Compare Menaggio On Lake Como by Great Rail Journeys vs Highlights of Northern Italy: Venice, Lake Como, Milan and Piedmont by Viandando Luxury Travel

DAY 1 - EUROSTAR TO BASEL
Eurostar
Our journey begins today at London St Pancras International, where we meet your group and Tour Manager at Great Rail Journeys' dedicated Departure Office. We depart by Eurostar, enjoying a light meal and drinks on board as we travel to the Swiss town of Basel, where we overnight. Later, we enjoy our first dinner together.

DAY 2 - TO MENAGGIO
Lake Como
After breakfast today, we continue our journey to Lake Como. Travelling in First Class, we take the train to Lugano. Here, we transfer by coach to Menaggio, a picturesque little town on the western shore of Lake Como. We check into the 4-Star Grand Hotel Victoria, where we stay for the next seven nights. This Art Nouveau hotel was originally built in 1890, but has been restored to provide modern comforts alongside an historic atmosphere.

DAY 3 - VARENNA AND VILLA BALBIANELLO
Varenna
We set out by boat this morning and cruise to Varenna, a quaint village on the opposite side of the lake. The cobbled streets and narrow alleyways give Varenna a truly medieval feel. It has remained unspoiled by tourism and has often been referred to as the 'Pearl of Lake Como.' As you approach across the lake, Varenna looks like a colourful painting, with brightly painted houses and charming buildings lining the shore and green mountains rising behind. You have some free time to relax and arrange lunch before we head by boat to the Villa del Balbianello, a sumptuous mansion built for Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini at the end of the 18th century. We enjoy a tour of the villa, which includes an interesting collection of Chinese and African art, as well as English and French furniture from the 18th century, before returning to Menaggio by boat.

DAY 4 - AT LEISURE
Lake Como
Today is spent as you wish, enjoying a day at leisure by Lake Como. Menaggio is a pretty resort in its own right, perfect for you to enjoy a stroll along the promenade. From the harbour, you can appreciate excellent views over glittering Lake Como with ice cream or coffee from a local café or gelateria.

DAY 5 - MILAN
Milan Duomo
Today we visit the 'fashion capital of the world', Milan. Known for its famous fashion houses and as the home of the Italian Stock Exchange, Milan is a fast-paced city with a vibrant feel. We begin our time here with a guided tour, by coach and on foot, including a visit to the incredible Duomo - the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. We visit the world's most famous opera house, the 'Teatro alla Scala', and the beautiful 19th century glassroofed shopping arcade, the 'Galleria Vittorio Emanuele'. Later, we visit the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where we see the exquisite 'Last Supper' by Leonardo da Vinci. Nestled into an adjoining wall between the refectory and the Basilica di Santa Maria, Milan's most famous mural dates back to the 15th century, yet maintains its popularity to the present day. Over the years, 'The Last Supper' has suffered no small amount of wear and tear; most notably, Jesus lost his feet, along with a lower portion of the fresco, after building works in 1652. However, thanks to restoration, the stunning piece remains astonishing. The most recent fixes were completed in 1999, after more than 22 years of work, allowing viewers to appreciate da Vinci's iconic masterpiece for years to come

DAY 6 - BELLINZONA AND LUGANO
Castello Di Montebello Bellinzon
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. Nestled at the foot of the Alps, Bellinzona benefits from stunning views and charming architecture, dating between the 14th and 19th centuries. Afterwards, we visit the lakeside town of Lugano. With its Italianate piazzas and wide promenades lined with palm trees, Lugano is the perfect blend of Swiss efficiency and Italian flair. We enjoy some free time here to explore the area; you may like to take the funicular railway up into the mountain village of Monte Bré, to enjoy the stunning views of the Alps and the lake

DAY 7 - THE BERNINA EXPRESS
Bernina Express
We take a fabulous excursion today on the Bernina Express line. Travelling by coach, we leave Lake Como and journey to St Moritz, where you have free time to explore at your own pace. We make the return journey in panoramic carriages 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. 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.

DAY 8 - VILLA CARLOTTA AND BELLAGIO
Villa Carlotta
Today we take a wonderful boat excursion to historic Villa Carlotta. Built in the early 18th century for a Milanese Count, this stunning building also belonged to the Prussian Monarchy. Villa Carlotta boasts magnificent gardens and some superb artworks, including sculptures by Canova. This afternoon we sail to picturesque Bellagio, a delightful resort located at the tip of the peninsula dividing the two 'legs' of the lake.The delightful old-world streets wind away from the main square, the Piazza San Giacomo, a bustling hive of activity and location of the Basilica di San Giacomo, the town's historic Romanesque church. We have some free time for lunch in one of the many cafés and trattorias, before our return journey. We dine in a local restaurant tonight.

DAY 9 - LAUSANNE
Lausanne
Today we leave Menaggio and the stunning shores of Lake Como. Travelling by coach, we make our way to Milan, where we connect with our train to Lausanne. We spend our final night in Lausanne, where we enjoy a farewell dinner together

DAY 10 - RETURN TO LONDON
Homeward Bound
Today we journey home, bidding a fond farewell to our adventure. Leaving Lausanne, we travel to Paris, where we connect with the Eurostar back to London. On arrival in London St Pancras International, our tour concludes.

Day1: Arrival At Venice Airport And Private Transfer To Your Accommodation

Arrival at Venice International airport and transfer to your accommodation. Rest of the day at your leisure for resting and relaxing.

Day 2: Venice Wine Tour

Enjoy our Venice Wine tour. During this fascinating 2-hour walking tour of Venice, you’ll receive an insider’s glimpse into the lives and habits of authentic Venetians while visiting a favorite local Venetian hangout: winebars called baccari (or bacari). After meeting your guide in the center of Venice, you will wind through streets and over secondary canals as you learn more about lesser-known legends and hidden places off the beaten track. See unforgettable landmarks, and experience Venice as few visitors do! Your private walking and wine-tasting tour includes stops in two baccari (winebars) that are filled to the brim with Venetians at the classic aperitivo time of 7pm. At the winebar, crowded with locals, you can sip a bubbly Prosecco or a smooth Soave and devour a cicchetto, a local Venetian snack, while your expert local guide tells you more about the traditional cuisine, native wines, history, and assorted lore. Some typical cicchettos are small pieces of toast with baccala, tiny meatballs, hardboiled eggs filled with anchovies, or pieces of fried, seasonal vegetables. This tour is perfect before lunch or dinner. After the tour, you guide will be happy to suggest a great local restaurant for lunch or dinner where you can continue discovering this authentic side Venice!

Day 3: Murano And Burano Tour

Morning dedicated to the visit of the amazing islands of Murano and Burano. First stop is Murano. This island, where all of Venice’s glass factories have been located since the 13th-century, is the most famous place for glassmaking in the entire world – and for good reason, as you’ll see soon. You’ll stop at an authentic glassmaking factory, which we’ve handpicked both for its history and quality. Then you will continue to Burano, a working fisherman’s island, famous for its brightly painted buildings. Return to Venice around lunch time and afternoon at your leisure.

Day 4: Private Transfer To Venice Station, High – Speed Train To Florence And Transfer To Your Accommodation

Following breakfast and check out your private boat driver will meet you at your hotel and take you to Venice station. Catch your high – speed train to Florence. Upon arrival transfer to your accommodation

Private Guided Tour Of Florence With Accademia Gallery

Start your Florentine sojourn with a guided orientation walk to admire the most important Florentine sites: the Cathedral with its Giotto Bell Tower, Piazza della Signoria with the Palazzo Vecchio and the Ponte Vecchio knowing for its gleaming gold shops. The tour also includes the visit of the Accademia Gallery that houses the David by Michelangelo.

Day 5: Cooking Class Followed By Lunch And Leisure Time In San Gimignano

Following breakfast your private driver will meet at your accommodation and take you to a lovely agriturismo immersed in a magnificent Tuuscan landscape. Enjoy a fun cooking class and learn all the secrets to prepare a full delicious Tuscan Menu. At the end of your class enjoy the fruits of your labour accompanied by the great wines produced at the Estate. In the afternoon take the chance to visit San Gimignano an enchanting hilly town known as the “medieval Manhattan” for its striking skyline, which outlines thirteen medieval watchtowers. Return to Florence late afternoon and overnight stay.

Day 6: Guided Visit Of The Uffizi Gallery And Palazzo Vecchio

Today enjoy a guided visit of the incredible Uffizi Gallery – one of the world’s oldest museums and one of the most important art collections anywhere. With works by Raphael, da Vinci, Botticelli and Caravaggio.This tour also visits the Palazzo Vecchio; one-time home to the Medici family. Here you’ll visit the Council of 500, made famous by Dan Brown and Michelangelo. Afternoon at your leisure.

Day 7: High – Speed Train To Rome And Trastevere Food Tour

Following breakfast and check out take your high – speed train to Rome. Upon arrival transfer to your accommodation. Late afternoon enjoy our Twilight Trastevere Food Tour. On this guided 4-hour walking food tour we explore this photogenic neighbourhood by night. You’ll sample a sumptuous blend of Italian classics like pizza and pasta, real Roman street food, less-known meats and cheeses, and amazing wine in a secret cellar – its history will blow you away. Few activities in Rome deliver as many hidden surprises and enchanting moments as this, so be sure to join us for an unforgettable night in one of our favourite neighbourhoods in Rome. Take advantage of Rome’s vibrant nightlife by walking through the streets of Trastevere with a local.

Day 8: Underground Imperial Rome Tour

Enjoy a VIP tour of the Colosseum Underground & Arena Floor! Feel the fear and hear the roars of the crowd above you as you enjoy this full Colosseum Underground tour. Stepping beneath the arena floor, you’ll walk in the footsteps of gladiators who waited here before battle. As you tour the tunnels, your guide will tell you about the real life of gladiators before taking you back up to the arena floor. Walk out onto a recreation of the stage where the fighting took place and be blown away by the most impressive view of the Colosseum (seen by so few!). After your Colosseum and Colosseum Underground tour, you’ll experience the very heart of Ancient Rome: the Roman Forum. Here was where Rome ruled its empire of untold political and cultural influence—and of more than 2.5 million square miles and 65 million people. At the Palatine Hill you’ll discover the origins of Ancient Rome. Legend has it that this is the spot where Remus and Romulus were found by the she-wolf and where they battled to decide which would have the privilege of building their own town. Hear how this legendary battle impacted the world you know today (your very own life even!) We owe the Ancient Romans more than you’d believe!

Day 9: Small Group Early Bird Vatican Museums Tour

This morning enjoy our Pristine Sistine Early entrance Small group Vatican Tour (the tour starts at 07.15 am). Enter the museums before the general public to see the Sistine Chapel at a quieter time. See the best of the Vatican City in under four hours. With a guided tour of the Sistine Chapel, a Vatican Museums tour (including the Raphael Rooms) and a St. Peter’s Basilica tour, you’ll cover all the bases. Engage with the art and architecture of the Vatican. Our guides are passionate art experts, full of stories and familiar with even the smallest details of these massive museums. The tour will end around 11.00 am. Rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 10: Fly Back Home

Following breakfast and check out your private driver will take you to Naples International airport to catch your flight back home