The essentials at a glance

Explore Ticino's Italian-influenced culture from Bellinzona's UNESCO-listed medieval castles to Lugano's lakeside promenades. Hike scenic mountain ridges including Monte Boglia and Monte Brè with panoramic views of Lago Maggiore. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Monte San Giorgio, famous for 230-million-year-old dinosaur fossils. Daily walks average 12-13 km with steep ascents and descents requiring surefootedness. Includes cable cars, boat trips, and the Ticino Ticket for local attractions.

Itinerary at a glance

In Ticino, you'll savor Italian influences in culture, cuisine, and while strolling along the promenade in Lugano. The region's peaks offer breathtaking views, and Monte San Giorgio is renowned for its dinosaur fossils.

The skyline of the capital of Ticino, comprising three of the best-preserved medieval castles in Switzerland, which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bellinzona is strategically positioned where the valley narrows at the southern entrance to the Alpine passes and is probably Switzerland's most Italianate town.

Steep climb to Cima di Dentro with views of Piano di Magadino and Lago Maggiore. Take one last look at the castles of Bellinzona before you walk down towards Isone.

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.

In the morning transfer to Cimadera. The tour leads past the Denti della Vecchia rock formations over the Monte Boglia, through beech forests and high plateaux to Monte Bré, a vantage platform high above Lugano. The furniculaire takes you down to the city centre.

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.

The Monte San Giorgio, also known as the «Fossil Mountain», is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage, tackled after a short boat trip. Dinosaur fossils dating back 230-240 million years can be marvelled at in a small museum in Meride.

Difficulty level

Walking

Walks with a view! The distances are rather short but you should expect some steep up- and downhills. Surefootedness is needed for the hikes on the crests.

Prices & Dates

Prices per person in EUR

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Services

Included

Accommodation in middle-class hotels and 1x inn (Isone)
Breakfast
Luggage transfer (1 piece of luggage per person, max. 20 kg)
1 entrance Bellinzona castles

1 entrance fossil museum Monte San Giorgio
1 Ticino ticket
Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data, route book
Service hotline

Information

Arrival / Parking / Departure

Arrival by train to Bellinzona
Zurich or Milano airport
Parking: public parking spaces at the train station Bellinzona, approx. EUR 15 per day
Departure by train from Mendrisio to Bellinzona, duration approx. 50 minutes

Things to note

Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
Boat and cable car rides, approx. EUR 95 per person
Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
This tour is a partner tour.