Lake Como, St Moritz and the Bernina Express
8days from
£1,799*per person
Overview
8 days - Escorted Tours
Italy offers a rich tapestry of culture, cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes - from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the majestic Alps—while Switzerland is famed for its dramatic alpine scenery, with chic St. Moritz at its heart.
Our tour features the breathtaking Lake Como, revered for its serene beauty and historical significance, attracting artists and poets for centuries. The lake’s deep blue waters reflect the surrounding hills and snow-capped peaks, while vibrant villas line the shores. We’ll also visit Lake Maggiore, known for its Mediterranean charm, lined with palm trees and picturesque 19th-century towns.
Just north lies Switzerland, home to dramatic alpine scenery and the chic resort of St. Moritz. We'll embark on the iconic Bernina Express, renowned for its scenic rail journey through the Poschiavo Valley.
This tour is designed for you to experience the most stunning Italian lakes and Swiss mountains, creating some unforgettable memories.
Itinerary
- Arrival at Lake Como
- Lake Como & Bellagio - Lake Como, one of the deepest in Europe, has been beloved of romantics since the famous Roman chronicler Pliny wrote of its luxuriant beauty and it has 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 and this morning you can enjoy one of its many highlights, a private boat 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 stunning, being a series of manicured terraces full of fragrant roses and colourful borders, dominated by a classic three arched ‘loggia’, and all creatively planted using the rugged topography to great effect. The boat then takes us to the elegant and exclusive 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, followed by 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 sculpture. Spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace before returning to your resort by boat when you wish. (Subject to available boat timetable).
- The Bernina Express - Today, we enjoy a contrasting day of spectacular scenery and extraordinary Swiss engineering. Firstly, we ascend up 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 are surrounded by stunning vistas over snow-clad peaks and ice-cold glacial lakes which strikingly mark the watershed between Mediterranean and Black Sea River systems. We descend sinuously through pretty pastures and dense pine forests to the ostentatiously chic 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. We return through yet more spectacular scenery to Lake Como for dinner. Signature experience (2025 only) - 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 as you recline in luxury in extra spacious leather seats to stretch out and relax whilst admiring the stunning landscapes through the train’s panoramic windows – and free WiFi so you can share the views with your loved ones back home.
- Lake Maggiore & Stresa - Today we visit nearby Lake Maggiore and its most attractive lakeside town, Stresa, which 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. Take a stroll along its impressive palm-lined promenade and enjoy the fine views across the shimmering lake to the Borromean Islands just offshore. You can also take the short boat trip to Isola Bella, an island 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. For the literary enthusiasts, you can relax at the bar of the Grand Hotel, featured in Hemingway’s ‘A Farewell to Arms’ and also frequented by the likes of George Bernard Shaw and Charlie Chaplin. 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.
- Free day - Today you are free to explore as you wish. Enjoy a delicious Italian coffee in one of the pleasant cafés. Alternatively, you may decide to take the boat to the lakeside town of Como or visit the gardens of Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo. Signature experience (2025 only) - Discover a true Italian treasure with an included visit to the 17th-century Villa Carlotta with its majestic views over the lake. From world-famous azaleas, heavenly camellias and exotic orchids, wander its magnificent gardens, immersing yourself in the glorious displays of a spectrum of colourful and fragrant plants from around the world. Step back in time as you explore the villa’s impressive interior with an included entrance to view its superb artworks, sculpture and antique furniture collected over three centuries. Signature experience (2025 only) - As you soak up the spectacular views - forested hillsides sweeping down to clusters of terracotta roofs elegantly nestled at the lake shore and snow-capped peaks reflected in the sparkling lake, savour an inspirational view unchanged in centuries, over a refreshing local aperitivo and nibbles at Villa Carlotta's panoramic terrace.
- Lugano - This morning we travel to Lugano, 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 being centred round the café-lined main square, ideal to people-watch whilst enjoying a superb 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 we enjoy yet more outstanding scenery on our return journey to our hotel for dinner.
- 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.
- Return home
What's Included
Holiday Highlights
- Embark on a scenic journey aboard the Bernina Express, one of the world’s most spectacular alpine railway journeys.
- Spend a day in Stresa on Lake Maggiore, including a tour of the beautiful Isola Bella.
- Set sail on a lake cruise to stunning Bellagio with a private visit to the enchanting Villa del Balbianello and its inspirational gardens.
- Stroll through the Swiss lakeside town of Lugano.
- Discover St Moritz, a charming town nestled between the Engadin mountains.
Our Price Includes
- The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room. Single and lake view rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
- Return flights
- Seven nights’ accommodation*
- Breakfast and dinner (B&B board basis if staying at the Grand Hotel Menaggio)
- All local taxes and transfers
- All tours as mentioned
- Entrance to Villa del Balbianello
- The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager
- Please note: the Grand Hotel Menaggio is for select signature dates only.
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Dates and Prices
Accommodation
Hotel Bazzoni -
Set in a stunning lakefront location overlooking Lake Como, this modern 3-star hotel combines contemporary style with a rich history. Originally established as a spa retreat, the building sustained damage during World War II - yet some original features remain, offering a glimpse into its past. Each guest room is simply furnished and includes a private bathroom, air conditioning, TV, safe, USB ports, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The terraced garden features an outdoor pool, ideal for a relaxing swim, while the lively ground-floor bar provides a welcoming atmosphere. Guests can choose from several on-site dining options, including the main restaurant, No. 26 Bistro (subject to availability), which offers an à la carte menu and full waiter service. For a more casual experience, the first-floor restaurant is perfect for a quick bite. During peak season, additional dining events such as pizza or BBQ evenings may be available (subject to availability). Please note: Use of air conditioning and access to the outdoor pool are at the discretion of the hotel.
Grand Hotel Menaggio -
The hotel is classically designed with a lovely relaxing lounge and bar area opening out onto the heated lakeside swimming pool and sun terrace. The hotel also has two restaurants, and the food is of an excellent standard featuring many local specialities. All rooms are air-conditioned and have recently been renovated with private facilities, safe and satellite TV. Some have lake views with Juliette or full balcony overlooking the shimmering waters of the lake. (Please note, this hotel is offered on a bed and breakfast only basis.) Whilst we do our best to ensure an exceptional experience, the views from the lake view rooms may at times be partially obstructed. If in doubt, please call to enquire. Please note the use of air conditioning and outdoor pool opening is at the discretion of the hotel.
Other Information
Holiday code
R038Holiday provided by Riviera Travel
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by Riviera Travel (ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430). These ABTA and ATOL bonds mean that, when you book a Riviera Travel holiday, you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.