Lake Como and The Bernina Express

Meet at our Departure Office at London St Pancras and take the
Eurostar to Paris. We continue by rail to Mulhouse for the night.
On Day 2 we travel by rail to Basel, where we
change trains for Lugano. We transfer to the 4-Star Grand Hotel
Cadenabbia, where we stay for seven nights. The hotel has a history
dating back to the 1800s and enjoys a spectacular location in
Cadenabbia di Griante, on the shores of Lake Como.

This morning, we sail to the picturesque village of Bellagio, at
the tip of the peninsula dividing the 'legs' of the lake. The
old-world streets wind away from the main square, Piazza San
Giacomo, a bustling hive of activity and the location of the town's
historic Basilica di San Giacomo. You have free time for lunch in
one of Bellagio's many delightful trattorias before our return
journey across the lake. Later, we visit Villa Carlotta. Built in
the early 18th century for a Milanese Count, this stunning building
once belonged to the Prussian Monarchy and boasts magnificent
gardens and superb artworks, including sculptures by Canova.

Cruise down Lake Como to Lenno, passing striking vineyards and
olive groves. Here, we pay a visit to one of the lake's most
renowned villas, Villa Balbianello. Perched on a wooded peninsula
overlooking the shimmering waters, this enchanting 18th-century
mansion is a popular filming location. Enjoy a guided tour followed
by free time, either at the villa or in Lenno, which is home to
some charming cafés, and the Baptistery di San Giovanni, which
dates back to the 11th century.

Please note: For departures CML2105 & CML2110 Days 4 and
8 have swapped around.

Embark upon an unforgettable journey on the Bernina Express. We
journey by coach to Tirano, where we board the Bernina Express.
This incredible railway line is over 100 years old and is
recognised by UNESCO for the feat of civil engineering required to
create it, as well as the stunning scenery through which it
travels. We journey in panoramic carriages, climbing the Bernina
Pass to more than 7,000 feet. Admire the passing scenery of mighty
glaciers and flower-filled meadows as we wind towards St Moritz,
where you have free time to explore. St Moritz is synonymous with
glamour, attracting wealthy holidaymakers from across the world.
Maybe window-shop at the chic boutiques, or relax with a coffee and
watch the world go by.

Enjoy a free day in Cadenabbia di Griante - one town split into
two, with Cadenabbia sitting on the lakeside and Griante located in
the hills above. Perhaps stroll along the lakeside and marvel at
the breathtaking views, or catch a boat for a scenic trip across
the lake. Alternatively, spend a day relaxing in the elegant
surroundings of our hotel.

On Day 7, we board a coach to Bergamo, in the
foothills of the Alps. Here, we visit the 'Città Alta', or 'upper
town', where Renaissance buildings are encircled by 17th-century
walls, for a guided tour. This afternoon, we continue to Valcalepio
to visit a local wine estate. Here, we're treated to a delicious
traditional lunch, a tour of the cellars and a tasting of the wines
of Lombardy and Franciacorta.

We set out by boat to Varenna, where cobbled streets and narrow
alleyways give the village a truly medieval feel. After some free
time, we continue to Menaggio, a stunning little town that
epitomises the charms of Italy. Wander along the pretty lakeside
promenade, perhaps enjoying some ice cream from a gelateria, or
soak up the atmosphere in the quaint town square. Back in
Cadenabbia, we enjoy a final dinner at our hotel.

Today, we make our way to Milan and connect with a train to
Turin, where we spend the night. On Day 10 we
travel to Paris where we join the Eurostar back to London St
Pancras.