2026 Luxury Tour: Lake Como, Venice, Northern Italian Lakes, + Swiss Rail
Rediscover the romance of rail travel as you explore northern Italy and parts of Switzerland from a refined first-class perspective. Journey from the tranquil beauty of the Italian Lakes to the timeless charm of Venice, with highlights including the iconic Duomo di Milano, the medieval streets of Bergamo, and a guided walking tour and gondola ride through Venice’s enchanting canals. Enjoy a serene stay on the shores of Lake Como, complete with a scenic cruise to the elegant town of Bellagio.
Venture beyond Italy to uncover the alpine allure of St. Moritz and Locarno, taste world-class Amarone wine in the vineyards of the Valpolicella region, and travel by rail through the stunning Engadin Valley and up to Switzerland’s breathtaking Bernina Pass. Throughout the journey, relax with first-class rail accommodations, convenient porterage between hotels, and the insights of a dedicated tour director who brings the region’s rich history and culture to life.
📅DEPARTURE MONTHS: April 2026 – October 2026
Pricing From:
Twin Share: $13,231 $8,679 per person
Solo Price: $16,564 $11,999
About the Tour
Your tour takes you to: Milan ➡ Tirano ➡ Bernina Pass ➡ St. Moritz ➡ Milan ➡ Stresa ➡ Borromean Islands ➡ Stresa ➡ Domodossola ➡ Locarno ➡ Lake Como ➡ Bellagio ➡ Lake Como ➡ Bergamo ➡ Lake Garda ➡ Verona ➡ Valpolicella ➡ Lake Garda ➡ Venice
Our team can also assist with booking International flights and accommodation as part of your overall travel plans as well as Travel Insurance.
Please note: prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice
Itinerary
| Arrive | Details | Depart | Day 1 | Arrive Milan - Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy, the land of world-class gastronomy, ancient architecture and some of the world’s greatest works of art. Upon arrival at Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP), meet your transfer and check in at your hotel. From your Milan hotel, join your guide for a walking tour of the city. Delve into the streets of Milan’s historical centre to admire the famed La Scala theatre, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Sforzesco Castle and the Duomo di Milano. Together with your group, conclude your tour with an Italian aperitif. Take some time to refresh at the hotel before gathering for a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers. Inclusions: Starhotels Ritz (Classic Room) or similar. Dinner. | 12:00 | Day 2 | Milan - Tirano - Bernina Pass - St Moritz - Milan - Today, you’re going on an Alpine adventure from Milan to Tirano. Reach Tirano from Milan by coach, then enjoy a stroll before boarding a spectacular train ride through the Engadin Valley to the Bernina Pass. Witness scenery from wild gorges to icy glaciers, before arriving in St Moritz. Explore this Swiss alpine resort town before returning to Milan by coach. Spend the rest of your evening at leisure. Travel time: Driving – approx. 5.5 hours / Train – approx. 2.5 hours Signature highlights: Saint Moritz visit, Bernina Pass rail journey. Inclusions. Starhotels Ritz (Classic Room) or similar. Breakfast. | Day 3 | Milan - Stresa (lake Maggiore) - Continue your tour with another train journey to Stresa, on the shores of Lake Maggiore. After checking into your hotel, explore the town’s Belle Époque architecture and scenic waterfront as you please. Travel time: Train – approx. two hours. Inclusions: Grand Hotel Bristol (Standard Room) or similar. Breakfast. | Day 4 | Stresa (lake Maggiore) - Borromean Islands - Stresa (lake Maggiore) - Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Borromean Islands. Following breakfast, take a ferry to the islands of Isola Bella and Isola Madre, famous for their baroque palaces and verdant gardens. Inclusions: Grand Hotel Bristol (Standard Room) or similar. Breakfast. | Day 5 | Stresa (lake Maggiore) - Domodossola - Locarno - Lake Como - Continue on to discover Lake Como via the Centovalli (‘A Hundred Valleys’) Railway, widely considered one of the most spectacular lines in the world. Travel from Domodossola to Locarno, where you will stop to enjoy the Swiss lakeside town. On arrival at Lake Como, enjoy the evening at leisure. Travel time: Driving – approx. 2.5 hours / Train – approx. 90 minutes. Signature highlights: Centovalli rail journey, Locarno visit, Lake Como stay. Inclusions: Hotel Metropole Suisse (Superior Room) or similar. Breakfast. | Day 6 | Lake Como - Bellagio - Lake Como - Today you will enjoy a full-day tour of Lake Como and Bellagio. Your morning will start with a walking tour of Como’s city centre before you set off on a cruise across the lake. Enjoy an afternoon spent freely in Bellagio, known as the ‘Pearl of the Lake’, before returning to Como. Signature highlights: Lake Como stay. Inclusions: Hotel Metropole Suisse (Superior Room) or similar. Breakfast. | Day 7 | Lake Como - Bellagio - Lake Garda - Bid farewell to Como after breakfast, then venture onward to Bergamo by coach. Here, you’ll enjoy lunch and the chance to explore the city. Ascend the Citta Alta, guarded by 16th-century Venetian Walls, and discover its narrow streets and generational cafes. Later, continue to your lakeside hotel at Lake Garda. Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours. Inclusions: Europa Hotel Sirmione (Superior Room) or similar. Breakfast and Lunch. | Day 8 | Lake Garda - Today is yours at leisure on the shores of Lake Garda. Familiarise yourself with the local olive oil production, sample the town’s wines or stroll the shoreline of Italy’s largest lake. Inclusions: Europa Hotel Sirmione (Superior Room) or similar, Breakfast. Personalise your day with optional experiences: Available when booking your tour. Select one per time slot. | Day 9 | Lake Garda - Verona - Valpolicella - Lake Garda - This morning, head to Romeo and Juliet’s home city and see its main attractions, from the Verona Arena, Piazza delle Erbe and the fabled houses of Shakespeare’s young lovers. Later, venture into the Valpolicella region, renowned for its rolling landscapes and vineyards. Taste famed Amarone wines in the countryside before returning to Lake Garda for an evening spent freely. Travel time: Driving – approx. 90 minutes. Inclusions: Europa Hotel Sirmione (Superior Room) or similar, Breakfast. | Day 10 | Lake Garda - Venice - Today, you will head to Venice by coach, followed by an hour of free time for lunch. Then, enjoy a 30-minute gondola ride (shared) through the city’s canals, followed by a walking tour. Weave through the narrow alleys and across small bridges to discover the city’s main attractions, including the Rialto Bridge, Piazza San Marco with its basilica, Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your own pace. With your included Vaporetto pass, you’ll have 48 hours to explore Venice’s streets and bridges with ease by water. Travel time: Driving – approx. two hours. Inclusions: Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal (Classic Room) or similar, Breakfast. | Day 11 | Venice - Spend the day exploring the floating city of Venice at your own pace. Tonight, gather with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner. Raise a glass to your Italian adventure at a local restaurant. Inclusions: Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal (Classic Room) or similar, Breakfast and Dinner. Personalise your day with optional experiences: Available when booking your tour. Select one per time slot. | Day 12 | Depart Venice - After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the floating city. Check out of the hotel, meet your transfer and head to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) for your onwards journey. Inclusions: Breakfast. | 06:00 |
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Highlights
- Scenic Swiss Rail Journey – Ride a panoramic train through the Swiss Alps for unforgettable mountain views.
- Idyllic Lakeside Stays – Stay in luxury hotels by Lake Como and other beautiful lakes in northern Italy.
- Iconic Italian Cities – Explore Venice, Milan, and Verona with guided tours and free time to enjoy.
- Stay in luxury handpicked hotels with lakefront views.
- Enjoy a Doge’s Palace visit and gondola ride in Venice.
- Explore romantic Verona, the city of Romeo & Juliet.
Inclusions
- Experience two iconic Swiss rail journeys aboard the Bernina Express and Centovalli railways
- Stay overnight on the banks of Italy’s Lake Como, and cruise to Bellagio
- Admire Switzerland’s St Moritz and Bernina Pass on a day trip
- Enjoy a full-day visit to Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori on Lake
- Maggiore
Delve into the streets of both Milan and Verona on guided tours - Tick off the highlights of Venice with a 48-hour Vaporetto pass
- Glide along Venetian canals on a 30-minute gondola ride
- Wander through the Citta Alta in historic Bergamo
- 14 meals included – 11 breakfasts, one lunch and two dinners
- First-class rail passes and air-conditioned coach travel throughout your journey, plus English-speaking guides
Exclusions
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
Fine Print
- Prices are subject to availability
- Fare includes all taxes and port charges
- Travel insurance not included; customers are advised to purchase appropriate cover after booking
- Itinerary is subject to change without notice
- Visas/ESTA’s are not included
All travellers must have a valid passport for international travel and many countries require at least 6 months validity from the date of return and some countries require a machine-readable passport.
Extras
TRAVEL ADVICE: We recommend that you contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or visit their website at www.smartraveller.gov.au for general travel advice, as well as specific advice (including safety alert levels) relating to the destination you wish to visit. You can also register your travel plans with DFAT, so that you may be more easily contacted in an emergency.
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