Italian Lakes and Bernina Express Tour with a Mediterranean Cruise

Day 1 - Lake Maggiore

Join your tour group at the hotel.

Day 2 - Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore is edged by charming towns with twisting cobbled streets and family-run trattoria. It’s backed by prominent snow-capped peaks in every direction. Its wind-ruffled waters are dotted with three tiny islands, the Borromean Islands, and today we’ll explore each of them. Isola Bella (beautiful island) lives up to its name with the dominating 17th-century Palazzo Borromeo and sprawling gardens. Isola Madre is noted for its beautiful botanical gardens, rich in rare plants. Then we’ll enjoy some free time on picturesque Isola dei Pescatori.

Day 3 - Lugano - Celerina

We leave Italy behind and head for the soaring alpine peaks and timber villages of Switzerland. We’ll learn about the sweetest of Swiss traditions at a chocolate factory - there’ll be plenty of opportunity for a tasting, too. We arrive at lakeside Lugano, where the maze of cobblestoned streets untangle by the tranquil lakeshore to reveal a long, flowery promenade fringed with waterside eateries and cafés. The Mediterranean-style squares and vast parkland are a delight to explore. We then continue to Celerina this afternoon, set in beautiful Swiss Alpine scenery.

Day 4 - Bernina Express - Lake Garda

An ‘express’ train ride doesn’t usually conjure images of gentle journeys through snow-covered peaks, admired through panoramic windows. But the Bernina Express is not your usual express train journey. You’ll wind through the magnificent Swiss Alps, from St Moritz to Tirano in Italy, crossing 196 bridges and climbing the incredible Brusio Spiral Viaduct. On arrival in Tirano, we transfer to our hotel in Lake Garda and our hotel for the next two nights.

Day 5 - Lake Garda - Sirmione

Visitors have been captivated by the beauty of Lake Garda for centuries - and it’s easy to see why. The largest of Italy’s lakes, the north offers mesmerising views of the Alps tumbling into the lake’s waters and its shoreline is a mix of waterside towns and cliff-hanging villages. The south is splendid with sprawling vineyards and olive groves - and some of the lake’s prettiest towns, not least of which is Sirmione. We’ll take to the crystal-clear waters this morning for a cruise on the lake and spend some time exploring Sirmione. Here, the medieval Rocca Scaligera looms over the charming twists of the old town. It was originally a Roman fortification, but it was rebuilt in the 13th century and affords beautiful views of Sirmione from the tower.

Day 6 - Lake Garda - Trieste

We journey to the port city of Trieste to embark our ship, with time to settle in and familiarise with your splendid surroundings on board before dinner this evening.

Day 7 - Rijeka, Croatia

From Rijeka you can reach a number of Croatian gems, including the town of Pula, where you’ll find over 3,000 years of history including its impressive 1st-century Roman amphitheatre. Or maybe head to the island of Krk often called the Golden Island for its sparkling sandy beaches. If you’d prefer to enjoy Rijeka itself, this bustling port city has many streets and avenues to explore, lined with 18th-century homes and several beautiful churches.

Day 8 - Korcula

Korcula is a true gem of Dalmatia. Steeped in history, dense pine forests and glorious little towns, this island has it all. In Korcula Town, the Adriatic Sea laps at the shore on three sides and sprawling groves of palms and evergreens border the other. You may feel as though you’ve awoken in a Croatian paradise this morning. Korcula Old Town is the island’s treasured highlight. Its stone architecture and historic ambience are reminiscent of the one-time Venetian rule with towered gates, lion statues, magnificent palazzos and elaborate stonework decorating the streets. You’ll feel completely transported as you wander the walkways here. Ship to shore tender service.

Day 9 - At sea

A day at leisure to explore all the facilities on board.

Day 10 - Thira (Santorini), Greece

The jewel in the crown of the Cyclades islands, Santorini is world famous for its whitewashed towns and breathtaking sunsets. You can choose to explore its archaeological treasures at ancient Akrotiri, spend time swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Perissa Beach, or for stunning views do a bit of volcano hiking.

Day 11 - Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey

Ephesus is one of the most legendary cities of the ancient world. It is the grandest and best-preserved of Turkey’s ancient cities. St Paul preached in its Great Theatre and even today the façade of the Celsus Library still stands, as a testament to the city’s one-time role as a centre of learning and culture.

Day 12 - Mykonos, Greece

Once a favourite holiday destination of Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Mykonos has been associated with wealthy jetsetters for decades. But glitz and glamour aside, this island is teeming with Greek charm. A walk around Mykonos Town will capture your heart. It’s a maze of whitewashed buildings with blue doorways and draping pink bougainvillea. The iconic windmills stand tall, the swathes of beach are golden and inviting and the dolmades are fresh and delicious. You might like to get a flavour of the whole island on a panoramic tour taking in Ioannis, Ornos, Kalafatis and ending in Ano Mera, perhaps the most traditional of the island’s villages. We sail early afternoon. Ship to shore tender service.

Day 13 - Istanbul, Turkey (overnight)

We sail into Turkey’s capital to discover the sights and sounds of this magnificent city. Travel back thousands of years at the Sultanahmet Meydani, once the sporting and social heart of Constantinople; admire the incredible tiles adorning the Blue Mosque; and gaze up at the domes and minarets of UNESCO-listed Hagia Sophia. The colourful Grand Bazaar is also a must-see. With almost 4,000 shops of antiques, carpets, jewellery and more, it’s the biggest souk in the world. After all the browsing, perhaps call in at one of the bazaar’s historic coffee roasters for a cup of authentic Turkish coffee, prepared and poured the traditional way. We’ll dock overnight, so there’s plenty of time to explore.

Day 14 - Istanbul - Cruising the Dardanelles

On the far northwest coast of Turkey, the 60km-long Dardanelles divides the continents of Europe and Asia. This historic waterway once acted as a strategic gateway for both shipping trade and military to Istanbul and the Black Sea region. We’ll depart Istanbul to enjoy an afternoon of scenic cruising.

Day 15 - Piraeus (Athens), Greece (overnight)

No modern metropolis is more steeped in myth and legend than Athens, and Piraeus is our gateway to the wonders that await. The heritage of the city is still very much alive for modern visitors sightseeing in Athens. Ancient stadiums and temples dwell alongside apartment blocks. Modern performances are staged in the marble amphitheatres where Greek drama was born. Millennia-old monuments are scattered in the archaeological park that circles the Acropolis. Wandering the streets and taking it all in is a pinch-me experience.

Day 16 - Athens

Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.