Travel to Varenna

Highlights

• Arrive at Naples International Airport (NAP) and transfer to Napoli Centrale, the main railway station in the city center.
• Wander through Spaccanapoli, the historic street cutting through the old center, filled with churches and local life.
• Enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza, a classic dish with a soft, charred crust.

Highlights

• Visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, one of the world's top archaeology museums, housing treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
• Stroll through Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples' grand central square, framed by major landmarks.
• Discover Via Toledo, a lively shopping boulevard known for its palaces and constant local energy.

Highlights

• Take a bus from Napoli, Autostazione Metropark to Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina. The journey takes around 2h 24m, with tickets starting from €5.
• Explore the Pantheon, Rome's best-preserved ancient temple, celebrated for its dome and timeless design.
• Experience the elegant Baroque square of Piazza Navona, famous for Bernini's fountains and lively atmosphere.

Highlights

• Discover the Colosseum, the ancient amphitheater famed for gladiatorial history.
• Wander through the vast archaeological area of the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Rome.
• Ascend Palatine Hill for panoramic views of the Forum and Circus Maximus.

Highlights

• Visit St. Peter's Basilica, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and one of the largest churches in the world.
• Explore the Vatican Museums, home to world-famous papal collections and the iconic Sistine Chapel.
• Admire the Raphael Rooms, a series of four rooms in the Vatican Palace adorned with frescoes by Raphael and his workshop.

Highlights

• Take a bus from Rome to Orvieto, with tickets starting from €10. Earliest departure from Rome is 00:10.
• Marvel at the Duomo di Orvieto, the city's iconic striped Gothic cathedral, famed for its façade and frescoes.
• Explore Orvieto Underground, a monumental cave complex with guided tours through Etruscan wells and tunnels. Return to Rome by bus, with the latest departure from Orvieto at 23:50.

Highlights

• Take a bus from Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina to Scandicci, Villa Costanza (Firenze). The journey takes around 2h 58m, with tickets starting from €5.
• Stroll across Ponte Vecchio, Florence's most iconic bridge, lined with historic shops above the Arno River.
• Experience Piazza della Signoria, Florence’s monumental main square, framed by civic buildings and sculpture.

Highlights

• Visit the Uffizi Gallery, a world-famous gallery housing masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo, and Michelangelo.
• Marvel at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, famed for Brunelleschi’s dome and Gothic marble facades.
• See Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell'Accademia, a must for art enthusiasts.

Highlights

• Travel by train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Siena, with tickets starting from €10. Earliest departure from Florence is 00:40.
• Experience the Piazza del Campo, Siena’s iconic main square, known for the Palio horse race.
• Admire the Duomo di Siena, a Gothic masterpiece with striped marble and a stunning facade. Return to Florence by bus, with the latest departure from Siena at 23:55.

Highlights

• Take a train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Venezia Santa Lucia. The journey takes around 3h 8m, with tickets starting from €11.
• Discover St. Mark's Square, Venice’s monumental main square, framed by arcades and the basilica.
• Walk across the Rialto Bridge, the city’s most famous bridge spanning the Grand Canal.

Highlights

• Visit Doge's Palace, the great Gothic palace that was once the seat of the Venetian Republic.
• Experience a gondola ride or a Vaporetto tour along the Grand Canal for iconic views.
• Explore St Mark's Basilica, dazzling with Byzantine mosaics and domes.

Highlights

• Take a bus from Venezia, Viale Stazione / Via Dante (Mestre Stazione) to Varenna. The journey takes around 2h 43m, with tickets starting from €13.
• Explore the terraced botanical gardens of Villa Monastero, offering panoramic views over Lake Como.
• Stroll along the Passeggiata degli Innamorati, a famous lakeside promenade with photogenic views of Varenna's colorful houses.

Highlights

• Hike to Castello di Vezio, a medieval tower above Varenna, for sweeping panoramic views of Lake Como and falconry events.
• Wander through the charming Riva Grande, Varenna's old harbor area with pastel façades.
• Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and spiritual art at Casa Museo di Villa Monastero.

Highlights

• Take a last stroll along Varenna's waterfront, soaking in the peaceful lakeside ambiance.
• Depart from Varenna-Esino-Perledo train station, the main rail gateway for Varenna.
• For international flights, consider Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), the closest major international airport to Lake Como.

Highlights

• Arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), the recommended international gateway, and travel to Varenna-Esino Train Station.
• Settle into Varenna, a picturesque town on the eastern shore of Lake Como.
• Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the famous Passeggiata degli Innamorati, a lakeside promenade offering stunning views.

Highlights

• Visit Villa Monastero, a historic lakeside villa with terraced botanical gardens and breathtaking views.
• Explore the elegant Giardini di Villa Cipressi, known for its cypresses, exotic plants, and scenic viewpoints.
• Ascend to Castello di Vezio, a medieval tower offering sweeping views over Lake Como and a glimpse into local history.

Highlights

• Board a train from Varenna-Esino to Lugano FLP, a journey taking around 2 hours 23 minutes.
• Travel with Trenitalia, Regionale, or Trenord, with tickets starting from €34.
• Begin exploring Lugano's city centre, easily accessible from Lugano FLP station, perhaps starting with Piazza della Riforma.

Highlights

• Discover MASI Lugano, the city’s leading art museum, showcasing major modern and contemporary exhibitions.
• Visit the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, Lugano’s cathedral, known for its Renaissance and Baroque art and hilltop position.
• Relax in Parco Ciani, Lugano’s elegant waterfront park, featuring flowerbeds, sculptures, and beautiful lake views.

Highlights

• Take a train from Lugano, Stazione to Tirano, a journey taking around 5 hours 21 minutes.
• Travel with SBB, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), or Trenord, with tickets starting from €62.
• Arrive at Tirano Train Station and enjoy an evening exploring the immediate surroundings of your new base.

Highlights

• Explore the magnificent Basilica della Madonna di Tirano, famed for its rich Baroque interiors and religious significance.
• Wander through the Centro Storico di Tirano, discovering old streets, churches, and historic houses.
• Visit Palazzo Salis, an elegant 16th-century palace offering a glimpse into Tirano’s aristocratic past.

Highlights

• Enjoy a final morning exploring Tirano's charming streets or revisiting a favourite spot.
• Depart from Tirano Train Station, with Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) as the recommended international gateway.
• Consider Milan Linate Airport (LIN) or Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) as alternative departure airports for your onward journey.

Highlights

• Admire the intricate Gothic architecture of the Duomo di Milano, Milan's iconic cathedral.
• Stroll through the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a historic shopping arcade.
• Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza del Duomo, the city's central square.

Highlights

• Marvel at Leonardo da Vinci’s 'The Last Supper' at Cenacolo Vinciano (advance booking required).
• Wander through the courtyards and museums of the 15th-century Castello Sforzesco.
• Discover the charming lanes and artistic ambiance of the Brera district, home to boutiques and galleries.

Highlights

• Take a scenic 1 hour 5 minute train ride from Milano Centrale to Varenna-esino, with tickets starting from €7.
• Stroll along the Passeggiata degli Innamorati, Varenna's famous lakeside promenade.
• Explore Riva Grande, the old harbour area known for its pastel facades and charming atmosphere.

Highlights

• Explore the historic Villa Monastero, featuring terraced botanical gardens and stunning lake vistas.
• Ascend to Castello di Vezio, a medieval tower offering sweeping views over Lake Como and occasional falconry events.
• Wander through the elegant Giardini di Villa Cipressi, celebrated for its cypresses and exotic plants.

Highlights

• Enjoy a scenic train ride from Varenna-esino to Luzern Bhf, taking approximately 3 hours 37 minutes, with tickets from €45.
• Walk across the historic Chapel Bridge, Lucerne’s iconic 14th-century covered wooden bridge.
• Explore the preserved Old Town, with its frescoed buildings and fountains around Weinmarkt square.

Highlights

• Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport, featuring an extensive collection of trains, planes, and cars.
• Reflect at the Lion Monument, a moving rock-cut sculpture commemorating Swiss Guards.
• Admire the collection of Pablo Picasso works at the Sammlung Rosengart, housed in a historic building.

Highlights

• Travel by train from Luzern Bhf to Zürich HB, a journey of about 44 minutes, with tickets starting from €12. Earliest departure is 00:01, latest return is 23:58.
• Discover the twin-towered Grossmünster church, a landmark of Zurich's Old Town.
• Stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich's famous shopping street, and enjoy the scenic Lake Zurich Promenade.

Highlights

• Enjoy a picturesque train ride from Luzern Bhf to Interlaken Ost, taking around 1 hour 55 minutes, with tickets from €20.
• Relax in Höhematte, a large open meadow offering classic views of the Jungfrau mountains.
• Ascend to Harder Kulm, a popular panoramic lookout accessible by funicular, for unforgettable views of the lakes and peaks.

Highlights

• Discover the charming Unterseen Old Town, with its arcades and painted facades.
• Visit the Touristik-Museum der Jungfrau-Region to learn about local history and mountain culture.
• Explore the Freilichtmuseum Ballenberg, an open-air museum showcasing traditional Bernese Highland life and architecture.

Highlights

• Depart from Interlaken Ost, the primary train station in Interlaken.
• For international flights, Zurich Airport (ZRH) is a major gateway, approximately 120 km away, with direct trains taking 1 hour 48 minutes to 2 hours 17 minutes.
• Alternatively, Geneva Airport (GVA) is about 144 km from Interlaken, with train journeys typically taking 2 hours 48 minutes to 3 hours 49 minutes, usually with one change.