EXOTIC ESCAPES

Switzerland & Italy

Europe's largest waterfall, a mountain at 3,200 metres, and Venice's old trade routes to the Muslim world.

7 Days / 6 NightsZurich, Lucerne, Lugano, Milan, Venice

FROM$7,000per person

The trip

Europe's largest waterfall, a mountain at 3,200 metres, and Venice's old trade routes to the Muslim world.

You start in Zurich and finish at Venice airport, moving south the whole way, from the alpine lakes of Switzerland to the streets of Italy. Two nights in Zurich, two in the Milan region, two in Mestre, and the drives between them are part of the trip: the road out of Switzerland runs through icy valleys until the scenery turns Mediterranean at Lake Lugano. The other line running through the week is the Islamic one. An Islamic heritage guide travels with you, mosque and maqam visits are part of the schedule, and in Venice you spend the morning on the trade routes that tied the city to the Muslim world, and on the architecture, mathematics, maps and textiles that came back along them.

Venice's trade with the Islamic world runs back to the era of Caliph Umar, and it shows in the architecture, the maps, the mathematics and the textiles.

Day by day

Every day, already considered.

Prayer, dining, and where you rest, planned into each day, so you are never caught out.

01
DESTINATION
The Rhine Falls, then the old town
You are met at Zurich airport and driven to the Rheinfall on the Swiss-German border, the largest and most thunderous waterfall in Europe. Back in Zurich, a panoramic tour takes in the Limmat riverbanks, St Peter's Church, the Lake Zurich promenade, Bahnhofstrasse and the Old Town, then free time in the winter streets: warm pastries, artisan breads and alpine honey.
02
DESTINATION
Titlis at 3,200 metres, then Lucerne
You cross into the Alps for Mount Titlis, 3,200 metres above sea level, with an optional cable car ascent to panoramic views of the snow-covered peaks. Then Lucerne, one of the most elegant historical cities in Europe: medieval streets, the lakeside, and time to let it settle. Warming soups, alpine breads, spiced teas and winter desserts dusted with sugar.
03
DESTINATION
South until the scenery changes
An early breakfast, then south through valleys and icy mountain landscapes until the scenery turns Mediterranean at Lake Lugano, in southern Switzerland. Then Lake Como on the Italian side, with noble villas along the shore and the mountains coming down to the water. Mediterranean food, and scenic stops on the road to the Milan region.
04
DESTINATION
Sforza Castle and the Grand Mosque
The morning begins at Sforza Castle, Milan's historic fort, followed by a panoramic tour: the Duomo from the outside, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the boutiques and cafés, and free time for artisan gelato, creamy risotto and fresh homemade pasta. In the afternoon you pray at the Grand Central Mosque of Milan and meet the local Muslim community.
05
DESTINATION
Verona's arena, then on to Mestre
You travel to Verona for a panoramic tour past the ancient Roman Arena, the city's own Colosseum, the House of Romeo and Juliet, the Piazza delle Erbe and the Clock Tower. The streets are full of music, street artists, cafés and boutique shops. Sweet Italian treats, warm pastries and winter chocolates before you continue to Mestre.
06
DESTINATION
San Marco, and what Venice borrowed
You begin at San Marco in Venice, and uncover the Islamic connections underneath it: trade routes reaching back to the era of Caliph Umar, and the architecture, mathematics, maps and textiles that shaped Venetian brilliance. Then the Fashion Outlet Village, with shopping assistance on hand if you want it.
07
DESTINATION
Breakfast, and the road to the airport
After breakfast, a private transfer to Venice airport for your onward flight. What you carry home is the quieter part of the week: the trade routes, the manuscripts, the Andalusi footsteps that Europe forgot, and a set of stories about these countries that are rarely told.