering accommodation, transport and included experiences are available in our tour notes.
FAQs
Our carefully selected accommodation is full of charm and historic details – expect elegant country inns, grand town centre hotels and even the odd castle! For this reason, rooms vary in size, and most hotels don’t have lifts – meaning you’ll likely need to access your room via stairs. Porterage will be included wherever possible.
Although air conditioning is mostly unavailable in historic buildings, fans will be provided during hot spells. Most hotels have bathtubs with overhead showers (rather than walk-in showers), so you’ll be able to enjoy a soak at the end of the day.
A typical alpine breakfast spread is simple but wholesome. It usually includes a range of cold meats, cheeses and bread, buttery homemade pastries, plus freshly squeezed juices. You might also tuck into some crispy potato pancakes or a bowl of wholesome Bircher muesli in Switzerland. And a velvety espresso is essential to an Italian breakfast, of course! If you have any dietary requirements, we’ll ask about these before you begin your tour and accommodate them whenever we can.
The Glacier Express journey from St Moritz in the Engadin Valley to Andermatt takes approximately five hours, while the Bernina Express trip across the Italian Swiss border is around two and a half hours. Both are incredibly scenic, with every glimpse out of the window a true feast for the eyes.
You’ll also board the historic Brienz Rothorn steam train which meanders for about an hour through fragrant alpine meadows and sun-dappled forests to the mountain’s panoramic summit viewpoint.
You can reach the first hotel (and our tour meeting point) via taxi, public bus or waterbus from the mainland – the choice is yours! If you’re planning on arriving a day early, we can also arrange for you to stay in the same hotel for an extra cost.
All the tour details in one handy document available to read at your leisure!
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Code: BISVZ5