Vistas of Italy and Switzerland 2020

Small Group Tour with Back-Roads Touring Co.

Venice, Sirmione, Iseo, Pontresina and Interlaken

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 in Iseo
• Experience train journeys on two of the great alpine railways: the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express
• Watch a traditional mask decorating demonstration in Venice

Map

 

ITINERARY

DAY 1 VENICE – SIRMIONE

Today we’ll acquaint ourselves with Venice’s maze-like backstreets on a guided walking tour before meeting a local artisan and enjoying a traditional mask making demonstration. Afterwards, we’ll travel onwards to Sirmione – where we’ll clink glasses over a welcome dinner. (D)

Accommodation: Hotel Ideal (or similar)

DAY 2 SIRMIONE – BORGHETTO – SIRMIONE

This morning we’ll make our way to a local farmhouse – where we’ll be treated to an authentic lunch of cheeses, artisan bread and local vegetables. Then: we’ll learn a fact or two on a walking tour of the breathtaking town of Borghetto. After an eventful few hours we’ll return to Sirmione, where the afternoon will be yours to enjoy at your own pace. (B,L)

Accommodation: Hotel Ideal (or similar)

DAY 3 SIRMIONE – SULZANO – ISEO

Today our road will carry us to the Port of Sulzano, where a private boat tour awaits. Whilst on board, we’ll enjoy a local produce tasting and brief docking at the picturesque fishing village of Peschiera Maraglio on Monte Isola. Later on we’ll hit the road to Iseo, where we’ll round off the day with a delicious dinner. (B,D)

Accommodation: The Iseolago Hotel (or similar)

DAY 4 ISEO

Rolling hills, charming vineyards and medieval villages are on the cards today. Our first stop? A local farmhouse, where we’ll visit a traditional wine cellar and indulge in a tasting. After that, we’ll launch into an authentic cooking class – where we’ll learn some regional culinary secrets. (B,L)

Accommodation: The Iseolago Hotel (or similar)

DAY 5 ISEO – TIRANO – PONTRESINA

Today our path will lead us to Tirano – where one of our trip highlights awaits. It’s here that we’ll board the Bernina Express and embark on one of the world’s most iconic railway journeys! Our train will climb steadily into the mountains, with spectacular views of soaring peaks and awe-inspiring glaciers in every direction. Our final stop of the day will be Pontresina, where we’ll be welcomed into Switzerland with a warming group dinner. (B,D)

Accommodation: Hotel Schweizerhof Pontresina (or similar)

DAY 6 PONTRESINA – ANDERMATT – INTERLAKEN

After feasting on a hearty breakfast with a Swiss twist, we’ll move on to St Moritz – where we’ll board the famous Glacier Express train to Andermatt. Prepare for an experience unlike any other in the world! We’ll rest our heads in Interlaken tonight. (B)

Accommodation: Hotel Silberhorn (or similar)

DAY 7 INTERLAKEN – BRIENZ – INTERLAKEN

After breakfast, we’ll take a steam train to the top of the Brienzer Rothorn, where a delicious lunch awaits us. We’ll then travel back to Interlaken on a memorable (not to mention scenic) paddle steamer cruise – before returning to Interlaken for our final dinner together. (B,L,D)

Please note: During the summer season (June-October), we will visit the Brienzer Rothorn and enjoy a paddle steamer cruise as listed in the itinerary. In spring (March-May), we will take a cable car from Mürren to Schilthorn instead – with some free time to explore Mürren before we return to Interlaken.

Accommodation: Hotel Silberhorn (or similar)

DAY 8 INTERLAKEN – LUCERNE – ZURICH

On our last day together we’ll set our sights on Lucerne – stopping off for an indulgent chocolate tasting at Aeschbach Chocolatier (and some free time to explore) en route. Finally, we’ll move on to Zurich, where we’ll say goodbye. (B)

Please note: Prices shown based on low season travel - details on request

Travel Dates:
Specific travel dates apply

*per person share twin