Lake Como is one of Italy's most iconic landscapes — and one of its busiest. This full-day tour takes a different route: by Swiss train from Milan, by boat along the lake, and by train across the border into Switzerland — two lakes, two countries, one unhurried day.

The journey begins at Milan's central station, where the Swiss train departs directly for Como. No traffic, no bus — just a smooth, scenic ride that drops you at the lake in 40 minutes.

In Como, your guide leads an orientation walk through the town centre — taking in the Cathedral, one of Italy's finest examples of Gothic-Renaissance architecture, and pointing out the best restaurants for lunch and where to find the best gelato in Como.

From there, the tour continues by boat. The cruise passes elegant 19th-century villas, terraced gardens, and filming locations recognised around the world — your guide bringing the history of the lake to life as the shoreline passes. The boat stops in Torno, a small medieval village most visitors never reach: stone streets, a Romanesque church, and views across the water without the crowds.

Around 2 hours of free time follow back in Como — a waterfront lunch, a wander through the silk boutiques the town has been famous for since the Renaissance, or simply sitting by the lake.

Then the tour crosses into Switzerland. The train from Como to Lugano takes 40 minutes — and the change is immediate. Lugano feels distinctly different: quieter, more orderly, with a promenade that invites you to slow down.

Around 1.5 hours of free time — enough for Swiss chocolate, a coffee with a lake view, or a walk up to Santa Maria degli Angioli church, home to remarkable Renaissance frescoes by Bernardino Luini, a direct pupil of Leonardo da Vinci.

Swiss train from Milan, boat cruise along Lake Como, guided walking sections, and an expert English-speaking guide throughout. Maximum 12 guests. Return to Milan by early evening.