Swiss Alps & Italian Lakes
Peaks, Villas and Alpine Light
September 16 – September 28, 2027 · 12 nights
TRAVEL STYLE & IDEAL FOR: A relaxed scenic journey for travelers drawn to spectacular landscapes, photography and the contrast between Alpine Switzerland and northern Italy. Mountain peaks, glaciers and historic towns gradually give way to sparkling lakes, elegant villas and waterfront life, with wine, chocolate and regional food experiences adding another layer to the journey.
FROM SWISS ALPS TO ITALIAN LAKES TOUR OVERVIEW
Few journeys change character as beautifully as this one. It begins among Switzerland’s high peaks, where cable cars climb toward glaciers, mountain railways cross dramatic landscapes and vineyard terraces overlook Lake Geneva. As the journey continues south, the scenery gradually softens: Alpine valleys lead to Lucerne and Lugano, then across the border to the villa-lined shores of northern Italy. On Lakes Como and Maggiore, mountains become the backdrop to gardens, boat crossings and leisurely time by the water. Along the way, Swiss wine and chocolate, a cooking experience in a private home, local cheese and northern Italian wines bring the landscapes closer through their flavors. A journey defined by changing light, remarkable views and the pleasure of moving slowly from the Alps to the lakes.
Tour Price: €8,780
Tour price includes:
- Private arrival transfer from Geneva Airport (GVA) to the Geneva hotel and departure transfer from Lake Maggiore to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
- 12 nights in selected accommodations: Geneva (1), Zermatt (2), Interlaken (2), Lucerne (2), Lugano (1), Cernobbio on Lake Como (2) and Lake Maggiore (2)
- All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 6 dinners, including welcome and farewell dinners
- Sara Rozzi, your professional English-speaking Tour Leader throughout the journey, accommodated at the same hotels as the group
- Private coach transportation and transfers for the included touring, as detailed in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking local guides for included visits, with audio headsets throughout the journey
- Guided exploration of Geneva, plus a winery visit and tasting in the terraced Lavaux wine region
- Excursion to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, including the cable-car ticket and one beverage at the panoramic café
- Visit to the Ballenberg Swiss Open-Air Museum, plus a full-day guided excursion around Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen with the Männlichen gondola and Trümmelbach Falls
- Guided exploration of Lucerne, a Swiss chocolate tasting and hands-on chocolate bar workshop, and a guided excursion across Mount Pilatus
- Gotthard Panorama Express journey toward Lugano, including 1st-class boat and train travel (to be reconfirmed)
- Lake Como experiences including a hands-on cooking class in a private home with lunch and local wine, private boat transportation, Villa Carlotta and time in Bellagio
- Visit to a local cheese producer with tasting and light lunch, a winery tasting in the Gattinara area, and private boat exploration of the Borromean Islands with lunch on Isola Bella and a farewell dinner on Isola dei Pescatori
- VAT, city taxes and gratuities for included guides, Tour Leader, hotel staff, servers and local drivers
Tour price is per person based on a minimum of 6 participants and double occupancy. A single supplement of EUR 1,850 is available for those traveling alone who would like their own room.
*International airfare is not included, but Olde Ipswich Tours can assist with booking flights.
DAYS 1-3, GENEVA, LAVAUX & ZERMATT: Arrive in Geneva and explore its historic center before gathering for a welcome dinner. The following day, travel through the terraced vineyards of Lavaux for a winery visit and tasting, with time in lakeside Montreux before continuing to Zermatt. The next morning, ascend to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, more than 3,800 meters above sea level, for extraordinary views across Alpine peaks and glaciers.
DAYS 4-5, BALLENBERG, INTERLAKEN & THE BERNESE ALPS: Leave Zermatt for Interlaken, stopping at the Ballenberg Swiss Open-Air Museum to discover traditional Swiss architecture, craftsmanship and rural life. The following day, explore the dramatic landscapes around Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen with a local guide, riding the Männlichen gondola and visiting the glacial Trümmelbach Falls hidden inside the mountain.
DAYS 6-8, LUCERNE, CHOCOLATE & MOUNT PILATUS: Discover Lucerne’s historic center and lakeside setting before stepping into the world of Swiss chocolate for a tasting and hands-on workshop. The following day, cross Mount Pilatus by cogwheel railway, cableway and gondola. Then travel toward Lugano aboard the Gotthard Panorama Express, watching the landscape gradually shift toward Switzerland’s Italian-speaking south.
DAYS 9-10, LAKE COMO, COOKING & VILLA CARLOTTA: Cross into Italy and begin Lake Como with a hands-on cooking class in a private home, preparing regional dishes before sitting down to enjoy them with local wine. The next day, take to the water by private boat for Villa Carlotta and its botanical gardens, then continue to Bellagio with time to explore independently before returning to Cernobbio.
DAY 11-12, LOCAL FLAVORS & THE BORROMEAN ISLANDS: Travel toward Lake Maggiore, stopping to meet a local cheese producer for a tasting and light lunch before visiting a winery in the Gattinara area. The following day, explore the Borromean Islands by private boat, visiting Isola Madre and Isola Bella before a final evening on traditional Isola dei Pescatori for a farewell dinner.
DAY 13, DEPARTURE: After breakfast, transfer from Lake Maggiore to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) for your flight home.
*Transfers to major airports can be arranged at an additional cost.
