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Switzerland & Italy in 2 Weeks Itinerary

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Welcome to our 2-week tour across Switzerland and Italy, a journey designed to showcase the best of what these two beautiful countries have to offer. 

Your tour will begin in the picturesque Lake Lucerne, where you will be surrounded by majestic mountains and crystal clear waters. From there, you will travel to Venice, the floating city known for its winding canals and stunning architecture. Next, you will visit Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to some of the world’s most famous art and architecture. Finally, you will end your tour in Rome, the eternal city, where you will be able to explore its rich history and cultural heritage. 

Read on for our Switzerland and Italy 14-day tour before contacting our expert planners for your own customized itinerary!

Trip Highlights

• Lake Lucerne Boat Tour
• Mount Pilatus
• Cinque Terre & Pisa
• Rome Guided Tour
• Pompeii & Capri
• Amalfi Coast Tour

What's Included?

• Luxury Transport
• Private Drivers
• 24 Hour Online Support
• Fully Customizable Tour Itinerary
• Free Cancellation & Rescheduling

Watch Our 14 Day Switzerland & Italy Tour Video Overview

Day 1: lake lucerne boat tour.

A boat tour around Lake Lucerne is a must-do experience for any visitor to this picturesque region of Switzerland. Starting in the charming town of Lucerne, the tour takes you on a leisurely journey around the lake, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and picturesque villages along the shore. The round trip to Beckenried is a particularly popular option, as it takes you through the heart of the lake and allows you to see some of the most beautiful and historic sights along the way.

As you set out on your tour, you’ll pass by the iconic Chapel Bridge, a wooden footbridge that spans the Reuss River and is one of the most photographed landmarks in Switzerland. You’ll also see the Water Tower, a medieval structure that once served as a prison and torture chamber.

As you continue on your journey, you’ll pass by the village of Weggis, which is known for its beautiful gardens and stunning views of the Rigi mountain. You’ll also see the village of Vitznau, which is home to the oldest rack railway in Switzerland, and the village of Beckenried, which is a popular destination for hiking and skiing.

Throughout the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the stunning scenery and learn about the history and culture of the region from your knowledgeable guide. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Switzerland or a seasoned traveler, a boat tour around Lake Lucerne is an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss.

Guided Tour of Lucerne

Your guided tour of the city of Lucerne provides the opportunity to enjoy a stunning mountainous panorama and a variety of attractions to explore. Visitors can indulge in the city’s shopping offerings, and admire the picturesque lakeside setting.

The Chapel Bridge, a covered medieval bridge adorned with gable paintings, is the centerpiece of Lucerne’s townscape and is considered one of the oldest, covered wooden bridges in Europe. Another iconic landmark of the city is the Museggmauer, a well-preserved wall with the exception of one tower, that serves as a reminder of the town’s history and fortification.

The picturesque town squares of Lucerne are lined with historic houses decorated with frescoes, such as the car-free old town’s ‘Weinmarkt’ square. The city is known for its many squares and churches, including the 17th-century Jesuit church, considered to be Switzerland’s first Baroque sacral building, and the twin towers of the Hofkirche, an iconic part of the townscape. One of the most famous monuments in Switzerland is the figure of a dying lion, carved in memory of the Swiss guards who died during an attack on the Tuileries in 1792. Additionally, Lucerne is home to one of the world’s few remaining circular paintings, the 112-meter-long Bourbaki panorama.

In Lucerne, tradition and modernity coexist seamlessly. The city is known for its innovative design and architectural highlights, such as the futuristic Culture and Convention Centre (KKL) designed by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel. The KKL is a prominent landmark of the city and a hub for diverse cultural events throughout the year, cementing Lucerne’s reputation as a festival city.

Day 2: Mount Pilatus

The mountain of Pilatus, located in Lucerne, is steeped in legends and renowned for its natural beauty. Known as the maker of weather, dragon’s lair, home to giants, and the grave of rulers, Pilatus is one of the most iconic places in Central Switzerland. 

According to one legend, a dragon rock fell from the sky in the year 1420. Another story claims that the Roman governor Pontius Pilatus was buried in the lake at the base of the mountain. Additionally, there is a legend of a petrified man standing guard in front of a cave. The total journey time is approx 5 hours, so we will stop in the town of Como en route to enjoy an Italian-style lunch.

Private Water Taxi From Tronchetto (Car Drop-Off Point) To Hotel In Venice

The water taxi takes 30 minutes to arrive in Venice and your driver will be waiting for you to take you to your accommodation.

Day 3: Walking Tour of Venice

Join a guided walk through Venice’s most beautiful sights:

• Explore Venice’s typical canal pathways
• See the famous Rialto Bridge
• Visit the historic Fondaco dei Tedeschi (formerly a German trade house)
• Discover Marco Polo’s neighborhood
• See St. Mark’s “Great School”
• Visit St. John & Paul’s Cathedral (also known as the Doge’s Pantheon)
• Take in the sights at Campo S. Maria Formosa

Gondola Ride

What tour of Venice would be complete without gliding through the canals on an iconic Gondola with your Gondolier serenading you as you feast your eyes on some of the city’s most famous sights?

Day 4: La Serenissima: St.Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace

The Piazza San Marco, also known as the “drawing room of Europe” according to Napoleon, is famous for its Basilica San Marco, which is known for its Italian-Byzantine architecture. 

Your tour guide will take you inside this Gothic masterpiece, the St. Mark’s Basilica, with a skip-the-line entrance. The basilica was originally built as the private chapel of the Doge and was intended to hold the relics of St. Mark the Evangelist.

The last destination on this iconic tour is the Doge’s Palace, located to the right of St. Mark’s Basilica. The palace stands out for its white and pink herringbone brick exterior and its highly ornate Gothic white stone arches, which give it a distinct Venetian flair. The palace was the center of political power and was the residence of the Doge until the Napoleonic invasion of 1797.

Day 5: Fast Train From Venice To Florence

The journey in a first-class carriage takes approx 2 hrs and 15 minutes.

Strolling Florence's Heart: Private Walking Tour

During the course of the tour, you will visit the following sites with your private guide:

• Ponte Vecchio
• Baptistry doors
• Piazza della Signoria
• Palazzo Vecchio
• Piazza Repubblica
• Orsanmichele Church

The walking tour starts at one of the most iconic and significant places in Florence, the Ponte Vecchio, also known as the “old bridge” across the renowned Arno River. The bridge has a history that dates back to 996 and its current form has been in place since 1345. You will have the chance to explore the unique shops and jewelers that are located along the historic structure.

Your next destination is the exterior of the magnificent 13th-century Gothic Duomo Cathedral, featuring the renowned dome by Brunelleschi, as well as the impressive Baptistry doors, known as the “Gates of Paradise” in Florence.

You will proceed to explore some of the city’s most significant squares, such as Piazza Della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and Piazza Repubblica. You will trace the history of these squares, from Ancient Rome to its use as the Jewish Ghetto and its current state in the modern day.

As part of the tour, you will also visit the Orsanmichele Church where you can touch the nose of the Porcellino pig statue for good luck!

Day 6: Florence Museums Tour: Uffizi & Accademia

This tour will take you through two of Florence’s most renowned museums, the Galleria dell’Accademia and the Galleria Uffizi. 

You begin at the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s oldest museums established in 1591. 

Alongside your private guide admire a variety of renowned works by some of the most prominent Renaissance artists such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Giotto. The legacy of this brilliant era can be appreciated by exploring the works of Masters like Titian and Michelangelo, which demonstrate how Renaissance techniques revolutionized the art world forever. 

Some of the priceless works on display are:

• Sandro Botticelli: Primavera, The Birth of Venus
• Michelangelo: The Holy Family (Doni Tondo)
• Leonardo da Vinci: The Annunciation, Adoration of the Magi
• Raphael: Madonna of the Goldfinch, Portrait of Leo X
• Titian: Flora, Venus of Urbino
• Caravaggio: Bacchus, Sacrifice of Isaac, Medusa
• Rembrandt: Self-portrait as a Young Man

Accademia Private Tour

After the Uffizi Gallery, you will proceed to the Accademia where you will see Michelangelo’s iconic sculpture “David” and his unfinished “Slaves” works.

The Statue of David, a 5.17-meter marble masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture, was originally situated outside the Palazzo Vecchio but was later moved to the Accademia Gallery in 1873. Seeing the statue with a private guide is the best way to fully appreciate its beauty and learn about Michelangelo’s life, the statue’s meaning, and historical significance.

In addition to viewing Michelangelo’s works, you can also spend some time with your guide exploring the other art collections at the Accademia Gallery in Florence, featuring artists such as Paolo Uccello, Sandro Botticelli, Andrea del Sarto, and Giambologna.

Day 7: Cinque Terre Tour From Florence via Pisa

With your private driver and guide, you will depart from Florence to explore the picturesque coastal towns of Liguria, known as the Cinque Terre. One of the villages, Monterosso al Mare, is the largest and oldest of the five towns, dating back to 1056. The village is divided into two parts, the historic old town, and the more tourist-oriented Fegina, and it features notable monuments.

Vernazza, often considered the most charming of the Cinque Terre villages, was first documented in 1080. The village was once economically and socially advanced, as seen in its town planning and architectural elements such as lodges, churches, casetorri, and arcades. The village is dominated by the remains of the “castrum,” a series of 11th-century Medieval forts, including a cylindrical castle and tower.

Corniglia is a unique village among the Cinque Terre as it is not situated on the coast. It sits atop a rocky promontory and its architecture, characterized by low and wide houses, is more reminiscent of inland villages rather than coastal towns. This is a testament to the fact that the village’s traditional livelihood has always been focused on the land rather than the sea.

Manarola, a hamlet of Riomaggiore, is a town planning gem, with a rich abundance of tower houses in the Genovese style. The village was founded in the 12th century and its name is believed to have originated from an ancient “magna roea,” or large mill wheel that was once located in the village.

Riomaggiore has several notable monuments, including the San Giovanni Battista church, built in 1340 with a central nave that is double the width of the side ones, and the Oratorio di Santa Maria Assunta, which contains a 15th-century Trittico and a 1300s wooden statue of the Madonna. Additionally, the prominent Castello castle towers over the historic center. 

After visiting these sites, you will return to Florence in the evening.

Day 8: Fast Train From Florence To Rome & Delivery To Hotel

Journey time approx 1.5 hours.

Introduction To Rome Walking Tour

This tour offers a blend of ancient history and contemporary culture as you explore the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, the exterior of the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and many other lesser-known gems. 

Your expert guide will lead you through one of the world’s most magnificent cities, showcasing its splendor. Designed as an introduction to the Eternal City, this guided walking tour provides a relaxed stroll through the heart of Rome, where you will encounter numerous historical monuments.

As you navigate through the city’s historic streets and squares, your expert private guide will lead you on a journey of political, historical, and artistic discovery, providing not only historical background but also intriguing stories, customs, and local legends that make these sights so captivating.

Guided Tour of Castel Sant'Angelo

The Mausoleum of Hadrian, commonly known as Castel Sant’Angelo, is a cylindrical building in Parco Adriano. It was originally commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a tomb for himself and his family. Later, it was used by the Popes as a fortress and castle, and it is now a museum. The building was once the tallest structure in Rome.

Day 9: Skip The Line Vatican Tour: Museums, Sistine Chapel, & St Peter's

A Skip the Line Vatican Tour is a great way to experience the Vatican’s world-renowned museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica without waiting in long lines. 

The Vatican Museums are home to an impressive collection of art and artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as an extensive collection of Renaissance masterpieces. 

The Sistine Chapel, with its iconic ceiling painted by Michelangelo, is a must-see for art lovers and history buffs alike. The tour also includes a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most important religious sites in the world and the largest church in the world. 

The tour guide will provide interesting historical facts, stories, and information about the art and architecture of the sites, you will also have the opportunity to view some of the most famous works of art in the world.

Climbing St Peter's Dome

Ascend the dome, either by taking the elevator or climbing the stairs. Once at the top, visitors would be able to enjoy panoramic views of Rome and the surrounding area.

Day 10: Skip The Line Colosseum, Roman Forum, & Palatine Hill

A tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill would take you through some of the most iconic and historically significant sites in ancient Rome.

The iconic Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is perhaps the most famous site in the whole country. It is considered one of the greatest engineering feats of the Roman Empire and was used for gladiatorial contests, mock sea battles, animal hunts, and other public spectacles. Skip the Line tickets here are truly essential to ensure that your time is spent experiencing the site rather than queuing outside.

The next location is the Roman Forum, a rectangular forum surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the center of the city of Rome. It was for centuries the center of Roman public life: the site of triumphal processions and elections; the venue for public speeches, criminal trials, and gladiatorial matches; and the nucleus of commercial affairs. Walking amongst the ruins with your private guide enables them to bring the historic bustling streets to life for you.

The Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and is where, according to Roman tradition, the city was founded in 753 BCE. The hill is a rich archaeological site, with the remains of several monumental buildings, including the palace of the Roman emperors.

Day 11: Trip to Ancient Pompeii

Begin your day excursion to Pompeii with our private driver collecting you from your Rome accommodation and setting off for Pompeii,  located just over 2 hours away.

A tour of Pompeii is a journey back in time to an ancient Roman city that was buried in ash and pumice by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. 

Along with your guide, visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins of houses, public buildings, and temples, as well as the remains of streets, and sidewalks, as you understand how life used to be in this formerly bustling metropolis before time stopped forever.

Some of the highlights of a tour include the Forum, the main public square; the House of the Faun, one of the grandest homes in Pompeii; and the Villa of the Mysteries, a luxurious residence with beautiful frescoes. 

Along the way, visitors can also see casts of the victims of the eruption, which were created by filling the spaces left by their bodies with plaster. 

Your chauffeur will take you to your accommodation in Pompeii for the evening.

Day 12: Blue Waters: Capri Private Boat Tour

Join us for a leisurely sailing adventure on our Capri Private Boat Tour. 

Departing from Sorrento port, you’ll be guided by a local sailor as you explore the beautiful island of Capri. Take a dip in the clear waters and discover hidden grottos, making stops at the famous Blue, White, and Green Grottos. 

Enjoy a refreshing glass of homemade limoncello, crafted by the boatman’s family, as you end your tour.

Day 13: Best of the Amalfi Coast Tour

The private Amalfi Coast Tour takes you on a journey along one of the most picturesque coastlines in the world, the 43-mile stretch of coastline along the peninsula beneath the Bay of Naples. 

The tour starts at Sorrento, one of the largest towns on the Amalfi Coast, where you will have the opportunity to explore the charming streets of the city and discover the works of local artisans, including ceramics, wood inlaying, and painting. 

Next, you will travel to the picturesque cliffside village of Positano where you can admire the terracotta houses, shop at local boutiques, and visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, known for its Byzantine “Black Madonna” icon. 

You will then be transported to the beautiful village of Amalfi. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and breathtaking coastal scenery and with influences of the Byzantine Empire still present in its architecture. Be sure to make a stop at the Museum of Handmade Paper where you can learn about Amalfi’s unique history as one of the first centers for paper-making in Europe. You will also have the opportunity to create your own handmade paper using traditional methods in one of the original paper mills.

Your final stop for the day will be in Ravello, a cliff-top town, where you will visit the 12th-century cathedral, take in the panoramic views from Villa Rufolo, and explore the luxurious gardens of Villa Cimbrone, which includes rare botanical species, statues, fountains and artificial grottos, as well as the famous “Infinity Terrace.”

Day 14: Transfer To Airport

Your chauffeur will unpack your luggage and wish you a fond farewell as our 2-week tour across Switzerland and Italy draws to a close.

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Get A Custom Switzerland & Italy Itinerary

Our 2-week tour across Switzerland and Italy offers an unforgettable experience, beginning with the picturesque Lake Lucerne and continuing on to the romantic city of Venice, the artistic hub of Florence, and the ancient city of Rome. This itinerary offers a taste of the best that Switzerland and Italy have to offer, from stunning natural landscapes to rich cultural heritage. 

If you’re interested in taking this tour or creating a customized version, don’t hesitate to contact Travel by Luxe and they will be happy to help you plan your dream vacation.

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We love sharing our passion for Italy with our guests and can’t wait to customize any of our Italian day tours for you to ensure you enjoy an absolutely perfect vacation in Italy. Contact us using the form below and we can get started designing your complimentary itinerary today.

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Highlights of Italy & Switzerland 13 day tour

Discover the cities of love and art, the deep greens of Swiss valleys, and the glitz and glamour of the north Italian Lakes.

Tour Highlights

Bologna - A beautiful city boasting the western world’s oldest university whose alumni have changed the world

Venice - Discover the winding canals, striking architecture, and beautiful bridges in the ‘City of Water’

Verona - There's a lot to love about Verona, the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet

Zermatt - A glamorous resort adorned with the hypnotically-beautiful Matterhorn

Lauterbrunnen - Stare in awe at this postcard-perfect village nestled deep in a valley of 72 waterfalls with views of the Eiger

Chillon Castle - Located on a little island with the Alps in the background, this iconic Medieval castle looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale

Lake Como and Lake Maggiore - Prestigious villas, lush nature, and charming villages. Fall in love with the beguiling beauty of the azure blue lakes

Gruyères - This little quaint Swiss village has it all: lush green fields, charming houses coverd in flowers, a medieval castle, and legendary cheese and chocolate

Milan - From Da Vinci's Last Supper to luxurious brands. Milan revolves around art, fashion, and delicious cuisine

Your journey

Nature, love, and art are never far apart on this scenic tour through the North of Italy .

You experience the eternally beautiful architecture of Venice, Bologna, and the Renaissance. You travel into valleys adorned with waterfalls, cliffs, and fondue-loving locals. And you see the scenes that inspired Shakespeare, Da Vinci, and all your favourite fairy tales.

Join this tour and experience the highlights of Italy and Switzerland .

Tour Details

• This journey combines two of our tours and a free day in Milan. This means you may swap your bus and guide during the journey
• Pack comfortable shoes for walks up to beautiful views
• Transport in a luxury mini-coach with a local driver
• Air conditioning as standard
• The stories and services of an English-speaking guide
• 12 nights in 3-4 star hotels with continental breakfast
• Two-hour guided walking tour of Venice
• Entrance to Villa Pisani
• Boat trip across Lake Como
• Return train tickets from Täsch to Zermatt
• Meals, unless listed above
• Attractions, unless specified above
• Admire the sculptures, tunnels, and culture of Orvieto
• Inspire your creativity at the landscape da Vinci loved, Le Balze Natural Park

You leave the hustle and bustle of the Eternal City and travel to Orvieto. Virtually traffic-free, perfectly preserved, and awash with delicious wine: it’s the idyllic Italian village. You can choose to visit the colourful cathedral here and explore at your own pace.

Your journey leads you through the Parco Naturale Le Balze, a landscape studded with balze rock peaks, sulphite streams, and gorgeous vistas that inspired Leonardo da Vinci.

Your lunch stop is in the tiny hamlet of Piantravigne, the perfect spot to sample some truly authentic Italian cuisine.

With your belly full and your senses satisfied, you travel to beautiful Bologna, your overnight destination.

Accommodation

Hotel Una Centro Bologna, or similar, Bologna

* In 2024 you'll stay in Zanhotel Tre Vecchi, or similar, Bologna

• Stroll through the endless porticos of Bologna
• Gaze into the detailed mosaics of Ravenna

Today, you can join a half day trip to Ravenna in the morning. Ravenna is a maze of mosaic masterpieces, a unique blend of early Christian and Byzantine architecture with eight sites on the UNESCO list. This unforgettable North Italian destination is also the town where Dante Alighieri is buried.

After lunch, you return from your half-day trip and have the rest of the day to explore Bologna your way. During the Renaissance, this fascinating city was blooming with art and was a centre for intellectual innovation. Its famous university is the oldest in the western world and saw great minds like Petrarch, Dante Alighieri, and Copernicus.

There’s plenty to do here. You can stroll through the beautiful, kilometres-long UNESCO porticos, unravel the mysteries of the university, or tantalise your taste buds with Ragu alla Bolognese.

• Discover the wonderful wildlife of the Po Delta
• Take in the Gothic and Baroque architecture of Este

It’s time to slap on some sunscreen, charge up your camera, and head deep into nature. Your first stop is Porto Tolle, where you can join an optional boat trip along the Po Delta. This is the longest river in Italy, and its wetlands give you a chance to spot rare migratory birds. There’s also a lunch box for you to enjoy.

Once you’re back on dry land, you travel to Este, a picture-perfect town with a history that spans over 3000 years. Here you have free time to amble along the city walls or visit the town’s moated Medieval castle.

You then venture to Padua, allegedly the oldest city in Italy and your home for the next three nights. This fascinating place sits at the crossroads of science and religion. This is where venerated St Anthony is buried, and where the ground-breaking scientific discoveries were made at the height of the Renaissance.

Optional Activities

• Boat trip with a lunch box along the Po Delta

Hotel Al Prato or similar - Padua

• Lose yourself in the canal-lined vistas of Venice

177 canals, 350 gondoliers, and the most idiosyncratic cityscapes in the world: Venice, ‘the Floating City', is your destination today.

With its wealth, trade, and power; Venice has always been bold.

It’s been built on over 118 islands, hosts one of the most famous festivals in the world, and its unique painting style and architecture classifies Venice as one of the great centres of the Renaissance, equal to Rome and Florence.

Once you arrive, you enjoy an included two-hour guided walking tour of the city. From people-watching in Piazza San Marco to frequenting the famous galleries, it’s up to you how you spend the rest of your day in Venice.

In the early evening, you head back to Padua in time for dinner.

Included Activities

• Two hour guided walking tour of Venice

Optional Activities:

• Gondola ride

Hotel Al Prato or similar – Padua

• Explore Villa Pisani, an exuberant 18th-century palazzo
• Sip on Prosecco and Grappa at the foothills of the Dolomites

The traditional flavours of Italy are yours to explore today.

First, you go to Villa Pisani. This included attraction boasts awesome art exhibitions and is the epitome of late baroque architecture. Napoleon once owned this huge holiday home and presented it to his stepson as a gift.

You say goodbye to the excesses of the aristocracy and venture to Valdobbiadene for a chance to indulge in something a little sweeter. This rolling landscape is home to the best prosecco, and you have the option to enjoy an exclusive tasting. We promise it’ll be the freshest prosecco you’ve ever tasted.

The indulgence continues as you travel to Bassano del Grappa, where you have the chance to sample sweet and intoxicating Grappa. If you’ve had enough tipple for the day, you can spend your time admiring the castle and the town’s famous old bridge instead.

You then travel to Padua for your final evening in the historic town.

• Prosecco tasting at Valdobbiadene
• Grappa tasting in Bassano del Grappa
• Weep for the romance of Romeo and Juliet in the play’s setting, Verona
• Get inspired by the fresh views of Lake Garda

Say ‘ciao!’ to the romance of Italy, because your first stop today is the setting of Romeo and Juliet , Verona. You have time here to reminisce about past lovers at the famous balcony, admire a grand Roman Colosseum, and amble through the ancient piazzas at your own pace.

You then travel to Lake Garda. This lake’s crystal-clear waters and views of the Dolomites have made the place a favourite destination for artists, poets, and travellers since the Roman ages. You'll adore exploring the stunning town of Peschiera del Garda.

You arrive in Milan in the evening.

Business Palace Milan or similar, Milan

• Stand face to face with Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper
• Get your fashion fix in one of many designer shops

In Milan, life revolves around art, fashion, and delicious cuisine, so make sure to indulge in them on your free day.

When it comes to art, seeing da Vinci’s Last Supper is a must. This enigmatic piece of work attracts many visitors, so book your tickets in advance.

Next, there’s the Duomo, the Cathedral of Milan. This tremendous tribute to Gothic architecture is one of the biggest churches in Italy and will mesmerize you with its intricate design.

In a city obsessed with fashion, even window shopping feels like a unique experience. Visit the flamboyant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II or Quadrilatero della Moda, the home of the most luxurious brands.

Then, follow in the footsteps of Milanese and partake in aperitivo, the pre-dinner ritual. Savour that moment of relaxation after the day and get ready for the next stage of your journey.

• Ticket for a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus
• Experience Lake Como from the water on an included boat trip
• Marvel at the Mediterranean feel of Lugano

You travel directly from the metropolis of Milan to Lake Como, the most stunning lake in the region. Framed by the Rhaetian Alps, this Italian slice of heaven’s crystal-clear waters seduced the most famous writers of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Admire the mountainous vistas and colourful villas from the unique perspective of the water, as you hop on an included boat trip across to Lenno.

Once you’re on dry land, you can grab lunch in Lenno. The town boasts an 11th-century octagonal baptistry, a Romanesque-style crypt, and enough lovely lakeside views to last a lifetime.

You then cross the border into Switzerland and visit Lugano. You have a couple of hours here to explore however you please. People watch over a coffee in Piazza della Riforma, pour over the frescos at the Church of S. Maria degli Angioli, or feast your eyes on more waterside scenes on the shores of Lake Lugano.

You travel to the quaint and cultural town of Locarno for your evening and overnight stay.

Home Hotel Locarno or similar, Locarno

• Admire Lake Maggiore from the promenade in Stresa
• Stroll through the old town of Varese

Wake up, eat a scrumptious breakfast, and get ready for more lakeside adventures.

You first travel to elegant Stresa. Here you have the option to take a boat ride to Isola Bella. This island sits in Lake Maggiore and offers visitors a chance to wander through gorgeous gardens and admire the exuberant extravagancies of a wealthy 17th-century family in Palazzo Borromeo.

In the afternoon, you venture to Varese, also known as the ‘Garden City’. Grab a snack here and enjoy a guided stroll through the old town centre to find out how this town earned such a nickname.

You travel via the lush Campo dei Fiori landscapes back to Locarno for your second night on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

• Boat ride out to Isola Bella and admission to Palazzo Borromeo
• Feel like an age-old smuggler as you go over the Simplon Pass
• Be awed by up-close views of the Matterhorn in Zermatt

You leave Locarno and head deep into the Alps.

Your first stop of the day is Santa Maria Maggiore. You have time to grab a coffee and snap a few pictures of this stunning town before taking the winding roads up to the Simplon Pass. This is a historic location that’s been used as a key route through the Alps by Stone Age dwellers, Romans, and smugglers of the Middle Ages.

Now, it’s time to discover one of the most admired peaks in all of Europe, the Matterhorn. You arrive in Täsch and take a round trip on a train to car-free Zermatt, a “base camp” for aspiring mountaineers, to enjoy the views and grab lunch.

Back on our coach, you travel to Lausanne. Overlooking Lake Geneva, this town is home to the Olympic Museum, grand mountain views, and your bed for the next two nights.

Hotel Des Patients or similar, Lausanne

• Savour the quintessential flavours of Gruyères
• Go celebrity-spotting in glamorous Gstaad
• Admire the iconic Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva

We hope you have an appetite, because your first stop of the day is the home of Gruyère cheese, Gruyères. You have time here to go beyond the dairy delights and discover the Medieval town and its views of the Saane Valley.

You then travel alongside Alpine peaks to Gstaad. This glamourous Alpine village is a favourite hangout spot for ski-loving celebrities; see who you can spot.

Near Montreux, you have the option to visit Chillon Castle, an unbelievably idyllic stronghold that deserves its claim as Switzerland’s most visited castle.

You arrive back in Lausanne in time for dinner.

• Chillon Castle
• Experience Switzerland’s most inspirational views
• Walk the trail of waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen

The valley of 72 waterfalls, an outdoor pursuits paradise, and your first stop today.

You spend time in Lauterbrunnen any way you choose today. There are lovely walks, trains to mountain peaks, and more. You’re spoilt for choice, so ask your guide for advice on what you should do.

Once you’ve gratified your senses with Lauterbrunnen’s imposing mountain views and pastoral Swiss splendours, you travel to Interlaken. This small resort town, nestled snug between the mountains, is your home for the evening.

Hotel Weisses Kreuz or similar, Interlaken

• Meet William Tell
• Enjoy the typical Swiss landscape of Biosphere Entlebuch
• Be impressed by the defences of Bellinzona

You leave Interlaken and head through the bucolic landscape of the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch. Stroll through typical sound-of-music style scenes of cows chomping through fields of green grass and admire sublime views.

Nature may rejuvenate the senses, but it doesn’t fill your belly; so your guide will find you a great place for a lunch break, possibly in Altdorf. This historic town is famous for being the place where William Tell shot an apple off his son’s head. Or perhaps your guide will take you to eat and explore in another great spot - we like to stay flexible.

You then descend from the heights of the Alps to Bellinzona. Since Roman times, grand castles, now UNESCO heritage sites, have stoically guarded the access to northern Italy. You have the choice here to visit the castles or relax in the town.

You arrive back in Milan in the evening.

• The castles of Bellinzona

Where does this tour stay overnight?

You stay two nights in Bologna, three nights in Padua, two nights in Milan, two nights in Locarno, two nights in Lausanne, and one night in Interlaken.

For examples of the accommodation, please see the tour itinerary.

How does the accommodation work?

A good night’s sleep is often needed for a good day of travel.

So we’ve hand-picked three-star to four-star hotels in remote coastal villages, bustling towns, and mountain valleys.

Your accommodation is included in the tour price; and when you book your trip, you can choose whether you want a double room, a twin room, or a single room.

Are there any extra accommodation costs?

The price you see is for all your tour accommodation and for the tour itself. It also includes a tourist tax. This figure is based on shared accommodation. When you're booking your tour and select a single room, an additional single room supplement will be added to the price.

Do I need a visa to take this tour?

You may need a Schengen Visa to travel throughout Europe. Check the official tourism website of the country you’re visiting for up-to-date and reliable information. Travel between countries is easy because there are no passport checks at the borders.

Are the tours suitable for people with mobility issues?

Most people can comfortably enjoy our tours, but it's worth bearing in mind that we often include optional short walks in scenic locations. Please also be aware that many of the old European towns are built on steep hills with cobbled lanes, and you may have to carry your own luggage at times.

So that we can ensure you're comfortable travelling with us, please let us know about any special requirements or needs at the time of booking. If you have any more questions, simply email [email protected] .

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

Europe's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure and avoid contributing to congestion issues, we start our trip from hotels located conveniently on the edge of cities. We choose hotels with good public transport connections to the city centre, so you can enjoy your evening explorations.

To make your tour more convenient, you can add an optional pre and post-departure accommodation in the hotel we use as a pick up or a drop off point.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive at the hotel lobby 15 minutes before your departure time. Unfortunately, we’re unable to wait for you if you’re late due to vehicle restrictions. But depending on your situation, we may be able to help you catch up with your tour.

What are your cancellation policies?

We have a cancellation period of 42 days for our Europe tours. If you cancel your trip before this period, we give you a full refund minus a 10% admin charge. If you cancel inside this time frame, you’re liable for the cost of the tour package.

We understand how disappointing it is when you have to cancel a trip with us, so please contact our friendly team who will try their best to resell your ticket and refund you.

Click here to view full terms and conditions.

What is a guaranteed departure?

It's simple: you book, you go. This means we'll never cancel your tour because of a minimum numbers policy.

Can routes change?

Your friendly driver and guide are passionate about the places they visit and know all the local gossip. This means your tour itinerary can change a little due to festivities, attraction opening hour changes, and spontaneous photo opportunities.

Can I pre-book a specific seat?

Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable mini-coaches offer a good view.

Are there toilets on the bus?

We like to keep our coaches small, nimble, and odour free. This means we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you frequently stop in local towns and villages for comfort breaks.

Do you take children on your tours?

We're unable to permit children under 16 years old on our Europe tours due to the nature of the activities that are included.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy your trip to Europe. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of stops to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

What are 'included activities' and 'optional activities'?

We've arranged experiences for you on your tour. The 'included activities' are already booked and paid for as part of your trip, whereas you can purchase 'optional activities' while on your tour. You also have free time in many destinations to pick and choose which attractions you visit.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don't need to pack or bring along food on the mini-coach. We stop in small European towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

What should I do if I have too much luggage?

It’s more enjoyable to travel with light luggage. You can take less by cleaning clothes along the way. Most hotels provide affordable laundry service.

But if you're travelling with more than 20kg, don't worry! There are left luggage facilities close to the majority of our departure points, and courier companies who could ship your excess luggage on to your chosen destination. Our team are happy to help if you need any suggestions or recommendations.

Should I tip the driver and the guide?

Let's be honest, our drivers and guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We highly recommend you take out travel insurance, so you can enjoy a stress-free journey.

What is ABTOT?

You're protected by ABTOT when you book a tour with us. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we run into any issues. Read our terms and conditions for more information.

Our packages are covered by the Package Travel Regulations. For full details of your key rights please click here.

I have more questions, who can help me?

If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email [email protected] , or check out our full FAQs .

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Switzerland: Europe's Crown Jewel

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• Small Group
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Year, Departure Type

Select small group (averaging 24 Tauck guests) or smaller group (averaging 15 Tauck guests) departures and the year you would like to travel.

• 2024 Small Group
• 2024 Smaller Group
• 2025 Small Group
• 2025 Smaller Group

Accommodations

• Pricing & Availability
• Important Info

Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

TAUCK'S YELLOW ROADS – 11 days of in-depth exploration of tiny Alpine villages steeped in charm and glistening lakes radiant with natural beauty

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE - A private cocktail reception for Tauck guests only at the Ice Palace on the Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe"

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Private funicular ride up Harder Kulm for dinner with Alpine views

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

A two-night stay at the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

A rail journey to your Alpine resort in Zermatt, where views of the Matterhorn astound

Private boat rides on Lake Maggiore to Isola Bella in the beautiful Borromean Islands, and on a wine tasting cruise on Lake Lugano

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Active components such as hiking, bicycling and walking longer distances may be included, and hills and/or uneven terrain may be encountered on several days. Guests should be able to walk two to three miles and stand for long periods of time with no difficulty.

Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

Along Europe's Scenic "Yellow Roads"

Snow caps, ice castles and you… One of the world's favorite year-round playgrounds, Switzerland astounds with natural beauty. In summer, sunlight warms wildflower meadows, picturesque mountain villages and glistening lakes to invite in-depth exploration of some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in Europe.

Hotel schweizerhof, lucerne, tauck exclusive – reception at the jungfraujoch ice palace, enjoy cocktails and more at the "top of europe" with an exclusive private reception at the jungfraujoch's ice palace.

As your mountain railway train ascends into the majestic Swiss Alps, you'll arrive at Kleine Scheidegg at the foot of the Eiger, then board a cogwheel train for the scenic climb to Europe's highest railway station, at the Jungfraujoch (perched at 11,333 feet above sea level). Here, at "the Top of Europe," you'll find a restaurant, observatory, research station, a gallery of ice sculpture, and breathtaking views of the glacier-clad Bernese Alps, often called Switzerland's "jewel in the crown." And you'll enjoy a Tauck Exclusive... a private cocktail reception at the Ice Palace… taking time, of course, to savor the astounding views of the lofty peaks of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Mönch surrounding you!

Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

Nights 7 and 8

Experience a unique Grand Hotel ambiance overlooking the Jungfrau in Interlaken

To step into a room or suite at the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa is to sense instinctively that this is a place of well-being, where hospitality is genuine. Here, amidst the mountains of the Bernese Highlands overlooking the Jungfrau, you can benefit from all the amenities of a grand hotel while enjoying the ultimate in privacy, comfort and remarkable service.

I was expecting amazing mountain scenery and I was not disappointed. What surprised me though was the beauty of the many lakes we saw.

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All the information you need for this journey at your fingertips – day-by-day details, map, hotel descriptions, key highlights and more.

Where you stay is an important part of your journey – with Tauck, accommodations have been handpicked and carefully selected for their location and ambiance, enhancing the destinations you explore. Download accommodation details and your travel plans begin!

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Overnight Accommodations

Extend your stay

Arrive Early

Lausanne palace.

Lausanne, Switzerland

Hotel Mont Cervin Palace

Zermatt, Switzerland

Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano

Lugano, Switzerland

Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz

St. Moritz, Switzerland

Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

Interlaken, Switzerland

Nights 9-10

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

Lucerne, Switzerland

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for six months after the completion of your Tauck journey to enter Switzerland and Italy; however, you do not need a visa for the short duration of this tour.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, you should contact an embassy or consulate of Switzerland and of Italy to determine what travel documentation is required.

Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

Deposits and fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $600 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  90  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Guest Protection

Tauck's Guest Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.
• Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $559  per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPINTL .

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person 

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

90 days or more before departure = $600 per person

89-8 days before departure = $900 per person

7-1 days before departure = $1500 per person

Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATIONS  

If you are a resident of the U.S., no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Switzerland or Italy. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, please contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to obtain information about vaccinations that may be required for your journey. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of Switzerland and Italy to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for your travel.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

To enjoy this active journey through the mountains of Switzerland you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. Switzerland is home to innumerable historic buildings and sites, many centuries old. Therefore, roads, walkways and architecture will present difficulties for some guests with physical limitations. You will encounter cobblestone streets, narrow passageways, and some steep and winding staircases. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do at the various sites and towns is at your discretion.

In addition to motor coach travel, this tour itinerary includes several excursions by train, boat and water taxi. Getting on and off these conveyances involves walking and stairs. Also, access to public rest rooms often involves climbing a flight of stairs.

PLEASE NOTE:  We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it. While drinking water is generally safe at all our hotels, bottled water will be available wherever the local water is not fit to drink. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

Switzerland has many climactic zones. On this journey, the most temperate weather is found in Geneva and Zürich where the average high temperatures from April through September range from 55 to 75°F (13 to 24°C). The high elevation of Zermatt has lower averages ranging from 45 to 65°F (7 to 18°C). The lake district of Lugano experiences the warmest temperatures ranging from 70 to 85°F (21 to 29°C). Rain falls evenly in moderate amounts throughout the year in Geneva and Zürich. Lugano has considerable rainfall averaging twice the amount of either Geneva or Zurich annually.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website by clicking here .

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with New Headings who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

The weather in Switzerland is temperate and unpredictable. Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing.

In Europe, especially in finer restaurants, it is generally customary to dress somewhat formally. Slacks or a dress for women and a jacket for men are acceptable dining attire, but a sports jacket is not required. It is advisable to avoid wearing jeans, sneakers or shorts to dinner. You may also wish to dress up a bit for the welcome reception and the farewell dinner, but by all means be comfortable. During your visit to the Jungfraujoch Ice Palace, warm, layered clothing is recommended for your comfort as the establishment is located 11,000 ft. above sea level.

You will find a hair dryer located in your hotel guest room. Irons and ironing boards are not generally available due to local fire safety regulations; however, valet laundry, dry cleaning and pressing services are available for a fee.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your trip to Switzerland:

• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• An optional jacket and tie for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Switzerland

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Switzerland. There are 66 trips to choose from, that range from 3 days in length, up to 16 days. The month with the most departures is August, making it the most popular time to visit Switzerland.

66 Fully Guided tour packages in Switzerland with 2,549 reviews

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Contrasts of Switzerland (8 Days)

Emmo was amazing!!!!

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​First Discovery

The tour was wonderful! It was a great mix of places to see and some of the most beautiful views imaginable.

Best of Switzerland

The tour was good, but there was a lack of information about what to wear and how strenuous it would be.

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Spectacular Switzerland

Altogether a fantastic time in Switzerland. Will definitely recommend Globus to others and join future Globus tours.

Magical Switzerland (Classic, 7 Days)

We had a wonderful team to take us around. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole trip.

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Enchanting Switzerland - Small Group

If you want a more personalized somewhat private tour, this is it! I would recommend this to my family and friends.

SWITZERLAND – Geneva to Zurich Highlights

Switzerland in a Nutshell - Small Group

Magical Switzerland (Small Groups, 7 Days)

Mountains, Valleys and Lakes of Switzerland

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Swiss Delight (9 Days)

I like the tour And the director Stephanie was great and professional ❤️

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Barcelona to Zurich

Ived enjoyed the trip overall.

From Prague to Zurich

The tour was good overall, though more knowledge from the guide would have been appreciated.

3000er und Mineralienberge in der Schweiz

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Had an amazing time in Switzerland and met new wonderful friends. Trafalgar did a great job. Everything was organized and safety was top priority. Will travel with Trafalgar again.

Vitalli was a wonderful tour guide and a pleasure to work with.

Good, but there was definitely a lack of information given to folk on the tour. As in what to wear, how strenuous it's going to be ... etc.

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"Jacqui was inspirational and well-organized. Her energy was infectious and carried us through the packed tour schedule. She has a wealth of helpful information. We liked her history and geography "lessons," the vocabulary list in local languages, and the theme songs and movies she played on the bus. Overall, it was a well-organized tour, although it was a bit long and tiring.

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"this is very good and comfortable.

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"We had a family group of six that did this tour in May 2024. Our guide, Vitalii,was fantastic. His formal education is in history and that was very apparent with his wealth of knowledge. The schedule for the tour was excellent and allowed us to experience a lot of sites in an efficient manner. Several times we were able to visit an attraction when very few people were there with the large tour buses showing up as we were leaving. I would definitely use this company for future tours

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9 Day Switzerland Tour of Zürich, Zermatt, St. Moritz and Lucerne

9 days, 2 countries and 11 cities

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8 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners

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All the Best of Switzerland with a side visit to Italy. What could be better? Your travels will take you to Lake Geneva for local wine, cheese and delicious desserts in Lavaux, Lord Byron’s enchanting Chillon Castle and the pretty town of Brienz for a masterclass in Swiss wood carving.

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9 days itinerary trip from Zürich to Zürich visiting 2 countries and 11 cities

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About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Discover Zürich and Lucerne

Visit Bern, Chillon Castle, Montreux, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Interlaken and Brienz

View the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument in Lucerne, the Jungfrau and Matterhorn mountains (weather permitting), Lake Maggiore and Lake Como

Scenic Train Ride from Tirano to Pontresina

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Train from Tirano to Pontresina

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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

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Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

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Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

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Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

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European Getaway: France, Switzerland, Italy Tour

Customers rate Zicasso's travel referral service  4.9  on a scale of 1 to 5 based on  1546  reviews on Trustpilot

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Places visited, suggested duration.

Aromas drift down Roman lanes, vistas extend from alpine lakes and the Renaissance city opens its heart. From Venetian canals to Parisian patisseries, this is the grand tour of Italy, Switzerland and France, a one-way two-week journey that celebrates many of Europe’s grandest icons. Explore with all your senses alive as you embrace the highlights and discover how every piece of old-world Europe is absolutely unique.

Customizable Itinerary

Venice – a water taxi into the city of canals.

Fly into Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic and your airport transfer will immediately reveal what makes this city so special, the water. Travel along the canals as grand townhouses rise on either side of you as your gondolier takes you beneath the bridges of yesteryear. Take a stroll between the island neighborhoods, sip Bellini cocktails as street musicians play twilight serenades. Relax on a terrace close to St. Mark’s Square as Venice is much quieter in the evening after the day-trippers have returned to their hotels on the mainland. Soak up one of the world’s most unique cities, with your hotel ideally located on the Grand Canal.

What's Included:

Venice – Romance and Elegance

Venice is a city where grandeur pours from the walls, and it seems improbable that so much has survived for so long. Explore Doge’s Palace and its secrets, your local guide taking you beneath corridors lined with world-famous art pieces. Walk over the Bridge of Sighs and stop to re-energize in a cafe best known to the locals. Travel out with your gondolier and learn about the ancient tradition, how it started, and how it has evolved over the centuries. Your destination is another of Venice’s islands, where you can watch the skills of glassblowers and take lunch with views over the water. The afternoon is left free, and your guide can tailor it to your interests. In particular, the Venetian art scene really comes alive with a local guide with galleries presenting the works of Titian, Tintoretto, and Guardi.

Rome – Into the Eternal City

It is just over three hours by high-speed train from Venice to Rome, and you will whizz through Tuscany, stopping at a small handful of old cities on the route. This is a good time to relax and watch Italy roll by before you disembark amid the old-world bustle of ancient Rome. Your hotel is located at the very heart of an ancient empire, in a historical area that is far away from traffic-clogged streets, yet the Pantheon is just steps away. Your local guide will meet you for an orientation tour, showing you which way to turn in the Eternal City. Not just for the world-famous sights, but also for the high-quality restaurants and cafes that will be perfect for lounging the afternoon away. Rome is one of the best cities in the world for people watching, so take this day to relax and savor the local atmosphere.

Rome – Highlights of Ancient Rome

Secrets whisper from ancient walls as this is Ancient Rome, older than the Colosseum you walk through, and more complicated than what you see on the postcards. With your local guide alongside you, you can easily imagine a time of gladiators and empires and when the stones you are standing on were the center of the known world. With three days in Rome, you can take it slow, and there is more than enough to experience. Discuss emperors on the piazzas, listen to Catholic history in beautiful small churches, and make your journey through the centuries.

While the Colosseum and Pantheon are redolent of the old Roman Empire, the highlights of old Rome contains pieces from many different centuries. Perhaps that is why Michelangelo said this was a place made by angels, not humans. As with your second day in Venice, the afternoon is flexible, and your guide can customize the itinerary based on your interests. One potential option is a tour of Trastevere, an iconic neighborhood of cobblestone streets, where you can search the markets and discover a really lived-in part of the city.

Rome – Exploring the Vatican and Beyond

Move next into the holy Vatican City, a place of pilgrimage for some, a place of beauty for all. Walk across St Peter’s Square, beneath the shadow of the grand basilica and Egyptian Obelisk, and then take the red carpet as you get fast-track entry to the Vatican Museums. Welcome to one of the world’s greatest art collections with galleries dominated by pre-eminent sculptures, rooms covered in humongous canvases, chapels painted by the greats, Michelangelo’s ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. With your private guide, you can enjoy behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase and then travel beyond the galleries into St. Peter’s Basilica, a place of both serenity and art. A whole morning in the Vatican Museums is enough when your guide can lead you efficiently, but it is well worth sticking around for lunch nearby, as then you can quickly dip into another piazza, palazzo, or church in the afternoon.

Florence – Tuscan Wine Tasting and Renaissance Delights

Travel by road to Florence, the streets twisting as they ascend through Tuscany. Stop in Orvieto, where the landscape is carpeted by vineyards. Stop into wineries as you travel, and a winemaker will invite you in for a tasting. Savor more of the region’s flavors as you enjoy a live cooking demonstration in an Italian kitchen, and then sit down to a lunch paired with local Tuscan wines. This experience will feel like an iconic culinary experience that blurs into the iconicity of Florence, as you spend the afternoon and evening in the Renaissance city. Like with Venice your first day is left free. You can walk without a map, explore beyond the postcards, and make your own impressions of this otherworldly city. As twilight approaches and the church bells chime, you will likely sit back and smile as Florentine life is unfolding all around.

Florence – Exploring the Masterpieces

With your guide alongside, you will look down the backstreets and enter the palaces. Gaze up at the colors of the cathedral, sounds coming from the bell tower as you admire Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise. Piazza della Signoria is like an open-air gallery from five centuries ago, its sculpted figures the works of great Renaissance artists. Compare this to the simple beauty of Santa Croce Basilica, and then take some time to discover opulent nearby streets. Again, your afternoon is flexible, and again, art can be your focus. All across Florence, some palaces that became galleries, the settings as impressive as the works by Raphael and others. While Michelangelo’s David stands proudly in Galleria dell’Accademia, there are many other superb galleries to visit.

Lucerne – Swiss Landscapes From a Dream

Fly direct from Florence to Lucerne, and then land in the Alps, mountains rising all around as you settle into two relaxed days along the lakeshore. While it is a beautiful road journey from Italy to Switzerland, it is a long way from Florence to Lucerne, and you are never short of mountain panoramas once in Switzerland. Spend your afternoon with a local guide, gazing up at Lucerne’s Lion Monument, admiring how it is carved into a limestone cliff above the city. Walk across Chapel Bridge and feast your eyes on Lucerne Jesuit Church, and then feast on quintessentially Swiss cuisine. The Swiss love cheese, and it would not be a trip to Switzerland without an evening of cheese fondue served in a cozy restaurant as the mountains blend into the shadows.

Lucerne – High Up in the Pristine Alps

Rise into the Alps, first on a funicular railway, and then in an open-top cable car. Mount Stanserhorn is your destination, a peak with superb views across Switzerland and into Germany. It is up here that you will meet a Swiss Ranger and take a short hike, learning about local flora and fauna on your route. If you enjoy hiking, then there are various trails to take from up here, including the zigzag going back down to Lucerne. In the afternoon, you might be up in the mountains or exploring the pedestrianized Old Town. Another option is to travel by horse-drawn carriage into the surrounding countryside. Lucerne takes its cuisine seriously, and there are many excellent places to dine this evening.

Paris – Delectable Landscapes and the City of Lights

Wake and travel by train to Paris with a short change in Basel before meandering down from alpine peaks to forested foothills. Soon the mountains fade away, and your train will zoom across a patchwork of fields and villages, revealing an openness to contrasting the tightly packed Swiss mountains. It is just under a 5-hour journey to Paris, but it is very comfortable as you lounge in your first-class carriage as drinks and food are served. Roll into Paris, and you will be transferred to your hotel just steps from the River Seine, in the heart of the city. You will be surprised at how small Paris is, especially the beautiful old core, where most of the famous attractions are located. As you check-in, you can then check out the city with one option simply to follow the River Seine. Exotic smells, elegant neighborhoods, street musicians, and famous bridges abound as Paris revolves around the Seine.

Paris – Food and Neighborhoods Tour of Paris

Paris comes alive through its food, and by following your palate, you will get to see very local parts of the city. Explore with an avid foodie and get to know the differences between a boulangerie, fromagerie, and patisserie, not just what they sell but also in the smells that lure you inside. Go to meet a chocolatier and learn all about macarons in the neighborhood where this treat was first invented. Visit a local produce market and sample delights from across the country, the wines, and the hams and cheeses so distinctive based on where they originate. Your guide will introduce you to some of the basics of food and wine pairing as you finish the tour in a small bistro, where the combination of flavors feels infinite.

With a free afternoon in Paris, it will feel as though there are too many options to consider. Climb up the Eiffel Tower or down the Champs Elysees, dip into the designer stores or just wander along the riverside promenade. Paris can entertain you for days, and by spending several nights, you cannot see it all, but you can experience a lot of what makes the city special. Different art galleries open later on different evenings, and some streets come alive with the sound of music. So go out and explore, soak it all up, walk the lanes and find a dinner table in a small restaurant, amid this city of lights.

Paris – French Palaces and Patisseries

For this final day of your tour, you can discover a little more of France. Rather than setting out for the over-popular Versailles, you can take a one-hour train to Fontainebleau, where an equally impressive World Heritage palace is ripe for discovery. Explore the imperial legacy with a guide, learning all about the artwork that hangs from the walls, and then immerse yourself in the local market, which is practically unchanged for three centuries now. Traders shout of their produce as the many aromas float through the air. There are many good cafes in the main town square, and it is nice to be away from the tourist-centered squares of the capital. Fontainebleau is also home to a stunning forest, a place you can discover before the train back to Paris and a final night on vacation.

Paris – Departure

This last morning will be at your leisure. Late check-out can be arranged, and you will be transferred to the airport with plenty of time before your return flight.

Trip Highlights

• Gaze across the hills of Tuscany while sipping on fine wine
• Wander Parisian neighborhoods of cobbles and charm
• Inhale blissful alpine air as you spend two days on Lake Lucerne
• Explore the waters and the many islands of Venice
• See more of old-world France with a day in Fontainebleau
• Celebrate the wonders of Rome with a day dedicated to the ancient empire and another in the Vatican
• Discover Florence and its Renaissance history with your local guide
• Take the funicular up Mount Stanserhorn and gaze out across Europe
• Tantalize your senses as you go in search of iconic food in Italy, Switzerland, and Paris

Detailed Description

Lay a map of Europe onto one of the United States, and you will find that the state of Texas is double the size of Italy and Switzerland combined. Travel to Europe, and you will see how remarkably everything can change within just 50 miles. Begin with the city of canals, and then soon be in the midst of a Tuscan landscape carpeted in vines. Climb high up in the Swiss Alps, and then across the farm-studded plains of France. Rome and Paris could not be more different if they tried, and it will be wonderful to see how much diversity you can experience in less than two weeks of travel. From seascapes to mountain peaks, from Rome to the Renaissance to the Impressionists, this itinerary spans it all. Vibrant old-world squares to places of serenity, pasta to fondue to patisseries and macaroons, you will find with every day that there is something new, and that is what makes combining Italy, Switzerland, and France so compelling.

You will spend a week in Italy before flying to Lucerne for a couple of days amid the Alps. From there, you will take the high-speed train to Paris and enjoy the landscapes galore on your route, for several nights in the French capital. All of your tours will be private, and you can travel around by various means, including iconic road and rail journeys. Fitting three countries into less than two weeks means you that must place a premium on your hotel location, as there is no time to be wasted. You will be able to step outside of your hotel door, and you will be in the heart of your destination, surrounded by the icons and the atmospheres you came to experience.

Venice is your first stop, and you will have time to look beyond the world-famous postcard views as you explore with your insider guide. With so much to discover, your gondolier will take you down the canals, the best way to see the city. Whizz next to Rome on the high-speed train with time to soak up the landscapes before several nights in the Eternal City. One day is dedicated to the time of empire, the Colosseum just one of the highlights.  The next day will bring you to the Vatican City, where the Sistine Chapel is among the artistic glories. Then move to Florence for a spot of Tuscan wine tasting on route to the Renaissance city. With your local guide, you can get to know the monuments and the neighborhoods, this being a city with secrets and surprises.

Fly next from Florence to Lucerne for two days spent surrounded by peaks, your hotel perched upon Lake Lucerne. Breathe in the fresh alpine air and take in the views, especially when riding a funicular railway up to Mount Stanserhorn. Your train journey to Paris is sublime, first through the mountains and then across a patchwork of rural fields and stone villages. You will end your vacation with nights spent in the French capital, time enough to see the famous sights as well as soak your senses into the food. Spend one day out of the city, Fontainebleau your destination for a look at local France and imperial legacy. You will likely be remarking about how different it is from Rome, and incredulous at how much you got to experience on a single trip to Europe.

Starting Price

$5,338  per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

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Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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Ciao Bella Italia!

Whether it’s old-world traditions and wonderful culture, cuisine, history, fashion or natural beauty, Italy is special to many people for different reasons. Few other countries boast so many legendary cities. There are also many charming hill towns and coastal villages that showcase Italy’s amazing natural beauty. From the big cities to the small towns, there is always something exciting to see in Italy. With so many reasons to visit, the rest is up to you!

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Destination must-see's.

Cinque Terre:

Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which means that it is a valuable and protected place on earth. Feel like you have stepped back in time when you visit this collection of colorful medieval villages sitting high on the edge of the sea.

Visit a place that was frozen in time in the summer of A.D. 79. Soak in 2,000 years of history at the excavated ruins of Pompeii as a local expert provides you with a detailed view of this incredibly preserved archaeological site.

The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built and perhaps one of the most recognizable places on the planet. It sits right in the center of Rome and was constructed by emperors of the Flavian dynasty. Imagine being there in its day!

Go off the beaten path to see the Castello Sestiere area with a local guide and get to know authentic Venice. You’ll be able to walk canal by canal through streets lined with historic buildings and old churches. See how the locals live every day with each step you take in this unique city.

Destination Must-Do's

Get a Taste of Sicilian Street Food:

Each region of Italy has its own dishes of renown, and Sicily has a rich street food culture. Chickpea fritters (panelle), fried potato croquettes (crocchè) fried risotto balls (arancine/arancini), and cannoli are just some of the items you may find while sampling the local fare.

Tour Lucca:

The fascinating medieval city of Lucca is surrounded by 16th-century Renaissance walls. Choose to see it by bike or on foot, but either way will bring you to see the Cathedral of San Martino, the Piazza Napoleone and the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, all sites you simply should not miss.

Visit Capri:

On a beautiful day, take a boat trip from the stunning Amalfi Coast to the lovely Mediterranean island of Capri. There, a local expert will bring you on a tour of a dreamy place that can only be described as paradise on earth.

Drink wine:

Just about anywhere you go in Italy, you’re going to encounter fantastic wine. Whether you’re in Tuscany, Stresa, Piedmont, Umbria or any other region of this beautiful country, taste the wine. Buy a few bottles and bring it home to enjoy with friends and family.

Expert Advice

Some of what you think of as traditional Italian foods are actually American interpretations and not widely available there. Some examples are heavy cream sauces such as alfredo, spaghetti and meatballs, and chicken parmigiana (however, you may find these items in more tourist-oriented restaurants).

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Trudeau to attend G7 summit in Italy, Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland

Prime minister to travel apulia, italy and lucerne, switzerland next month.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to attend the G7 leaders' summit next month in Italy, followed by the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland.

In a news release issued today, the Prime Minister's Office says Trudeau's focus at the G7 summit will be on highlighting the importance of democracy, promoting fair economic growth and combating foreign interference.

Trudeau's office says he will also hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts and discuss the Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine wars.

At the Switzerland summit, Trudeau is expected to reaffirm Canada's support for Ukraine and push for the return of prisoners of war, unlawfully detained civilians and illegally deported children.

The Swiss government says 70 countries have confirmed they will participate in the summit, which was organized at the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Trudeau is expected to be in Apulia, Italy from June 13 to 15 before travelling to Lucerne, Switzerland June 15 and 16.

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Here It Comes: Another Hot Summer in Europe

Extreme heat and other weather challenges are in the forecast this summer, and travel advisers, tourists and local officials are getting prepared.

By Ceylan Yeğinsu

Europe, the world’s fastest-warming continent, is headed for another scorching summer, meteorologists warn. And travelers, once again, are heading to the hot spots.

Last year, large parts of southern Europe experienced prolonged periods of extreme heat with temperatures reaching 118 degrees and lasting up to two weeks or more. The sweltering conditions upended vacations throughout the summer season as visitors collapsed from heat exhaustion at crowded tourist sites, and wildfires led to evacuations in Greece, Italy and Spain.

“Our computer models are in good agreement that it’s going to be another unusually hot summer, especially during late July through August,” said Todd Crawford, vice president of meteorology at Atmospheric G2 , a weather and climate intelligence firm based in Manchester, N.H. The company expects the magnitude of the heat to be similar to 2022, the hottest summer ever recorded in Europe, with the most anomalous heat projected in the south, in popular countries for travelers like Greece, Croatia and Italy.

Since 1991, Europe has been warming at twice the global average, and 23 of the 30 most severe heat waves in Europe since 1950 have occurred since 2000, with five in the last three years, according to the World Meteorological Organization. The European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service said several factors contribute to the continent’s vulnerability, including the proportion of European land in the Arctic — the fastest-warming region on earth — and changes in atmospheric circulation.

Yet despite the forecast and increasing trend of excessive summer heat, demand is still high for destinations where temperatures reached 100 degrees or higher in recent summers. Overall, U.S. demand for travel to Europe has increased since last year, according to the travel site Hopper . Rome, Paris and Athens are among the most searched cities out of billions of annual searches for summer vacations on Kayak and Expedia.

“The destinations are being booked again, and what really characterizes people is how quickly they forget and push back negative experiences,” said Stefan Gössling, a professor who researches tourism and climate change at Linnaeus University in Sweden. “People who were caught in life-threatening situations like the wildfires may reconsider where they travel, but for the broader population, we are not yet seeing a big change in decision-making because of the heat.”

Green spaces and heat officers: Cities adapt

As the summer approaches, popular destinations that were hit hard last year are working on protocols to make residents and tourists safe and more comfortable. In 2021, Athens became the first European city to appoint a chief heat officer to oversee those efforts. One of the first steps was to categorize heat waves by severity, like hurricanes, as an early warning system for the potential impact on human health. It is also naming heat waves to emphasize their potential risks.

“Heat is a silent killer and projections for the coming years show that it will only get worse, so we are redesigning our city and making changes to adapt,” said Elissavet Bargianni, the chief heat officer for Athens. Beyond raising awareness, the city plans to implement additional measures, which include increasing the number of green spaces and creating cool public areas.

For visitors planning to visit Athens this summer, Ms. Bargianni advises using the Extrema Global app that calculates the coolest route for getting from point A to point B according to the current temperature and density of the trees. The city already has several air-conditioned cooling centers that are free.

During last July’s heat wave, the Acropolis was forced to close between midday and the early evening to protect visitors after some of them collapsed from the heat. The ministry of culture could make the same decision this year, Ms. Bargianni said, if the heat is severe.

Heat and tours: Travel advisers get creative

Travel advisers are also factoring heat into flexible itineraries. In cities like Rome, Barcelona, Paris and Athens, they are scheduling sightseeing in the cooler morning and evening hours, and arranging air-conditioned transportation.

“We tend to do activities and tours in the morning, then stop for lunch, and in the mid- to late afternoon you either go back to the hotel to sit by the pool or go to the beach,” said Gary Portuesi, a co-managing partner at Authentic Explorations, a New York-based travel company that specializes in Europe.

If clients insist on taking midday tours, the company will work with local partners to make the experience as comfortable as possible. “If there is a six-hour tour, for example, they will cut it down to four and take them to an air-conditioned gelateria for a break,” Mr. Portuesi said.

It is not only the heat that travel advisers have had to grapple with, but also other unpredictable weather events. Last summer, while some parts of the continent were hot and dry, others were cold and wet. “There was a period during the summer peak when it was hotter in the Dolomites than it was in Sicily,” said Jennifer Schwartz, the Italy-based partner of Authentic Explorations. “The most important aspect of our job is to set expectations about the variables and guide people instead of saying it’s too hot, don’t come.”

Heat insurance?

To help travelers book with more confidence, Sensible Weather, a Los Angeles-based start-up that provides a weather guarantee for vacations and outdoor experiences, has recently added high heat protection to its coverage. When booking through a Sensible partner, travelers will be able to add daily protection and if the temperature exceeds a threshold — usually set between 90 and 100 degrees — they can claim reimbursement. Currently, the insurance is only available in the United States, but, the company said, will gradually be rolled out in Europe and elsewhere.

“The goal of the company is to cover everything that can ruin a trip, and usually it’s rain, but temperature is number two,” said Nick Cavanaugh, the company’s founder who was developing the product while caught in a heat wave in Barcelona last year.

Customers do not need to cancel their trip in order to be reimbursed. Those on package tours are reimbursed for the average daily rate of their entire trip for each day that surpassed the heat threshold. “Our customers can still go on their vacations, but if it’s too hot for some hours of the day and unpleasant to go outside, you can hang out in the air-conditioning and we will reimburse you,” Mr. Cavanaugh said.

Heading to cooler climes

Some travelers who were caught in Europe’s heat waves last summer are seeking cooler destinations this summer in places like Norway, Slovenia, Switzerland, Sweden and Finland. Flight searches for Tromsø, Norway, for example, have increased by 85 percent over 2023, according to Kayak.

Joanna Walker, a 43-year-old recruiter from Boston, was caught in a blistering heat wave with her family in Italy last July and vowed never to return during the summer. She said she had been advised to travel during the shoulder season, but couldn’t because her children were in school.

“We couldn’t even cool off in the pool because there was no shade and the water was hot,” Ms. Walker recalled. “We wanted to see the sights in Florence and have long lunches in the piazzas, but instead we were stuck in our overpriced villas under the air-conditioning.”

This year her family has booked a tour of Norway’s fjords in July, where temperatures linger in the high 60s. “It’s going to be a different vibe to Italy for sure, lots of nature and not as much history, but at least it will be cool enough to experience something.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel reporter for The Times who frequently writes about the cruise industry and Europe, where she is based. More about Ceylan Yeğinsu

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Piedmont Mini Bike Tour June 2024

12051 Alba, Province of Cuneo, Italy

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About this trip

Piedmont wine region: perfect riding where you least expect it..

Piedmont is a region in the northwest corner of Italy that borders France and Switzerland. Almost half of Piedmont can be described as mountainous while most of the remainder is considered hilly. Its terrain is higher and perhaps more challenging than the description "the foot of the mountains,” the literal translation of its name, might suggest.

The Langa and Monferrato regions of Piedmont are in one of the most important wine production areas in Italy and received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014. The Piedmont Barolo cycling tour will take us to the heart of these regions, over rolling hills covered with endless vineyards and past ancient castles and hidden hilltop hamlets. These hills offer superb riding along peaceful secondary roads.

Vineyards cover most of the hills here and wines such as Barolo (the so-called King of wines), Barbaresco, Barbera, and Nebbiolo are perfectly paired with dishes that will make each meal a gastronomic event. Towns like Barolo, Acqui Terme, and Alba are perfect stops for a taste of what the region has to offer, where strolling through the cobbled streets and sipping a glass of local wine in piazzas bursting with cafes and wine bars is a great way to end a day on the bike. You’ll see how connected the local people are to the land, and how they take pride in everything they produce.

The first two days revolve around Alba, our stay for two nights, which is the capital of the Langa region and a charming, midsize town. There, a local guide will explain its history and link to agriculture, the economic foundation of Langa along with wine and truffle tourism.

The second part of the itinerary will take us to Monferrato (province of Alessandria) and we will explore the area of Novi and Gavi, known for its white wine (mostly Gavi from cortese grapes).

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• Balance due 90 days prior to departure

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At Tourissimo we strive to present you the best experience possible in customer service and while on tour, and we are always available to complete the booking together if you prefer. 

Call us at  +1 (857) 997-0051 or  write to us .

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Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau

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• Prime Minister to travel to Europe to attend G7 Summit and the Summit on Peace in Ukraine

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Working together with like-minded partners, we can make the world fairer and more prosperous. While the challenges facing Canada are real and rapidly evolving – we’re not alone. These are shared challenges that require shared solutions. Co-operation with international partners, in the G7 and well beyond, is how we build a better future with security, opportunity, and meaningful progress. 

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced he will travel to Apulia, Italy, from June 13 to 15, 2024, to attend the G7 Summit, before travelling to Lucerne, Switzerland, from June 15 to 16, 2024, to participate in the Summit on Peace in Ukraine.

At the G7 Summit, the Prime Minister will strengthen collaboration to address the most pressing global challenges. He will highlight the importance of defending democracy and democratic values, including by countering foreign interference and mis and disinformation. He will promote fair, inclusive, and dynamic growth anchored in the global energy and digital transitions. This includes the clean energy transition to create jobs, grow the economy and keep the air clean, while ensuring strong labour standards, and respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples. It also includes promoting the responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence.  

The Prime Minister will discuss ongoing G7 efforts to address geopolitical challenges, including the crisis in the Middle East and support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing war with a view to achieving just and lasting peace. The Prime Minister will take part in bilateral meetings with leaders from other countries and deepen partnerships on shared priorities. Ahead of Canada hosting the G7 in 2025, the Prime Minister will share our government’s work to create good-paying jobs, grow an inclusive and dynamic economy, and deliver fairness for every generation. 

In Switzerland, at the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, the Prime Minister will reaffirm Canada’s support for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s continued efforts toward a just and sustainable peace. This includes Canada’s co-leadership of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, as well as its co-chairing of the Peace Formula Working Group Four on the return of prisoners of war, unlawfully detained civilians and illegally deported children. The Summit will provide a platform for dialogue among nations from different regions of the world on ways to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

“The world is facing major challenges, but together, we can tackle them and make it better, fairer, and more inclusive for everyone. I look forward to meeting with world leaders at the G7 and at the Summit on Peace in Ukraine to defend democracy, deepen international partnerships, and put Canadians at the forefront of opportunity.” The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

• The G7 includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union. 
• Canada will host the G7 in 2025. Canada last held the presidency of the G7 in 2018.
• With more than 1.5 million people who reported Italian heritage in 2021, Canada is home to one of the largest Italian diasporas in the world. From business to sports, cuisine, politics, and much more, the Italo-Canadian community enriches all aspects of Canadian society.
• In 2023, two-way merchandise trade between Canada and Italy totaled $15.6 billion, making Italy Canada’s 8th largest global merchandise trading partner, and Canada’s 2nd largest in the European Union.
• Canada has been integral in supporting a made-in-Ukraine peace plan and the Summit for Peace in Ukraine.
• Canada and Ukraine co-lead the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, which is an important element of a Ukraine peace plan.
• The Coalition coordinates joint efforts and co-operation between Ukraine and partner states to address the issue of the unlawful deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation, and aims to bring Ukrainian children home to their families and communities. The Coalition will also focus efforts on supporting their reunification with families and their reintegration into their communities. It was officially launched in Kyiv, Ukraine, on February 2, 2024.
• Canada and Switzerland enjoy close and multifaceted bilateral relations, based upon shared values, commercial interests, people-to-people ties, and a commitment to democracy and human rights. Our two countries cooperate closely within multilateral forums and enjoy a robust commercial relationship.

Associated Links

• Canada and the G7
• Canada-Italy relations
• International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children
• Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
• Canada-Switzerland relations

Italy warns against travel to Russia, citing imminent terrorist threats

"We had already advised our citizens on March 8 not to travel to Russia, and if they are already there, to refrain from participating in events," stated Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani.

"A terrorist attack in Russia seemed imminent," revealed Italy's Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani in a Sunday interview with "Corriere della Sera."

Zelensky blames Putin amid deadly attack near Moscow, tensions rise

"On March 8, we had already warned our citizens not to travel to Russia, and if they were there, to abstain from participating in events," the Foreign Minister reiterated. "We now hope that Putin won't use this tragic act of terrorism as a pretext to escalate tensions," he added.

"The restless Muslim minority at the Afghan border is well known. It's also an open secret that there are plans, facilitated by the Afghan branch of ISIS , to establish an Islamic state in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Now, all signs suggest they might have orchestrated the attack," the Italian Foreign Minister explained, referring to the terrorist strike on Friday in Krasnogorsk near Moscow, which claimed over 130 lives.

Warning from the Italian minister following the attack near Moscow

"Terrorism affects us all. We are collectively prepared to combat it; not just to avert further escalation of tension on Russia's eastern front, but also in recognition of the global threat," he highlighted.

"Certainly, we mustn't let down our guard," Deputy Prime Minister Tajani remarked.

Russia disregarded US alerts

A US official confirmed on Friday that the Islamic State had claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack at a concert near Moscow, which US intelligence had pre-warned Russia about.

Russia unveils strategic railway in occupied Ukraine, eyeing military edge

The official disclosed that the United States had alerted Russia in the preceding weeks about the potential for such an attack.

"Indeed, we had cautioned the Russians," said the official, who requested anonymity and did not provide further details.

Global alerts issued over potential extremist threats in Moscow

US Embassy warns of extremist threat in Moscow, tensions with Russia rise

Putin's first foreign trip. A place where he can feel safe