Alpine Italy and Switzerland

Arrival in Venice
Welcome to Venice - one of the most charming cities of Italy. 

Upon arrival, you have a private water-taxi transfer to the hotel for the check-in. The rest of the day is at your own leisure to relax after the trip.

Venice Sightseeing 
During the tour you visit St. Mark's Basilica, where you can see the astonishing Pala D'Oro altar as well as the Treasury with numerous exhibits surviving from Venice's notorious raid on Constantinople back in 1204. Next you go up to Loggia dei Cavalli to enjoy the best panoramic views of St. Mark's Square.

Next on your list is the tour of the Doges Palace that includes crossing the Bridge of Sighs, visiting the old prisons and lushly decorated chambers of the Palace.

You may add an optional gondola ride to your city tour to admire Venice from water.

After the tour return to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure or my go on an optional gondola ride.

Day at Leisure & Departure
After breakfast and check-out you can explore and enjoy Venice on your own. We suggest visiting the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or joining our carefully planned optional day trip to the islands of Murano & Burano.

In the afternoon you are met at your hotel by an assistant for a transfer by a private water-taxi.  

Arrival
Upon arrival, you check in and have the rest of the evening at leisure.
 

Sirmione Sightseeing 
Following breakfast you meet your private guide in the hotel lobby and embark on a 3-hour walking tour of Sirmione, the "pearl" of Lake Garda with its history dating back to the Roman times.

Your first site on your list today is the Scaliger Castle, which is the symbol of Sirmione. The views of the castle completely surrounded by water are breathtaking. You also have a chance to admire churches dating back to the 15th century: the small Sant'Anna della Rocca, and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, as well as a church dating back to the 8th century: Church of St Peter in Mavinas. 

During the tour, you get to walk along the shores of Lake Garda and visit a viewing point that offers the best photo opportunities with amazing scenery of Lake Garda and Monte Baldo. 

As a highlight of the tour you visit the Grottoes of Catullus, an archeological park housing remains of an ancient Roman villa, built between the end of the 1st century B.C. and the beginning of the 1st century A.D. This grand villa belonged to the family of Catullus, the neoteric poet of the late Roman Republic.

You also learn about the local thermal spas, known for its amazing preventive and therapeutic properties, that you have a chance to visit.

After the tour, you return back to the hotel and have the evening at leisure.

Day Trip to Verona & Winery Visit 
After breakfast you are picked up from the hotel and taken directly to Verona, the city renown worldwide for being the place of action of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet".

Verona is a crossroads of history and a mosaic of landscapes: the gentle hills and the sinuous river embrace this checkerboard of streets with its soaring red-brick towers.

During the tour you explore the main highlights of the city, including Piazza Brà, Roman Arena, della Scala castle and famous Scaligero family tombs. Juliet’s house is naturally on the program too!

Following a lunch break you travel to Valpolicella area which is a birthplace of Amarone, a well-known Italian wine. You will enjoy a wine tasting with a guided tour at one of the local wineries.

After the tour you are transferred back to your hotel in Garda.

Departure
Following breakfast in your hotel, you check out and meet your private driver for the transfer. 

Arrival & Tour of Como 
Upon arrival in Como, you meet with your local guide in the hotel lobby and start your Como tour. Como town boasts several artistic monuments from different historical periods.

During the city tour you see the medieval walls surrounding the historic center, stroll through the ancient streets in the heart of the town, and admire beautiful Romanesque and Baroque churches. You see the Piazza Volta and Piazza Duomo with its charming old Town Hall building and its characteristic bell tower. During the tour you enjoy public boat tour as well as a Como-Brunate funicular ride.

The highlight of the tour is visit of the superb 600-year old Como Cathedral. Nearby is the Palazzo Terragni, an example of the modern rationalist architecture. 

After the tour you are guided back to the hotel and have the rest of the day free.

Departure 
Following breakfast in your hotel, you check out and depart from Como. 

Arrival & Sightseeing Tour
Upon arrival you check in at the hotel, leave your luggage and and start a 2-hour walking tour. 

Lugano is situated in southern Switzerland’s Italian-speaking Ticino region, right on the border of Switzerland and Italy. Its Swiss-Mediterranean mix of cultures is closely related to Italy’s northern Lombardy region. Together with your guide you explore the main attractions of this wonderful city and experience the mix of cultures reflected in architecture and cuisine. 

After the tour you return to the hotel and or continue exploring the city on your own.

Departure
After breakfast you check out from your hotel and head to the railway station for a train ride to Lucerne. 

Arrival to Lucerne
You arrive to Lucerne, set amid beautiful snow-capped mountains on Lake Lucerne. Upon arrival, you go to your centrally-located hotel (easily accessible on foot) for check-in.

The rest of the day is free, so you can start exploring the nearby attractions of this traditional and picturesque mountain town on your own, dine in a local restaurant or take a rest after your train journey.

Exploring Lucerne Region
Today after breakfast you are invited to take an unforgettable trip with your private guide who shows you the magnificent views of Mount Pilatus and the Lucerne region.

The tour starts with a cruise across the Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad. There you board the famous cogwheel train that takes you across the world's steepest railway passing through lush Alpine meadows, spectacular rocks and sparkling mountain streams to the top of Mt Pilatus, altitude of which is (132 m) (6995 ft).

For the return journey you ride a cable car to enjoy the fantastic scenery once again. As the last part of your magnificent tour you take a 20-minute bus from Kriens to Lucerne. Tickets* for public boat cruise, cogwheel train, cable car and bus are included.

After the tour you return to your Lucerne hotel and have the rest of the day free.

Please, note: boat and cogwheel train are available only from middle of May to September. The rest of the year they are replaced with cable car and bus.

Train to Zurich
After breakfast you check out from your hotel and head to Zurich. 

Zurich City Tour
Upon arrival, you check in at the hotel, leave your luggage and meet your private guide. 

You then proceed on a sightseeing tour around the most beautiful landmarks of Zurich. Immerse yourself into the unique atmosphere of the Old Town for the following 3 hours, walking through its narrow cozy streets and exploring its breathtaking medieval houses, churches and town halls.

After the tour you return to the hotel and have the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight at your hotel.

Departure
This is the final day of your tour. 

Following breakfast, you check out from the hotel and your driver takes you to the airport for the departure. We wish you a safe flight and hope to work on your future trips!