Swiss Alps & Italian Lakes
Moderate pace with leisurely intermittent walks up to 2 hours on a variety of terrain, including cobblestones and moderate hills. Must be able to climb at least two flights of stairs, negotiate steps without railings and tolerate periods of standing during guided tours. Some days may include 3–5 km of walking over the course of the day.
Fly directly from Toronto to Zurich.
Arrive in Zurich and proceed to Vitznau. Travel by boat beneath the breathtaking Swiss Alps to our hotel on Lake Lucerne.
Stroll along Old Town Lake Lucerne and see the Hofkirche Church, Old Town Hall, Chapel Bridge and the world famous Lion Monument. Afternoon at leisure to explore Lucerne or shop for Swiss watches and chocolate. This evening is our Welcome Dinner, with folklore music.
Start in Interlaken, nestled between two lakes amid the towering Alps. Take in the Swiss architecture, 16th-century churches and palatial hotels. Later, travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bern. Tour the Zeitglockentrum clock tower, Munster Cathedral, Bear Pits and historical fountains. Continue to Villars for a five-night stay.
Tour Montreux, one of Lake Geneva's most popular and naturally beautiful resorts, gilded by Chillon Castle's powerful presence. Visit the castle grounds and take in magnificent views from its outer walls. Proceed to the fortified hilltop town of Gruyere for lunch, visit a cheese factory, and enjoy a tasting at a local wine cellar.
At leisure to explore, hike along walking trails or take a train ride through the Alps.
We take a short cable car ride up to the world's first suspension footbridge spanning two summits, offering a stunning view of the Alps, including Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau. Spectacular! Afternoon at leisure.
At leisure to explore. Your Tour Manager will have suggestions to do.
We board a train for the short ride to Zermatt - a village that lies at the foot of the Matterhorn - one of the most photographed mountains in the world. We will tour the historic part of the village and enjoy some leisure time to stroll or to enjoy an optional ride on the cog wheel tram for a better view of the mountain. After our visit we traverse the Simplon pass into Italy, and on to Stresa on the shore of Lake Maggiore for a 7-night stay.
Take a boat trip to Isola Bella's magnificent 16-thcentury palace and gardens filled with statues, fountains and terraces where peacocks, roam among scented shrubs.
Experience one of Europe's most scenic railways - the Centovalli - threading its way through valleys, villages and ravines. Arrivein Locarno for a town tour and enjoy free time. Explore Old Town and the exotic subtropical gardens, stroll the lakeside promenades and enjoy excellent shopping oat Piazza Grande. Later, cruise back to Stresa.
At leisure. Relax with a cappuccino at one of Stresa's lakeside cafes or explore the area.
Today, we drive to Lake Orta, one of Northern Italy's most beautiful lakes. Here we'll visit Orta San Giulio - a quintessential Italian village filled with romantic balustrades, balconies, meandering alleyways and painted shuttered buildings. A short boat ride takes us to the island of San Giulio, dominated by its basilica, lined with frescoes, with a "Walk of Silence" serene footpath hugging the island's perimeter. There will be time for lunch and exploring before returning to Stresa.
Visit the modern city of Milan, boasting the third largest Gothic cathedral in the world See the Galleria, Europe's first indoor shopping mall, enjoy a coffee, people-watch or shop.
At leisure in Stresa. Rest, walk the lakeside trails, or shop before tonight's Farewell Dinner.
Transfer to Milan airport and fly back to Canada.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
