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Walking Holidays Lake Lugano
Spend your walking holidays in Switzerland: This exciting hiking tour takes you to the southern region of Switzerland – Ticino. Well known for its glittering blue lakes and lush Chestnut forests it has also the most hours of sunshine in Switzerland. The language of this part of Switzerland is Italian and the influence of the Mediterranean life style is universally present. Our ‘Southern Delights’ tour leads you to the mountainous areas in the vicinity of the ‘fjord-like’ Lake Lugano and includes three nights in the city of Lugano, which will be an interesting contrast to the picturesque and tiny villages that you encounter during your walk through the ‘Tropics of Switzerland’.
Programme
The included 2nd class Swiss Card covers travel to and from Swiss airport. Additional rail tickets can be purchased at 50% discount.
| Day 1: | Arrival Flight or rail from the UK to Switzerland. Train transfer to Lugano and continue for a short bus ride to Tesserete. This is a small town in the outskirts of Lugano, well situated as starting place for the walks of the next two days. |
| Day 2: | Tesserete - Colla/Bagno Take the bus to Bidogno from where you will start the ascent to one of the major vantage points in the region, the Monte Bar. From the top of the peak, walk on the high level route until you descend to the village of Colla or Bogna at the inner end of the valley. Return by bus to Tesserete for a second night in the beautiful, vintage style Hotel Tesserete. |
| Day 3: | Tesserete – Lugano Take the bus to Cimadera from where the track climbs to the “Denti della Vecchia” mountain group. If you want to shorten your day, descent to the village of Cadro from where a bus will take you back to Lugano. Otherwise, make a final ascent to the top of Monte Bré from where a “funiculario” conveniently helps you down to Lugano. |
| Day 4: | Lugano – Morcote Walk (or take the small cable car) to the top of Monte San Salvatore, the landmark of Lugano. Visit the Nature Park on top of the mountain, before you continue an easy stroll under the canopy of shading chestnut trees to Morcote. This former fishing village has managed to maintain its picturesque and romantic character, which has attracted painters for a long time. |
| Day 5: | Morcote – Capolago The day begins with a cruise as you will have to cross the lake in order to start today’s walk. The dome shaped mountain that separates you from Riva San Vitale, your destination for tonight, is called Monte San Giorgio and is primarily famous for the numerous, extremely well preserved skeletons of prehistoric animals that have been found here. |
| Day 6: | Capolago – Sagno This day is certainly a challenge, since the walk from the shore of Lake Lugano to the top of Monte Generoso involves a climb of more than 1,400 meters / 4,593ft. However, there is also a small train working its way up to the peak. Monte Generoso is the last major mountain of the Southern Alps and it stands right at the edge of the enormous plain created by the Italian River Po. The views from Monte Generoso are simply breathtaking. Continue your walk down the very attractive Valle Muggio to the village of Bruzzella. On your way, you will come across many abandoned buildings as this valley – like most others in the Southern Alps – has witnessed a dramatic decline in population over the last 100 years. From Bruzella, you’ll be picked up by your hosts for a short ride to the village of Sagno, where you spend the night. |
| Day 7: | Sagno – Lugano You’re brought back to Bruzzella in the morning from where you start the ascent to the top of the Monte Bisbino, a summit already on the Italian side of the border, offering marvellous views over Lake Como and the vast Italian plains along the River Po. Continue your walk along the broad mountain ridge back down to Sagno. Pick up your luggage and take the bus to Chiasso for a short train ride back to Lugano for your final night. |
| Day 8: | Departure Transfer to Zürich for your return flight or rail to the UK. |
The included 2nd class Swiss Card covers travel to and from Swiss airport. Additional rail tickets can be purchased at 50% discount.
Accommodation description
You will be accommodated in small family-run hotels located along the route.
Price includes:
Flights, airport taxes, carbon offset contribution (see climate care), 2nd class return transfer, Half Fare Card, 7 nights accommodation in 2* hotels with breakfast, 2 evening meals in Capolago and Sagno, luggage transfer from hotel to hotel, hiking itinerary.
Payment by credit card:
A charge of 1 % up to a maximum of £ 15 will apply when paying by credit card (Diners Card cannot be accepted). No charge will be made for debit cards.
You will be accommodated in small family-run hotels located along the route.
Hotel facilities
- Various depending on hotel. In this region many hotels have outdoor swimming pool. All rooms booked have ensuite facilities
Price valid from May to October 2008:
- From £ 826 per adult sharing twin/double room
- Single room: on request
- Subject to availability at time of booking
Price includes:
Flights, airport taxes, carbon offset contribution (see climate care), 2nd class return transfer, Half Fare Card, 7 nights accommodation in 2* hotels with breakfast, 2 evening meals in Capolago and Sagno, luggage transfer from hotel to hotel, hiking itinerary.
Payment by credit card:
A charge of 1 % up to a maximum of £ 15 will apply when paying by credit card (Diners Card cannot be accepted). No charge will be made for debit cards.
