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 $ 1,430
Price applies per adult traveling with half-fare in 2nd class and staying in a double room.
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
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Travel itinerary
Overview
Day 1 Journey to Bellinzona
Day 2 Hike from Bellinzona to Isone
Day 3 Hike from Isone to Tesserete
Day 4 Hike from Tesserete to Lugano
Day 5 Hike from Lugano to Serpiano
Day 6 Hike from Serpiano to Mendrisio
Day 7 Return journey from Mendrisio
Day 1
Journey to Bellinzona
Daily Itinerary
You travel to Bellinzona by public transport.
Overnight stay in Bellinzona
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: 10 km / 6 mi
Elevation profile: ↑ 2,756 ft ↓ 1,033 ft
Duration: approx. 4h
Overnight stay in Isone
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: ↑ 1,722 ft ↓ 2,428 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: 13 km / 8 mi
Elevation profile: ↑ 3,428 ft ↓ 4,150 ft
Duration: approx. 5h 30min
Overnight stay in Lugano
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. 4h
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: 13km / 8 mi
Elevation profile: ↑ 2,018 ft ↓ 1,870 ft
Duration: approx. 4h
Overnight stay in Mendrisio
Day 7
Return journey from Mendrisio
Daily Itinerary
Start your return journey by public transport.
When is the best time to travel?
Travel period
April to October
Recommended travel period
May to October
High season
July, August
Important information about the trip
What our Switzerland expert says
Deserved view
The breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Ticino lake landscape is more than deserved after the climbed meters of altitude.
Tailor the trip to your needs.
7 days / 6 nights
from $ 1,430
Price applies per adult traveling with half-fare in 2nd class and staying in a double room.
