Itinerary
Arrival in Lugano
Today begins with a train journey to Capolago and the cog railway up to Monte Generoso. From the top, the views of Lake Lugano, the Po Valley and the Alps are unrivalled – it’s no wonder that this spot was chosen for the unique Fiore di Pietra building, designed by Ticino’s star architect Mario Botta and housing a panoramic restaurant.
The trail leads through endless forests with rustic cottages and dramatic gorges. You’ll also encounter the old Mulino di Bruzella mill on the Breggia River. Out of action for years, the mill is now back in operation. Once you reach Morbio Superiore, you can return to Lugano by bus and train.
This enchanting circular hike along the Sentiero del Castagno trail begins in Arosio Paese – the highest village in the Alto Malcantone hills. Once there, be sure not to miss the Church of San Michele’s portal, which is a magnificent work crafted from chestnut wood. Following the legacy of this noble, prickly-skinned fruit, you’ll hike along shady paths through sparse chestnut forests today. The route then takes you through the charming Ticinese villages of Mugena, Vezio and Fescoggia, before you head back to Arosio Paese.
Today begins with a family-favourite hike from Monte San Salvatore to Morcote. The red funicular railway takes you from Lugano Paradiso to the summit, where breathtaking panoramic views await you. From there, the route is downhill all the way. Wooded sections alternate with picturesque villages, charming «grotti» and magnificent lake and mountain views. At the end of the hike, a visit to a winery is on the agenda. While tasting excellent wines, you can enjoy the view all the way to Italy. Afterwards, a short descent leads down to Morcote.
Magnificent views of Lugano and the lake basin await as you take the funicular railway up Monte Brè today. Once at the summit, you’ll hike to the village of Brè and then continue along shady forest paths on the mountainside – these paths near the border were once used by smugglers, sneaking their contraband into the country. You’ll eventually reach Gandria with its pretty alleys, steps, cypresses, and palm trees. Next, enjoy a boat trip across the lake to Cantine and the Swiss Customs Museum. From there, you’ll continue on foot to S. Rocco and take the boat back to Lugano.
Departure or Extension
Tour character
This is a predominantly leisurely tour offering fantastic views over Lake Lugano. However, good basic fitness is required to handle the sometimes steep ascents and descents. Certain sections can be a little slippery in wet conditions. You need to be sure-footed to undertake this tour.
Prices & dates
Category: see "Hotels with Charm"
Category A: panorama rooms with balcony and direct lake view
Category B: classic rooms
Services & Information
Enthalten:
- Accommodation in your selected category incl. breakfast
- Subsidy for arrival by train
- Wine tasting Relais Castello di Morcote
- Funicular railway Lugano - Monte Brè
- Boat ride Gandria - Cantine and S. Rocco - Lugano
- Ticino Ticket with a range of inclusive services and discounts (upon request at the hotel)
- Carefully elaborated route description
- Digital travel documents incl. navigation app
- SwitzerlandMobility-Plus subscription for one year
- Service hotline
Hinweis:
- Rack railway Capolago - Monte Generoso not included in the tour price, approx. CHF 36.- per person (without Half Fare Travelcard)
- Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
- Reservation fee of CHF 20.- per adult (incl. legally required customer money protection)
Arrival/Departure:
🌱 Arrival in Lugano using public transport.
🌱 Departure from Lugano using public transport..
Arrival by train
Leave the car at home! For every bike, biking or hiking tour in Switzerland, you will receive an SBB coupon per participant, which you can use to deduct CHF 10.- from the ticket price for traveling by train. The reduction can be obtained in the SBB online store or in the SBB app.
On many trips, we use the luggage counters at the stations at the beginning and at the end to hand over the suitcases. You can conveniently combine this right away when you arrive by train. If you are a GA owner, you can provide this information when booking. We will credit you the amount on the invoice. If you don't need the coupon for the trip itself, you can use it during the year. Unfortunately, a retroactive refund is not possible for administrative reasons.
Travel documents "digital"
We reduce the amount of printed documents. You will receive instructions to help you find your way around using the Eurotrek Travel Guide App. We provide you with further information online.
In advance you will receive a small package of documents with the following contents:
- Your travel program
- Luggage tags
- Description of how to use the app
- Any vouchers
The Eurotrek Travel Guide App will help you find your way around. In addition to your digital map, you will find further information about your booked trip. The app is also available offline, simply download the trip in advance.
For our trips labelled “Naturally Active”, we place particular emphasis on key aspects of sustainability:
- Climate-friendly travel to and from the destination is a priority. These trips are easily accessible by public transport, making environmentally responsible arrival and departure as simple and convenient as possible.
- Transfers and luggage transport are kept to the necessary minimum. Efficient route and transfer planning helps us avoid unnecessary journeys and reduce emissions.
- Our routes deliberately include less frequently visited regions. This allows us to offer authentic experiences of nature and local culture, while easing pressure on heavily visited destinations and supporting local economies.
- We give preference to locally managed accommodation providers that operate sustainably, for example through responsible use of resources, recycling measures or the use of regional products.
You can find more information about Naturally Active here.