Day 1 to 8

Day 1: Upon landing in Italy, we will be met by our local representative in the arrivals area of the airport, who will escort us to our hotel in the pretty lakeside town of Tremezzo or Cadenabbia. As we travel our guide will share some information about the local region, suggest activities for us to enjoy and answer any questions we may have.

Day 2: After breakfast we set off by boat to discover the towns and villas dotted along the scenic shoreline of the Lake. Set at the intersection of the three branches of the Lake, a stop in the town of Bellagio is a highlight for many visitors. We have the afternoon to relax and enjoy Lake Como's charms. Shop, sightsee at your own pace or sit by the lake and take in the incredible views.

Day 3: After breakfast, join our guide and travel by coach to Italy's northern capital and fashion hub; Milan. Our guided tour will provide a fascinating overview of the city, passing the impressive Piazza del Duomo and Cathedral, and the world's oldest shopping mall, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (all viewed from outside). After the tour, enjoy some free time to refuel with a freshly made panino and an Italian coffee, before hitting the shops or visiting some of Milan's numerous museums and art galleries.

Day 4: Today, we will have a full day to relax and enjoy the charms of Lake Como. Our local guide will be happy to suggest activities to suit your interests and advise which highlights are a must-see. You could stretch your legs and admire the views with a walk on the lakeside promenade or relax at your hotel. During the summer months, a short trip on a water taxi will take you to one of the numerous beaches or Lidos on the shores of the lake, most offer amenities such as bars, restaurants and sunbeds to rent for a few euros.

Day 5: After breakfast our guide will escort us on a full day excursion to the Swiss Alps. After a short visit to the Alpine town of Tirano travel onwards into Switzerland where we will board the Bernina Express in Poschiavo for a scenic one hour journey through alpine and glacial vistas of picture beauty. Disembark in Diavolezza for our onward transfer to the elegant Swiss town of St. Moritz where we can stretch our legs, take in the fresh mountain air and pick up some delicious Swiss chocolate to bring home. Our return journey to Lake Como will include a visit to the Italian mountain town of Chiavenna before arriving back to our hotel.

Day 6 & 7: Take two days to relax and explore Lake Como at your own pace. Don't forget to ask your guide for advice on what to see and do around the lake to suit your interests.You might like to visit some of the beautiful villas and gardens including Villa Carlotta or Villa Balbianello, one of the most famous and spectacular around the Lake. Take time to enjoy some of the delicious specialities of the region including risotto alla Milanese, thin crust pizza, or the great dish of Lombardy - osso buco.

Day 8: Return home.