Back-Roads - Vistas of Italy and Switzerland 2019

Venice, Sirmione, Franciacorta, Pontresina and Wengen

From historic Venice to the soul-stirring alpine villages of Switzerland, join us on a memory-making adventure that takes in time honoured traditions, local culture and even some remarkable railway journeys – all among some of the world’s most enchanting scenery.

THE BACK-ROADS DIFFERENCE 

• Learn the traditions of Italian regional cuisine with a cooking class
• Experience two of the great alpine railway journeys: The Bernina Express and the Glacier Express
• Watch a traditional mask decorating demonstration in Venice

Map

 

ITINERARY

DAY 1 VENICE – SIRMIONE

Today we’ll become acquainted with Venice’s maze-like backstreets on a guided walking tour before watching a traditional mask making demonstration. Afterwards, we’ll travel onwards to Sirmione, where we’ll settle down for dinner together before resting our heads for the night. (D)

DAY 2 SIRMIONE – BORGHETTO – SIRMIONE

This morning we’ll make our way to a local farmhouse, where we’ll indulge in an authentic lunch filled with a variety of cheeses, artisan bread and local vegetables. After lunch, we’ll make tracks to the breathtaking town of Borghetto, where we’ll embark on a walking tour. After an eventful few hours, we’ll return to Sirmione, where you can enjoy a free night at your own pace. (B,L)

DAY 3 SIRMIONE – BRESCIA – SULZANO  – FRANCIACORTA

Our first stop today welcomes us to Brescia for a guided tour of this magnificent city –  home to various UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Our road will then carry us to the Port of Sulzano for a private boat tour, including a stop at the picturesque fishing village of Peschiera Maraglio on Monte Isola. We’ll then move on to Franciacorta where we’ll spend the night and share an evening meal together. (B,D)

DAY 4 FRANCIACORTA

Rolling hills, charming vineyards and medieval villages are on the cards today. Our first stop includes a visit to a local farmhouse and wine cellar visit, before we launch into an authentic cooking class to learn the traditions of regional cuisine. (B,L)

DAY 5 FRANCIACORTA – TIRANO – PONTRESINA

Today our path turns away from Franciacorta and onwards to Tirano – where one of our trip highlights awaits. It’s here that we’ll board the Bernina Express to embark on one of the world’s iconic railway journeys. Our train will climb steadily into the mountains, passing through tunnels where views of soaring peaks and awe-inspiring glaciers await on the other side. Our final stop is Pontresina, where we’ll be welcomed to Switzerland with a warming group dinner. (B,D)

DAY 6 PONTRESINA – ANDERMATT – WENGEN

After feasting on a hearty breakfast with a Swiss twist, it’s all aboard the train to Andermatt, where we’ll board the Glacier Express. Prepare for an experience unlike any other in the world! (B)

DAY 7 WENGEN – BRIENZ – INTERLAKEN – WENGEN

After breakfast, we’ll take a steam train to the top of the Brienzer Rothorn, where lunch awaits us. We’ll then travel to Interlaken on a paddle steamer cruise before returning to Wengen for our final dinner together. (B,D)

DAY 8 WENGEN – HERGISWIL – LUCERNE – ZURICH

On our last day together, we’ll pay a visit to Glasi Hergiswil – the only glassworks in Switzerland. We’ll have the chance to catch the craftsmen at work before we pay a visit to the museum and exhibitions to marvel at some incredible artistry. Next, we’ll visit Lucerne (whose medieval old town and lakeside setting enchanted everyone from Goethe to Queen Victoria), where you’ll have a chance to satisfy your sweet tooth with a chocolate tasting at Max Chocolatier. Finally we’ll move on to Zurich, where we’ll say goodbye amid the elegant buildings, grand squares and artisan houses of this heart-stealing city. (B)

Prices shown based on low season travel - details on request

Travel Dates

Specific travel dates apply

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