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Including arrival and departure night & train transfer
Highlights of Ticino
7 days / 6 nights
from £ 1180
The valleys are lonely, the mountain paths are full of views and the towns are bursting with joie de vivre and Italianità. This hiking tour takes you through the southernmost corner of Switzerland, from the lofty castles of Bellinzona through lively Lugano to Mendrisio. The different perspectives on the many lakes of this region accompany you on your way to the highlights of Ticino.
Highlights
- Bellinzona castles, UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Lugano city
- Lake Maggiore
- Mount San Salvatore
- Mount San Giorgio, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Your travel itinerary
Bellinzona – Isone - Tesserete – Lugano - Serpiano – Mendrisio
Item 1 of 3
Day 1
Arrival to Bellinzona
Travel by public transport from your starting point in Switzerland to Bellinzona. Overnight stay in Bellinzona.
Day 2
Bellinzona - Isone
Steep climb to Cima di Dentro. From here you have a wonderful view of the Magadino plain and the nearby Lake Maggiore. Look back once again at the three castles of Bellinzona (UNESCO World Heritage Site) before descending to Isone.
Details: approx. 10 km ↑ 840 m ↓ 315 m
Duration: approx. 4 h
Day 3
Isone - Tesserte
First through the swamp at Gola di Lago and then further on through a sea of ferns in a sparse birch forest towards Bigorio. Santa Maria Franciscan monastery like an eagle’s nest above Tesserete.
Details: approx. 11 km ↑ 525 m ↓ 740 m
Duration: approx. 3.5 h
Day 4
Tesserete - Lugano
In the morning by bus to Cimadera. The tour leads past the Denti della Vecchia rock formations over the Monte Boglia, through beech forests and high plateaux to Monte Brè, a vantage platform high above Lugano. The furniculaire takes you down to the city centre.
Details: approx. 11 km ↑ 525 m ↓ 740 m
Duration: approx. 3.5 h
Day 5
Lugano - Monte San Salvatore - Morcote - Serpiano
The hike from Monte San Salvatore to Vico Morcote is a classic for the whole family. Always slightly downhill, woodlands alternating with well-kept villages, pretty grotti and scenic views. From Morcote you continue by ship and cable car to Serpiano.
Details: approx. 12.5 km ↑ 855 m ↓ 855 m
Duration: approx. 4.5 h
Day 6
Serpiano - Mendrisio
Monte San Giorgio, also known as the "Mountain of Fossils", is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is tackled after a short boat passage and cable car ride up to Serpiano. Dinosaur fossils dating back 230-240 million years can be admired in a small museum in Meride.
Details: approx. 13 km ↑ 615 m ↓ 570 m
Duration: approx. 4 h
Tag 7
Departure
Return journey by public transport to your final destination in Switzerland or extension of your stay (on request).
Tour characteristic
An enjoyable hike with a view! The distances are kept rather short, but it goes steeply uphill and downhill. Sure-footedness is required for the hikes over the ridges and hills.
The Trans Swiss Trail with SchweizMobil
The Via Gottardo with SchweizMobil
Flight options
Our in-house flights experts will be happy to offer advice and to book the most convenient flight for your trip.
Your flights will be covered by our package booking conditions and will be protected under our ATOL license. We will charge £35 per person for this flight booking service.
Alternatively book your flights directly with Swiss - our preferred partner for flights to Switzerland.