Beside Lake Como Rail Tour 2012

Itinerary

Day 1 - Eurostar to Paris
We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Paris, travelling in Standard Premier Class. We enjoy a complimentary light meal and drinks served on board. We arrive into Paris and spend one night at the Mercure Hotel Terminus Nord, located opposite the railway station. You are free to explore the French capital at leisure and to dine out in Paris this evening. You could enjoy a walk up through the winding lanes of the Montmartre district and admire the twinkling lights of Paris spread out at your feet from the steps of the Sacré Coeur. (E)

Day 2 - First Class TGV to Italy
This morning we transfer across Paris by private coach to the Gare de l'Est, where we board the high-speed TGV, travelling in First Class to Zurich. After changing trains in Zurich we cross Switzerland from north to south, travelling through the Gotthard Tunnel as part of our journey through the mighty Alps. Shortly after travelling over the Italian border we pass Lake Lugano before arriving into Chiasso station. From here we continue by coach to the town of Cadenabbia di Griante, located on the shore of Lake Como. Surrounded by mountains and breathtaking panoramic views, Lake Como is a tranquil paradise where a relaxed, laid-back pace of life sets the tone for your stay. The peaceful town of Cadenabbia provides an excellent place from which to explore the lake and its pretty towns and villages. On arrival we check in to the Grand Hotel Cadenabbia, our base for the next seven nights. (B,D)

Day 3 - Villa Carlotta and Bellagio
We take a short stroll today to visit historical 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 Giacamo, a bustling hive of activity and location of the Basilica di San Giacomo, the town's historic church. We have some free time for lunch in one of the many cafés and trattorias, or maybe to wander through the streets leading up to the square. (B,D)

Day 4 - Lake Lugano
Today we take a coach to Lake Lugano, in the Italian speaking region of Switzerland, for a full-day excursion. On arrival we enjoy a guided tour of Lugano town, with its Italianate piazzas and wide promenades lined with palm trees, followed by some free time to take lunch in one of the many restaurants Lugano has to offer. You have an afternoon at leisure - 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. Otherwise you may wish to simply relax in one of the town's cafés. (B,D)

Day 5 - A day at leisure
Today is free for you to relax in and around the hotel. Cadenabbia is well served by a number of boats, lake steamers and bus services, which give you plenty of options for your day. You could also take a stroll along the lakefront promenade, or wander through the narrow streets. (B)

Day 6 - Varenna and Villa Balbianello
We set out by boat this morning and cruise to the town of Varenna, on the opposite side of the lake. If you are feeling energetic, climb up to the ancient Castello di Vezio, perched high above the town, for excellent views over the lake and the jumbled red-tiled roofs of the houses below. 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. The villa, which stands on the tip of a steep promontory overlooking Lake Como, is surrounded by beautiful terraced gardens leading down to the lake and offers incredible views over the glittering water. 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 Cadenabbia by boat. (B,D)

Day 7 - Bergamo
Today we board a coach to the historic walled town of Bergamo, located in the foothills of the Alps only a short distance from Lake Como. Bergamo has a charm and style that is typical of Italy's hillside towns; narrow winding streets, small piazzas and a skyline of red roofs, bell towers and church spires. On arrival we visit the 'Città Alta', or upper town, where medieval streets and fine Renaissance buildings are encircled by 17th century walls. A guided tour introduces us to the city's highlights before we continue by coach to visit a local estate for a traditional meal and a tour of the cellars, with an opportunity to taste the wines of Lombardy and Franciacorta. (B,L)

Day 8 - A day at leisure
Today is free for you to explore at your own pace and perhaps visit Como, the lake's main town. It is market day in Como; the centre of town is filled with stalls selling local produce and crafts. In the historic centre of the walled town, the Piazza San Fedele and the tower of the Porta Vittoria are well worth seeing, as is the lovely Cathedral. You may also like to board the small cog train up to the little town of Brunate, which provides spectacular views across the lake, with the rugged Swiss Alps in the distance. (B)

Day 9 - Leaving Italy
This morning we transfer by coach to the station. Here we board a high-speed train for the scenic journey via the spectacular St Gotthard Pass and along the route of the William Tell Express to the beautiful Swiss city of Zurich. From here, we take a high-speed train into Germany, to Stuttgart. We spend one night in Stuttgart at the Maritim Hotel, which is located in the centre of the city. (B,D)

Day 10 - Through France to London
Today we leave Stuttgart and travel by TGV Est train to Paris. Here we cross the city by coach to join the onward connection by Eurostar to London. A complimentary light meal and drinks are served at our Standard Premier Class seats before our arrival into St Pancras International. (B,E)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday

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