What is the character of this hiking tour?

This section of the Trans Swiss Trail is a enjoyable hike with plenty of views with short stages, which often go steeply uphill and downhill . Sure-footedness is required for the paths over ridges and hills. Further details about the route and a detailed map can be found at SchweizMobil .

Can I customize the duration of the trip?

The trip duration is fixed in the standard booking process. If you would like to shorten or extend the duration, simply contact us by email or telephone – you will find the contact details below. We will be happy to provide you with a individual offer .

How does the luggage transportation included in the package work?

Luggage transport is organized by a reliable partner . During the tour, please leave your luggage at reception by 9 am ; it will be at the next stage location by 6 pm . Luggage tags are usually left for you at your first accommodation. Only one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 44 lbs is allowed per person.

What can I do in bad weather?

Our hiking tours take place in all weather . We recommend that you prepare for cooler temperatures and unstable weather. Pack weatherproof clothing so that you can enjoy the full comfort and fun of the hike even in conditions that are less than ideal .

What does the SchweizMobil Pro subscription included in the package offer me?

With the SchweizMobil Pro subscription, you can view the entire route and also use the detailed route offline . Thanks to the location determination and the compass function , you always have an overview – even without network reception. You can plan your stages individually and download the GPX data to navigate with ease.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend that you book early . Demand is particularly high for the main season (see above). You can book your package deal conveniently online or with our travel experts .

Hiking vacation

Highlights of Ticino

Experience secluded valleys, breathtaking high altitude trails, and the "dolce vita" of the southernmost corner of Switzerland. Your hiking vacation will take you from the castles of Bellinzona to lively Lugano, and along Lake Lugano to Mendrisio. Ticino offers a perfect combination of history, nature, and Italian joie de vivre.

7 days / 6 nights

from CHF 1’240

A person hiking a mountain trail overlooking a scenic landscape of hills and a lake under a clear blue sky.

Highlights

Relaxing boat trip across Lake Lugano between Morcote and Serpiano
Voted the most beautiful village in Switzerland – Morcote
Bellinzona's three castles – part of the UNESCO World Heritage
Take the cable car up to Monte San Giorgio
Journey back 240 million years to the dinosaur age at the Fossil Museum

A waterfront with trees, a building, and a boat by the water.

A beautiful Italian piazza with colorful buildings, a church tower in the background, and blooming trees in the foreground.

5 Images

Travel itinerary

Overview

Map of Ticino with the itinerary Highlights of Ticino from Bellinzona to Mendrisio

Day 1

Journey to Bellinzona

Daily Itinerary

You travel to Bellinzona by public transport. You have time to discover the historic castles of Bellinzona.

Overnight stay in Bellinzona

An old castle on a hill with two towers, surrounded by a modern cityscape at sunset.

Day 2

Hike from Bellinzona to Isone

Daily Itinerary

You hike up to the "Cima di Dentro" and enjoy the view of the Magadino plain and Lake Maggiore. Then it's down to Isone.

Distance: 13 km / 8 mi

Elevation profile: ↑ 2,756 ft ↓ 1,033 ft

Duration: approx. 4h

Overnight stay in Isone

A vast mountain landscape with a calm lake, surrounded by green hills under a blue sky.

Day 3

Hike from Isone to Tesserete

Daily Itinerary

You first hike through the swamp at Gola di Lago. Then continue over Monte Bigorio to the Franciscan monastery of Santa Maria in Tesserete.

Distance: 11 km / 7 mi

Elevation profile: ↑ 1,427 ft ↓ 2,165 ft

Duration: approx. 3h 30min

Overnight stay in Tesserete

Day 4

Hike from Tesserete to Lugano

Daily Itinerary

You take the bus to Cimadera. The tour takes you over Monte Boglia to Monte Bré, where you can enjoy the view over Lugano. You then take the cog railroad to the city center.

Distance: 14 km / 9 mi

Elevation profile: ↑ 2,822 ft ↓ 3,461 ft

Duration: approx. 5h 30min

Overnight stay in Lugano

A city view at sunrise with mountains, a church tower, and a mountain railway.

Day 5

Hike from Lugano to Serpiano

Daily Itinerary

You hike from Monte San Salvatore to Vico Morcote, past small villages and cozy grottos. The route continues from Morcote to Serpiano.

Distance: 13 km / 8 mi

Elevation profile: ↑ 2,805 ft ↓ 2,805 ft

Duration: approx. 5h

Overnight stay in Serpiano

Day 6

Hike from Serpiano to Mendrisio

Daily Itinerary

You travel by boat and cable car to Serpiano. Discover dinosaur fossils in the museum in Meride, which are 230 to 240 million years old.

Distance: 12km / 8 mi

Elevation profile: ↑ 2,264 ft ↓ 3,100 ft

Duration: approx. 4h

Overnight stay in Mendrisio

A panoramic panel at a viewpoint shows a lake and surrounding mountains; a cable car is visible.

Day 7

Return journey from Mendrisio

Daily Itinerary

Start your return journey by public transport.

Aerial view of the historic centre of Mendrisio

When is the best time to travel?

Travel period

April to October

Recommended travel period

May to October

High season

July, August

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Included in your booking

Your Digital Swiss Coupon Pass

With every package holiday booking in 2026, we'll give you a Digital Swiss Coupon Pass – your key to over 100 exclusive 2-for-1 experiences throughout Switzerland. Discover more, enjoy more and save up to CHF 4,500.

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