Italy & Switzerland | 8 days, 7 nights | Escorted tour
From £1,667 per person, including return flights
21 April 2027 departure from London Heathrow. Based on two adults sharing.
Discover the Italian Lakes and Swiss Alps
Spend a week beside the beautiful waters of Lake Como, exploring elegant lakeside towns, historic villas and spectacular Alpine scenery.
This eight-day escorted holiday combines the relaxed atmosphere of the Italian Lakes with one of Europe's most remarkable train journeys: the Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps to St Moritz.
You'll wander the colourful streets of Varenna, take a ferry across the lake to Bellagio and visit the gardens of Villa del Balbianello. There is also plenty of time to enjoy Lake Como at your own pace, with optional excursions to Milan, Como and Bergamo.
With an experienced tour manager looking after the arrangements, you can concentrate on enjoying the journey.
Holiday highlights
The Bernina Express – Travel through the Swiss Alps, crossing the famous Brusio spiral viaduct and climbing to the 2,253-metre Bernina Pass.
Beautiful Bellagio – Explore one of Lake Como's most celebrated towns, with its narrow lanes, gardens and waterfront cafés.
Villa del Balbianello – Discover the magnificent lakeside gardens of this historic villa.
Colourful Varenna – Stroll along cobbled streets and admire the colourful houses overlooking the lake.
Lake Como cruise – Enjoy views of grand villas, picturesque villages and the surrounding mountains from the water.
Time to explore – Relax beside the lake or join optional excursions to Milan, Como and Bergamo.
Your eight-day itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive at Lake Como
Fly from London Heathrow to Milan, where you'll be met for your transfer to Lake Como.
Settle into your hotel and enjoy your first evening beside the lake.
Overnight: Lake Como
Day 2 – Explore Varenna
Today you'll visit Varenna, one of Lake Como's prettiest towns.
Colourful houses line the waterfront, while narrow cobbled lanes lead to small shops and cafés. Enjoy time exploring the town, perhaps taking a stroll along the famous lakeside Lovers' Walk.
Overnight: Lake Como
Day 3 – Bellagio and Villa del Balbianello
Cross Lake Como by ferry to Bellagio, beautifully positioned where the lake divides into two branches.
Enjoy a short walking tour followed by free time to explore its elegant streets, gardens and waterfront.
Later, take a scenic cruise across the lake, passing magnificent villas and pretty lakeside villages, before visiting the gardens of Villa del Balbianello.
Overnight: Lake Como
Day 4 – At leisure or visit Como
Enjoy a leisurely day beside the lake, or join an optional excursion to Como.
This historic town has a beautiful cathedral, attractive piazzas and a charming old centre. For wonderful views across the lake, you may wish to take the funicular railway up to Brunate.
Overnight: Lake Como
Day 5 – At leisure or discover Milan
Relax at your hotel or choose an optional excursion to Milan, Italy's fashion and design capital.
Discover the magnificent Duomo, the impressive Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade and some of the city's most famous historic landmarks.
Overnight: Lake Como
Day 6 – The Bernina Express to St Moritz
A highlight of the holiday awaits today.
Travel to Tirano to board the famous Bernina Express for a spectacular rail journey into the Swiss Alps.
The train climbs through dramatic mountain scenery, crossing the remarkable Brusio spiral viaduct and the Bernina Pass at 2,253 metres above sea level.
Arrive in the glamorous Alpine resort of St Moritz, where you'll have time to explore before returning to Lake Como by coach.
Overnight: Lake Como
Day 7 – At leisure or visit Bergamo
Enjoy your final full day beside Lake Como, perhaps relaxing over a long lunch or exploring independently.
Alternatively, join an optional excursion to the beautiful medieval city of Bergamo. Its historic Upper City is surrounded by Venetian walls and filled with picturesque streets, elegant squares and impressive churches.
Overnight: Lake Como
Day 8 – Return to the UK
After breakfast, transfer to Milan airport for your return flight to London Heathrow.
What's included
Return flights from London Heathrow to Milan
Seven nights' accommodation beside Lake Como, on a bed and breakfast or half-board basis depending on hotel
Bernina Express train journey to St Moritz
Two boat journeys on Lake Como, including a scenic cruise
Entrance to the gardens of Villa del Balbianello
Visits to Bellagio and Varenna
Coach transport and transfers throughout
Services of an experienced tour manager
Local guides where applicable
Mandatory local taxes and charges
ATOL protection
Not included: Optional excursions to Como, Milan and Bergamo, meals outside your selected board basis, drinks, travel insurance, gratuities and personal spending.
Your accommodation
Spend seven nights in a hotel beside Lake Como.
A choice of hotels and board arrangements is available, allowing you to select the accommodation that best suits your preferences and budget.
Alex's view
This tour combines two very different experiences: the elegance of the Italian Lakes and the dramatic mountain scenery of the Swiss Alps. The Bernina Express is not to be missed - it’s an iconic bucket list experience that clients frequently ask me for. I also like that you're based at Lake Como for the entire week, giving you time to explore without constantly repacking and changing hotels.
A strong choice for travellers who enjoy scenery, culture and a relaxed pace.
Dates and prices
8 days / 7 nights
From £1,667 per person
The advertised price includes return flights from London Heathrow on 21 April 2027, based on two adults sharing.
Further departures are available between April and October 2027, with regional UK airports available on request.
Enquire about this holiday
Interested in exploring Lake Como and experiencing the Bernina Express?
At Reigate Luxury Travel, you'll receive personal advice and help finding the right departure date, hotel and flights for your holiday.
Whether you'd like to discuss accommodation options, travel from a regional airport or extend your time in Italy, get in touch to explore the possibilities.
Contact Reigate Luxury Travel to start planning your trip.
Price correct as at 1 November 2026. Prices are per person, based on two adults sharing, and are subject to availability and change. Departure dates, hotel options and board arrangements may affect the final price. Single supplements may apply. Optional excursions are payable separately.
Tour operated by Newmarket Holidays (ABTA V7812, ATOL 2325). Bookings arranged through Reigate Luxury Travel, part of Guru Travel Group.
