Lake Como, St Moritz and the Bernina Express

Two extraordinary Italian lakes, a legendary railway and Switzerland waiting at the far end – think shimmering waters, elegant villas and breathtaking alpine peaks.

There's a reason artists and poets throughout history have been inspired by Lake Como's — Pliny the Elder built not one but two villas here. The lake shimmers between silver and deep sapphire depending on the light, with hills rising steeply on either side, and elegant villas cling to the shores. And now you’ll experience it for yourself on our tour.

We’ll also visit Lake Maggiore, a little less famous than its neighbour and all the better for it. Known for its Mediterranean charm, here palm trees line picturesque 19th-century towns, and the pace of life is gentle.

Then we head north into Switzerland aboard the Bernina Express: a railway journey so spectacular it carries UNESCO World Heritage status. The train winds up through the breathtaking Alps, loops back on itself through the Poschiavo Valley, and takes you to St Moritz, which has been making mountain winters feel awe-inspiring since the Victorians first turned up and were utterly charmed by the views.