Discover the Ticino, one of the most spectacular, least explored regions of Switzerland. Stretching from snowcapped mountains, alpine lakes and fields of wildflowers to the mild Mediterranean climate of Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano, the Ticino, with its unique culture and history, is the Italian-speaking, and most southerly canton of Switzerland. But language is not the only common thread with the bordering country. The atmosphere, the warmth and simplicity of its people, the divine food and the excellent wines will trick you to believe you are in Italy. And, yet, the efficiency is nothing but Swiss! Very few people know of Ticino, and it exceptional topography inspires a great sense of awe. We enjoy a serenity rarely found elsewhere on the trails of the Alps. We hike from beautiful alpine regions filled with colorful carpets of wildflowers and numerous glacier-fed lakes to quiet valleys where centuries-old stone villages, emerald-green rivers, and impressive waterfalls soften the landscape. Our hiking and walking forays take us to high summer grazing pastures, where the most sought-after cheeses are still produced in the original artisanal way. There are plenty of opportunities to visit these cheese-making facilities and savor their products with our delightful picnics. Well-maintained, comfortable trails lead us along panoramic ridges that yield unparalleled views of Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano, and the Alps. Our days conclude with exquisite dinners consisting of traditional food of the area, replete with a glass of the famous Ticino Merlot.

Request an Itinerary

Itinerary Outline

Day 1 • Zurich - Airolo 
Meet your guide in Zurich and take a scenic train ride, through the Alps and the historical Gotthard Tunnel, to our first hotel in Airolo, a hiking paradise at the northern end of Ticino. Short afternoon walk.

Day 2, 3 • Valle Bedretto and Val Piora
Hike in a spectacular, pristine alpine environment softened by alpine lakes, grazing pastures, and enveloped in a silence. Site of a biological research station, this region was already studied by nature scientists in the 19th and early 20th century because of its unique characteristics.

Day 4, 5 • Valleys of Lake Maggiore
Venture into the Centovalli (the hundred valleys), a dramatic setting of more than a hundred small, side valleys with gorges and waterfalls. Discover the Valle Bavona, an open book on the history and culture of the difficult pastoral life of Ticino, and one of its most spectacular areas.

Day 6, 7 • Above Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano
Enjoy a grand finale, with two days of breathtaking and mesmerizing panoramas. . A pleasant ridge traverse above Lake Maggiore, and a day hike on the trails of contraband in the mountains of Lake Lugano, topped off by outstanding views stretching from the Alps all the way to the Italian Riviera.

Day 8 • Departure
Group transfer to Lugano train station and connect to the train of your choice.