As a country that starts with S listed on Countryaah.com, Switzerland is a so-called nation of will: citizens of different language groups came together in it in the late Middle Ages. The four official Swiss languages with equal rights are German, French, Italian and Romansh. In order not to disadvantage anyone, the official state name Confoederatio Helvetica (CH) is formulated in Latin.
- Day 1: Benvenuti a Milano!
- Day 2: Milan – elegance, art and fashion
- Day 3: The Tibetan Suspension Bridge
- Day 4: Monte Generoso summit hike (1,701m)
- Day 5: Excursion to Lugano – city tour
- Day 6: Monte Tamaro summit hike (1,962m)
- Day 7: From Monte Bre (927m) to Castagnola
- Day 8: “Uf Wiederluege” and “Ciao”
For 130 years, the cogwheel railway from Capolago on Lake Lugano has been trundling through the nature reserve up to the 1,704 meter high Monte Generoso. We twitch, but only as far as the Bellavista station. During the ascent to the summit we might get to know a few chamois, the animals of the colony living here allow us to get very close. More than 800 types of plants also thrive here, with larger and more bright flowers due to the intense sun and such pretty names as columbine rue, twisted lice and sticky thistle. At the summit we have a 360 degree view over the Bernese and Valais Alps, Lake Lugano and Lake Como and as far as the Po plain in Italy. We stop for lunch in the Fiore di Pietra mountain restaurant designed by the architect Mario Botta.
Meals: B = breakfast / L = lunch / packed lunch / D = dinner
1st day:
Benvenuti a Milano!
Individual rail or air travel to Milan
A shared transfer brings us from Malpensa Airport to the center of Milan (can be booked in addition).
In the evening we meet our guide in the hotel, we take a short tour and have the opportunity to eat in a typical trattoria.
Driving time: approx. 1 hour
overnight in the center of Milan
(- / – / -)
2nd day:
Milan – elegance, art and fashion
Milan is a lovable metropolis full of zest for life and energy. And there are enough beautiful corners full of art, culture and enjoyment. We discover the capital of Lombardy on our city walk. This city has preserved a rich artistic and cultural heritage from different eras, despite the commercial life.
On our tour we experience the flair of the city with its world-famous sights.
After lunch we drive to our hotel on Lake Lugano. We enjoy the welcome drink on the hotel terrace and a brief introduction to the travel program.
Travel time. approx. 1.5 hours
overnight at Lake Lugano
(B / – / D)
3rd day:
The Tibetan suspension bridge
After breakfast we drive towards Bellinzona, the capital of the Canton of Ticino, with its magnificent castles. Bellinzona is the starting point on Monte Carasso. We take the gondola to the middle station and start our circular hike.
This hike above the Magadino plain in the canton of Ticino leads over one of the longest suspension bridges in Switzerland: The Tibetan Bridge is 130 m above a stream and offers a fantastic view over a length of 270 m. The round tour takes us past Romanesque churches and sunny wineries to the beautiful and lively village of Curzútt, which is known for its lavishly renovated buildings.
In the afternoon we have time for a wine tasting and some local products to be consumed. After we are well strengthened we drive back to the hotel.
Driving time: approx. 1 hour. Hike: approx. 3-4 hours (8 km, +360 m / -700 m)
(B / – / D)
4th day:
Summit hike Monte Generoso (1,701m)
From Capolago / Riva San Vitale we take the Monte Generoso train to Bellavista station, where we start our hike.
The Monte Generoso is one of the most important panoramic mountains in the canton of Ticino and is one of the most impressive places in Switzerland. At the summit we have a 360 degree view over the Bernese and Valais Alps, Lake Lugano and Lake Como to the Po plain in Italy.
We take our lunch break in the famous Fiore di Pietra mountain restaurant by the architect Mario Botta before we head back down into the valley and drive back to the hotel. If you like, you can take an evening walk with us across the border into Italy and have dinner there in a typical restaurant.
Driving time: approx. 0.5 hours. Hike: approx. 3 hours (7 km, +480 m / -480 m)
(B / – / A)
5th day:
Excursion to Lugano – city tour
After a hearty breakfast, we take the S-Bahn to Lugano. A city tour is like a stroll on the Mediterranean. Nestled between Monte San Salvatore in the south and Monte Brè in the north and nestled against the lake, the city of Lugano leaves nothing to be desired in terms of scenic romance. Picturesque squares, winding streets, magnificent palazzi with arcades, bars, shops, simply wonderful, simply Mediterranean.
After an extensive tour, there is the possibility of a boat trip, perhaps to the picturesque town of Gandria? The village center of Gandria, picturesque and well preserved, with its house facades that are reflected in the waters of the Ceresio, is one of the most beautiful riverside villages in Ticino.
Possibility to have dinner and return to the hotel.
Driving time: approx. 0.5 hours
(B / – / -)
6th day:
Summit hike Monte Tamaro (1,962m)
We drive to Rivera and take the gondola to Alpe Foppa, from there we start our hike between civilization and wild valleys to the summit of Monte Tamaro. The church of Santa Maria rises here.
We will take a break in Capanna Tamaro, the hut is under the summit of Pizzo Tamaro.
From the summit you have a wonderful view over Lake Maggiore to the Valais Alps. Our descent begins at the Alpe Neggia, this pass connects the villages of Vira and Indemini and connects the transition between Monte Tamaro and Mote Gambarogno.
After our descent, we drive back to our hotel.
Driving time: approx. 0.5 hours.
Hike: approx. 3 hours (8 km, +700 m / -700 m)
(B / – / A)
7th day:
From Monte Bre (927m) to Castagnola
Today we take the S Bahn to Lugano and then to the funicular to Monte Brè, from where the hike begins. It is said that the area of Monte Bre above Lugano is the sunniest in Switzerland with a great view from the Alps to Monte Rosa.
Our hike takes us to the village of Brè, popular with art and nature lovers, it was the residence of numerous artists who have left interesting traces, e.g. unique frescoes in the church. We continue to the romantic village of Gandria via the olive path to Castagnola. Return to the starting point in Lugano and drive to the hotel.
Driving time: approx. 1 hour.
Hike: approx. 2 hours (6 km, +100 m / -700 m)
(B / – / D)
8th day:
“Uf Wiederluege” and “Ciao”
After our last breakfast together, we drive to Milan and begin our individual journey home.
(F / – / -)
