Lake Como & The Bernina Express

Meet at our Departure Office at London St Pancras and take the Eurostar to Paris. We continue by rail to Mulhouse for the night. On Day 2 we travel by rail to Basel, where we change trains for Lugano. We transfer to the 4-Star Grand Hotel Cadenabbia, where we stay for seven nights. The hotel has a history dating back to the 1800s and enjoys a spectacular location in Cadenabbia di Griante, on the shores of Lake Como.

• Day 1 - Eurostar Meal, Dinner
• Day 2 - Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we sail to the picturesque village of Bellagio, at the tip of the peninsula dividing the 'legs' of the lake. The old-world streets wind away from the main square, Piazza San Giacomo, a bustling hive of activity and the location of the town's historic Basilica di San Giacomo. You have free time for lunch in one of Bellagio's many delightful trattorias before our return journey across the lake. Later, we visit Villa Carlotta. Built in the early 18th century for a Milanese Count, this stunning building once belonged to the Prussian Monarchy and boasts magnificent gardens and superb artworks, including sculptures by Canova.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Cruise down Lake Como to Lenno, passing striking vineyards and olive groves. Here, we pay a visit to one of the lake's most renowned villas, Villa Balbianello. Perched on a wooded peninsula overlooking the shimmering waters, this enchanting 18th-century mansion is a popular filming location. Enjoy a guided tour followed by free time, either at the villa or in Lenno, which is home to some charming cafés, and the Baptistery di San Giovanni, which dates back to the 11th century.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Embark upon an unforgettable journey on the Bernina Express. We journey by coach to Tirano, where we board the Bernina Express. This incredible railway line is over 100 years old and is recognised by UNESCO for the feat of civil engineering required to create it, as well as the stunning scenery through which it travels. We journey in panoramic carriages, climbing the Bernina Pass to more than 7,000 feet. Admire the passing scenery of mighty glaciers and flower-filled meadows as we wind towards St Moritz, where you have free time to explore. St Moritz is synonymous with glamour, attracting wealthy holidaymakers from across the world. Maybe window-shop at the chic boutiques, or relax with a coffee and watch the world go by.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a free day in Cadenabbia di Griante - one town split into two, with Cadenabbia sitting on the lakeside and Griante located in the hills above. Perhaps stroll along the lakeside and marvel at the breathtaking views, or catch a boat for a scenic trip across the lake. Alternatively, spend a day relaxing in the elegant surroundings of our hotel.

On Day 7, we board a coach to Bergamo, in the foothills of the Alps. Here, we visit the 'Città Alta', or 'upper town', where Renaissance buildings are encircled by 17th-century walls, for a guided tour. This afternoon, we continue to Valcalepio to visit a local wine estate. Here, we're treated to a delicious traditional lunch, a tour of the cellars and a tasting of the wines of Lombardy and Franciacorta.

• Day 6 - Breakfast
• Day 7 - Breakfast, Lunch

We set out by boat to Varenna, where cobbled streets and narrow alleyways give the village a truly medieval feel. After some free time, we continue to Menaggio, a stunning little town that epitomises the charms of Italy. Wander along the pretty lakeside promenade, perhaps enjoying some ice cream from a gelateria, or soak up the atmosphere in the quaint town square. Back in Cadenabbia, we enjoy a final dinner at our hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today, we make our way to Milan and connect with a train to Turin, where we spend the night. On Day 10 we travel to Paris where we join the Eurostar back to London St Pancras.

• Day 9 - Breakfast, Dinner
• Day 10 - Breakfast, Eurostar Meal