Vistas of Italy and Switzerland: Venice to Zurich

The Hotel Violino d'Oro is located right in the heart of Venice, a short distance away from Piazza San Marco and from Teatro la Fenice and only 2 minutes away from Ponte di Rialto. Facing Calle Larga XXII Marzo, it also gives you the chance of visiting the Venice filled with fashion boutiques, historic dry goods stores and glassmakers' workshops.

Today, we'll acquaint ourselves with Venice's maze-like backstreets on a guided walking tour before meeting a local artisan and enjoying a traditional mask making demonstration.

Afterwards, we'll travel onwards to Sirmione where we'll clink glasses over a welcome dinner.

This morning, we'll make our way to a local farmhouse where we'll be treated to an authentic lunch of cheeses, artisan bread and local vegetables. Then, we'll learn a fact or two on a walking tour of the breathtaking town of Borghetto.

After an eventful few hours we'll return to Sirmione, where the afternoon will be yours to enjoy at your own pace.

Today, our road will carry us to the Port of Sulzano, where a private boat tour awaits. Whilst on board, we'll enjoy a local produce tasting and brief docking at the picturesque fishing village of Peschiera Maraglio on Monte Isola.

Later on we'll hit the road to Iseo, where we'll round off the day with a delicious dinner.

Rolling hills, charming vineyards and medieval villages are on the cards today.

Our first stop? A local farmhouse, where we'll visit a traditional wine cellar and indulge in a tasting. After that, we'll launch into an authentic cooking class where we'll learn some regional culinary secrets.

Today, our path will lead us to Tirano where one of our trip highlights awaits. It's here that we'll board the Bernina Express and embark on one of the world's most iconic railway journeys! Our train will climb steadily into the mountains, with spectacular views of soaring peaks and awe-inspiring glaciers in every direction.

Our final stop of the day will be Pontresina, where we'll be welcomed into Switzerland with a warming group dinner.

After feasting on a hearty breakfast with a Swiss twist, we'll move on to St Moritz where we'll board the famous Glacier Express train to Andermatt. Prepare for an experience unlike any other in the world! We'll rest our heads in Interlaken tonight.

After breakfast, we'll take a steam train to the top of the Brienzer Rothorn, where a delicious lunch awaits us. We'll then travel back to Interlaken on a memorable (not to mention scenic) paddle steamer cruise before returning to Interlaken for our final dinner together.

On our last day together we'll set our sights on Lucerne - stopping off for an indulgent chocolate tasting at Aeschbach Chocolatier (and some free time to explore) en route.

Finally, we'll move on to Zurich, where we'll say goodbye.

This hotel represents the height of modern cool in a practical and peaceful location. This hotel is located near the university in the centre of Zurich, just a short tram ride from the old town and all sights. The rooms vary in size, but most are medium sized. Despite the fact that this is quite an old building, these rooms are decorated and furnished in cutting edge designer style. The furniture itself is mostly black and polished wood floors and white walls make for a clean modern look. The colour of the state of the art lights can be altered depending on the guests mood. The bathrooms are also the epitomy of up-to-date cool with top quality amenities and a Plattenhof bathrobe. Both the rooms and the bathrooms are in exceptional condition.*Images from VFM Leonardo, Inc.