Trip Snapshot

The Bernese Oberland will have you captivated on a grand scale. When you visit this overwhelmingly beautiful region of Switzerland, you'll be watched over by magisterial Mönch (Monk) and Jungfrau (Virgin) as you hike in the mysterious shadows of the formidable north face of the Eiger (Ogre). Discover why the mist-heavy Staubbach Falls was the inspiration to poets Goethe and Lord Byron. The postcard-perfect village of Lauterbrunnen is nestled deep in the yawning valley of 72 waterfalls. The region is a magnet for nature lovers who enjoy outdoor activities from hiking, canyoning, and even base jumping. It's said that there is nowhere the resorts are more beautiful, the peaks higher and the glaciers grander. In Kandersteg, the mountains rise like ecological battlements above the ludicrously beautiful turquoise Oeschinensee lake. If you are lucky, you'll hear the music of the Alphorn echoing through the valleys. The Alphorn is a 4-meter musical instrument traditionally played by Alpine herdsmen and villagers; today, a mere handful of local people will play them at local ceremonies and seasonal festivals. Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Sites than any other country and is packed with extraordinary diversity from the icy-peaked Alps and glacial lakes in the north, the fashionable streets of Milan, art-filled Florence, not to mention the celebrated balcony of Romeo and Juliette in Verona. Set foot in seductive Tuscany and explore its lyrical landscapes, world-class art, and slow-cooked food. Finish your journey in dolce vita style in Italy's capital. While away your time in glorious street-side cafes, people-watch in medieval piazzas flanked with baroque facades, wander through haunting ruins, Vatican City, St Peter's Basilica, the Colosseum, and experience Rome's vibrant and hot-blooded street life. If you want to explore further afield, then head to the sparkling Amalfi Coast and pizza-inventing Naples.