Grand Tour of Lake Como, Milan & the Bernina Express

Itinerary

• Day 1
  Arrival in Milan
• Day 2
  Milan - Welcome - or should we say "Benvenuto" - to one of the fashion capitals of the world! Milan offers the perfect introduction to this artistic and eclectic country. It's a buzzing, forward-thinking city where global trends are born and new ideas thrive, gleaming skyscrapers and sustainable ‘Bosco Verticale’ buildings redefine the historic city's skyline. We'll begin with a guided tour of the city to take in the main sights of Milan, starting with the mammoth cathedral - the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. This icon of the city took nearly six centuries to complete (and looking at its incredibly intricate spires, it's not hard to see why!). Next door is the beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II - another iconic masterpiece. Built in the 19th century as a shopping arcade, it houses a selection of opulent restaurants, shops and cafes, with a vibrant mosaic floor and a glass dome in its centre. Other highlights include the La Scala Theatre - one of the world's most prestigious opera houses, having hosted some of the very best opera singers in the world since its opening in 1778 - as well as the 15th-century Sforzesco Castle located within the open green spaces of Sempione Park. Signature experience - A highlight for any lover of art, history or religion, with a timed entrance ticket to admire one of the most famous artworks in the world, Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper. Although almost destroyed during the French Revolutionary War, this incredible masterpiece has survived in situ since it was completed in 1498. Located in the atmospheric refectory of the Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, it's now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a glimpse into Da Vinci's multifaceted genius. 
• Day 3
  Free day in Milan - Today, you can explore Italy's second city as you wish. While Rome may be Italy’s political capital, Milan punches above its weight. Located in Italy’s industrious north with excellent links to neighbouring European countries like Switzerland and France, it is at the centre of Italy’s economic engine and its undisputed business centre, as well as its fashion capital, and it shows. Take a wander past the luxurious boutiques in the city's Quadrilatero della Moda - an upscale shopping district lined with designer boutiques and antique shops - or stop for a spot of people-watching (and a cup of rich, dark espresso the city is famous for) and you'll see just how stylish Milan is. If fashion isn't your thing, perhaps head to the buzzing Navigli canal district - the perfect place for informal drinking, dining or simply strolling by the water. Alternatively, you could explore the elegant Brera area, with its countless alfresco restaurants and cafes, also famous for the Pinacoteca di Brera Gallery, a collection of Italian art spanning centuries.
• Day 4
  Monza - This morning, we'll travel to Monza, a hidden gem north of Milan. The town, nestled within Europe’s largest walled park, may be best known for its racetrack but it has a lot more to offer. The Gothic cathedral is a highlight, with the beautifully frescoed Teodolinda Chapel - housing a priceless Medieval iron crown - believed to have been made from one of the nails used on Christ's cross. Monza Park, commissioned in 1805 to exceed Versailles in size, includes several distinct areas: landscaped gardens and wild meadows surrounding the imposing Royal Villa in the south, a wooded area in the north, and the home of the Italian Grand Prix, the legendary Monza Circuit. Here, we’ll enjoy time at leisure. You could explore the town and park or perhaps just experience this typically Italian town like a local would, by enjoying a pleasant stroll, followed by a coffee in one of the pavement cafes dotted around its pedestrianised centre. We'll continue to Lake Como, arriving late afternoon to check into our hotel.
• Day 5
  Balbianello & Bellagio - Lake Como, one of the deepest lakes in Europe, has been beloved by romantics since the famous Roman chronicler Pliny wrote of its luxuriant beauty. It has since inspired some of the best works by greats such as Verdi and Rossini. A favourite of Shelley and Wordsworth, the delights of Lake Como are many and varied. This morning, you can enjoy one of its many highlights on a private boat ride and tour of the beautiful 18th-century Villa del Balbianello, one of the finest villas surrounding the lake. Originally built for a cardinal, it features a renowned collection of art and historic furniture, ironically much of it English, including an oak bureau from Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory. The gardens are equally impressive: a series of manicured terraces full of roses and colourful borders, dominated by a classic three-arched loggia, and all creatively planted using the rugged topography to great effect. The boat will then take us to the elegant resort of Bellagio which, with its idyllic location on a promontory on the lake, is often described as the most beautiful town in Italy, and when you see it, you will almost certainly agree! Once the haunt of European monarchs, today the attractive, pastel-coloured buildings, faded by decades of sunshine, line the lake shore and narrow cobbled streets and lanes climb their way to the hilly centre. Awash with colourful flowers, Bellagio cannot be bettered for a long lazy lunch in one of the many lakeside restaurants. You could follow it up with a stroll, perhaps amongst the many typically formal Italian gardens so beloved of romantics over the centuries, sprinkled as they are with fine, 18th century sculptures. Spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace before returning to your resort by boat when you wish. (Subject to available boat timetable).
• Day 6
  The Bernina Express - Today, we'll enjoy a contrasting day of spectacular scenery and extraordinary Swiss engineering. Firstly, we'll ascend the Valtellina, a classic alpine valley with soaring peaks rising steeply on both sides to Tirano, where we board the famous Bernina Express. One of the slowest ‘express’ trains in the world, this remarkable Swiss train twists upwards in an amazing sequence of spirals, loops and tunnels to the summit at Ospizio Bernina, the highest through station in Europe. Here, you'll be surrounded by stunning vistas over snow-clad peaks and glacial lakes which mark the watershed between Mediterranean and Black Sea River systems. We'll then descend through pretty pastures and dense pine forests to the ostentatious resort of St Moritz, home of the infamous Cresta Run toboggan track, where there’s time for a spot of window shopping or perhaps afternoon tea and cake. Listen carefully and you may notice a rather unusual tongue: here, in this tiny corner of Switzerland, the locals speak Romansch, an ancient and little-known Latin language. Returning through yet more spectacular scenery, we'll arrive back at Lake Como in time for dinner. Signature experience - From Tirano settle into your upgraded first-class seat in a spacious carriage, sit back and soak up the dazzling mountain views as you ride the legendary Bernina Express in style and comfort. This world-famous journey will be something special so stretch out and relax whilst admiring the landscapes through the train’s panoramic windows.
• Day 7
  Free day - Today you’re free to explore Lake Como at leisure. Perhaps enjoy a boat trip to one of the picturesque villages dotted around the lake, or simply relax at the hotel and enjoy the stunning scenery.
• Day 8
  Lake Maggiore - Today we'll visit nearby Lake Maggiore and its most attractive lakeside town, Stresa. The resort town owes its origin to the days of the ‘Grand Tour’ when Europe’s 19th-century aristocracy, having crossed the border from Switzerland, experienced their first taste of Italy. Unmistakably Mediterranean in character, its shores, lined with oleanders and palms, backed by classic belle époque hotels create an ambience of classic gentility. Here you can explore as you wish, perhaps you'll take a stroll along its impressive palm-lined promenade and enjoy the fine views across the shimmering lake to the Borromean Islands just offshore. Literary enthusiasts could relax at the bar of the Grand Hotel, featured in Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms and frequented by the likes of George Bernard Shaw and Charlie Chaplin.  We'll also enjoy a guided tour of the Baroque Palazzo on Isola Bella. Its resplendent rooms feature refined furniture, sculptures and paintings while outside exquisite terraces are planted with citrus trees and magnolias. The Island’s gardens were transformed by a 17th century count, from a barren rock into an amazing, terraced garden. This stunning display has long been visited by the famous, amongst them Queen Caroline of England, wife of George IV, plus Napoleon and Josephine.
• Day 9
  Lugano - This morning we'll travel to Lugano, the capital of the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino which was seized by the Swiss in 1512 and has steadfastly refused any opportunity to revert to Italy ever since! It is absolutely fascinating, an eclectic mix of traditional Swiss values and the more laid-back Latin influences from across the border. The trains run on time and shops are just as chic, but there’s a distinctive Mediterranean feel unlike anything you’ll experience elsewhere in Switzerland. Tiny alleyways lead to unmistakably Italian piazzas, where you can relax over a typically Italian lunch, but like everywhere else in Switzerland, the traffic laws are obeyed without question - it really is a quirky blend! The town is a delight to explore. Centred around the café-lined main square, it’s the ideal spot for people-watching whilst enjoying a coffee. Alternatively, you can explore the myriad of twisting lanes of the old town or the dense network of shops with their displays probably unmatched anywhere in the world. Lugano is a lovely place to idly wander before enjoying yet more outstanding scenery on the return journey to our hotel for dinner.
• Day 10
  Villa Carlotta - Enjoy a full day of Signature experiences. Signature experiences - First experience Discover a true Italian treasure with a visit to the 17th-century Villa Carlotta with its majestic views over the lake. From world-famous azaleas, heavenly camellias and exotic orchids, you can wander its magnificent gardens, enjoying the displays of colourful and fragrant plants from around the world. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the villa’s impressive interior and view its superb artwork, sculptures and antique furniture collected over three centuries. Second experience As we soak up the spectacular views enjoy a refreshing local aperitivo and nibbles at Villa Carlotta's panoramic terrace.