An unforgettable 7-night journey through Switzerland and Italy, beginning in Zurich with two nights in this charming Swiss city. Stroll through this charming city and sample Swiss chocolate, watch the swans cavort in the river, and soak up the festive atmosphere of the city. Next, head to Chur, the oldest town in Switzerland, for an overnight stay in the historic city center, where their charming holiday market brightens the piazza. The following day, board the Bernina Express, a panoramic train for a four-hour ride through the heart of the Swiss Alps, as you observe the winter wonderland from your first-class window seat. Arrive in Milan, a city filled with stunning holiday decorations. From Christmas trees decorated by iconic fashion designers like Gucci and Ferragamo to buildings covered in festive lights, the city is alive with holiday spirit in December. We will explore the different neighborhoods of the city, with a special stop to see DaVinci's Last Supper. Travel to the picturesque Bergamo on a day trip, visit Citta Alta, and soak in the medieval atmosphere of this hilltop stone city. Finally, spend a day in the romantic city of Verona, the setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Wander through the Piazza delle Erbe, sampling Vin Brulè, a traditional warm mulled wine. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to get in the holiday spirit in the winter wonderland of Switzerland and Northern Italy!

Spend two days exploring this picturesque Swiss city. Our hotel, the Zucherhof, is located in the heart of District One, known as Alstadt, or the "Old Town" of Zurich. Its cobbled streets are full of cozy bars, traditional Swiss restaurants, and art museums like the Kunsthaus. Iconic churches include Fraumünster, with Chagall and Giacometti stained-glass windows. The luxury shopping mile Bahnhofstrasse has chocolate and jewelry stores alongside high-end boutiques. 

We will explore the city on a guided walking tour, visiting some of the highlights of the Altstadt. Sample Swiss chocolates, take in the colorful buildings that front the river, and sample seasonal treats at the festive holiday market.

We have optional group dinner reservations each night at traditional, local restaurants. 

We leave Zurich by train and spend a day in Chur, a tiny town nestled in the Alps. Our hotel, the Stern Hotel Chur, is a four-star hotel in the historic city center, a short walk to everything. 

Winding streets in the car-free old town lead to the 13th-century, three-naved Cathedral of the Assumption in the courtyard of the Bishop's Palace. The Brambrüesch aerial cableway ascends to a plateau with trails, panoramic views, and winter ski slopes. From Chur, we will board the Bernina Express train and cross the Alps into Italy. 

We arrive by train in the city center of Milan, where we will be based for the remainder of the trip. Milan, centrally located in Northern Italy, is a city of juxtapositions. While it is a global metropolis of fashion and design, it is also filled with walkable neighborhoods and charming spots. The holiday season is particularly festive, with Italian food and fashion companies sponsoring decorated Christmas trees around the city and buildings everywhere trimmed in festive lights. 

We have tickets for an exclusive visit to see DaVinci's Last Supper and the Duomo, the largest church in Italy and the third largest in the world. We will stroll through  Navigli, known for its twin canals and its cobblestone streets packed with contemporary art galleries and vintage stores. We will visit holiday markets around the city, sipping mulled wine and tasting seasonal foods like roasted chestnuts. 

From Milan, we will make day trips to Bergamo and Verona. Bergamo was named one of Italy's Capitals of Culture in 2023. With a past that dates back to pre-Roman times, the city has layers of history~ literally. We will visit Citta Alta, the upper city surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage-recognized Venetian walls. Riding the funicular, we will cross the walls into the oldest part of the city. There, we will embark on a walking tour before the city comes alive with the twinkling holiday decorations. After dinner, we will head back to Milan. 

Another day, we will take the train to Verona, the setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. We will join a local for a guided city tour, visiting spots like the Roman Colosseum and Juliette's balcony. While in the city, we can enjoy a classic aperitif and dinner.

Your time in Milan ends with a private transfer to a Milan airport, either Malpensa or Linate.