The Best of Italy & the Swiss Alps
20 day tour

Day 1

• Admire the spectacular views of Côte d'Azur from the medieval village of Èze
• Savour local Italian specialities along the Ligurian Coast

The first stop is the hilltop village of Èze. Medieval and magnificent, this hamlet will dazzle you with stunning vistas, winding cobbled streets, and a ruined castle. You can also learn more about another French passion: perfumes.Just pop into the Fragonard or Galimard perfume factories and immerse yourself in the world of beautiful fragrances.

Back on the road, you cross the border and continue your journey along the Italian coast. Your next stop is the charming seaside town of Porto Maurizio where you can grab an early lunch. Take a photo of the pastel-coloured houses rising over the harbour like a pop-up book and continue south.

In the afternoon, you have the opportunity to stroll around Santa Margherita Ligure before you arrive in La Spezia, your base for the night.After checking in to your hotel, explore the town held by Napoleon for its strategic value while picking a local restaurant for dinner.

Day 2

• Explore the stunning pastel-hued villages of Cinque Terre
• Pose for that classic photo with the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Be impressed with Lucca’s impeccably preserved city walls

Buongiorno! Today is all about discovering the architectural wonders of Northern Italy.

You leave La Spezia in the morning and travel to Cinque Terre. Perched to the side of the cliffs and strung like colourful beads, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore are yours to explore. Your guide helps you navigate the train and makes sure you get the most out of your visit.

After enjoying some free time in Cinque Terre, you meet your guide for the return train journey to La Spezia where you rejoin the mini-coach and travel to Pisa.

Once a maritime power competing with Genoa and Venice, this city is now famous for an architectural project which went horribly wrong. Tilting or not, the Leaning Tower of Pisa has beautiful, elaborate Romanesque architecture and fascinating history. Grab your lunch and take in the views of other architectural highlights at Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles).

Next on the list of our Italian delights is Lucca, known as the city of a hundred churches. Originally founded by the Etruscans, then a Roman colony, the city has gained its wealth through the silk trade. And you can see this prosperity in the abundance of graceful buildings and pretty piazzas. You have time to wander along the Renaissance city walls before you continue your journey further.

All these impressive architectural gems of the day were just a warm-up. Prepare yourself for a real feast for the eyes as you travel to Florence, your base for the next two nights.

Day 3

• Marvel at Florence’s Renaissance masterpieces in the city’s grand galleries
• Stare in awe at the ornate details of Florence Cathedral

You have a free day in the ‘Birthplace of the Renaissance’ and can decide how you want to spend it.

You can start by following the paths of Leonardo, Michelangelo, Dante and Galileo - stare in awe at the Duomo, the city’s majestic Cathedral that dominates the skyline; see The Birth of Venus and some of the most celebrated treasures at the Uffizi Gallery; and visit Galleria dell’Accademia, to admire Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David.

Man does not live by art alone, so don’t forget to try some of the local specialities. The culinary delights like handmade pasta, pizza, bread, pastries, wine and gelato will help you to regain your strength.

In the afternoon, you could ponder over the Medici’s power and secrets as you explore Palazzo Pitti. The grand palace of this influential family is home to some of the greatest treasures of the Renaissance and the secret Vasari Corridor.

For a perfect end of the day, visit Boboli Gardens peppered with statues, fountains, ponds and hidden mazes. It’s your second night in Florence so spend the evening soaking up the atmosphere as you explore the bustling squares or excellent restaurants and bars.

Day 4

• Explore San Gimignano, the city of soaring towers in Tuscany
• Watch as the world goes by at Siena’s unique Piazza del Campo

It’s time to wave Florence goodbye and set off to discover the spectacular medieval hill-towns of Tuscany.

You journey through the famous Chianti wine region, peppered with vineyards, honey-coloured stone farmhouses, ancient olive groves, and sleepy villages.

As you travel over the green Tuscan hills, you notice the 14 towers of San Gimignano soaring like a medieval Manhattan. Listen to the story of the noble families who got caught up in a race for building the highest tower house. Then enjoy a walk around the well-preserved fortified old centre and sample some of the local delicacies for lunch.

You continue south to Siena, the highlight of the day. This gorgeous red-brick city celebrates Gothic architecture like no one else. The place’s essence centres around the unique shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. It’s here where the bi-annual horse Palio is hosted. And it’s also where James Bond chases his enemy in ‘Quantum of Solace’.

Next, you travel along the country roads, past cypress trees and olive groves to arrive in Chianciano Terme in the early evening. This spa town in rural Tuscany is your home for two nights.

Day 5

• Stare in wonder at the revolutionary vision of urban space in Pienza
• Savour Brunello, the famous red wine, in the place it’s bottled

Curvy backroads lined by cypress trees, vineyards, olive groves, and old romantic villages.

This is the dreamy Tuscan region of Val d’Orcia where time seems to slow down. This area boasts unspoiled beauty and is steeped in history and culture. No wonder it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Start the day with a leisurely drive through the rolling green hills to Montepulciano, home to the Nobile wine houses. Explore little squares and crumbling churches in this charming hill town, and then reward yourself with a glass or two of the local Nobile as you drink in the views of the countryside.

Next, you travel to Pienza. This city is known as the ‘Ideal City’ and is the Renaissance vision of Pope Pius II. Call it vain or forward-thinking; but in the 15th century, the Pope set about transforming his birthplace. And the results are so stunning that UNESCO designated Pienza as a World Heritage Site. Wander around the centre, marvel at the magnificent ensemble of the church, papal palace and town hall, and enjoy the local cuisine for lunch.

It’s time for you to try some of the best wines in the world in a local winery, Fattoria dei Barbi. This is home of Brunello, the famous red wine made of special grape variety with protected status.

Full of appreciation for the wine of Tuscany, you finish your day with a visit to Bagno Vignoni, a village renowned for its curative waters. The Etruscans, Romans, pilgrims of the Via Francigena, and the Medici appreciated the hot sulphurous waters here in the past. Today, you can admire this ancient spa and follow the flow of the spring waters across the archaeological park.

After experiencing and savouring the best of rural Tuscany, you arrive in Chianciano Terme in the early evening for your second night.

Day 6

• Visit the Etruscan Necropolis of Sovana and the enigmatic Vie Cave
• Admire the raw shapes and the dramatic location of the ancient city of Pitigliano

In the morning, you leave Chianciano Terme and travel south to the Maremma region. The adventure takes you to the area around Sorano, where you can grab an espresso and take in the dramatic views across the valley.

Next, get up close with the Etruscan civilisation, one of the most mysterious and complex ancient cultures. Stare in disbelief at the Sovana Necropolis and the Vie Cave which form an impressive road network carved out of tuff during the Bronze Age. You leave the secrets of these enigmatic people behind and explore the town of Sovana. Grab something to eat and wander the cobbled streets of this medieval beauty before you continue your journey towards Rome.

In the afternoon, you have a photo stop at another dramatic hilltop city, Pitigliano. Rising from the outcrop of the volcanic tufa rocks and surrounded by gorges on three sides, the city will make you ponder over the craftsmanship of its architects.

Next, you get off the beaten path and travel through a patchwork of green fields towards the Bolsena Lake. It’s the largest volcanic lake in Italy and its deep waters sustain a thriving fishing community in the local area. You stop to take pictures and continue along the edge of the lake to Capodimonte. Here, you have a final comfort stop and a photo opportunity of the castle on the hill.

Take in the last views of the beautiful countryside before you can say ‘Ciao Roma’, as you arrive at the gateway to Rome in the evening.

Day 7

• Ponder over the past glory of Ancient Rome in the Colosseum
• Enjoy a gelato by the lavish Trevi Fountain

Haunting ruins, awe-inspiring art and vibrant street life. This is Rome, the Eternal City.

You have a free day to discover the delights of the city. Why not make the most of your time here and jump on the hop on hop off bus?

You can also get a map and follow the trail of the icons of Rome’s heyday. There’s the huge Colosseum; the architecture of the Pantheon; and the Roman Forum, the centre of the religious, political, and social activities.

Once you’ve had a glimpse into the past, focus on the current culinary scene and grab an alfresco table on one of many elegant piazzas. Sit down, relax, and get your taste buds ready for the local delicacies.

Then, you can soak up the atmosphere of this fascinating city. Stroll along the Tiber River and snap photos of the beautiful Castle Saint Angelo, count the legendary Spanish Steps, and unwind with a tasty gelato by the dazzling Trevi Fountain. Toss a coin into the water to make sure you’ll return here and start getting excited for the next part of your tour.

Day 8

• See the beautiful Abbey of Montecassino tower over the surroundings
• Discover the ancient history and legends of Benevento

You leave the hustle and bustle of Rome and head south towards peaceful Cassino.

Sitting atop of the mountain, the Montecassino Abbey is a sight to behold. A working monastery and a pilgrimage site, this place was a centre of art, culture, and learning. It was also the scene for a decisive battle near the end of World War II. You have time to stroll through the cloisters of the monastery, admire fabulous frescoes and mosaics, and contemplate the turbulent history and violence of war.

Then, you visit the ruins of San Pietro Infine, a small village affected by World War II, before you travel past hilltop villages and mountains to Benevento.

Built on a hill with a stunning background of mountains, this timeworn city has a special aura. It’s filled with memories of the ancient Samnites, Romans, and Longobards. But Benevento is also packed with stories of witches. Legends say they gather from all over the world by an ancient walnut tree by the local river.

After a day of soaking up the history, legends, and stunning views; you travel south-east to Ariano Irpino your home for the night.

Day 9

• Stare in awe at the Apulia’s unique cylindrical, whitewashed buildings called trulli
• Savour the local cuisine and a glass of cold limoncello

You wake up in the stunning region of Campania and head south to Trani.

Known as the ‘Pearl of Apulia’, this historic stone-built port and fishing village exudes sophistication. Walk along the promenade in the marina or stroll through the historic centre and admire the medieval churches, cathedral, and historic Jewish quarter.

You travel to Polignano a Mare, a small, idyllic seaside town perched on the edge of cliffs. Enjoy your lunch surrounded by sun-bleached stone buildings and enjoy the Adriatic breeze. You should also try to catch the sight of the beach in the centre of the town. Its spectacular location paired with crystal clear emerald waters is a recipe for a perfect photo.

Just when you thought your day couldn’t get any better, your adventure takes you to Alberobello. With over 1,500 small and rounded white houses, this town looks like it was inhabited by gnomes. These beehive-shaped buildings are called trulli and are so unique to Apulia that they were awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Take your time to meander around the narrow streets and marvel at the impossibly photogenic nooks.

Feeling that La Vita è Bella, you leave Alberobello and ramble south to the heel of Italy, where Lecce, the ‘Florence of the South’ and your base for two nights awaits. You arrive in the late afternoon, so you’ll have time to spend your evening exploring hidden piazzas and alleys.

Day 10

• Marvel at the Baroque architecture of Lecce, ‘the Florence of the South’
• Enjoy the stunning vistas of the southernmost part of Italy’s heel

Buongiorno! Wake up and start the day with some pasticciotto, the gorgeous breakfast pastry. Enjoy your free time in the morning by strolling through Lecce’s old town and admiring its unique architecture. The city’s Baroque style is so unique it got the name of its own, ‘Lecce Baroque’.

Next, contrast the splendour of Lecce with the laid-back seaside towns of the Salento Peninsula. You leave at noon and travel through the ochre-coloured fields and olive groves to Otranto. Enjoy your time here strolling around the fortifications or harbourside promenade and try some local dishes.

You continue your adventure to Santa Maria di Leuca. Located on the southernmost tip of Italy’s heel, the little town sits between two seas. It’s steeped in history and the legends of its origin are influenced by various cultures. Here, you can climb up the stairs alongside the largest man-made waterfall and get rewarded with magnificent views from the lighthouse, located at what was once known as Finibus Terrae (“at the End of the Land” from Latin).

Cast your eyes for the last time at the magnificent vistas of the coast and journey inland to Lecce, where you arrive in the early evening.

Day 11

• Step back in time as you explore the ancient cave dwellings in Matera
• Travel off the beaten track to the remote village of Castelmezzano

You leave Lecce and head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matera. This city is so perfectly adapted to the terrain that it blends in with its rocky surroundings on a cliff edge. It’s a higgledy-piggledy jumble of sassi, the ancient cave dwellings, houses and churches. And it may have been continuously inhabited for 9,000 years.

Spend your time uncovering the rich history of this place and visit ancient churches with paintings on stone cave walls. You can also check out what the 18th-century dwellings were like and stumble upon locations used in Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ. And before you leave this captivating place, relish some of the local dishes which haven’t changed for centuries.

Your adventure takes you off the beaten track again as you journey into the heart of the Lucanian Dolomites and the village of Castelmezzano. One of the highest villages in the Basilicata region, it’s located on a narrow ledge that drops away into a dramatic gorge. But Castelmezzano wasn’t built here just for the stunning vistas. Find out about its rich history as you explore the village or go for a hike to see the ruins of the castle which gave the village its name.

After a busy day, you travel through the hills and mountains of Basilicata towards the west coast of Italy, where you spend two nights in Salerno.

Day 12

• Fall madly in love with the colours and scents of the glamorous Amalfi Coast
• Savour the local cuisine and a glass of cold limoncello

You set off in the morning with a mission to discover the many faces of the region of Campania; the ancient, the new, the tragic and the euphoric.

Your first stop of the day is Pompeii. In 79 AD the nearby Vesuvius erupted and buried the Roman city under a layer of pumice stone. There was no time to flee, so the city and its people were tragically frozen in the volcanic ash. Ponder over this phenomenon as you explore the archaeological site. You have three hours to uncover this city, so take a look at the millennia-old buildings and get a glimpse into the way the Ancient Romans lived. After your time travelling in Pompeii, you head to the glamourous Amalfi Coast to celebrate the new and the beautiful. Pastel-coloured houses and villas, chic boutiques, gourmet restaurants; this is La Dolce Vita at its finest. Add mountains plunging into the sea, verdant woodland, and sheer crags and you’ll understand why this Italian heaven boasts the UNESCO status.

You stop in Positano, which looks like a colourful multi-tiered cake dramatically clinging to a sea-cliff. Find a restaurant to enjoy your lunch and drink in the magnificent views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Then peruse the local boutiques, visit picturesque Santa Maria church, and take amazing photos as you meander through the pastel-coloured streets. Alternatively, walk down the steps to the beach for a swim and some sun.

Reinvigorated after your visit to Positano, you ramble along the dazzling Amalfi Coast and stop for photos on the way. In the late afternoon, you arrive back in Salerno where you can enjoy the rest of your afternoon and watch the sunset with a drink in your hand.

Day 13

• Feel the thrill of walking along the crater of the infamous Mount Vesuvius
• Explore the ruins of Pompeii, the ancient city frozen in time

Today it’s time for something more dramatic.

In the morning, you travel north to face Mount Vesuvius. In ancient times, this mountain was considered to be divine and had connections to Jupiter – god of sky and lightning. Legends say that the giants used to inhabit the volcano, which explained the loud noises and rumbling.

Scary as this sounds, the titan is dormant now. So, put on your sturdy boots because you can hike up to its crater. You arrive in Vesuvius National Park and walk up the path of the Gran Cono. Feel the thrill as you walk along the crater of this legendary menace, discover its biodiversity and admire unforgettable panoramic views.

After the exciting start of the day, you go to Pompeii, which fell victim to the eruption of Vesuvius. There was no time to flee, so people and buildings were buried and preserved in volcanic ash. Get a glimpse of the world of the Ancient Romans as you take your time to explore this archaeological site.

Then you leave the past behind and take a road that leads to Rome. Enjoy your leisurely ramble north through Campania and Lazio before you arrive in the Eternal City early in the evening.

Day 14

• Admire the awe-inspiring works of some of the greatest Italian artists at Galleria Borghese
• Take in the views of Vatican and Rome from the dome of the stunning St. Peter’s Basilica

So, you’re back in Rome.

You’ve already experienced the might of the Roman Empire at the Colosseum and amazed yourself with the quantity of pizzas you can eat within a day.

All this leaves you wondering - what should you do today?

Well, don’t worry, because you could live one-hundred-and-one lives in Rome and still find things you’d never seen before.

Head to the Vatican City, the seat of the Catholic Church. Here you’ll be greeted by the largest church in the world: St. Peter’s Basilica. This beautifully designed sanctuary is the work of some of the Europe’s finest artists. Visit the opulent interior and climb the soaring dome for breath-taking vistas.

Unfortunately, the Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays except for the last Sunday of the month. But if you crave for art, visit Galleria Borghese and its surrounding gardens. This collection contains works by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian as well as antiques that are over 900 years old.

It’s been a busy day, and you’ve still not scratched the surface of this grand city. So perhaps you should simply spend the rest of the evening absorbing the local culture in the Trastevere area. This part of town is full of espresso bars, cobbled lanes, and fantastic restaurants for you to unwind in.

Day 15

• Spend an afternoon and evening in Bologna and stroll through its famous porticoes

You leave the dazzling capital of Italy and head north towards the city of Bologna.

On the way, you stop off for refreshments and views of quintessential Italian villages and landscapes.

You arrive in Bologna in the mid-afternoon, so you have time to explore Europe’s oldest university; a beautiful network of porticoed, medieval streets; and some fine restaurants.

Day 16

• Get captivated by the views of Lake Como framed by the Alps

Today, you travel through Lombardy, Italy’s wealthiest region with a host of magnificent lakes.

Your adventure first takes you to Lake Como, the most stunning lake in the region. Framed by the Rhaetian Alps, this Italian slice of heaven’s crystal-clear waters seduced the most famous writers of the 18th and 19th centuries.

You arrive in Como, a town on the southern tip of the lake, and have time to stroll along the shores, drink in the magnificent views, and absorb its relaxed atmosphere. Don’t forget to find a restaurant or café to savour the unique flavours of the region before you continue to explore the area.

Your journey around Lake Como ambles through more picturesque villages before you travel to Lugano, an architectural treat and your home for the next two nights.

Day 17

• Admire the harmonious blend of lakes and the mountains in Locarno
• Explore Stresa and the beautiful Borromean Islands

Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you leave Lugano and continue to explore the stunning lakes on the border of Italy and Switzerland.

You start with a trip to Varese. This commune perches prettily upon a tree-lined hill. You have time to admire Italian village life and grab an espresso.

Next, you travel along Lake Maggiore to Stresa. You can get entertained for the whole afternoon by taking an optional boat trip to the magnificent Borromean Islands to uncover their artistic, historical and natural delights. Or, if you crave for striking vistas, you can get the cable car ride to the summit of Mount Mottarone that rises nearby.

After an exciting afternoon, you continue along the western bank to Locarno, an Italian-speaking resort city in Switzerland. With 2,300 hours of sunshine a year, numerous palm trees, and an air of elegance; this city is hard to leave.

In the evening, you return to Lugano for your second night.

Day 18

• Fall in love with Lauterbrunnen, one of the most quintessential Alpine villages
• Stare in wonder at the Staubbach Falls, Europe’s highest free-falling waterfall

Today, you delve into the mountainous heart of Switzerland where the soaring Alps are intertwined with green meadows, glittering lakes and cute villages.

Your first short stop is in Altdorf, a little town with a famous monument to William Tell. Hear the story of the legendary folk hero who symbolized the struggle for political and individual freedom.

Then, you travel through some of the most scenic roads of the country, where every turn looks like a postcard photo. But just when you thought that the landscape can’t get any more magnificent, you arrive in Lauterbrunnen.

This little village is the epitome of the alpine paradise. It’s located in an immense U-shaped valley framed by sheer mountain crags. It offers great views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, some of the most well-known mountains in the area, and it’s decorated with a staggering 72 waterfalls.

You have almost the whole afternoon to explore this quintessential Swiss village. Start from admiring the chalet-style houses and eating some Swiss specialities. Then, stare in awe at Staubbach Falls, Europe’s highest free-falling waterfall located right at the end of the main street. If you still crave more, you can go slightly off the beaten track and visit Trümmelbach waterfalls, a series of 10 glacier waterfalls.

After you’ve soaked up the peace and beauty of the rural landscapes, you head to Lausanne, your home for two nights and an ideal place for an evening stroll along Lake Geneva.

Day 19

• Savour the quintessential flavours of Gruyères
• Try celebrity-spotting in glamorous Gstaad
• Visit the iconic Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva

Man does not live on landscapes alone, so today you’ve got a chance to savour the famous culinary heritage of Switzerland.

You head to the medieval town of Gruyères full of cobbled streets and quaint houses decorated with flowers. But you didn’t come here to admire the charms of the village. You came to try that nutty, semi-hard cheese the world raves about. And the best place to do this is at the local cheese factory, La Maison du Gruyère, where you can learn the history and production secrets of this delicious cheese.

Alternatively, if you have a sweet tooth, you can visit Maison Cailler; a chocolate factory with a series of interactive, multi-sensorial experiences and chocolate tasting. Just remember to leave some space for other specialities like fondue and marvellous meringues with double cream.

After trying some of the gastronomic highlights, you get back on the road and venture through the unspoiled landscapes of a regional nature park to Gstaad for lunch. It might be a timber-lined village surrounded by mountains and pastures, but it’s popular with celebrities and exudes the glitz and glamour.

From here, you travel back to the shores of Lake Geneva to visit another Swiss icon, the 13th-century Chillon Castle which boasts a spectacular location. You arrive back in Lausanne early in the evening.

Day 20

• Stroll leisurely through charming Dole, the City of Art and History
• Discover the quintessential flavours of famous Chablis wines in their birthplace

You leave lovely Lausanne, travel through the brooding scenery of the Jura Mountains, and head into France. You’re now in the rural landscapes of the Franche-Comté region known for its beautiful nature.

Your first stop of the day is Dole, a charming town set in the stunning countryside of the Doubs valley. It boasts the status of ‘A City of Art and History’ thanks to its wonderful historical area, medieval streets, and interesting museums. To get the real flavour of this place, stroll along the town’s narrow streets, canals and bridges and taste some of the local cheeses.

Back on the road, you head to Chablis, the home to the region’s famous dry white wines. This picturesque walled town will enchant you with its medieval timber-framed houses. Savour your lunch and go wine tasting in a nearby winery to discover some of the best Chablis. Or if you like wine trivia, peruse the impressive collection of 8,000 items in the Corkscrew and Vineyard Museum.

In the late afternoon, say au revoir to the medieval town and journey to Paris through the lush landscapes of Burgundy.