Cadenabbia Beside Lake Como

London to Lake Como and Bellagio

Meet your group and Tour Manager at Great Rail Journeys' dedicated Departure Office, before departing by Eurostar, to Paris. We continue to Strasbourg, where we overnight. On Day 2, we complete our journey to Cadenabbia on Lake Como. On Day 3, we take a trip to picturesque Bellagio, a delightful resort located at the tip of the peninsula dividing the two 'legs' of the lake, where we enjoy some free time ahead of a visit to Villa Carlotta, where our entry is included.

Bellinzona and Lugano

Today we travel to the striking Swiss town of Bellinzona. Known for its three magnificent medieval castles, which have achieved UNESCO World Heritage status, Bellinzona's beauty served as an inspiration for the painter William Turner. Afterwards, we visit the lakeside town of Lugano, a perfect blend of Swiss efficiency and Italian flair.

The Bernina Express

We take a fabulous excursion today on the Bernina Express. Travelling by coach, we leave Lake Como and journey to Tirano, where we board the Bernina Express. Travelling in panoramic carriages, we make our way along the superb Bernina Express line, climbing the Bernina Pass to more than 7,000 feet (2,134m). The superb Bernina Line passes mighty glaciers, rushing mountain streams and flower-filled Alpine meadows, as we make our way to chic St Moritz. This incredible UNESCO World Heritage railway line is over 100 years old and is recognised for the fantastic feat of civil engineering that was required to create the line, as well as for the stunning scenery through which it travels.

On arrival in St Moritz, you have free time to explore at your own pace. We make the return journey by coach.

To Bergamo

On Day 6, you are at leisure to explore your beautiful surroundings. On Day 7, we board a coach to Bergamo, located in the foothills of the Alps. On arrival we visit the 'Città Alta', or 'upper town', for a guided tour. Highlights of this delightful square include the Palazzo Nuovo, Palazzo del Podestà, Palazzo della Ragione and the Torre del Campanone. Afterwards, we head to a local estate for a traditional meal, a tour of the cellars and a tasting of the wines of Lombardy and Franciacorta.

Menaggio

Today we sail to Varenna, where cobbled streets and narrow alleyways give the town a medieval feel. After some free time here, Menaggio is our next destination, a stunning little town that epitomises the delightful charm of Italy. This evening, we enjoy a final farewell meal together.

Turin and London

We make our way to Turin, where we overnight. On Day 10, we travel to Paris for the Eurostar to London.

Departure Times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.