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Alpine Italy and Switzerland

13 days6 cities
ItalySwitzerland2 countries
Tour rating: 4.87 / 5, Based on 248 Reviews
Private tour to Italy, Switzerland

Explore the best sights of Northern Italy from Venice, Verona and Como to beautiful Switzerland towns Lugano, Lucerne and Zurich in 13 days. As a highlight of your trip, take a cogwheel train across the world's steepest railway passing through lush Alpine meadows.

13 days6 cities
ItalySwitzerland2 countries
From
 $7,915 
Venice, Italy
3
days
Italy

Waterfront palazzos and palaces make drifting down the Grand Canal feel like cruising through a painting. Venice is the world's most romantic city.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
1
day
Arrival to 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.

No meals included.

2
day
Venice Sightseeing Tour

After having delicious breakfast at your hotel you meet your private guide to start a touring program around Venice.

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.

Breakfast is included.

3
day
Free Day & Transfer to Lake Garda

Today you check out from the hotel and have half of the day free. The morning is reserved for you to 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.

  • Optional tour: Murano & Burano Boat Tour, Venice

In the afternoon you have a private transfer to Lake Garda. In about 2 hours you reach your hotel for the check-in. The rest of the evening is free for you to relax.

Breakfast is included.

 

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

Al Theatro Palace, Venice
classic
$

Located in the heart of Venice, the stylish Al Theatro Palace provides amazing views over one of the most famous theatres in the world.

car
Venice
Sirmione
1 hr 30 min

Enjoy the beautiful views of Northern Italy as one of our drivers takes you from one of the most romantic cities in the world to the city, set on Lake Garda. This route to Sirmione allows you to enjoy the scenic small Italian villages and beautiful dales along the way. 

Sirmione, Italy
2
days
Italy

Situated on the southern bank of the beautiful Lake Garda, Sirmione is one of the most picturesque petite towns in northern Italy, boasting breathtaking picturesque views and historic architecture.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
4
day
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.

Breakfast is included.

5
day
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.

Breakfast is included.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

Hotel Olivi Thermae, Sirmione

Hidden in the olive groves, the beautiful property is just a couple of minutes away from the magnificent Lake Garda. All rooms are air-conditioned and have LCD TVs, free Wi-Fi and minibars. The hotel’s famous Thermae & Natural Spa services.

car
Sirmione
Como
1 hr 40 min

A comfortable car ride is a great option to get to Lake Como. Sit back and enjoy the unique beauty of Italian nature as one of our trusted drivers takes you on a breathtaking journey through Northen Italy.

 

Como, Italy
2
days
Italy

Located on the Italian-Swiss border, lovely Como is the most important town on the Lake Como, attracting more and more people with its outstanding historic heritage and natural beauty.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
6
day
Transfer to Como & Sightseeing

Following breakfast you check out from the Sirmione hotel, and your driver transfers you to Como, located on the shores of another stunningly beautiful lake - Lake Como.

Como town boasts several artistic monuments from different historical periods. Once you check-in at the hotel, you meet your local guide who shows you around. 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 a 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.

Breakfast is included.

7
day
Free Day Near Lake Como or Optional Trip

Today you have a free day to spend near the Lake Como or you can choose an optional day trip to Milan or Bellagio. 

  • Note: The unique treasure of Milan - Leonardo da Vinci’s legendary fresco “The Last Supper” located in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is not included in the city tour due to its limited availability. Please, ask your travel specialist about available tickets for your tour date.

Breakfast is included.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

Palace Hotel, Como

Set on the shores of the breathtaking Lake Como, the impressive Palace Hotel is housed in an Art Nouveau Palace near the beautiful Teatro Sociale and the stunning Como Cathedral. Guests are invited to stay in the comfortable air-conditioned rooms.

car
Como
Lugano
30 min

Enjoy traveling with a trusted driver from Northern Italy to the Swiss city of Lugano. On your way there, you'll pass two breathtaking lakes and beautiful towns.

Lugano, Switzerland
2
days
Switzerland

Located just near the Italian border, Lugano is not like any typical Swiss hub, it is like "small Italy" within the territory of Switzerland.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
8
day
Transfer to Lugano & Sightseeing Tour

Following breakfast, you check out from your Como hotel, meet your private driver in the hotel lobby and have a transfer to Lugano. The city stands on the northern shore of glacial Lake Lugano, surrounded by beautiful mountains.

Upon arrival you check-in the hotel, leave your luggage 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 the architecture and cuisine.

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

Breakfast is included.

9
day
Free Day in Lugano or Optional Tour

Today you have a free day in Lugano so you can choose any of the optional day trips available.

  • Optional Trip #1: San Salvatore Mountain
    The easiest and most rewarding peak on the lake, thanks to its fine panoramic views, San Salvatore (2,990 feet) rockets up from the Lugano suburb of Paradiso. At the top you'll find good viewpoints, as well as a playground, a self-serve cafeteria, and a restaurant.
  • Optional Trip #2: Lake Lugano Cruise
    A boat cruise is the perfect way to explore the diversity of the region: Morcote with its stately patrician houses and the Santa Maria del Sasso Church, an important renaissance building at a unique panoramic location with a clock tower dating from the late romantic era; or Gandria, the epitome of a quaint little fishing village at the shores of Lake Lugano.
  • Optional Trip #3: Alprose Chocolate Factory
    A visit to this factory in Caslano, a small town near Lugano, makes a fun excursion. Alprose is one of Switzerland's smaller, less-well-known chocolate producers, but their factory is geared up for visitors and generous with free samples.

Breakfast is included.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

Hotel Lugano Dante Center, Lugano

The beautiful Hotel Lugano Dante Center boasts a great location in Lugano’s pedestrian area in the historical center of the city. Guests are offered to stay in the comfortable air-conditioned rooms, equipped with cable TVs, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms.

train
Lugano
Lucerne
2 hrs

Travel across Switzerland onboard a modern train taking you through some of the most picturesque areas in the country. With plenty of legroom and spacious luggage compartments, the train also provides power sockets and other necessary amenities for your comfort. 

Lucerne, Switzerland gallery
2
days
Switzerland

Encircled by Alpine summits reflecting in the emerald waters of Lake Lucerne, the beautiful city of Lucerne is the real pride of Switzerland, impressing with its architectural ensemble and nature.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
10
day
Train to Lucerne

After breakfast you check out from your Lugano hotel and head to the railway station for a train ride to Lucerne. Upon arrival you go to your centrally-located hotel for check-in.

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

Overnight at your hotel in Lucerne.

Breakfast is included.

11
day
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.

Breakfast is included.

 

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

Continental Park Hotel, Lucerne

Located right in the city center of Lucerne, the Continental Park Hotel offers guests comfortable rooms with LCD TVs, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and invites guests to enjoy the on-site Italian restaurant with a charming garden terrace.

train
Lucerne
Zurich
50 min

Sit back and enjoy the views while traveling across some of the most beautiful towns and sceneries in Switzerland on your way to Zurich.

Zurich, Switzerland
2
days
Switzerland

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, wealthiest in Europe, with the best quality of life in the world. Its history goes back to its founding by the Romans in 15 BC and has a rich medieval background.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
12
day
Train to Zurich & City Tour

After breakfast you check out from the Lucerne hotel and you are taken to the rail station to board the train which takes you to Zurich in less than an hour. 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.

Breakfast is included.

13
day
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.

Breakfast is included.

 

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

Glockenhof Hotel, Zurich

The beautiful Glockenhof Hotel is set right in the heart of the city next to the central shopping street. It offers top-class service and cozy accommodations. All guestrooms are comfortable and well-equipped.

What's included

  • Accommodation at remarkable centrally located and lakeside 4-star hotels in Venice, Sirmione, Como, Lugano, Lucerne & Zurich; 
  • Delicious breakfasts at your hotels;
  • Airport transfers and all transportation according to the itinerary with private drivers;
  • 1st class railway tickets on high-speed and regular trains: Lugano - Lucerne & Lucerne - Zurich; 
  • Water taxi in Venice upon arrival and departure; 
  • Sightseeing tours with private professional English-speaking guides;
  • Support line during the trip.

Note: we include 1 vehicle for your arrival and departure transfers. If multiple vehicles are required additional transfer costs will apply.

Not included: international flights, multiple arrival/departure transfers, other meals not mentioned in the program, optional tours and services, all personal expenses, as well as all tourist fees & taxes.

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Tour Highlights

  • Fully tailor-made program according to your interest;
  • Your own professional local guides;
  • Convenient private transfers between cities throughout the program;
  • Use of various unique Swiss transport means;
  • Transfers along the Grand Canal by private water taxi for arrival and departure in Venice;
  • Guided visit to the vineyard of the world-known Valpolicella region with wine tasting;
  • Funicuar ride Como-Brunate to the panoramic observation platform over Como town and lake.

What To Know

  • In Italy you can expect to find some shops and restaurants closed from 1-4 p.m. as it is "Riposo" time, Italy’s midday siesta. Most places will be also closed on Sundays
  • Tipping in Italy's restaurants is included in the bill, the cover charge is called ”coperto”. A charge from $1 to $3 will be noted on the menu
  • Make sure you have coins, in Italy you will be typically charged from 1 to 2 Euros to enter a public restroom
  • Switzerland has one of the highest costs of living in the entire world, checking prices before ordering or buying souvenirs is highly recommended
  • Though Euros are sometimes accepted in touristy cities like Zurich and Bern, Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc. You will easily find ATMs in Switzerland, but we advice to bring a small amount of Swiss Francs anyways