Milan & Switzerland - Fly & Drive Tour

About the destination: With an almost Northern European ambiance, yet radiating Italian style, Milan is Italy's most cosmopolitan city. This capital of Lombardy is both industrious and glamorous - a powerhouse in sectors ranging from finance to fashion, and of course, football. However, what sets Milan apart is its standing as the hub of Italian fashion and interior design. International fashion enthusiasts, designers, supermodels, and paparazzi flock to the city biannually for its spring and fall fairs: Milan, which has meticulously maintained its reputation for flair, drama, and creativity, is Italy's natural stage. Undoubtedly, it's one of the best places in Italy for shopping, or even just window shopping. As Italy's primary industrial, commercial, and financial center, Milan unsurprisingly has a business-like demeanor. At first glance, it may not seem impressive, but if you take the time and make an effort to explore Milan’s streets, you’ll discover its aesthetically pleasing treasures – they do exist. Navigate through the modern metropolitan hustle, and you'll find impressive churches and palaces, the charming Navigli area, the trendy Brera district and vibrant university quarter, not to mention a landmark like the Duomo, or the fact that the city proudly houses Leonardo da Vinci's 15th-century masterpiece, The Last Supper. Milan leaves no room for criticism when it comes to having a good time. The Milanese know how to celebrate – and they don’t waste time getting started. Nightlife usually begins at 6pm; enjoying an aperitivo, where locals relax with after-work drinks and snacks before heading home, is more the norm than the exception. So, whether you’re in search of affordable fashion, an alternative city getaway, or an opportunity to paint the town red, Milan undoubtedly has it all.

About the destination: Enchanting Stresa: A Jewel of the Italian Lakes Nestled on the shores of the magnificent Lake Maggiore in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy, Stresa is a picturesque town that offers a blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and Italian elegance. Known for its stunning views of the snow-capped Alps and the serene waters of the lake, Stresa has been a beloved retreat for poets, artists, and travelers seeking inspiration and tranquility. Upon arrival in Stresa, visitors are captivated by the grandeur of the Belle Epoque hotels and the lush gardens that line the lakefront promenade. A leisurely stroll through the town's narrow streets reveals a collection of quaint shops, delightful cafes, and intimate restaurants where one can indulge in the region's culinary delights, such as fresh fish from the lake, rich cheeses, and exquisite wines. The town's piazzas, with their lively ambiance, are perfect spots to savor a gelato while soaking in the local culture. One of Stresa's most enchanting attractions is the Borromean Islands, a group of three small islands and two islets that can be easily reached by a short boat ride. Isola Bella, the most famous of these, is home to the opulent Borromeo Palace with its terraced gardens that seem to float on the water. Isola dei Pescatori, with its charming fishing village and narrow lanes, offers a glimpse into traditional Italian life, while Isola Madre features a botanical garden renowned for its rare plant species and exotic birds. No visit to Stresa would be complete without taking the cable car to the summit of Mount Mottarone. The journey offers panoramic vistas that stretch from the lake's sparkling waters to the distant peaks of the Alps. At the top, adventure seekers can enjoy hiking trails in the summer or skiing in the winter, while those looking for a more relaxed experience can bask in the breathtaking scenery. Stresa is not just a feast for the eyes; it's a haven for the soul. Whether you're looking for romantic escapism, cultural exploration, or outdoor adventure, this Italian gem on the lake is sure to create unforgettable memories.

About the destination: Courmayeur stands at the 4,016 feet-marker of Mont Blanc, within a verdant basin surrounded by firs, spruces and larches, and of course mountain peaks, glaciers and other gorgeous and traditional towns along the Dora Baltea River that traverses the entirety of Valle d'Aosta. The welcome that locals give to their visitors and their care for and attention to the details are evident in the numerous lodging structures – from luxury hotels to typical Alpine baitas, from the historic cafes in the town center to the mountain huts in the vicinity of the slopes. And it was in Courmayeur that the story of the ski-lift began: in 1908 the Donzelli, Gilberti and Lora Totino families commissioned the first cable transport. Then, in 1939, this pioneering idea led to the Mont Blanc Society, which worked to realize the funicular running from La Palud to Punta Helbronner. Thus access to the mountains was expanded to include everybody, not just professional mountaineers. Today, with more than 62 miles of pistes, Courmayeur has established itself at the upper reaches in its winter sports offering, not only in Italy but on a European level, as well. Indeed, its alpine ski zone is frequented by skiers from all over the world. For Nordic skiers, there's nothing better than days filled with fun in Val Ferret, where slopes abound for both experts and non. These run in part next to a pedestrian path on the snow, allowing for pleasant nature walks just a few miles short of the town center. Not only, but backcountry skiing is also an option, with a descent over the Toula Glacier and over those of the Vallée Blanche; from here one can reach Chamonix – on Mont Blanc's French slope – by way of the the Mer de Glace Glacier. If you happen to be in Courmayeur, don’t pass up crossing Mont Blanc, Europe's highest mountaintop. With the Funivia Monte Bianco or Mont Blanc Funicular, visitors can ascend to over 6,562 ft in just a few minutes. During this trip - that begins in La Palud (at the heights of 4,347 ft) and arrives to Le Pavillon (at 7,129 ft a.s.l.) - expect to be rewarded with a magnificent view of the glaciers and grand peaks of the Alps. You can even visit an Alpine botanical garden and look out upon awe-inspiring glaciers, Alpine peaks, and the icicles of Mont Blanc. Not only, but Courmayeur is one of Alpine mountaineering's historic capitals, a topic on which tourists can learn more at the Museo Alpino Duca degli Abruzzi, located in the town center's Casa delle Guide and displaying a collection of documents, heirlooms and climbing apparatus. Easy to get to in any season of the year (from France and the rest of Europe by way of the Mont Blanc tunnel, and from other Italian Regions via the Autostrada connecting Turin to Mont Blanc), Courmayeur is an excellent vacation choice even in summer. What matters is its year-round natural beauty and its cosmopolitan atmosphere, both cozy and intimate yet social at the same time!

About the destination: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a municipality in the Haute-Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. Located near the massive peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges and most notably the Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix is one of the oldest ski resorts in France and is known as the "gateway to the European Cascades." The north side of the summit of Mont Blanc, and therefore the summit itself, are part of the village of Chamonix. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Mer de Glace. One of the largest glaciers in continental Europe, accessible by the Montenvers cogwheel train. • Aiguille du Midi cable car. One of the highest cable cars in the world. • Brevent cable car. • Crystal Museum. A museum showcasing an impressive collection of crystals, primarily from Chamonix, but also from the rest of the Alps and around the world.

About the destination: Annecy, located in the northern part of the French Alps, is often referred to as the "Venice of Savoie" in the tourism industry. The medieval town center, built around a 14th-century chateau, is crisscrossed by small canals and streams that flow from Lac Annecy, which is known for its clean, fresh, and beautifully azure waters. Annecy also serves as the prefecture of the Haute-Savoie department. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Annecy Castle This restored castle overlooks the old French town of Annecy in the Haute-Savoie department. The town purchased the castle, restored it, and converted it into a museum. The French Ministry of Culture has listed the castle as a historic monument. The castle was constructed between the 12th and 16th centuries. Palais de l’Isle This is perhaps the most iconic image of Annecy. The Palais de l’Isle, a whimsically turreted structure from the 12th century, sits on a triangular islet surrounded by the Canal du Thiou. Over the centuries, it has served as a noble residence, courthouse, and prison. Today, it is Annecy's most visible landmark and hosts exhibits on local architecture and history.

About the destination: The city of Geneva, with a population of 200,000 residents, is one of the largest cities in Switzerland. It serves as the capital of the canton and is located on Lac Leman, also known as Lake Geneva. The city is divided by the Rhône River, which flows from the lake. Geneva is a beautiful and enchanting city with numerous bridges. The Gothic St-Pierre Cathedral towers over the vieille ville, or old town, of Geneva, which is characterized by narrow, winding streets and houses adorned with flowers. For a breathtaking view of the old town, climb the north tower. Most of the city's museums are located in the vieille ville. The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire is known for its diverse exhibits, ranging from ancient Greek vases to Dadaism art. The Petit Palais is home to a wonderful collection of modern art housed in a cozy 19th-century palace. The lakefront of Geneva is stunning, with the daring Jet d'Eau, one of the tallest fountains in the world. Don't miss the well-groomed Jardin Anglais with its famous Horloge Fleurie, a large clock decorated with flowers, built in tribute to Geneva's clock industry. Geneva continues to be an international city, embodying Swiss neutrality that has welcomed diverse visitors like Lenin and Borges. Today, diplomats and executives of countless corporations occupy Geneva's offices, though rarely its immaculate streets. Calm and scenic, Geneva is the most delightful city in Switzerland.

About the destination: On the banks of Lake Geneva, at the base of towering Alpine peaks, Lausanne is home to the International Olympic Committee. In the summer, the Quai d’Ouchy transforms into a Mediterranean-style resort offering sailing, swimming, and waterskiing. However, Lausanne was once a bishop's seat, and its old districts maintain a religious, medieval atmosphere. The rue Cité Devant and rue Cité Derrière form the heart of the old city. These medieval streets lead to the stunning Gothic Cathedral, renowned for its rose windows and considered one of Switzerland's most remarkable monuments. The Château Saint-Maire is a short walk from the cathedral and features a large, sunny terrace with a great view of Lake Geneva. Nearby, Place de la Palud has a large fountain where young people gather. Place St-François, a small, charming shopping area, is also a great spot for people-watching. The St-François church boasts vibrant stained glass windows and a 15th-century steeple. The Olympic Museum explores the philosophy and history of the Olympics. The quai de Belgique is a lakeside walkway lined with flowers, pristine gardens, small fountains, and benches. Nature enthusiasts will also appreciate the statues and tranquil ponds of Parc du Denantou at the end of quai d’Ouchy. Home to two highly respected universities, Lausanne is a vibrant and dynamic city with many attractions and activities. Lausanne has also become a hotspot for nightlife in French-speaking Switzerland over the past decade, with a wide variety of bars, nightclubs, pubs, discos, jazz clubs, theaters, and more. If you're in Lausanne in July, don't miss the Festival de la Cite. Held in the streets of the old town, this festival showcases all types of performing arts, from dance to theater to rock concerts.

About the destination: Montreux is a municipality in the district of Riviera-Pays-d'Enhaut in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland. It is located on Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Château de Chillon. A historic castle and the country's most visited place, on a small island in Lake Geneva only a few meters from the shore. The Castle is more famous in modern times for having inspired Lord Byron's poem, The Prisoner of Chillon, based on the true story of François Bonivard, a political prisoner from Geneva who was released in 1536. • Marmots' Paradise. The mountains around Hauts-de-Montreux are threaded with forest trails, isolated villages, caves, grottos, and wildlife. • Casino Barrière de Montreux.

About the destination: Capital of Switzerland, Berne is a calm, beautiful city, lined with 17th century arcades and dotted with colourful fountains. A cultural centre, Berne bustles with activity, and its people are easy-going and friendly. The best introduction to Berne is to stroll around its old town with its cobblestoned streets, marketplaces and colourful 16th century fountains. At the entrance to Berne's Old Town there is the clock tower with its famous moving figures. The clock tower dates back to the early 13th century and the astronomical clock dates from the 15th century. From there continue to the Albert Einstein House. Albert Einstein rented this small flat during his years working at the Swiss patent office. Here are numerous photos and original documents from Einstein's life, work, and speeches. There is a look-alike of the genius selling postcards and books. A small alleyway a few blocks down leads to the cathedral, which has a 100m steeple, and is a fine example of Swiss Gothic architecture. The Rosengarten allows a magnificent view of the old city and the River Aare. Berne offers many fine museums, several of them grouped together at Helvetiaplatz. The renowned Bernisches Hiatoriche Museum exhibits collections related to the history of Berne from prehistory to the present. It includes the Einstein Museum. The Kunstmuseum is the oldest art museum in Switzerland with a permanent collection and houses works covering eight centuries. The Swiss Alpine Museum’s collection of maps and old hiking equipment will interest visiting hillwalkers. Berne has got everything one needs: a great shopping mile where you don't get wet if it rains, a wonderful Cathedral, the river Aare to swim in, picturesque surrounding hills, good restaurants and bars with a dynamic atmosphere. So come explore this nice town, it won’t disappoint.

About the destination: Interlaken is a town and municipality in the Interlaken-Oberhasli administrative district in the Swiss canton of Bern. It is a significant and renowned tourist destination in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps, and the primary transportation hub to the mountains and lakes of that region. The town is situated on the Bödeli, between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and alongside the Aare river that flows between the two lakes. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • The Höheweg is Interlaken's main street which runs between Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost Railway Stations. Take a look at the "Japanese Garden", the 150-year old Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel, and don't miss the stunning view of the famous snow-covered Jungfrau mountain from "Höhematte". • Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn is a glaciated UNESCO World Heritage Site above Interlaken in the Bernese Alps. • Unterseen. Unterseen is a quaint old town near the Interlaken West train station.

About the destination: Lugano is a lakeside city in Ticino, the Italian-speaking part of southern Switzerland. Part of a temperate micro-climate, Lugano offers palm trees, picturesque boulevards, stunning views of the lake and the Alps, and plenty of opportunity for outdoor and indoor activities. Lugano also makes a good base for visiting other cities and sites in the area. The city is a pleasant place to relax in the summertime and is only half an hour away from Lake Como. The Santa Maria degli Angeli chapel, designed by the world famous architect Mario Botta, is a marvel of contemporary architecture, with paintings by Enzo Cucchi. The chapel, built from 1992 to 1994, is dedicated to Santa Maria degli Angeli, and boasts innovative features in terms of religious building design. You can also visit the Parco Civico-Ciani. This area has both the features of an Italian and an English garden: lush flower beds alternate with green spaces and trees and shrubs from all over the world. The Swiss Miniature in Melide, which was opened in 1959, is the only miniature park in Switzerland. The detailed and authentic models include well-known sites such as the Heidi Village in Maienfeld, the castles of Burgdorf and Chillon, the Federal Parliament in Bern, and the Cathedral of Milan, the only model that can also be viewed from inside. Eighteen model trains travel between the buildings on approximately 3.5 kilometers of tracks.

About the destination: Como is a city and municipality in Lombardy, Italy. It serves as the administrative capital of the Province of Como. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Volta Lighthouse. Offering some of the best views of the lake, this towering structure allows you to gaze down at the lake from a height of about 2000 feet. • Cathedral. • Tempio Voltiano. A pleasant stop on your walk along the waterfront, this temple dedicated to Volta is designed in a neoclassical style. • War Memorial. • City Walls. The remnants of the 12th-century city walls, which surround the narrow, winding streets of the old town. • Isola Comacina. A small island featuring the ruins of several Byzantine churches.

About the destination: With an almost Northern European ambiance, yet radiating Italian style, Milan is Italy's most cosmopolitan city. This capital of Lombardy is both industrious and glamorous - a powerhouse in sectors ranging from finance to fashion, and of course, football. However, what sets Milan apart is its standing as the hub of Italian fashion and interior design. International fashion enthusiasts, designers, supermodels, and paparazzi flock to the city biannually for its spring and fall fairs: Milan, which has meticulously maintained its reputation for flair, drama, and creativity, is Italy's natural stage. Undoubtedly, it's one of the best places in Italy for shopping, or even just window shopping. As Italy's primary industrial, commercial, and financial center, Milan unsurprisingly has a business-like demeanor. At first glance, it may not seem impressive, but if you take the time and make an effort to explore Milan’s streets, you’ll discover its aesthetically pleasing treasures – they do exist. Navigate through the modern metropolitan hustle, and you'll find impressive churches and palaces, the charming Navigli area, the trendy Brera district and vibrant university quarter, not to mention a landmark like the Duomo, or the fact that the city proudly houses Leonardo da Vinci's 15th-century masterpiece, The Last Supper. Milan leaves no room for criticism when it comes to having a good time. The Milanese know how to celebrate – and they don’t waste time getting started. Nightlife usually begins at 6pm; enjoying an aperitivo, where locals relax with after-work drinks and snacks before heading home, is more the norm than the exception. So, whether you’re in search of affordable fashion, an alternative city getaway, or an opportunity to paint the town red, Milan undoubtedly has it all.