from €2,200* per person | 8 Days | June-September |
Comfort accommodations | Exertion level: 5 | |
Operator: Alps and Beyond | 12 people max |
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.
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Switzerland
Touring with Alps and Beyond has been one of the best and most satisfying experiences of my life. From my very first hiking trip around the beautiful northern Italian lakes to my magical last (but not final) walking trip of the wine and hazelnut region in Piemonte's Langhe of Italy. This company and its fine tour guides have introduced me to some of the most spectacular locations I have ever seen and because of their impeccable pre-planning and their highly knowledgeable tour guides I am always guaranteed gorgeous accomodations, personalized care, and a vacation full of memories and new friends that i will cherish for years to come. When touring Italy or Switzerland, I will only ever go through Alps and Beyond. For quality, service and trips beyond the 'tour-esty' there is no one who does it better.
Alps and Beyond is an amazing company. Our trip was handled with lots of TLC and much expertise. The group relaxed and enjoyed the amazing scenery and hikes knowing that all the other details were very capable hands. Our guides, Anna and Bruno, made sure we all got up and over the mountain and had lots of fun at the same time. This remains one of our most memorable trips. Pure enjoyment. Our guides and Alps and Beyond are quite simply the best!
I was introduced to Alps and Beyond by a friend. I decided to attend their group trip to the Piedmonte Region of Italy, where the wine is plentiful and the food is amazing. They have such amazing connections to the logding and restaurants, that the trip far exceeded my expectations. If we saw something while riding in our Bus, Anna would make sure there was time to stop and seek out additional adventure. I cannot really put into words the details and care that is put into every day of the trip. A MUST!!
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.
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