Vistas of Italy and Switzerland

5.0/5 Based on 1 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Coach Small Group Scenic Bernina Express Glacier Express
Our Price From 7,682 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 158 Per Person
 Trip Length
9 Days
 Trip Starts
Venice
 Trip Finishes
Zurich
9 Day Vistas of Italy and Switzerland Itinerary (Back-Roads)
Countries Explored: Italy, Switzerland
Trip Style
Small Group
Departures
Accommodation
Boutique
Max. Group Size
18
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
BISVZ4

Overview

Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Back-Roads 9 Day Vistas of Italy and Switzerland. From the grand elegance of Venice to the soul-stirring alpine villages of Switzerland – join us on a memory-making adventure that takes in time-honoured traditions, fascinating local culture and breathtaking railway journeys through some of the world's most enchanting scenery.

Itinerary

Welcome to Venice – the magnificent floating city boasting unparalleled elegance, grandeur and romance. Meet your travel companions and Tour Leader at the hotel, before settling into a delicious welcome meal at a local restaurant. Salute! Stay: Ca' Gottardi (or similar) (D)

After breakfast, we'll acquaint ourselves with Venice's maze-like backstreets on an orientation tour with our Tour Leader, before meeting with a local artisan for a traditional mask-making demonstration. Enjoy some free time to indulge in la dolce vita (the sweet life) along the canal-lined streets and lavish piazzas before we continue onwards to the resort town of Sirmione. Located on the southern bank of Lake Garda, we'll have the evening to explore at our leisure. Stay: Hotel Ideal (or similar) (B)

This morning we'll make our way to a local farmhouse – where we'll be treated to a light lunch filled with fresh regional produce. Then: we'll learn a fact or two on a walking tour of the quaint village of Borghetto. Running through the heart of this picturesque destination is the mighty Mincio River – along which you'll find many ancient watermills and riverside restaurants dishing up delicious tortellini. Upon returning to Sirmione, the evening is ours to spend relaxing at the hotel, enjoying the local hot springs or seeking out a waterfront restaurant for some fresh local cuisine. Stay: Hotel Ideal (or similar) (B/L)

Today, our road will carry us to the Port of Sulzano where we'll embark on a boat tour across Lake Iseo – docking at picturesque Carzano on the mountain island of Monte Isola. Enjoy some free time to explore this charming village and its lakeside cafes. Later, we'll take the scenic route to Iseo – where we'll round off the day with a relaxing evening at our hotel or seeking out some gastronomic delicacies in town. Stay: Relais Franciacorta (or similar) (B)

Rolling hills, charming vineyards and authentic Italian cuisine are on the cards today. Our first stop will be a local farmhouse in the Franciacorta region, where a guided tour of a traditional wine cellar awaits. Continuing our gastronomic discovery, we'll roll up our sleeves and get stuck into a rustic cooking class – where we'll learn some regional culinary secrets. And then? It's time to savour our creations and enjoy a wine tasting over lunch – before returning to Iseo for an evening spent relaxing at the hotel or exploring the array of local eateries. Stay: Relais Franciacorta (or similar) (B/L)

Today our path will lead us to Tirano, one of the prettiest towns along the Switzerland-Italy boundary. We'll enjoy some free time to explore before embarking on a spectacular tour highlight: the Bernina Express. One of the world's most iconic railway journeys, our train will climb steadily into the Swiss Alps, with spectacular views of soaring mountain peaks and awe-inspiring glaciers in every direction. Our final stop of the day will be the Engadin Valley, where we'll be welcomed into Switzerland with an outlook of pristine scenery and warming local cuisine. Stay: Hotel Reine Victoria (or similar) (B)

After feasting on a hearty breakfast, we'll board the famous Glacier Express train to Andermatt. Prepare for an experience unlike any other! Sit back and relax as we leisurely make our way through spiral tunnels, alpine villages and the Rhine Gorge – soaking up breathtaking panoramic views as we go. Upon arriving in Andermatt, we'll board the mini-coach once again for the short journey to Interlaken. For dinner tonight, we'll have an abundance of sumptuous local menus to choose from. Stay: Hotel Interlaken (or similar) (B)

This morning we'll continue to Brienz – where we'll take a memorable journey along one of the oldest railways in Switzerland. Step back in time as we ride the chugging steam train to the top of the Brienzer Rothorn. From the top of the mountain, we'll enjoy a light refreshment overlooking panoramic views over the Emmental Alps. Following that, we'll travel back to Interlaken on a scenic paddle steamer cruise – before clinking glasses over one final dinner together.

What a trip it's been! 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 some free time to explore Mürren before we return to Interlaken. Stay: Hotel Interlaken (or similar) (B/D)

For our last day together, we'll take a train journey to the quaint village of Lauterbrunnen. From here, we'll continue to Lucerne – where an indulgent chocolate tasting awaits. We'll have some free time to explore this lakeside city and enjoy lunch at our leisure – before moving on to our final destination of the tour: Zurich. We'll go our separate ways upon arriving later this afternoon. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Learn the traditions of authentic Italian cuisine with a cooking class in the Franciacorta region
  • Experience scenic train journeys on two of the great alpine railways: the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express
  • Observe a traditional mask-decorating demonstration in the magnificent floating city of Venice

  • 8 nights in hand-picked accommodation
  • Premium mini-coach transportation
  • Experienced Back-Roads Tour Leader and Driver

  • 8 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Prices are for land/cruise only. International flights not included.

Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Vistas of Italy and Switzerland' Reviews

5.0
AVG. RATING 5.0 / 5
1 Review
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1 Star
Wonderful tour through northern Italy and Switzerland   1 , ACT, Australia, Sep 2022
This trip to me was classic Backroads Touring - visiting a mix of smaller places particularly in Italy with great experiences which you wouldn’t think to do yourself or couldn’t do with a larger group, and a mix of iconic railway journeys with lake and mountain vistas in Switzerland. We had a very small group with a great tour guide who got to know ...read more our group’s interests and with the driver, was able to make minor itinerary adjustments to make the tour even more special.

Highlights in Italy included visits to a small Grana Padano cheese factory (and sampling), a boat trip in Lake Iseo and hike to the church at the top of Monte Isola, and a cooking lesson and wine tasting in the Franciacorta region. In Switzerland, highlights were the trips on the Bernina and Glacier Express train trips, the bus trip over the Sustenpass and the cogwheel train trip above Brienz. A great way to experience these parts of Europe - with some unique moments along the way.
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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Back-Roads. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Back-Roads. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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