Highlights of Ticino

Itinerary

• Day 1: Individual arrival to Bellinzona
  Step back in time with a visit to the majestic castles of Bellinzona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Dominating the skyline of Ticino’s capital, these three remarkably well-preserved medieval fortresses stand guard where the valley narrows at the southern gateway to the Alpine passes. With its strategic setting and distinctly Italian flair, Bellinzona is widely regarded as Switzerland’s most Italianate town.
  Overnight stay in Bellinzona
• Day 2: Bellinzona – Isone (approx. 13 km, walking time: approx. 4 hours, + 840 m, - 315 m)
  Your day begins with a steep climb up to the Monti del Tiglio.The effort is well worthwhile, as you are rewarded with sweeping views of the Magadino Plain and the shores of nearby Lake Maggiore. Take a moment to admire the impressive Bellinzona castles from above before beginning your descent towards Isone.
  Overnight stay in Isone
• Day 3: Isone – Tesserete (approx. 11 km, walking time: approx. 3.5 hours, + 435 m, - 660 m)
  Today’s walk leads you through the idyllic marshlands of Gola di Lago before crossing a sea of ferns nestled within light birch woodland. You will then ascend Monte Bigorio, where stunning views await you. The route gradually descends into the Tesserete Valley, passing the Franciscan Monastery of Santa Maria along the way.
  Overnight stay in Tesserete
• Day 4: Tesserete – Lugano (approx. 14 km, walking time: approx. 5.5 hours, + 1,005 m, - 1,170 m)
  In the morning, you will be taken by bus to Cimadera, where your walk will begin. The route takes you past the impressive rock formations of the Denti della Vecchia, through beech forests along Monte Boglia, and across the high plateaux of Monte Bré. Your efforts will be rewarded with magnificent views high above Lugano. From there, you can comfortably descend to the city centre by funicular.
  Overnight stay in Lugano
• Day 5: Lugano – Serpiano (approx. 13 km, walking time: approx. 4 hours, + 855 m, - 855 m)
  Today’s walk from the summit of Monte San Salvatore offers a varied display of natural beauty. The route is mostly downhill, leading you through peaceful woodlands and colourful villages towards Vico Morcote. After passing traditional grotti, you will reach the lakeside to continue your journey by boat, followed by a scenic cable car ride up to Serpiano for your overnight stay.
  Overnight stay in Serpiano
• Day 6: Serpiano – Mendrisio (approx. 12 km, walking time: approx. 4 hours, + 690 m, - 945 m)
  After a short boat trip and a scenic cable car ride up to Serpiano, you will explore the impressive UNESCO World Heritage site of Monte San Giorgio. Also known as the Fossil Mountain, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a captivating glimpse into the past. While there, be sure to visit the museum in Meride, which showcases an extraordinary collection of dinosaur fossils dating back 230 million years.
  Overnight stay in Mendrisio
• Day 7: Individual departure or extension
  Today, it is time to say a fond farewell to the hiking paradise of Ticino. If you are not quite ready to leave, why not extend your unforgettable holiday with an additional night in Bellinzona or Mendrisio? Please do not hesitate to ask us!