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RelaxationEurope

Lake Como and the Swiss Alps: Lombardy Relaxation

Ten days among the luxury villas of Lake Como, the landscapes of Lugano and the alpine passes of the Engadine.

10 days2 countriesMay-June and September-October to avoid the tourists

Description

This journey unfolds across northern Italy and southern Switzerland, starting on Lake Como where aristocratic villas of the 16th to 19th centuries descend to the water. Bellagio, known as the pearl of the lake, offers walks among cypresses and the gardens of Villa Melzi. Lake Lugano on Swiss soil but with a Mediterranean climate adds a touch of continental sophistication. The alpine passes of the Engadine, such as Maloja and Bernina, deliver high-mountain scenery before reaching St. Moritz. The panoramic trains of the Rhaetian Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, cut through breathtaking landscapes. The cuisine blends Lombard pasta with Swiss fondues in a delicious cultural exchange. Every day is designed to reduce stress: boat rides, dinners with lake views and nights in charming hotels.

Health & safety

  • Ask your doctor if you plan hikes above 2,500m
  • Use sunscreen at high altitudes and on the lake

Day-by-day itinerary

1

Arrival in Como

Como, Italy

Welcome in the city that gives its name to the lake

Stroll along the lakeshore

Culture2h

Funicular to Brunate

Nature2h

Dinner with a lake view

gastronomy2h
2

Villa del Balbianello

Lenno, Italy

Visit to the most photographed villa on the lake

Villa del Balbianello

Culture3h

Gardens of Villa Melzi

Culture2h

Boat ride on the lake

Nature2h
3

Bellagio: the pearl of the lake

Bellagio, Italy

Exploration of the lake's most emblematic village

Old quarter of Bellagio

Culture2h

Villa Melzi and its gardens

Culture2h

Dinner in Bellagio

gastronomy2h
4

Varenna and the eastern shore

Varenna, Italy

Medieval villages and hidden villas

Villa Monastero

Culture2h

Stroll around Varenna

Culture2h

Ferry to Menaggio

Nature1h

Local market

gastronomy2h
5

Lake Lugano

Lugano, Switzerland

Border crossing to the Swiss port

Stroll around Lugano

Culture2h

Parco Ciani

Nature2h

Mount San Salvatore

Nature3h

Swiss chocolate tasting

gastronomy1h
6

Maloja pass

Maloja, Switzerland

The alpine pass that links the lakes

Drive over the Maloja pass

Nature2h

Lake Sils

Nature2h

Stroll around Maloja

Culture2h
7

Val Roseg and the glacier

Pontresina, Switzerland

Hike through the glacial valley

Hike to the Val Roseg

Nature4h

Lunch at a mountain hut

gastronomy2h

Stroll around Pontresina

Culture2h
8

Bernina Railway

St. Moritz, Switzerland

UNESCO panoramic train

Rhaetian Railway

Nature3h

Alpine Garden

Nature2h

Stroll around St. Moritz

Culture2h
9

Relax day in St. Moritz

St. Moritz, Switzerland

Free day in the mountain resort

Bath in Lake St. Moritz

Rest3h

Spa and wellness

Rest3h

Farewell dinner

gastronomy2h
10

Farewell and return

St. Moritz, Switzerland

Last hours in the Swiss Alps

Free morning

Culture3h

Transfer to the airport

Culture3h

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