Things to do in Ticino

Escape the hustle and bustle of Milan for a relaxing tour of the countryside of northern Italy and southern Switzerland, traveling in air-conditioned comfort. Relax as you take in Alpine views and see stunning lakes and villas. In less than an hour, you’ll pass the Italian border and arrive in Switzerland and take a scenic drive to the foot of the Alps. The first destination on your great escape is Lugano, featuring breathtaking panoramas and excellent shopping opportunities. If you are craving artistic culture, take a relaxing walk through town to Chiesa di Santa Maria di Loreto church. For a spot of retail therapy, make your way over to the beautiful downtown shopping area, brimming with inviting shops, rich Swiss chocolate, and fine luxury goods. Next, reach the famous city of Bellagio, the "Pearl of Lake Como.” Once in Bellagio, enjoy free time to explore the town and do some shopping, or relax and eat some local food in the most nostalgic bars and restaurants. After taking some photos and enjoying the town’s charming atmosphere, continue to Lake Como by coach. Upon arrival, enjoy a cruise along the lake for a unique opportunity to admire the breathtaking landscapes and see villas of the rich and famous. Lake Como is a famous holiday destination for stars and celebrities. During the cruise, your guide will point out George Clooney’s villa, plus villas that once hosted Star Wars and James Bond movie sets. After that, the bus will take you back to Milan’s city center in time for dinner.

Let yourself be enchanted by a wonderful panorama as you visit two countries and two lakes during this day trip experience from Como to Lugano, Cadenabbia, and Bellagio. Enjoy informative commentary and a cruise on Lake Como. Take a bus from Como and, after about a 1-hour drive, reach Lugano. Enjoy free time to visit the delightful city center and enjoy a romantic walk on the lake's shore. Transfer by bus to Cadenabbia, a small village on Lake Como’s shore and a popular holiday destination for many aristocrats such as Queen Victoria of England and Zar Nicholas of Russia. From Cadenabbia, board a cruise to reach the Bellagio, also known as the pearl of Lake Como. Spend some free time in this picturesque village. Later, marvel at the amazing landscape from the water as you take another boat ride on the lake. Admire the fascinating villas with their wonderful gardens as you head back to Como.

Join our tour for a nighttime adventure through the eerie streets of Rome where crowds of ghosts of emperors, popes and artists come out and haunt the city. You will hear about ghosts, gruesome executions, murders, and all the legends and ghost stories that keep Roman kids up at night. The guide will take you to secret backstreets and hidden corners of the Eternal City, on the tracks left by old ghosts and mysteries. With storytelling, English-speaking guide, groups of no more than 12 people, and a beautiful stroll through narrow streets between the grand monuments and opulent churches, this tour is sure to leave you even more fascinated by Rome. This tour is not for the faint of heart as you may come face to face with a ghost or, if you’re lucky, even more than one!

Explore the beautiful lakes and villages of Switzerland and Italy from Como with a tour leader. Marvel at the small village of Cadenabbia, enjoy a cruise from Bellagio and soak in the panoramic views of Lake Como on a full-day tour. After departing from Como, travel in a comfortable coach to the Swiss town of Lugano where you will have some free time to visit the picturesque city center and taste some Swiss Chocolate. The next stop will be the small village of Cadenabbia, where both Queen Victoria of England and Zar Nicholas of Russia were frequent visitors. From there by boat, you will reach Bellagio, also known as the “Pearl of Lake Como”. Disembarking in Bellagio, enjoy some free time to soak up the laid-back atmosphere of this idyllic and relaxing place. Later, take a panoramic cruise and get the opportunity to see the incredible Lake Como from a different perspective. During the cruise, take your time to look around and see the harmony between nature and architecture as you drift past villas with their beauteous gardens amongst untouched nature.

Get a full-day ticket to the Termali Salini & Spa in Locarno. Experience the deep relaxation of bathing in 35° C thermal saltwater. Get full access to the Lido Locarno, a lakeside swimming complex complete with slides. Be greeted by private access to the pristine waters of Lake Maggiore. Bathe in vertically arranged pools and explore the spa's various sections. From the outdoor pool, admire a view of the lake and the mountains. The pool's architecture is reminiscent of the Ticino river valleys, reflected in its modern abstract design which features alcoves, grottos, and waterfalls. Have the option to purchase a private spa treatment onsite. The private spas are located on the upper floor and offer a high degree of privacy. Whether you opt for a treatment or not, you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and the private terrace with a view of the lake.

Bathe in vertically arranged pools and explore the spa from different perspectives. From the outdoor pool, enjoy a stunning view across the lake and to the mountains.  The architecture of the pool is reminiscent of the famous Ticino river valleys, reflected in its modern abstract design which features alcoves, grottos and waterfalls. Be enchanted by the Mediterranean atmosphere, the breathtaking view of Lago Maggiore and the surrounding mountain panorama.  Together with a candle sauna and herbal steam room, the spacious sauna world on the lower floor also has a lake-view sauna with an idyllic panorama. Enjoy a private spa treatment, which can be booked onsite. The private spas are located on the upper floor and offer a high degree of privacy. Whether you have a treatment or not, you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and the private terrace with a view of the lake.

Discover two countries in one day on a scenic day trip from Milan. Admire panoramic views of Lake Como and stroll around its medieval streets. Take a boat trip to explore the charming shops of Bellagio and visit the quaint town of Lugano in Switzerland. Jump aboard a bus in Milan and drive toward Lake Como. Wander around medieval alleys on a guided walking tour and see the old villas. Discover the art, history, and local traditions of the area before seeing the impressive Gothic Cathedral. Hop back on the bus to make your way to Switzerland. Admire impressive views of The Alps as you drive by, then enjoy free time in Lugano to walk around and explore. Stop by Lake Lugano to take in its majesty. After your break, begin your drive to the small village of Cadenabbia. Board your ferry to Bellagio, where you can explore and shop at your own pace. Continue toward Mount Ghisallo and see the Sanctuary of Madonna del Ghisallo, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Finally, ride the bus back to Milan.

The Swiss Travel Pass is a must-have for any traveler to Switzerland. You can enjoy unlimited access by public train, bus, and boat to over 90 cities and towns and benefit from free entrance to 500+ museums, discounted city tours, and access to private and scenic trains with a pre-requisite seat reservation. There are two broad types of Swiss Travel Pass: Continuous and Flexi, with an option to choose from 3, 4, 8, and 15 days. Apart from it being an ‘all-in-one’ pass which allows a traveler to access all modes of public transportation within the country, it also offers numerous other benefits on the mountain excursions. So be it the adventurous, the avid or the leisure traveler, you will have the chance to make the most of your Switzerland Travel Pass.

Bellinzona Pass is an entrance ticket to the three Castles of Bellinzona, which have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. With a single ticket, you can visit the three manors and the wall, the Museum of Castel Grande, the recently renovated Archaeological Museum of Montebello and the temporary exhibition at the Arsenal Hall of Castel Grande. You are also free to decide in which order you are going to visit the attractions, with a suggested itinerary starting with a visit of Castel Grande and its temporary exhibition. From there, advance by foot to Montebello Hill to see the second castle. You then travel by bus to Sasso Corbaro Castle, which is the highest of the three. This location allows visitors to have outstanding views over the city.

Immerse yourself in the best of Swiss and Italian culture on this full-day tour. Departing from Milan, enjoy an informative commentary on the historical landmarks and the spectacular landscape along the way. Your first stop will be the picturesque and ever-popular city of Como. Once off the bus, enjoy a walking tour of the city and reach the gothic cathedral, accompanied by a professional tour guide who will help you to discover the art and history of this charming city. Head to the Swiss town of Lugano where you will have some free time to visit the city center, taste some Swiss Chocolate, and have lunch. After lunch, head to the small village of Cadenabbia, where both Queen Victoria of England and Zar Nicholas of Russia were frequent visitors. From there, take a panoramic cruise to reach Bellagio, also known as the “Pearl of Lake Como”. Enjoy some free time to soak up the laid-back atmosphere of this idyllic and relaxing place. Hop aboard a ferry boat and you have to chance to see this lake Como from a different perspective. During the cruise, take your time to look around and see the harmony between nature and architecture. Glide past villas with their beauteous gardens and amongst untouched nature.