What to do and see in Canton of Ticino, Swiss Alps: The Best Day Trips from

January 28, 2022 Alice Mieles

This Italian-speaking region in Southern Switzerland is on the border with Italy. Bellinzona is the capital, and Lugano is the most important city in the canton, known for its beautiful waterfront, steep hillsides and gorgeous lake views. Castelgrande is a lovely medieval castle overlooking the city that has recently been restored. The Centovalli Railway is a scenic train that operates between Locarno, Switzerland and Domodossola, Italy, traveling through the breathtaking "Hundred Valleys." Lake Como is nearby, the home of People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive,” George Clooney.
Restaurants in Canton of Ticino

1. Valle Verzasca: Ascona 007 Dam & Crystal Waters Swimming

Basecamp Europe
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

From Lugano, embark upon this fully private day trip of a lifetime! We head north with the classic Swiss backdrop of mountains and meadows all around as we follow the crystal waters of Verzasca River. At the famous 007 Dam your driver will point out the Goldeneye bungee jump location before we stop at Lavertezzo where locals and tourists cavort in emerald waters. Here you can relax on smooth rocks, swim or even scuba dive before lunch in this natural paradise. Ascona is next, the lowest-lying town in Switzerland which embodies the marriage of idyllic Switzerland with the Italian Dolce Vita! Enjoy this Swiss-Italian lakeside haven and swim again in Lake Maggiore before drying off and returning to Lugano.

Inclusions: Magnificent mountainous scenery and vast lakes will inspire!, Follow crystal clear waters from the road and then jump in!, Stand where James Bond made Goldeneye a classic 007 movie!, Traverse the amazing terrain where Italy meets Switzerland!, Swim, scuba dive and swim again in wonderful clear water!, We will pick you up and drop you off anywhere within 30kms of Lugano

Exclusions: Tickets for boat tours or water sports (if desired), Lunch (options will be made available for purchase), Gratuities and personal extras

2. Lake Como & Lugano Day Trip from Milan with Hotel pick up

Zani Viaggi Day Tours

Leave Milan on an air conditioned coach and in just one hour you are in Como visiting the historic center and have a boat cruise if one hour. The tour continues with a panoramic coach ride on the side of Lake Como, admire the lakeside villas and the breath-taking scenery before cross the Swiss border and arriving in Lugano. On arrival, you will have free time for lunch and get to know the most elegant and popular spots of the city: Via Nassa (formerly the place where the women of the city used to weaver the nets for the fishermen and now a sophisticated shopping street), and at the shoreside see Casinò Lugano.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Professional tour guide, Boat trip across Lake Como

Exclusions: Food and drink, Gratuities

Reviewed By adcdiving

Como, the largest city in this region. Along the way we are regularly treated to beautiful views of small villages on the other side of the lake. The radiant sun makes it even more idyllic, but otherwise there is little to do in this region (at this time of year).

3. Tour Bavona Valley

MF Limousine e Bus Service

Discovering the most magical and secluded valley in Ticino. Still without electricity, this suggestive place is rich in culture and traditions, as well as beautiful natural corners. You can visit the small nuclei of stone houses on foot, discovering the unique architectural details. A world in itself is discovered where the difficult life of the past has left its mark. Lunch at a typical "grotto" at the foot of a spectacular waterfall

Inclusions: Expert guide

Exclusions:

4. A private food-tour on Lake Lugano from Lake Como

Book Your Italy DMC

Lugano, the chief town of Ticino district in the Swiss Confederation, shows multiple Italian influences: both art and culinary traditions have been deeply affected by the relations with Milan and Como. This private tour will lead you to discover both aspects of this beautiful city, where a lively culture meets an enchanting landscape. You will enjoy a pleasant walk through the town centre, reaching the outstanding church of Santa Maria degli Angeli with its Renaissance frescoes; later, you will be welcomed by an exclusive tasting of two varieties of local wine, served with a side of cold cuts and cheese. At the end, the sweet surprise that everybody actually expects in Switzerland: a visit to a chocolate shop, where you will be delighted by a degustation of homemade pralines and truffles.

Inclusions: Qualified private guide, Private transportation, Complete tasting of two different varieties of local wine, matched by cheese and cold cuts, Exclusive tasting of fine Swiss chocolate: pralines and truffles

Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch

5. A private tour of Lugano and its lakeside villages

Book Your Italy DMC

Lake Lugano, surrounded by woody and majestic mountains, is dotted by small, charming villages that can be easily reached from the chief town. This exclusive tour will allow you to reach in complete relax and with a private transfer two of those settlements, which are particularly outstanding for their features. After a pleasant guided visit to the town centre of Lugano, discovering its art treasures and elegant atmpspheres, you will reach a unique place: Campione d'Italia, an Italian enclave in Switzerland, where you will enjoy a walk on the waterfront and notice the monumental masses of the Casinò building, designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta. Later, you will reach Morcote, a small cute town where the ancient Italian cultural substrate perfectly merges with the Swiss organization and order. The ideal match, indeed!

Inclusions: Qualified private guide, Private transportation

Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch

6. Walking and sailing around Lake Lugano from Como

Book Your Italy DMC

Lugano and its surroundings, facing the beautiful lake, have the peculiar charme of border places: here, different cultures and lordships have been in contact - or clash - since ever, making these land flourishing in economy and art. This private tour will lead you to discover the soothing beauty of the chief town and its lake from a double perspective: a pleasant cruise will allow you to keep in sight the small, enchanting towns of Melide, Campione or Gandria; later, an easy walk will introduce you to the nice spots of the centre, with its remarkable monuments: the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli - with its Renaissance frescoes, or the cathedral of San Lorenzo.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Qualified private guide, Tickets for public ferryboat

Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch

7. The best private full day tour of Lake Lugano from Como

Book Your Italy DMC

Around the Lake Lugano, nature meets harmoniously human presence. The woody mountains meet the waters on a coastline which is dotted by small, charming villages, besides of the chief town, rich in culture and art treasures. This esclusive tour will allow you to experience the connections between the elements of this enchanting surroundings. First, a pleasant cruise will take you in sight of some of the lakeside settlements, such as Campione d'Italia, an Italian enclave in Switzerland, and Melide. Later, a guided walking tour of Lugano will introduce you to its elegant atmosphere and outstanding monuments, like the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Finally, a short cableway transfer will bring you to the top of mount Brè, right in the outback of Lugano, for an easy and relaxing walk with an astonishing view on the landscape.

Inclusions: Qualified private guide, Private transportation, Public ferry tickets, Cableway tickets

Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch

8. The Grand Switzerland Private Tour (5 days)

Myswisspanorama

We have created this tour based on the wishes of our regular customers (please check the reviews of our other tours). It is a unique opportunity to go on an individually arranged private tour with a qualified nature and Switzerland expert (ETH Zurich). Thanks to our good know-how we will take you and your companions to the places of your dreams. A mixture between known and unknown places, but always off-the-beaten track. The tour is always individually adaptable. An experience you will never forget (see our reviews).

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Environmental & Swiss Expert as your private guide graduated at a world top University (ETH Zurich), Transportation, Entries, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Exclusions: Hotel with breakfast & dinner

Reviewed By 613sarinaw

We hiked at a leisurely pace to a point where you could see beyond the mountains what makes you feel huge and tiny at the same time. After lunch with a breathtaking view, small games and interesting information we walked down a narrow forest path to the village and lake, which you can see in the picture. I was able to enjoy nature to the fullest, which felt incredibly good and filled me with gratitude. Mark and Joshua from Myswisspanorama showed us this magical side of Switzerland with their relaxed manner and knowledge about the place and its history. I really recommend this hike to every nature lover.

9. Private Excursion from Como to Stresa & Borromean Islands

When In Rome Tours

We pick you up anywhere within 10km of Como in a luxury air conditioned minivanand after brief introductions begin the one hour drive to Lago Maggiore, one of the largest lakes in Italy! Lago Maggiore is known for its stunning Alpine backdrop and elegant lakefront promenades. Upon arrival in Stresa you will have a once in a lifetime chance to take in one of the most picturesque towns in Northern Italy. Wander around pretty Stresa before embarking on a tour of the Borromean Islands, hopping on and off one or all three of the tiny island towns of Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Madre. Have lunch on any one of the three postcard perfect islands and be sure to take plenty of photos, as this trip is highly "instagrammable"! After lunch we cross the Italian / Swiss border to Mendrisio and luxury brand outlet center Foxtown or casino gaming for the bold! You’ll have about 2 hours there before we return to Como.

Inclusions: Expert English speaking driver in your own super comfortable minivan, Ferry boat pass to the beautiful Borromean Islands!, See Stresa, pearl of incredible Lake Maggiore which is shared between Italy and Switzerland!, Ample time for island-hopping, sightseeing, relaxing, shopping and Casino gambling, Fully private excursion with own driver and own vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch (options will be made available for purchase), Gratuities and personal extras

Reviewed By ryanoE7647DK

Had a wonderful day with Chiara. We learned so much and gained a friend in the process. She has a zest for life which is absolutely contagious. Hopefully we can come back when this pandemic is all over and book again.

10. Three Lakes Grand Tour: Private Excursion from Como

When In Rome Tours

We pick you up anywhere within 10km of Como and after brief introductions head north in a luxury air conditioned minivan across the border to Ascona on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Known for its stunning Alpine backdrop and elegant promenades, you will be glad to explore Ascona! From Ascona, a short ride brings you to Lugano, the "Monte Carlo" of Switzerland! Enjoy a lakeside lunch and sample artisanal Swiss chocolate! Art lovers won't want to miss the lakefront Santa Maria degli Angioli Church which displays the "Passion and Crucifixion" fresco by Da Vinci’s apprentice, Bernardino Luini. Leaving Lugano behind, we take the picturesque lakeside route around Lake Lugano and back into Italy. In Cadenabbia your driver will hand over your tickets for a cruise to Bellagio, home to stars who adore the Italian Lakes! You'll not easily find a more stunning location anywhere in Europe, just ask resident George Clooney! Spend a few hours of leisure time and then take the ferry back to Como.

Inclusions: Enjoy an undisturbed day with fully private luxury minivan at your disposal in every destination, Explore the jewel town of Ascona in the Italian Lakes where great artists and masters were inspired!, Experience Lugano where pastel colors and neoclassical styles create a Swiss-Mediterranean ambience!, Beautiful Bellagio will be yours for a while, time enough to blend in with the rich and famous!, Ferry tickets for a Lake Como sightseeing cruise to remember!

Exclusions: Lunch (options will be made available for purchase), Gratuities and personal extras

Reviewed By ryanoE7647DK

Had a wonderful day with Chiara. We learned so much and gained a friend in the process. She has a zest for life which is absolutely contagious. Hopefully we can come back when this pandemic is all over and book again.

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