The Italian Lakes & St.Moritz

Set out on an alpine adventure on board the Bernina Express, marvel at the opulent villas of Lake Como and discover the old world elegance of Lake Maggiore's and Orta's beautiful shores.

Your Holiday Itinerary

Day1Fly to Italy

Fly direct from Dublin and you will be met at arrivals by Topflight’s Resort Manager and transferred by coach to the 4 star Hotel Como, where you will stay for 7 nights.

This 4 star hotel is situated just a 10 minute walk from the city's historical centre and a 20 minute stroll to it's beautiful lake. It is sleek and modern and has a wealth of great facilities for guests to enjoy during their stay including a rooftop swimming pool and terrace with beautiful views of the surrounding hills.

In the historical centre, you'll find a great selection of bars and amazing restaurants to choose from so you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to dining in the evenings.

Day2At Your Leisure

Today you have a day to discover the area at your own pace. Your hotel is just 1 km from Como's city centre which is well worth a visit. It's known for the Gothic Como Cathedral, a scenic funicular railway and a waterfront promenade and is a great spot to take in the surroundings and do a bit of people watching too. The Museo Didattico della Seta traces the history of Como's silk industry, while the Tempio Voltiano museum is dedicated to Italian physicist Alessandro Volta. Just north are the lakeside gardens of the palatial Villa Olmo, as well as other stately villas.

Day3Lake Orta & Lake Maggiore

Today, you will be picked up from your hotel, by coach, to venture out on your full day tour. You will start with a drive to Lake Orta, where you will have time to take a stroll around the village of San Julio. Continue to the elegant town of Stresa, situated on Lake Maggiore, where you can enjoy lunch in one of the many fantastic restaurants and explore its beautiful features at your own leisure.
Next stop? A boat trip to Isola Bella, an achingly beautiful island, dominated by its exquisite Baroque palace and luxuriant Italian-style gardens, brimming with varieties of flowers and exotic plants. You will have time to wander its beautiful landscapes and discover just why this island is adored. Return to your hotel by coach.

Day4-5At Your Leisure

On Saturday & Sunday, why not enjoy some downtime at your hotel. Hotel Como features a stunning rooftop garden with swimming pool, bar, and views of the surrounding hills. It is the perfect area to relax and chill out in the sunshine between your busy days of touring. The hotel is 1 km from Como city centre, and a 20-minute walk from the lake shore if you do feel like having a wander around the area.

Day6Bernina Express & St Moritz tour

This morning, you will travel by coach to our first stop of the day, the beautiful mountain town of Chiavenna in the Lombardy region of Italy. Nestled in the heart of the Alps, the town is filled with natural beauty and historic charm.
From here, you will transfer over the border to St. Moritz, the glitziest ski resort in Switzerland. You will have time to explore the beautiful town and to perhaps enjoy some lunch at your leisure. The birthplace of the Winter Olympics - and host of it on two occasions – this chic resort is also an alpine playground for the rich and famous. Filled with designer boutiques, ultra chic bars and, of course, a natural landscape that looks a million dollars, walking through dashing St. Moritz is nothing short of mesmerising.
You will then continue on to Diavolezza to board the magnificent Bernina Express train. You will embark a truly remarkable, hour-long journey back toward Italy, taking in alpine woods, with lush green valleys, waterfalls and glaciers on the way. This will be a train journey like no other.
After this, you have one more treat in store. You will make a stop on the return back to a wonderful wine cellar in the Valtellina Area. You will have the opportunity to relax and do some wine tasting before boarding the coach once again to be returned back to the hotel in time for evening meals.

Day7Lake Como Boat Trip & Villa Balbianello

This afternoon, you will be picked up by coach from your hotel and brought to the lake where you will embark on a guided tour by boat from the town of Lenno. View the sumptuous villas of Lake Como on this leisurely cruise along its picturesque shores. Marvel at the sheer opulence of the architecture, and the beauty of the ancient monuments you see en route.
This is followed by a visit to the Villa Balbianello, one of the most spectacular spots on the lake. A number of well-known movies have been shot at this grand Lake Como villa, including Casino Royale and Star Wars: Attack of the Clones. Originally built in 1787 and owned today by the National Trust of Italy, it's a real treat to visit! You will have time to explore its great gardens and the villa itself at your own leisure, before returning back to your hotel by coach.

Day8Return Home

Today, your Italian adventure comes to an end. You will be transfered to the airport to take your return flight back to Dublin.