Panoramic Switzerland & Italy

Board a train to Zermatt, a journey of about three hours through the countryside. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to get to know Zermatt. You may wish to visit the Matterhorn museum or walk through the dramatic Gorner Gorge.

You'll meet your private guide in the hotel to spend half a day being shown around the mountain above Zermatt. You will head up to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise via funicular. The glacier is open for skiing every day of the year, and from the summit, you will have views across some of Switzerland’s highest peaks, including the Monte Rosa massif.

Today, you will spend the whole day aboard the Glacier Express en route to St. Moritz. Dubbed the slowest express train in the world, the panoramic coaches provide ample views of the 291 bridges and 91 tunnels during the eight-hour journey. A sumptuous lunch is served on board, and you can tune into the audio guide to learn more about the magnificent scenery you are passing through.

In the morning meet your guide for an orientation tour of St. Moritz. You may venture up to the summit at Piz Nair, or along the Engadin valley to Muottas Muragl. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in one of the Alps' most glamorous resorts.

Today is your second panoramic train journey from St. Moritz to Lugano in the Italian-influenced region of Ticino in southern Switzerland. The train climbs the Bernina Pass, skirts around shimmering glacial lakes and across spectacular viaducts throughout the seven-hour journey south to Tirano, Italy. Here, you change to a bus with panoramic windows for the final leg of the journey around Lake Como and over the mountain to reach Lugano. Have the remainder of the day at leisure.

Make your way to the pier for a scenic boat cruise across Lake Lugano to a traditional grotto where you will be taught to make a classic risotto. Accompanied by appetizers and local wine, enjoy your efforts as lunch at the lake edge. Head back to Lugano by boat and spend the rest of the day exploring the peaks of Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore for sunset views.

A short train ride will transfer you across the border into Italy to the town of Como for your final three nights on Lake Como. Once settled into your hotel, a driver will collect you for a short journey toward Bellagio, from where you will embark on a two-hour private kayak trip around the headland.

This morning you'll set off with your private guide and boat driver to explore the lake. One of the highlights will be a visit to Villa Balbianello, a stunning lakeside retreat where the James Bond film 'Casino Royale' was filmed. After this you'll head to the picturesque town of Bellagio, often referred to as the 'pearl of the lake', to enjoy some free time before heading back down the lake to your hotel.

Today you'll have a full day at leisure to explore more of the lake's highlights. A great option is to take the public ferry north to the charming towns of Varenna and Menaggio. You could even stop off in Tremezzo to visit the beautiful gardens of Villa Carlotta.

You'll be met at the hotel by your driver today for a transfer to the airport for your flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.