Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps

Drive across the Jura mountains into Switzerland. Visit the beautiful, medieval hilltop town of Gruyeres, famous for its cheese, and see how the cheese is made in the local alpine farms. Or indulge yourself at the fabulous Maison Cailler chocolate factory, to see how chocolate is made. Stay in a gorgeous chalet-style hotel in the French-speaking part of Switzerland in the little town of Rougemont, in a stunning alpine valley.

160 Miles

Drive through Gstaad and over some lovely passes down to Martigny. Head along the valley and then over the Simplon Pass into Italy. Descend into the Ossola valley and drive along the shores of Lake Maggiore to Stresa. Stay for two nights in a fabulous grand hotel, overlooking the lake and the Borromean Islands.

38 Miles

A short tour today to circumnavigate Lake Orta and visit the captivating town of Orta San Guilio, set entirely on its own garden peninsula. Take a short boat ride across to the island in the middle of the lake. The lanes are too narrow for cars so take a few hours to discover the town on foot. The scenic journey around the perimeter of the lake makes for a gentle and interesting drive.

83 Miles

Take the ferry across Lake Maggiore to Laveno. Drive up the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, which is dotted with religious sanctuaries and churches, decorated with fine frescoes. Head inland on some sensational mountain roads to Sacro Monte, a holy way that winds 2km to the sanctuary at the top, and is lined with 14 chapels decorated with frescoes and statues.

Drive to Lake Lugano and cross the border into Switzerland and drive around its southern shore before crossing over to Lake Como, where you will spend the next two nights at a wonderful hotel, right on the lake at Moltrasio.

40 Miles

Drive south, past Cernobbio and Villa d’Este to discover the lovely little walled city of Como and its fine monuments. Take a scenic drive around the southern half of Lake Como – Italy’s prestigious romantic lake since the early Roman times. Then drive along the lake edge to visit Bellagio, a town as charming as its setting, then take the ferry across to the western shore and back to the hotel.

162 Miles

Drive northwards along Lake Como to Menaggio where we will take the ferry to Varenna. Drive some fabulous mountain roads, past the spa town of San Pellegrino and onto Lake Iseo. There is the option to visit the Mille Miglia Museum in Brescia.

Drive to Lake Garda to stay for three nights on the western shore. The hotel is situated right on the shores of the lake and each room overlooks the lake.

90 Miles

There is the option of a circular drive to Lake Idro or just enjoy wandering around the various little towns along the lake and taking it easy, relaxing in the local vicinity, or take the opportunity to visit the city of Verona, which is about 40 miles away.

105 Miles

Take a circular tour to drive around either the whole of Lake Garda or just the northern half, with a ferry across the lake. Visit the charming towns of Riva in the north, Garda and Torri del Benaco. Or drive the wonderful Strada della Forra.

211 Miles

Leave Lake Garda and drive north to the Alps and experience the famous Stelvio Pass and Bernina Pass crossing into Switzerland. Stay overnight in the glamorous resort of of Pontresina in a fabulous five-star luxury hotel.

173 Miles

Today is a day of sensational alpine passes. Visit St Moritz then drive over the beautiful Julier Pass, descending to the medieval town of Chur. Then climb over the Oberalp Pass to the town of Andermatt, before driving the Furka Pass, immortalised by the car chase scene from James Bond’s Goldfinger.

From Gletsch continue along the Rhone Valley, past the historic village of Ernen, and past the amazing Aletsch glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps at 23km long, and part of the first Alpine UNESCO World Heritage Site. The scenery is exquisite and the driving is superb.

Then proceed to the beautiful and chic resort of Crans-Montana. Stay in a beautiful, five-star, traditional-style, luxury alpine hotel.

Leave Crans Montana and head down the valley to the historic towns of Sion and Saillon and onto the town of Martigny. Continue to the lakeside town of Montreux. Here you can visit the medieval Chateau de Chillon, one of Switzerland’s most photographed subjects, or explore a museum dedicated to the legendary rock band, Queen, as this is where they created a major portion of their most successful albums.

Drive alongside Lake Geneva/Lac Leman to the gorgeous town of Vevey and through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lavaux and its vineyards. Continue to Lausanne and along the lake to the pretty town of Morges, then inland to historic Aubonne with its beautiful buildings from 16th to 19th centuries.

The final night will be at another superb hotel, which has the feel of an African lodge, overlooking the shores of Lake Geneva.

After a superb breakfast feast in the restaurant, depart on your journey homewards…