Italian Lakes and Bernina Express Tour with a Mediterranean Cruise

Italian Lakes and Bernina Express Tour with a Mediterranean Cruise

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Italian Lakes and Bernina Express Tour with a Mediterranean Cruise

16 Days Starting in Milan, Italy and ending in Istanbul, Turkey

Visiting: Milan, Lake Maggiore, Lugano, Swiss Alps, Lake Garda, Venice, Trieste, Rijeka, Korčula, Santorini, Rhodes, Ephesus, Mykonos, Istanbul

Tour operator:

Titan Travel

Tour code:

TTHIT

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Faster

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Cruise

Activities:

Boat/Cruise Excursion

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the Italian Lakes and Bernina Express Tour combined with a Mediterranean Cruise. This extraordinary adventure takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Italy, Switzerland, Croatia, Greece, and Turkey. Begin with serene boat tours on Lake Garda and the Borromean Islands, and a scenic Bernina Express train ride from St Moritz to Tirano. Explore the historic streets of Venice, the ancient city of Ephesus, and the charming towns of Santorini and Mykonos. Enjoy luxurious accommodations with 5 nights in hotels and 12 nights aboard the Westerdam or Oosterdam cruise ships. Indulge in 41 meals, including breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, and experience VIP door-to-door travel service. This tour promises a perfect blend of cultural exploration, breathtaking nature, and luxurious relaxation.

Highlights

  • Visit to the chocolate factory in Tessin

  • Boat tour to visit the Borromean Islands

  • Bernina Express journey from St Moritz to Tirano

  • Boat tour on Lake Garda

  • Guided tour of Venice

  • Explore the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey

  • Discover the whitewashed towns and breathtaking sunsets of Santorini

  • Wander the historic streets of Mykonos Town

Places You'll See

Italian Lakes And Bernina Express Tour With A Mediterranean Cruise

Italian Lakes And Bernina Express Tour With A Mediterranean Cruise

Italian Lakes And Bernina Express Tour With A Mediterranean Cruise

Italian Lakes And Bernina Express Tour With A Mediterranean Cruise

Italian Lakes And Bernina Express Tour With A Mediterranean Cruise

Italian Lakes And Bernina Express Tour With A Mediterranean Cruise

Italian Lakes And Bernina Express Tour With A Mediterranean Cruise

Italian Lakes And Bernina Express Tour With A Mediterranean Cruise

Italian Lakes And Bernina Express Tour With A Mediterranean Cruise

Italian Lakes And Bernina Express Tour With A Mediterranean Cruise

Italian Lakes And Bernina Express Tour With A Mediterranean Cruise

Italian Lakes And Bernina Express Tour With A Mediterranean Cruise

Italian Lakes And Bernina Express Tour With A Mediterranean Cruise

Italian Lakes And Bernina Express Tour With A Mediterranean Cruise

Italian Lakes And Bernina Express Tour With A Mediterranean Cruise

Italian Lakes And Bernina Express Tour With A Mediterranean Cruise

Itinerary

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Day 1

Location: Milan

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Milan. On arrival we transfer to Lake Maggiore - the most tranquil and undiscovered of Italy’s lakes.

Day 2

Location: Lake Maggiore

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Lake Maggiore is edged by charming towns with twisting cobbled streets and family-run trattoria. It’s backed by prominent snow-capped peaks in every direction. Its wind-ruffled waters are dotted with three tiny islands, the Borromean Islands, and today we’ll explore each of them.
Isola Bella (beautiful island) lives up to its name with the dominating 17th-century Palazzo Borromeo and sprawling gardens. Isola Madre is noted for its beautiful botanical gardens, rich in rare plants. Then we’ll enjoy some free time on picturesque Isola dei Pescatori.

Day 3

Location: Lugano

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We leave Italy behind and head for the soaring alpine peaks and timber villages of Switzerland. We’ll learn about the sweetest of Swiss traditions at a chocolate factory - there’ll be plenty of opportunity for a tasting, too.
We arrive at lakeside Lugano, where the maze of cobblestoned streets untangle by the tranquil lakeshore to reveal a long, flowery promenade fringed with waterside eateries and cafés. The Mediterranean-style squares and vast parkland are a delight to explore. We then continue to St Moritz this afternoon - the picture of Swiss alpine perfection.

Day 4

Location: Swiss Alps

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

An ‘express’ train ride doesn’t usually conjure images of gentle journeys through snow-covered peaks, admired through panoramic windows. But the Bernina Express is not your usual express train journey. Today you’ll wind through the magnificent Swiss Alps, crossing borders and cultures as you travel from St Moritz to Tirano in Italy. You’ll pass over 196 bridges and climb the incredible Brusio Spiral Viaduct, which was built to limit the railway’s incline to 7%. On arrival in Tirano, we transfer to our hotel in Lake Garda for the evening.

Day 5

Location: Lake Garda

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Visitors have been captivated by the beauty of Lake Garda for centuries - and it’s easy to see why. The largest of Italy’s lakes, the north offers mesmerising views of the Alps tumbling into the lake’s waters and its shoreline is a mix of waterside towns and cliff-hanging villages. The south is splendid with sprawling vineyards and olive groves - and some of the lake’s prettiest towns, not least of which is Sirmione.
We’ll take to the crystal-clear waters this morning for a cruise on the lake and spend some time exploring Sirmione. Here, the medieval Rocca Scaligera looms over the charming twists of the old town. It was originally a Roman fortification, but it was rebuilt in the 13th century and affords beautiful views of Sirmione from the tower.

Day 6

Location: Venice

Accommodation Name: Cruise Ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We journey to Venice this morning, where we make a stop to discover this world-famous city on a guided tour. We’ll then continue to the port city of Trieste to embark our ship and we’ll stay docked overnight.

Day 7

Location: Trieste

Accommodation Name: Cruise Ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This historic seaside city near Italy’s border with Slovenia has lovely historic buildings and scenic beaches to explore. We’ll sail this afternoon, so you’ll have time to wander at your own pace.

Day 8

Location: Rijeka

Accommodation Name: Cruise Ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Rijeka you can reach a number of Croatian gems, including the town of Pula, where you’ll find over 3,000 years of history including its impressive 1st-century Roman amphitheatre. Or maybe head to the island of Krk often called the Golden Island for its sparkling sandy beaches. If you’d prefer to enjoy Rijeka itself, this bustling port city has many streets and avenues to explore, lined with 18th-century homes and several beautiful churches.

Day 9

Location: Korčula

Accommodation Name: Cruise Ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Korcula is a true gem of Dalmatia. Steeped in history, dense pine forests and glorious little towns, this island has it all. In Korcula Town, the Adriatic Sea laps at the shore on three sides and sprawling groves of palms and evergreens border the other. You may feel as though you’ve awoken in a Croatian paradise this morning.
Korcula Old Town is the island’s treasured highlight. Its stone architecture and historic ambience is reminiscent of the one-time Venetian rule with towered gates, lion statues, magnificent palazzos and elaborate stonework decorating the streets. You’ll feel completely transported as you wander the walkways here.

Day 10

Location: Korčula

Accommodation Name: Cruise Ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A day at leisure to explore all the facilities on board.

Day 11

Location: Santorini

Accommodation Name: Cruise Ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The jewel in the crown of the Cyclades islands, Santorini is world famous for its whitewashed towns and breathtaking sunsets. You can choose to explore its archaeological treasures at ancient Akrotiri, spend time swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Perissa Beach, or for stunning views do a bit of volcano hiking.

Day 12

Location: Rhodes

Accommodation Name: Cruise Ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The island of Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and its capital, Rhodes Town, offers a wonderful mix of architecture from centuries of civilisations, not least the Palace of the Grand Masters and Hospital of the Knights. There are other discoveries to make too, including the acropolis of Lindos. Overlooking the town of the same name and the striking blue waters of St Paul’s Bay, it’s also the site of a Byzantine church and fortifications built by the Knights.

Day 13

Location: Ephesus

Accommodation Name: Cruise Ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ephesus is one of the most legendary cities of the ancient world. It is the grandest and best-preserved of Turkey’s ancient cities. St Paul preached in its Great Theatre and even today the façade of the Celsus Library still stands, as a testament to the city’s one-time role as a centre of learning and culture.

Day 14

Location: Mykonos

Accommodation Name: Cruise Ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Once a favourite holiday destination of Jackie Kennedy Onassis and her entourage, Mykonos has been associated with wealthy jetsetters for decades. But glitz and glamour aside, this island is teeming with Greek charm. A walk around Mykonos Town will capture your heart. It’s a maze of whitewashed buildings with blue doorways and draping pink bougainvillea. The iconic windmills stand tall, the swathes of beach are golden and inviting and the dolmades are fresh and delicious.
You might like to get a flavour of the whole island on a panoramic tour taking in Ioannis, Ornos, Kalafatis and ending in Ano Mera, perhaps the most traditional of the island’s villages.

Day 15

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation Name: Cruise Ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After lunch we sail into Turkey’s capital to discover the sights and sounds of this magnificent city. Travel back thousands of years at the Sultanahmet Meydani, once the sporting and social heart of Constantinople; admire the incredible tiles adorning the Blue Mosque; and gaze up at the domes and minarets of UNESCO-listed Hagia Sophia.
The colourful Grand Bazaar is also a must-see. With almost 4,000 shops of antiques, carpets, jewellery and more, it’s the biggest souk in the world. After all the browsing, perhaps call in at one of the bazaar’s historic coffee roasters for a cup of authentic Turkish coffee, prepared and poured the traditional way. We’ll dock overnight, so there’s plenty of time to explore.

Day 16

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation Name: Cruise Ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On the far northwest coast of Turkey, the 60km-long Dardanelles divides the continents of Europe and Asia. This historic waterway once acted as a strategic gateway for both shipping trade and military to Istanbul and the Black Sea region. We’ll depart Istanbul to enjoy a day of scenic cruising.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    5 nights in hotels and 12 nights cruise on Westerdam (accommodation as specified or similar).

  • International Flights

    Prices are based on return flights with British Airways from London Heathrow. Supplements may apply from other airports.

  • Meals

    41 meals: 17 breakfasts (days 2-18), 11 lunches (days 7-17), 13 dinners (days 1 and 6-17).

  • Excursions

    4 excursions and visits.

  • Chocolate Factory Visit

    Visit to the chocolate factory in Tessin.

  • Borromean Islands Tour

    Boat tour to visit the Borromean Islands.

  • Bernina Express Journey

    Bernina Express journey from St Moritz to Tirano.

  • Lake Garda Tour

    Boat tour on Lake Garda.

  • VIP Travel Service

    Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service.

  • Local Tour Manager

    Local Titan tour manager in Italy and Switzerland.

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What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions and activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees and any related travel documentation are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with international flights, VIP door-to-door travel service, and local transportation by coach. Experience the scenic Bernina Express train journey and boat tours on Lake Garda and the Borromean Islands.

Accommodation

Enjoy 5 nights in hotels and 12 nights on the luxurious Westerdam or Oosterdam cruise ships, offering comfortable and stylish accommodations throughout your journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is included in the tour?

    The tour includes international flights, VIP door-to-door travel service, local transportation by coach, the scenic Bernina Express train journey, and boat tours on Lake Garda and the Borromean Islands.

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides 5 nights in hotels and 12 nights on the luxurious Westerdam or Oosterdam cruise ships, offering comfortable and stylish accommodations throughout the journey.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes 41 meals: 17 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 13 dinners.

  • What excursions are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 4 excursions and visits, such as a visit to a chocolate factory in Tessin, a boat tour to the Borromean Islands, a journey on the Bernina Express from St Moritz to Tirano, and a boat tour on Lake Garda.

  • Is there a guided tour of Venice included in the itinerary?

    Yes, a guided tour of Venice is included in the itinerary.

  • What are some of the highlights of the tour?

    Highlights of the tour include exploring the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey, discovering the whitewashed towns and breathtaking sunsets of Santorini, and wandering the historic streets of Mykonos Town.

  • What personal expenses are not included in the tour?

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and drinks are not included in the tour package.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • Are gratuities included in the tour package?

    No, gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

  • What is the starting and ending location of the tour?

    The tour starts in Milan, Italy, and ends in Istanbul, Turkey.

  • Do I have to pay a Single Supplement?

    In most cases a single supplement will apply. If the price for a Single room for sole occupancy is not shown, please ask our team for details and we will be able to check the details for you.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    We've been taking our customers across the world on escorted tours for more than 40 years

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Our commitment to sustainable travel is part of our ethos. We love exploring the world and hope that, alongside our customers, we can be part of a bigger change in respecting the people and wildlife on our planet and minimising the impact we have on our environment.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    With some COVID-19 rules and restrictions still in place there are a few details that you need to know. This information is subject to change. It’s your responsibility to monitor changes and ensure you fulfil all relevant criteria for travel. Rest assured that we’re on hand to help and answer any questions you might have.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    You’ll receive your Final holiday documents via email approximately 14 days prior to your departure.

Reviews of this operator

Brian Jones (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from the great...

08-Apr-2024

Recently returned from the great Indian rail journey.My wife and I could hardly believe the value for money.From pick ups from Durham to Heathrow and back,to the number of coach and train journeys , quality hotels, great choice of food throughout and our first night in Heathrow Hilton. What really made our trip a success was our guide, Prashant,who managed a party of twenty four very varied, sometimes a little unpredictable travellers with ease.Nothing was too much trouble for him and as a group we gelled and warmed to Prashant as he kept us safe, well informed and a little entertained by his mix of authority and humanity.Where do I begin with the tour itself ? India,a country of extremes.Poverty,wealth,order,chaos.Sometimes bleak,often breathtakingly beautiful.The people,the cities,art, architecture,flaura and fauna.Delhi,Jaipur, Amritsar,Agra, Ranthambore, Chandigarh and the icing on the cake that is Shimla. An absolute masterclass of man versus nature,the railway and buildings are an unbelievable feat,but wait until you see the dual carriageway being built on the mountainside.🤯I could go on for a very long time but I'll just post some photos.Thanks to Titan,thanks to the excellent Prashant and and a massive thanks to the other twenty two travellers who helped shape our holiday of a lifetime.🏁💜

Odile Lawen (Google Reviewer)  

I have booked the Icelandic...

11-Mar-2024

I have booked the Icelandic Adventure holiday with Titan Travel, the Booking Staff was pleasant throughout. What I love about Titan Travel, transfer from your home to the airport and vice versa is included in the holiday.

Thomas Fisher (Google Reviewer)  

Danube cruise was great value....

13-Sep-2023

Danube cruise was great value. Well organised. Clear instructions from Titan prior to travel. Door to door service great.

Sarah Hoad  

Exceptional trip and service by Titan

04-Oct-2022

Just returned from a fabulous tour of California & the golden west. It’s a full on tour with early starts but you see so much varied landscape from the ocean to the desert to Yosemite. My 2nd tour with Titan & my first solo tour. Thoroughly enjoyed it & met some great people. Grand Canyon was amazing would definitely recommend

Trustpilot
Ms Margaret Aldgate  

Not merely a holiday, rather a memorable experience

29-Dec-2022

I have used other travel operators; this was the 1st time of touring with Titan----Israel, The Holy Land, from being collected from home and returned at the end of the holiday this was an unforgettable experience; the Tour Manager, a PhD Archaeology made the whole tour so interesting, he enlightened us throughout each day from an historical, archeological and Biblical viewpoint, bringing each site we visited come to life, and went over and above his remit escorting us for evening trips around the local area; thanks also to our very patient driver who coped with the very busy traffic; our hotels were good, professional and pleasant staff and really good food; I would recommend Titan to anyone looking for a fascinating tour with excellent efficient service thank you Titan nor just for a holiday for a memorable experience

Trustpilot
Sella Shan (Google Reviewer)  

We had a 2 weeks...

05-Dec-2023

We had a 2 weeks fantastic holiday arranged by Titan to Vietnam and Cambodia. Excellent,well organised Throughly enjoyed. Very good service by Vietnam Airlines, if you could afford book it in premium economy. We had a door to door service , picked up to airport from home and then dropped at home from airport, very convinient. Particular credit goes to our guide THI who is a caring, knolegeable, friendly down to earth man who made our trip a memorable one. I will not hesitate to book another holiday through Titan, their staff are friendly and helpful

Eileen Bulsara (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic holiday...

26-May-2023

We had a fantastic holiday in Mississippi. Right from our chauffeur driven car picking us up to the return journey, we had a great time. The first hotel The Gaylord was amazing,absolutely huge,first class. The second The Double tree in Memphis unfortunately wasn't, the hotel was tired and very basic, the only plus was where it is situated in the centre of town, we were only there two nights so it wasn't to bad. The American Queen Steam Boat was first class all the way, thoroughly enjoyed the seven nights sailing down the Mississippi. The last hotel the Sheraton New Orleans was very comfortable too. Our guide throughout our time away was Laura Tuttle. she was amazing, very knowledgeable, and helpful. We also had a coach driver Guil, who went over and beyond to give you the best time. Other coach guides included Jim,who was so funny, and also very knowledgeably. Very entertaining throughout. The entire itinerary itinerary was very well thought out, included a huge variety of visits to different Interesting locations. Highly recommend using Titan for all your holiday destinations.

Nic (Google Reviewer)  

Wonderful travel company I booked my...

15-Jun-2024

Wonderful travel company I booked my first tour to lndia and was wonderfully taken care of Highly recommended, especially tour guide Janice

Susan Hawken (Google Reviewer)  

THE GREAT INDIAN RAIL JOURNEY!!!!...

03-Feb-2024

THE GREAT INDIAN RAIL JOURNEY!!!! (Dreadful) Avoid Titan and Saga at all costs. False descriptions of the tour and dreadful administration Returned to the UK last evening with a great sigh of relief after the worst holiday ever. 1. No block booking of airplane seats by Titan. (Husband and I sat apart on the long, overnight flight) 2. Unable to pre-book seats as Titan reference numbers did not coincide with anything. 3. Husband and I not sat together on any of the train journeys! In fact, on one occasion I was sat, alone on a sleeper carriage, a couple of carriages away from the rest of the group who were scattered over two or three carriages. Terrifying as a female to be sat alone in the midst of noisy locals!!!!! (Eventually the guide, Rahi, did come to rescue me and found a seat near the main group) 4. The guide, Rahi, would usually get off the coach and begin walking off without waiting for all the group to disembark the coach. (Spot the guide in the crowd!) 5. The guide, Rahi, refused to use any identifying prop such as a flag, hat, jacket or umbrella. Frightening to be in the manic crowds of Delhi and other crowded places to be unable to see the guide. 6. NO AUDIO HEADSET system on any excursion 7. The guide, Rahi, didn’t face the whole group, but stood sideways on and was unable to be heard by the majority. 8. OUTRAGEOUS behaviour by the guide when he enquired as to the whereabouts of my husband, whom I explained was in bed with an upset stomach and was feeling unwell. Rahi DID A REVERSE AIR PUNCH😳😳. This was in response to an earlier conversation when my husband had complained about our separate seating arrangements. TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL 9. When we arrived at Heathrow to find our aircraft seats were not allocated, we were advised to speak to our guide on arrival at Delhi. Rahi merely shrugged his shoulders and said he couldn’t do anything. 10. Tour pace incorrect - gruelling pace and only half a day relaxation due to the guide, Rahi, throwing in visits to shops and factories fie him to earn his commission as I head him tell another!!!!!!! 11. When off loaded the return flight due to illness, we were unable to get in contact with Titan/Saga. Left in Delhi without an hotel or flight!!! Found accommodation but didn’t remove shoes or clothes due to the poor standard. Final summary: Poor, disappointing, inefficient, incompetent, misleading, misrepresentations, are just a few words to describe.

Linda Vokes (Google Reviewer)  

Luxury VIP door to door...

17-Jul-2023

Luxury VIP door to door travel! I don't think so....Titan sent a Toyota Prius uber to Stanstead for a return journey to Newport, S Wales. 4 adults plus luggage! the experience was anything but luxurious. Contacted Titan on the return journey and since return. They simply didn't seem interested and offered us a £300 travel discount off a future trip! After a lot of emails they converted it to a £300 cash refund. Give it a lot of thought before booking !

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Titan Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 75 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Titan Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform titan travel, 75 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Titan Travel requires a minimum deposit of 395 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of titan travel charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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