8-Night Enchanted Venice to Breathtaking Switzerland

Day 2

Accommodation

Luxury Shoreline Lake - Sirmione, Lombardy Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am. 
 

Daily Itinerary

Mysterious Venice - Sweet Sirmione

After enjoying breakfast, our tour leader will give us an orientation tour of Venice’s labyrinthine streets and medieval heart. Then we’ll have an extraordinary demonstration of Venetian mask-making by a local artisan. After, we’ll have time to explore the Grand Canal, canal-lined streets, and joyous piazzas before heading to our destination for the evening, Sirmione. Situated on the southern tip of a peninsula that reaches into Lake Garda, this prettiest village on the lake also has a hot spring. In the evening, explore the area at your leisure. 

Included Meals: Breakfast

Trivia: Have any famous people lived in Sirmione?
Yes, people from Catullus to Maria Callas have been drawn to this village!

Overnight Location

Sirmione, Lombardy Region

On the southern shore of Lake Garda, Sirmione is situated on the southern shore at the end of a thin peninsula that reaches into the lake. Scaligero Castle is actually in the water, and its turrets rise from the lake. This medieval castle, built in the 13th century, is stunning. Climb to the top, and the views are breathtaking. At the tip of the same peninsula is the Grotte di Catullo, the Roman ruins of the poet Cattulus’s home.

Day 3

Accommodation

Luxury Shoreline Lake - Sirmione, Lombardy Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am. 
 

Daily Itinerary

Sirmione - Picture-Perfect Borghetto - Sirmione

This morning, after breakfast, we’ll enjoy the scenic drive through the countryside, stopping at a farmhouse. We’ll be treated to a lunch of fresh, local produce. Heaven! We’ll take a walking tour of Borghetto, a village where the interplay of history, nature, and culinary art is perfection. The Mincio River tumbles through Borghetto, and we’ll see ancient water mills and riverside cafes. Back to Sirmione, we have the evening on our own to check out a waterfront restaurant with delightful cuisine, dip into the hot springs, or simply kick back at our hotel. 

Included Meals: Breakfast; Lunch

Trivia: Is Borghetto worth visiting?
Definitely. This village of just 5,000 people is built around the mighty Mincio River and is recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. A castle rises above all and is reached by a bridge across the river. Water mills add a magical touch. The countryside is filled with vineyards and peach orchards. Restaurants, often hidden beneath blooming wisteria, serve up the town’s specialty—a tortellini known as nodo d’amore—love knots. 

Overnight Location

Sirmione, Lombardy Region

On the southern shore of Lake Garda, Sirmione is situated on the southern shore at the end of a thin peninsula that reaches into the lake. Scaligero Castle is actually in the water, and its turrets rise from the lake. This medieval castle, built in the 13th century, is stunning. Climb to the top, and the views are breathtaking. At the tip of the same peninsula is the Grotte di Catullo, the Roman ruins of the poet Cattulus’s home.

Day 4

Accommodation

Historic Italian Design Hotel - Lake Iseo, Lombardy Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am. 
 

Daily Itinerary

Sirmione - Lake Island Monte Isola - Quiet Lake Iseo

After breakfast, we go to the Port of Sulzano for a fabulous boat tour across Lake Iseo. We’ll dock at Carzano on the mountain island of Monte Isola. Enjoy your free time to explore this charming village and its lakeside cafes. Monte Isola itself is a collection of villages and hamlets on this island in the middle of Lake Isola. In the evening, we’ll have time to enjoy the sights, sounds, and scents of Lake Iseo on our own. 

Included Meals: Breakfast

Trivia: Is Monte Isola large?
No, it’s not, but the island is the highest European lake island, and the largest Italian one, with an area of 5 square miles. There are only 1,800 residents spread out over 11 villages, and no cars are allowed. It is absolutely idyllic. 

Overnight Location

Lake Iseo, Lombardy Region

This is a small lake surrounded by tall mountains and waterfalls. The shoreline is dotted with fishing villages such as Marasino and Iseo. On the east bank, a road leads to the town of Cislano. Amazing spires of rock rise up, each topped by a boulder. Called erosion pillars, they are known as the “fairies of the forest.”

Day 5

Accommodation

Historic Italian Design Hotel - Lake Iseo, Lombardy Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am. 
 

Daily Itinerary

Lake Iseo

Lush countryside, rolling vineyards, and Italian cuisine are all ours today. At a farmhouse in the Franciacorta region, we’ll have a guided tour of a traditional wine cellar. We’ll get an authentic feel for the region in a rustic cooking class, learning regional cooking secrets. Of course, when we finish, we’ll indulge in our culinary masterpieces as well as a wine-tasting. With happy hearts, we return to Iseo where we can spend the evening relaxing at our hotel or discovering the town and dining possibilities. Enjoy!

Included Meals: Breakfast; Lunch

Trivia: Are there any galleries or museums to visit at Lake Iseo?
Yes! The Accademia Tadini was opened nearly 200 years ago. This gallery specializes in Venetian and Lombard art. There are works by Jacopo Bellini, Giambattista Tiepolo, and Antonio Canova. The museum is located in a gorgeous neoclassical palace on the lakefront in Lovere. 

Overnight Location

Lake Iseo, Lombardy Region

This is a small lake surrounded by tall mountains and waterfalls. The shoreline is dotted with fishing villages such as Marasino and Iseo. On the east bank, a road leads to the town of Cislano. Amazing spires of rock rise up, each topped by a boulder. Called erosion pillars, they are known as the “fairies of the forest.”

Day 6

Accommodation

Classic Mountain Hotel - Engadin Valley, Switzerland

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 10.30am 
 

Daily Itinerary

Quiet Lake Iseo - Tirano - Stunning Engadin Valley, Switzerland

After breakfast, we say “arrivederci” to Italy and head to Switzerland. We stop into Tirano, a lovely town nestled in the valley between Italy and Switzerland. It is the terminus of the UNESCO Heritage Bernina Express. We’ll have time to explore the town before boarding the train; it’s one of the world’s most legendary railway journeys. It crosses 196 bridges, passes through 55 tunnels, and climbs to 7,300 feet, crossing the Bernina Pass into the Engadin Valley in Switzerland. The mountains, glaciers, and pristine scenery are simply breathtaking. When we get off the train, we’ll be able to enjoy delicious food and a warm welcome.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Trivia: Is there any wildlife in the Engadin Valley?
Many mammals, birds, and insects call the Valley home. This includes herds of red deer and ibex, the chamois, marmot, foxes, wolves, and golden eagles. This is paradise for nature lovers—get out your camera!

Included Sightseeing

Rhaetian Railway, Switzerland

The Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes brings together two historic railway lines that cross the Swiss Alps through two passes. The Albula line, opened in 1904, is 67 km long with 42 tunnels and covered galleries, and 144 viaducts and bridges. The 61 km Bernina pass line features 13 tunnels and galleries, and 52 viaducts and bridges. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.

Overnight Location

Engadin Valley, Switzerland

Located in the southern Swiss Alps, the Engadin Valley has 13 towns, one of which is the most glamorous in Switzerland: St. Moritz. The valley is protected by high mountain ranges on all sides, and is known for its sunny climate, breathtaking landscapes, and outdoor activities. With 360 miles of trails, there are hilltop village hikes and quartz-filled thermal baths. 

Day 7

Accommodation

Privileged View Hotel - Interlaken, Switzerland

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am. 
 

Daily Itinerary

Stunning Engadin Valley - Andermatt - Interlaken

We’ll enjoy a Swiss breakfast, then we board another fabulous train, the Glacier Express. And… we’re on our way to Andermatt! The train journey travels through the Alps by way of tunnels, over bridges, and past extraordinary mountain scenery. This relaxed ride has never-ending vistas of the Rhine Gorge, forests, and Swiss villages. When we arrive in Andermatt, we board our luxury coach for the short drive to Interlaken. For dinner on our own, there are enough choices to please every palate. 

Included Meals: Breakfast

Trivia: What’s the history of the Glacier Express?
In 1930 the first 70 guests travelled from the foot of the Matterhorn to chic St. Moritz. It took 11 hours. It is the most spectacular train trip in the Alps and passes by the Matterhorn. The number of passengers grew to 20,000 in just a few months. 

Overnight Location

Interlaken, Switzerland

This is a fabulous jumping-off place for a myriad of experiences. A train journey takes passengers through extraordinary mountain scenery, and chair lifts offer an eagle-eye view of the area. Located in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, Interlaken is a popular resort town for locals and international visitors. It is ideally placed on a plain between the pristine lakes of Thun and Brienz.

Day 8

Accommodation

Privileged View Hotel - Interlaken, Switzerland

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am. 
 

Daily Itinerary

Interlaken - Brienz - Interlaken

After breakfast, we’ll continue our travels and head to Brienz. Situated on Lake Brienz, the village, known as “the village of carving,” has a long tradition of carving and violin making. There we’ll board one of the oldest railways in Switzerland, the steam train called the Brienzer Rothorn. When we reach the mountain peak, we’ll have a luscious snack as we appreciate the astonishing views of the Emmental Alps. To reach our final destination of Interlaken, we board a scenic paddle steamer. We’ll have a final meal together, laugh, and raise a glass to our amazing adventure. From mysterious Venice to the breathtaking Swiss Alps, this has been all that we hoped for! 

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 free time to explore Mürren before returning to Interlaken. 

Included Meals: Breakfast; Dinner

Trivia: Why is Lake Brienz so blue?
The lake is turquoise because tiny particles of sediment are washed into the lake by glacial water. The fine particles sink very slowly and produce a visual effect that is enhanced by the purity of the lake’s waters. The town of Brienz itself, on the shore of the lake, has 18th century wooden chalets and sculptures throughout the village. 

Day 9

Daily Itinerary

Interlaken - Lucerne - Zurich

This is our last day together, and we’ll go to Lucerne, indulging in a chocolate tasting that is out-of-this-world. With our free time, we can explore this city by the lake and choose one of the many restaurants to have lunch. After lunch, we travel to Zurich, and say our final farewells.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Trivia: What is Zurich known for?
The largest city in Switzerland, and the capital, Zurich is a globally recognized financial powerhouse. It is one of the most cosmopolitan and diverse cities in Europe. Located on the shore of Lake Zurich, it stretches out between two forests and the foothills of the Alps. Two rivers run through this city that is 34 square miles in size with a population of 375,000 people. It’s a fabulous city to explore.

Please Note: As you'll be arriving late in the day to Zurich, please let your Destination Expert know if you would like to extend this most memorable travel experience, and they will make it happen.

Depart From

Depart from Zurich International Airport, Switzerland

Return to Zurich Airport at least 3 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure. This will allow ample time to check in for your flight home.