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.

The three castles of Bellinzona are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are among the most impressive examples of medieval fortifications in the entire Alpine region. With their crenellated walls, towers and gates, these magnificent monuments continue to amaze visitors to this day.

A steep ascent to Cima di Dentro. From here, you’ll enjoy a wonderful view of the Magadino Plain and nearby Lake Maggiore. Take one last look back at the three castles of Bellinzona before descending to Isone.

First through the picturesque marshland near Gola di Lago, then on through a sea of ferns in the sparse birch forest towards Bigorio. The route offers splendid views as it crosses Monte Bigorio and passes the Franciscan monastery of Santa Maria: an eagle’s nest overlooking Tesserete.

In the morning, by bus to Cimadera. From here, today’s hike leads past the Denti della Vecchia rock formations, over Monte Boglia, through beech forests and high plateaus to Monte Bré, the viewing platform high above Lugano. Take the cog railway down to the town center.

The hike from Monte San Salvatore to Vico Morcote is a classic. The trail is mostly downhill, with stretches through woodland alternating with picturesque little villages, charming grotti, and beautiful views along the way. From Morcote, take the boat and by cable car up to Serpiano.

The Monte San Giorgio, also known as the ‘Mountain of Fossils’, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dinosaur fossils, dating back approximately 230–240 million years, can be admired in a small museum in Meride.