Uncover Lake Iseo, hidden in an unspoilt corner of northern Italy, rich in beauty and serene landscapes of lakes and rolling mountains

Your Italian adventure begins by meeting the Tour Manager and travelling group at London St Pancras International, ready to board the Eurostar service.

Travelling in spacious Plus class, we are served a light meal at our seats as we travel to Paris, where we change trains to the First Class service direct to Turin. The rolling hills of France pass by our windows before we cross the Alps into northern Italy, arriving in Turin this evening.

We check in to our four-star hotel near the centre for an overnight stay, and head out for our first meal together, a three-course dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast there's time to explore Turin at leisure. Fringed by the Italian Alps, the city's grand public squares are lined with cafés and bars, while there's a stylish pedestrianised shopping district a short distance from our hotel. Turin's architecture is an attractive blend of Baroque, Renaissance and modern, while a number of fascinating art galleries can be found near Giardini Reali.

This afternoon, we travel by First Class rail to Brescia. From here, a coach transfers us to the charming village of Sulzano on the shores of Lake Iseo. Our elegant hotel has a swimming pool and panoramic terrace right on the shores, providing jaw-dropping views of the lake and its surrounding mountains. With a private bathing area, it is also possible to take a dip in the lake's refreshing waters.

After checking in, there's time to unwind before we gather for a three-course dinner in the hotel's restaurant this evening.

Today is an opportunity to familiarise yourself with this little-known corner of northern Italy and explore independently. The pristine lake and its unchanged villages recall the days of the Grand Tour when people flocked to Italy to discover the culture and beautiful landscapes of this fascinating country. A train line with regular services along the eastern shore makes exploring further afield easy.

Sulzano's Old Town is small, with narrow, sheltered streets curving gently with the shoreline and regularly providing glimpses of stunning views. To the south of Sulzano is the medieval village of Iseo, whose open-air market is held on Fridays amid a picturesque warren of pastel-coloured houses. One of Italy's most beautiful villages, Lovere, can be reached by ferry. Nestled between the lake and mountains, Lovere's Centro Storico is a delightful jumble of colourful houses which jostle for position around the lakeshore and its main square.

Dining independently tonight provides the chance to sample local cuisine. Restaurants in the towns around Lake Iseo offer an impressive choice of menus, many featuring creative dishes of local freshwater fish.

A full day exploration of Brescia awaits after breakfast. Positioned between Milan and Verona, this historic city is situated at the foot of the Italian Alps, surrounded by stunning mountainous scenery.

After travelling by coach, we explore the historic old centre with an expert guide on a walking tour through the main city squares. Brescia aligned with Rome during the Carthaginian Wars and the most important Roman remains in northern Italy can be found here, including a former temple and part of a World Heritage site which contains an amphitheatre. Starting from the oldest Roman piazzas we wander past impressive arched columns, decorative churches and marble statues to the city's enchanting medieval district and striking, Renaissance-era square.

Our tour ends in the modern centre of Brescia where restaurants and shops are located. At the end of the tour, we return to our accommodation where there is time to relax before a three-course dinner in the hotel restaurant.

A free day today presents the chance to enjoy the beauty of Lake Iseo and beyond. You may like to take a boat to one of the lake's other villages, soaking up amazing views of the surrounding mountains. The ancient fishing village of Clusane is renowned for its gastronomy, particular Franciacorta wine, saffron and baked tench.

From Sulzano's train station you could travel to some of Italy's most famous cities in less than 90 minutes. In Verona, you could follow in the footsteps of Shakespearean characters to find Juliet's balcony or uncover the incredible Roman Arena.

Known as the 'fashion capital of the world', Milan is a grand city of ornate architecture and elegant squares. Stroll past the fashion boutiques of Via Monte Napoleone, visit the famed Teatra alla Scala, wander the canalside streets of the popular Navigli district or savour a coffee in Piazza del Duomo while marvelling at the Gothic cathedral - one of the largest church buildings in the world.

Our excursion today takes us first on a cruise on Lake Iseo. With an English-speaking guide, we sail around the small islands of Loreto and San Paolo, before docking on Monte Isola. Reaching a height of nearly 1,970 feet, it is one of Europe's tallest lake islands and attractive, car-free hamlets cling to its shore.

A guided tour takes us through the historic fishermen's village of Peschiera Maraglio. Wandering past bougainvillea-draped houses and through labyrinthine alleyways, we are introduced to this island that has a culture and pace of life of its own. We then enjoy a holiday highlight as we arrive at Castello Oldofredi for a tasting lunch. Savour refined regional flavours in elegant surroundings, with exceptional views across the lake.

There's time after to explore the island independently and you might like to walk along the 'road of olive trees', a sedate, mile-long route lined with olive trees. Later, we sail back to Sulzano return for a free evening to head out to a local trattoria or admire the sunset over the lake from our hotel.

Please note: on the 27th April, 9th & 30th May, 1st September and 11th October departures, we will dine at our hotel this evening.

This morning, we drive to Bergamo at the foothills of the Alps between lakes Iseo and Como. After meeting our guide, we board a funicular to the historic Upper Town. We take a walking tour of this captivating citadel, encircled by Venetian walls. The spellbinding Piazza Duomo is a wonderland of magnificent buildings, such as the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, guarded by marble lions. Other fantastic sights include the neoclassical cathedral and the octagonal baptistery.

After our tour, there is a free afternoon to continue exploring. You could head down into the airy and modern Lower Town, where wide boulevards are lined with chestnut trees. Maybe find a trattoria to savour some local flavours including casconcelli, a variety of filled ravioli.

Another option is to relax in one of the small squares, sampling a coffee or an apéritif, or indulge in a stracciatella, a variety of ice-cream with dark chocolate flakes that was invented in Bergamo. We return to Sulzano this afternoon with time to unwind before we sit down for a three-course dinner this evening.

After a free morning and afternoon to unwind in Sulzano, we embark on a holiday highlight as we travel by coach to a Franciacorta winery.

Franciacorta is a famed sparkling wine produced in the small region around the southern edge of Lake Iseo. Renowned for their gleaming, straw-like colour and delicate bubbles, these wines are differentiated from other Italian sparkling wines by their rich bouquet and dense, balanced flavours. The smooth and refined character also separates it from the familiar minerality of champagne.

At a vineyard in Franciacorta, we enjoy a guided tour of a winery to learn about the history and flavour of these acclaimed wines, before sampling a number of varieties. Dinner this evening is at the winery as we sit down for a three-course meal of local specialities in idyllic surroundings - a sumptuous way to conclude our time in northern Italy.

Leaving Sulzano by coach after breakfast, we can enjoy our final views of beautiful Lake Iseo as we head to Milan. Here, we take our First Class seats to travel by rail through Switzerland to Basel.

After winding through Como and Lugano, we enter the Gotthard Base Tunnel. At 35.5 miles, it's the world's longest railway tunnel and takes us straight to the heart of central Switzerland. Skirting Lake Lucerne enroute, keep an eye out for the picturesque waters backed by towering peaks.

On arrival in Basel, we walk the short distance to our central hotel for an overnight stay. After checking in, there's time to relax or look around this attractive waterside city, before our final evening meal together, a three-course dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Please note: on the 30th May departure, we will stay in Colmar; on the13th September departure, we will stay in Strasbourg.

This memorable holiday has uncovered the rare beauty of Italy's secret lake which offered up many unforgettable experiences, from the views of imposing Monte Isola to the delightful flavours of its produce at a Franciacorta winery. Visits to lesser-visited cities of northern Italy revealed the timeless streets and historic churches of Bergamo, as well as the country's finest Roman remains outside the capital in Brescia.

After a leisurely breakfast this morning, we walk the short distance to the station to board the direct train, travelling to Paris in First Class. Here, we transfer to the Eurostar, enjoying a light meal at our seats in Plus class. On arrival back at London St Pancras, your discovery of beautiful Lake Iseo and northern Italy concludes.

Some departures have different order of itinerary due to the running days of the 'Train of Flavours'.

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

If your tour is marked as Small Group, enjoy a more immersive holiday experience, exploring with a like-minded group of just 22 travellers on average.

Step aboard the high-speed international rail service, linking London St Pancras to Paris and Lille in France, Brussels in Belgium and Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Eurostar's Standard Class coaches feature two seats on either side of the central aisle, most of which are arranged in an 'airline' seating configuration with drop-down tray tables. There are two tables for four per carriage. Passengers travelling in Eurostar Standard Class coaches can take advantage of the Bar-Buffet which sells a range of snacks, meals, and hot and cold drinks - including Champagne!

The highest class of Eurostar travel available for leisure customers is Plus class. In your dedicated Plus carriage you'll find a less dense seat configuration, meaning the seats are larger and you have ample space to relax and stretch out. As part of the service, you'll enjoy complimentary drinks and refreshments, served at your seat by friendly, helpful waiting staff.

For the class of travel used on your chosen tour, please refer to the 'What's Included' section of the tour page.

The 'Train of Flavours' is a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of Lake Iseo while savouring local flavours. A vintage locomotive hauls modern carriages equipped with audio-visual systems to ensure passengers don't miss out on the gorgeous scenery as it travels up and down the eastern shore of the charming lake. On the journey, passengers are served fresh local food, including cheeses, meat and sparkling wines from the renowned Franciacorta region, enjoying the meal while drinking in the views that pass by the windows.

This elegant, family-run 4-Star hotel sits on the shore of Lake Iseo, providing wonderful views of Italy's secret lake, its rolling hills and the imposing Monte Isola. With a stylish garden terrace, outdoor pool and private bathing area for lake swimming, this is the ideal base from where to soak up the serene beauty of Lake Iseo. The restaurant serves up classical Italian cuisine with a modern touch, while the air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, laptop safe, minibar, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Set on Lake Iseo, this prestigious 4-Star hotel is housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century villa. Blending its fascinating history with modern luxury, the hotel offers superb lake views. Guests can enjoy the vistas from the lakefront terrace or while taking a dip in the infinity pool. The on-site restaurants also look out onto the water and serve regional cuisine. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, minibar, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Upgrade your hotel room to a lakeview room at the Hotel RivaLago from £100 per person.

Upgrade your hotel room to a lakeview room at the Hotel RivaLago from £150 per person.

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.

Enjoy hassle-free travel with our return door-to-door luggage transfer service from only £199 per bag.

The service includes one 20kg bag per person which will be collected from your home before you depart and will be ready and waiting for you at your first destination hotel. Your bag will also be delivered back to your home address on your return.

If your tour involves an overnight stay enroute, you'll need to travel with an overnight bag as your luggage will be delivered direct to your first destination hotel. The luggage service is not available where you are flying to or from your destination and you will need to take your own luggage with you on the flight.