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Inspirations 2022
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  • Walking
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  • Journeys by rail, boat & car
  • Plus... Why you can book and travel with confidence
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Lake Maggiore to Lake Lugano

Ticino – a slice of Italy in Switzerland
 
From mountain peaks to palm-fringed lakes, this self-guided walking holiday, with luggage transported, is packed with variety. Follow ancient paths between chestnut-forested hills and lakeside towns, taking time en route to ride the Centovalli railway and visit beautiful Locarno.
Lake Maggiore to Lake Lugano. 7 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
Lake Maggiore to Lake Lugano. 7 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
 

Holiday information

 

A walking holiday in Ticino

From the high mountain peaks of its north to the forested foothills and palm-fringed lakes farther south, Ticino is a region of immense natural diversity. Located on the sunny, southern side of the Alps, just within the Swiss border, this is Italy in all but name, with graceful, pastel-coloured buildings, tiny Romanesque churches, Italian-speaking locals and copious helpings of gelato.
There is no better way to explore this diverse region than on foot, and Ticino has an excellent network of ancient footpaths which help you to do just that. Beginning on the shores of Lake Maggiore, in the picturesque lakeside town of Locarno, this holiday leads you through the heart of the region, passing through the wooded hills and tranquil river valleys of the Malcantone to reach the hill-village of Carona, set just above the emerald waters of Lake Lugano.
 

Book with confidence

We are accepting bookings for our holidays to Switzerland. Our flexible booking arrangements, commitment to safety and financial protection mean that you can book with confidence.

What we’re doing so you can book and travel with confidence >
Check the destination entry requirements >
 
Gallery
 

Itinerary

The key to Inntravel holidays is flexibility. You can start on the day of your choice, and are free to add extra nights.

On arrival at each hotel you will be given a guest card (Ticino Ticket), which entitles you to free local bus and train travel (including the Centovalli line), as well as reductions for some places of interest, mountain transport and day tickets for the boats on the lakes.
  • The average maximum daytime temperatures and monthly rainfall relate to the nearest weather station and are intended as a guide only.
     
    Average temperatures and rainfall
      Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    °C -1 -1 1 6 12 17 19 18 14 10 3 0
    mm 50 39 50 97 85 59 52 50 85 130 131 56
  • Arrival in Locarno
    Night 1: at Boutique Hotel La Rinascente or Albergo Remorino Garni (the first of three nights here).
    As your first night's accommodation is on the day of travel, Day 1 is your first day of walking.
  • Walking and sightseeing from Locarno

    The Centovalli & 'Market Way': 11km, 4.5hrs; ascent 480m/descent 750m
    Locarno is the starting point of the famous Centovalli railway, so named as it crosses a hundred delightful valleys as it winds into Italy, passing waterfalls, ravines and forests on the way. We recommend riding the Centovalli as far as Camedo, just inside the Swiss border, to then follow the 'Market Way', an ancient mule-track once used by traders to transport their wares to Locarno. Pass through beautiful chestnut woods and between old stone villages and farming hamlets as you descend gradually to Intragna, one of the valley's largest villages, from where you return to Locarno by train.

    Brissago to Ascona: 9km, 4.5hrs; ascent/descent 640m 
    The exotic botanical gardens on Isole di Brissago are only a short, scenic boat ride (pay locally) from Locarno. After exploring the islands' sub-tropical flora, enjoy a relaxed walk across panoramic and fragrant hillsides to reach the elegant town of Ascona, taking time to visit the beautiful galleries and boutiques which line the tiny backstreets. Return to Locarno by bus.

    Locarno town trail
    Known for the film and music festivals held in its Piazza Grande, and for the Madonna del Sasso sanctuary perched high above its Renaissance Old Town, Locarno is also home to several interesting churches, as well as a castle, a number of galleries and a lovely lakefront. Follow our self-guided walking tour around the town, then ride the funicular to the Madonna del Sasso for spectacular views over Locarno and Lake Maggiore. You can either return to Locarno by funicular, or descend on foot via an ancient cobbled way marked by stations of the cross.
    Ascona
    Market Way
    The Centovalli and 'Market Way': 11km
    Brissago to Ascona: 9km
  • Arosio to Miglieglia: 12.5km, 5hrs; ascent 440m/descent 570m
    Leaving Lake Maggiore behind, journey by train and bus into the rounded hills of the Malcantone for a spectacular walk from Arosio to Miglieglia. Following old paths first used by charcoal burners and miners centuries ago, you traverse birch, beech and chestnut forest, enjoying wonderful views of the nearby peaks and extraordinary lush hills that define this quintessential Ticinese region. In Miglieglia, you spend two nights at Casa Santo Stefano in the centre of the village.
    Arriving into Miglieglia
    Arosio to Miglieglia: 12.5km
  • Choice of walks from Miglieglia: 8km or 12km

    Circular route around Miglieglia: 8km, 3.5hrs; ascent 410m/descent 470m
    Enjoy a lovely circular walk from Miglieglia, following the Sentiero delle Meraviglie ('Path of Marvels') past waterfalls, mills, mines and castle ruins.

    Monte Lema to Miglieglia: 12km, 5hrs; ascent 400m/descent 1220m
    Ride by gondola (pay locally) almost to the peak of Monte Lema, before climbing the final few metres for huge views over the surrounding hills, mountains and lakes of Ticino and nearby Italy. The route then descends the broad southern shoulder of Monte Lema, passing through forests of birch, beech then chestnut, and through the historic village of Astano, to return to Miglieglia.

    Tour of Miglieglia
    We also provide notes for a short but essential village tour, taking in the church of Santo Stefano al Colle, with its exceptional frescoes.
    Path of Marvels on the route around Miglieglia
    Circular route around Miglieglia: 8km
    Monte Lema to Miglieglia: 12km
  • Miglieglia to Carona: 9.5km, 3.5hrs; ascent 220m/descent 675m
    Today, you descend on a forested path via several pretty Malcantone villages to reach the lake at Ponte Tresa. From here, journey by train and bus (free with your included Ticino Ticket) to the hill-village of Carona, where you spend your final two nights at Hotel Villa Carona.
    Descend through woodland to Ponte Tresa
    Miglieglia to Carona: 9.5km
  • Choice of walks from Carona: 9km or 9.5km

    Carona to Morcote: 9.5km, 3.5hrs; ascent 270m/descent 840m
    This walk would serve as a fitting finale: after ascending gently out of Carona to visit the botanical gardens of Parco San Grato, famed for their azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias, it continues to the tip of the peninsula on forested ways, descending into lakeside Morcote on an impressive stepped path which passes the 15th-century church of Santa Maria del Sasso. Pause for a leisurely lunch in one of the restaurants or cafés of Morcote before enjoying a relaxing boat ride (pay locally) to Lugano-Paradiso, from where you take the historic funicular up the steep slopes of to St Salvatore (both the boat ride and the funicular are included in the holiday price). Soak in the spectacular views of nearby Lugano and its eponymous lake, and take time to visit the church and museum, before continuing on foot back to Carona.

    Circular route around Carona: 9km, 3.5hrs; ascent/descent 260m
    A gentler circuit which heads initially towards Morcote but avoids the descent to the lake, instead looping back through deep forest broken only by occasional glimpses of the lake and hills. A highlight, just before returning to Carona, is the remarkable church of Madonna d'Ongero, hidden in the woods.

    City tour of Lugano
    Another option is to visit the thriving lakeside city of Lugano. The chic, pedestrianised centre of this city is easily explored on foot, and we provide notes for a short walking tour which takes in the historic architecture, scenic lakeside and enticing cafés, as well as the exquisite frescoes contained within many of Lugano's churches.
    Descend into Morcote on a wonderful stepped path
    Carona to Morcote, part 1: 6.5km
    Carona to Morcote, part 2: 3km
    Circular route around Carona: 9km
 

Accommodation

You stay in three charming hotels, each of great character.

To make your holiday all the more special, opt for our upgrade hotel in Locarno. Please indicate your preference at the time of booking.
 

Extend your stay

 
Prices & travel options
All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). If you'd like to see what they equate to in your currency, use the converter. For general information on pricing, see the 'your holiday price explained' page.
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  • 7 nights: 09 May 2021 - 11 October 2021 & 07 May 2022 - 09 October 2022

    Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    9 May - 12 Jun 2021 £1130 £530
    13 Jun - 31 Aug 2021 # £1160 £540
    1 Sep - 4 Oct 2021 £1130 £530
    7 May - 12 Jun 2022 £1190 £560
    13 Jun - 31 Aug 2022 # £1220 £570
    1 Sep - 2 Oct 2022 £1190 £560
    3rd & 4th person discount £0
    Single traveller supplement £0

    Includes accommodation, meals and services integral to the holiday as described, plus walking notes and maps, but no travel from the UK, nor any connecting travel from the airport unless stated below.

    #Add £40pp/n (£80pn in a single room) if staying at Hotel La Rinascente 9-19 Jul or 5-15 Aug 2021. Add £42pp/n (£84pn in a single room) if staying at Hotel La Rinascente 9-19 Jul or 5-15 Aug 2022

    Price includes: free local bus and train travel (with your Ticino Ticket)

    Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route and times to suit you. Please contact us to find out more about our flight booking service. We can also book connecting travel - see below.

    7 nights: 09 May 2021 - 11 October 2021 & 07 May 2022 - 09 October 2022

    Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    9 May - 12 Jun 2021 £1595 £530
    13 Jun - 31 Aug 2021 # £1630 £540
    1 Sep - 4 Oct 2021 £1595 £530
    7 May - 12 Jun 2022 £1675 £560
    13 Jun - 31 Aug 2022 # £1715 £570
    1 Sep - 2 Oct 2022 £1675 £560
    3rd & 4th person discount £0
    Single traveller supplement £0

    Includes all elements in the 'walk price', plus standard-class travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras or Ebbsfleet International to Lille or Paris, with onward travel as described below.

    #Add £40pp/n (£80pn in a single room) if staying at Hotel La Rinascente 9-19 Jul or 5-15 Aug 2021. Add £42pp/n (£84pn in a single room) if staying at Hotel La Rinascente 9-19 Jul or 5-15 Aug 2022

    Included travel from the UK: Out: UK–Paris (Eurostar), Paris–Locarno (TGV/regional rail), approx. duration 11h plus 0h10 walk to the hotel. Home: Carona–Paris (bus/regional rail/TGV), approx. duration 13h plus 0h05 walk from the hotel.
    > More about 'by rail' prices
    > The 'rail experience': what to expect
    A Swiss Card is included, providing you with half-price tickets for trains, bus and boat journeys and up to 50% reduction on private railways and cable cars. You will also be given a guest card (Ticino Ticket) at each hotel, entitling you to free local bus and train travel.

    If you book your holiday less than 6 months in advance of your travel date, seats may no longer be available at the tariffs on which our prices are based, but we may be able to offer you seats on the same services at a supplement.

    7 nights: 09 May 2021 - 11 October 2021 & 07 May 2022 - 09 October 2022

    Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    9 May - 12 Jun 2021 £1190 £530
    13 Jun - 31 Aug 2021 # £1220 £540
    1 Sep - 4 Oct 2021 £1190 £530
    7 May - 12 Jun 2022 £1245 £560
    13 Jun - 31 Aug 2022 # £1285 £570
    1 Sep - 2 Oct 2022 £1245 £560
    3rd & 4th person discount -£60
    Single traveller supplement £60

    Includes all elements in the 'walk price', plus a return ferry crossing between Dover and Calais with P&O Ferries for your party and one car.

    #Add £40pp/n (£80pn in a single room) if staying at Hotel La Rinascente 9-19 Jul or 5-15 Aug 2021. Add £42pp/n (£84pn in a single room) if staying at Hotel La Rinascente 9-19 Jul or 5-15 Aug 2022

    Price includes: free local bus and train travel (with your Ticino Ticket), and a transfer back to the first hotel at the end of your holiday to collect your car.
    > More information about travelling self-drive

    A supplement of approximately £35 per car per single journey applies on certain dates over the Easter holidays. A supplement of approximately £56 per car per single journey applies outbound on Fridays & Saturdays and inbound on Saturdays & Sundays in late May/early June and during the school summer holidays. Please contact us for more details.

  • 7 nights, staying at Boutique Hotel Remorino: 09 May 2021 - 11 October 2021 & 07 May 2022 - 09 October 2022

    Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    9 May - 12 Jun 2021 £1265 £595
    13 Jun - 7 Jul 2021 £1295 £615
    8 Jul - 15 Aug 2021 £1425 £745
    16 - 31 Aug 2021 £1335 £660
    1 - 18 Sep 2021 £1295 £615
    19 Sep - 4 Oct 2021 £1265 £595
    7 May - 12 Jun 2022 £1330 £625
    13 Jun - 7 Jul 2022 £1360 £650
    8 Jul - 15 Aug 2022 £1495 £785
    16 - 31 Aug 2022 £1395 £695
    1 - 18 Sep 2022 £1360 £650
    19 Sep - 2 Oct 2022 £1330 £625
    3rd & 4th person discount £0
    Single traveller supplement £0

    Includes accommodation, meals and services integral to the holiday as described, plus walking notes and maps, but no travel from the UK, nor any connecting travel from the airport unless stated below.

    #Add £40pp/n (£80pn in a single room) if staying at Hotel La Rinascente 9-19 Jul or 5-15 Aug 2021. Add £42pp/n (£84pn in a single room) if staying at Hotel La Rinascente 9-19 Jul or 5-15 Aug 2022

    Price includes: free local bus and train travel (with your Ticino Ticket)

    Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route and times to suit you. Please contact us to find out more about our flight booking service. We can also book connecting travel - see below.

    7 nights, staying at Boutique Hotel Remorino: 09 May 2021 - 11 October 2021 & 07 May 2022 - 09 October 2022

    Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    9 May - 12 Jun 2021 £1725 £595
    13 Jun - 7 Jul 2021 £1770 £615
    8 Jul - 15 Aug 2021 £1895 £745
    16 - 31 Aug 2021 £1795 £660
    1 - 18 Sep 2021 £1770 £615
    19 Sep - 4 Oct 2021 £1725 £595
    7 May - 12 Jun 2022 £1815 £625
    13 Jun - 7 Jul 2022 £1860 £650
    8 Jul - 15 Aug 2022 £1990 £785
    16 - 31 Aug 2022 £1885 £695
    1 - 18 Sep 2022 £1860 £650
    19 Sep - 2 Oct 2022 £1815 £625
    3rd & 4th person discount £0
    Single traveller supplement £0

    Includes all elements in the 'walk price', plus standard-class travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras or Ebbsfleet International to Lille or Paris, with onward travel as described below.

    #Add £40pp/n (£80pn in a single room) if staying at Hotel La Rinascente 9-19 Jul or 5-15 Aug 2021. Add £42pp/n (£84pn in a single room) if staying at Hotel La Rinascente 9-19 Jul or 5-15 Aug 2022

    Included travel from the UK: Out: UK–Paris (Eurostar), Paris–Locarno (TGV/regional rail), approx. duration 11h plus 0h10 walk to the hotel. Home: Carona–Paris (bus/regional rail/TGV), approx. duration 13h plus 0h05 walk from the hotel.
    > More about 'by rail' prices
    > The 'rail experience': what to expect
    A Swiss Card is included, providing you with half-price tickets for trains, bus and boat journeys and up to 50% reduction on private railways and cable cars. You will also be given a guest card (Ticino Ticket) at each hotel, entitling you to free local bus and train travel.

    If you book your holiday less than 6 months in advance of your travel date, seats may no longer be available at the tariffs on which our prices are based, but we may be able to offer you seats on the same services at a supplement.

    7 nights, staying at Boutique Hotel Remorino: 09 May 2021 - 11 October 2021 & 07 May 2022 - 09 October 2022

    Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    9 May - 12 Jun 2021 £1325 £595
    13 Jun - 7 Jul 2021 £1345 £615
    8 Jul - 15 Aug 2021 £1485 £745
    16 - 31 Aug 2021 £1395 £660
    1 - 18 Sep 2021 £1345 £615
    19 Sep - 4 Oct 2021 £1325 £595
    7 May - 12 Jun 2022 £1395 £625
    13 Jun - 7 Jul 2022 £1415 £650
    8 Jul - 15 Aug 2022 £1560 £785
    16 - 31 Aug 2022 £1465 £695
    1 - 18 Sep 2022 £1415 £650
    19 Sep - 2 Oct 2022 £1395 £625
    3rd & 4th person discount -£60
    Single traveller supplement £60

    Includes all elements in the 'walk price', plus a return ferry crossing between Dover and Calais with P&O Ferries for your party and one car.

    #Add £40pp/n (£80pn in a single room) if staying at Hotel La Rinascente 9-19 Jul or 5-15 Aug 2021. Add £42pp/n (£84pn in a single room) if staying at Hotel La Rinascente 9-19 Jul or 5-15 Aug 2022

    Price includes: free local bus and train travel (with your Ticino Ticket), and a transfer back to the first hotel at the end of your holiday to collect your car.
    > More information about travelling self-drive

    A supplement of approximately £35 per car per single journey applies on certain dates over the Easter holidays. A supplement of approximately £56 per car per single journey applies outbound on Fridays & Saturdays and inbound on Saturdays & Sundays in late May/early June and during the school summer holidays. Please contact us for more details.

  • Room upgrades (£ per person per night)

    Boutique Hotel La Rinascente, Locarno
    Deluxe: 09 May - 11 Oct 2021 £15
    Deluxe: 07 May - 09 Oct 2022 £16
    Hotel Villa Carona, Carona
    Junior suite: 09 May - 11 Oct 2021 £30
    Junior suite: 07 May - 09 Oct 2022 £32
    Superior: 09 May - 11 Oct 2021 £17
    Superior: 07 May - 09 Oct 2022 £18

    Extra nights (£ per person per night) in a double or single room

    Casa Santo Stefano, Miglieglia (with dinner) Double room Single room
    09 May - 11 Oct 2021 £118 £176
    07 May - 09 Oct 2022 £124 £186

  • Room upgrades (£ per person per night)

    Boutique Hotel Remorino, Locarno
    'Comfort' with partial lake view & balcony: 09 May - 11 Oct 2021 £14
    'Comfort' with partial lake view & balcony: 07 May - 09 Oct 2022 £15
    Superior with lake view & balcony: 09 May - 11 Oct 2021 £28
    Superior with lake view & balcony: 07 May - 09 Oct 2022 £30
    Hotel Villa Carona, Carona
    Junior suite: 09 May - 11 Oct 2021 £30
    Junior suite: 07 May - 09 Oct 2022 £32
    Superior: 09 May - 11 Oct 2021 £17
    Superior: 07 May - 09 Oct 2022 £18

    Extra nights (£ per person per night) in a double or single room

    Casa Santo Stefano, Miglieglia (with dinner) Double room Single room
    09 May - 11 Oct 2021 £118 £176
    07 May - 09 Oct 2022 £124 £186
  • RECOMMENDED AIRPORT(S):
    Zürich
    As an alternative to flying, we can arrange rail travel from London

    Travelling from the UK

    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend flying via Zürich. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    Travelling from outside the UK
    We have many years' experience catering for customers who live outside the UK, and will be happy to make tailored arrangements to fit with your plans.

    You have two options:

    1) Book your own flights to London, from where we can book flights and onward connecting travel to your hotel.

    2) Book your own flights direct to an airport appropriate to your chosen holiday. You can either make your own way from the airport to the hotel, or we'll be happy to book onward connecting travel for you. Please consult with us before booking your flights, so that we can advise you on the suitability of your proposed route and timings.
    Outward route Airline
    Aberdeen - Zurich (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Aberdeen - Zurich (via Paris) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Birmingham - Zurich Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Bristol - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Edinburgh - Zurich Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Leeds Bradford - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    London City - Zurich British Airways,  Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Gatwick - Zurich easyJet,  Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Heathrow - Zurich British Airways,  Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Luton - Zurich easyJet,  Vueling 
    Outward route Airline
    Manchester - Zurich Swiss 
    Manchester - Zurich (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Manchester - Zurich (via Munich) Lufthansa 
    Outward route Airline
    Newcastle - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Newcastle - Zurich (via Paris CDG) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Norwich - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend flying via Zürich. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    This list of flight options should be used as a guide only, and you should check each airline’s website for current routes, frequency and schedules. Not all flights operate daily, and may not run for the entire season. You should also heed the latest flight arrival time and earliest flight departure time stated in the connecting travel section, as it may not be possible to arrange connecting travel outside these times. Please do not book your flights until we have confirmed your accommodation to you. Alternatively, our expert reservations team will be happy to offer advice and to make flight bookings for you for any of the options listed above except those operated by Ryanair. We charge £35 per person for our flight booking service (£60 for India and Nepal). Your flights are then covered by our package-booking conditions, which give you greater protection in the event of delay or cancellation, as well as providing ATOL cover.

  • Prices below are based on 2 people travelling together. If you are travelling solo or as a party of 3 or more and our arrangements include a taxi, please contact us for prices; additional passengers often pay less.

    If purchasing outward connecting travel through Inntravel, the homeward travel is at no extra cost.

    Connecting travel options - flying via Zürich

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    rail Zürich airport to Locarno (2h45), walk to hotel (0h10) £115 in 2021; £122 in 2022 1600
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    walk to bus stop (0h05), bus Carona Paese to Lugano-Paradiso (0h20), rail Lugano-Paradiso to Zürich airport (2h55) £0 1500
What is included
  • 7 nights
  • 4 dinners
    7 breakfasts
  • luggage transported (1 bag per person)
  • route notes and maps
  • GPS navigation
  • Ticino Ticket for use on buses and trains
  • boat & funicular on day 5
 
Reviews

If you've experienced this holiday first hand, why not write a review?

We are keen for as many customers as possible to review their holiday. To make it easier to do so, we include a specific review section on our post-holiday questionnaire, and this is what we publish here, unedited. Read our full review policy >

All 9 reviews
  • Mrs C Page
    Wrexham
    28 September 2019

    We normally hike the high Alps but at this time of year its not at its best nontheless we wanted some nice autumn walking with some sunshine.   This relatively easy but thoroughly enjoyable trip fulfilled both.

    We were so pleased we added extra nights in Locarno and Migelia as it allowed us to make the most of the visit.

    The Hotels were all very different but nontheless enjoyable and in all cases the staff went out of the way to ensure our needs were catered for.  The extra time we spent in Migelia enabled us to do a faboulous ridge  walk from Mont Lema to Mont Tamaro providing fantastic views of the high Alps beyond.

    All the walks were great and we were delighted walking the Chestnut way which was literally carpeted in sweet chestnuts.Even if you are not a keen walker the walk to Pont Tresa and then catching the ferry boat is  easy but a real treat  so don't miss it out!

  • Mr D Taylor
    Durham
    16 September 2019

    Both trips were in a beautiful area that was unknown to us. The combination of places visited was excellent; timeless towns and villages that were a joy to explore. We particularly enjoyed the Ticino area where we didn’t come across any other English people however sufficient English was spoken to make the travelling easy.

    INNTRAVEL NOTE: These customers combined our 'Lake Orta to Lake Maggiore' and 'Lake Maggiore to Lake Lugano' walking holidays.

  • Boult
    02 September 2019

    All of our Inntravel holidays have provided stunning views but this one tops them all! For this holiday, more so than other grade 1 and 2 we have done, good quality footwear is essential and a walking pole very useful.

  • Ms R Slator
    Birmingham
    09 August 2019

    We had a wonderful time in Ticino. We really enjoyed the varied travel options, with cable cars, funiculars, and free bus and train travel. As well as the walking of course! The accommodation was really varied. I had the best gluten free muesli ever in Miglielia where breakfast was delicious and the company delightful. Dietary restrictions (GF) made evening meals a little difficult in Miglielia, perhaps partly because of our lack of Italian. However, Angeli went out of her way to make things work and as a result we had a wonderful final meal there with some lovely other guests! The Hotel La Rinascente in Locarno stood out for us. It was tucked away quietly even during the film festival, with really helpful hosts, good breakfasts (the best GF bread) in such an extraordinary building that has been so beautifully restored. Our room was fabulous, from the bed to the coffee maker to the tiny balcony that we sat out on in the evenings. We had an extra night in all 3 locations and would recommend staying longer as every location was interesting and there is so much to do. In Carona we missed the option of being able to make ourselves tea at any time. But the restaurant on site was wonderful. As ever with your holidays your notes worked so well every time.

  • Mrs J Brown, Tunbridge Wells
    18 July 2019

    A lovely chance to explore the Ticino district of Italian Switzerland, and the beautiful glittering lakes and wooded slopes, filled with charming old hillside villages and little bare churches, cobbled streets and baking empty piazzas. We enjoyed discovering chestnut woods and many panoramic misty blue Alpine views, fuelled by generous helpings of robust and flavoursome regional food. Travelling by train creates an extra sense of discovery, particularly as you are also likely to be the only English people holidaying in this not overly busy part of Europe.

  • Anon
    01 July 2019

    The Bernina is a marvel of railway engineering, with great views thrown in for free. A must do for anyone who loves either! Ticino was hot, hot, hot during our stay. Would maybe have ideally gone a month or so earlier, when it was a little cooler and the two marvellous gardens on the itinerary would have been at their peak.

    INNTRAVEL NOTE: These customers enjoyed a trip on the Bernina Express before our Lake Maggiore to Lake Lugano self-guided walking holiday.

  • Mrs C Wassell
    Basingstoke
    20 May 2019

    Limited number of restaurants near to Remorino hotel and going into the centre of Locarno, and back, often involved a long wait for the bus (311) as it was usually only once an hour. We would prefer to have half-board included in all the hotels. It would also be nice to have more picnics included. Both boat trips were lovely.

  • Mrs F Kinghorn
    Bridgend
    18 May 2019

    Our personal highlights with this holiday included walking to and from, and staying in, the lovely villages and hotels in Miglieglia and Corona. These were very pretty villages, lovely unique hotels, and people could not have been friendlier. The views as we travelled around the countryside, of Lakes Maggiore and Lake Lugano, and the surrounding tree-covered hills were both beautiful and magical.

  • Mr S Gamman
    Llandinam
    07 May 2019

    The holiday was a wonderful blend of excellent walking through a wonderful and varied region. In May the weather was a little mixed but great for walking and we had the trails virtually to ourselves. The use of a wide variety of public transport options allowed us to cover a greater area and see more: boat, train, bus, funicular and cable car... have you left anything out?
 

FAQs

If you have any questions relating to this or any other Inntravel holiday, our friendly travel experts will be happy to help. You might also find our General FAQs section helpful.
  • If your holiday plans go awry because of Coronavirus, rest assured that we’ll do right by you. Since the start of the pandemic, our flexible booking policy and prompt issuing of refunds to customers who prefer not to defer their holiday have earned us high praise in the national press.
  • We sincerely hope that your holiday experience will be as enjoyable as it would have been before the pandemic – walking holidays are ideal in these times of social distancing, and we’re not operating holidays if the key highlights can no longer be delivered – but, naturally, there will be some changes to ensure your and other people’s safety, not least taking tests before and after your holiday for many destinations.
    Your holiday experience: what to expect >
    Safety measures being taken by hoteliers & others >
    Entry requirements for non-UK destinations & for re-entering the UK >
  • We’ll send you route notes and maps 2-3 weeks before your holiday. The route notes not only contain directions to get from hotel to hotel, but also include practical information about places of interest and eateries along each route, plus cultural information about the area. If/when you are moving between hotels, you leave your luggage in reception as you leave, and it will be transferred ahead to your next accommodation, meaning that all you need to take with you are a camera, sun cream, drinks, food and waterproofs.

    For more detailed information, see our walking holidays in Europe page.
  • Yes, prior to going on holiday you will be able to download GPX tracks so that you can follow your route on your smartphone or dedicated GPS device if you wish. It’s entirely up to you whether or not you use them – our detailed, step-by-step route notes remain the principal means of guiding you from A to B – but we provide them as a secondary means of navigation for additional reassurance when walking.
  • We can book a wide range of routes from the UK with a variety of airlines (but not, currently, with Ryanair). As well as being more convenient for you to book all elements of your holiday together, it also means that we’ll accept liability for your travel arrangements, so if things go wrong, such as the airline going bust, we’ll make suitable alternative arrangements for you. For Europe, there’s a £35 booking fee per person (£15 for children aged 2-11). For India and Nepal, the booking fee is £60 per person. More information on flights >
  • We can’t book flights that originate outside the UK, but if you wanted to book your own flights to London (or elsewhere in the UK), we can make all onward travel arrangements (including flights) from there. Alternatively, if you are booking your own flights to an airport in continental Europe that’s appropriate for your holiday, we can book onward rail travel and/or taxis. More information about how we can tailor holidays for customers outside the UK >
  • Since our holidays are self-guided, we recommend calling us for a chat about your plans before making a booking, especially if it’s the first time you’ve booked with us.
    The price panel shows the supplement for a single room and also the single traveller charge (this covers (luggage) transfers and other costs which are usually shared between two people).
  • Once you’ve decided on your exact itinerary (our travel experts will be happy to offer advice), you need to provide us with your party’s details, either by phone or via our booking form. At this point we also ask you to pay a deposit so that we can secure a room for you immediately on confirming availability with the hotel(s). If it turns out that we can’t secure the accommodation for the holiday you’ve requested, or offer an acceptable alternative, we’ll refund your deposit promptly and in full. After booking your accommodation and other key elements, we'll then book your travel (or you can do so if you’re making your own arrangements) and send you a Booking Confirmation and Invoice.

    More information about the booking process >
    Information about accommodation, general practicalities and more >
    Booking conditions >
  • Yes, it’s something we insist on, even for holidays in the UK. The vast majority of holidays go smoothly, but when things go wrong, it can be expensive to put them right. Buying a new pair of walking boots after your suitcase is stolen mightn’t seem so bad, but the bill for being airlifted down from a mountain with a broken leg or flown home while still recovering from an illness or accident can cost tens of thousands of pounds.

    You don’t have to take out our recommended travel insurance policy (if you live outside the UK you’ll definitely need to make your own arrangements, as the policy is only for UK residents), but you do need to make sure that you’re covered for medical emergencies – including falling ill with Covid-19 while on holiday – and repatriation. We also recommend that you are covered for other eventualities, such as cancellation and loss of luggage and passports.

    We'll ask you for the details of your policy (insurer, policy number and medical emergency phone number) so that we can help out if the worst happens while you are on holiday. It's up to you, though, to check that your policy covers the activities you'll be doing on holiday and that it is adequate for your own individual needs; we don't check alternative policies.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of the correct travel documents, with the correct validity. If you’re a UK citizen, you need a full British passport to travel to Switzerland, but not a visa. If you are a citizen of another country, you’ll need to check requirements with the national embassy or your own consulate.

    Current information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice for UK citizens can be found through the Travel Health Pro website. You must make sure you have adequate insurance cover for illness, accidents and repatriation (see the insurance question). UK citizens can no longer use their EHIC in Switzerland, and nor is the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) valid in Switzerland. It is therefore important that, if you already have travel insurance in place, the terms do not exclude medical cover, especially for existing conditions, in the absence of an EHIC.
  • The official languages are German, spoken in the majority of the country; French, spoken in the south-west; Italian, spoken in the south-east; and Romansch, mostly limited to the Engadine valley. The currency is the Franc. Swiss time is GMT/UTC + 1. It uses Daylight Saving Time, so in summer is on BST + 1.
  • For information on the practicalities of travel now that the UK is no longer part of the European Union, visit www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein.

    At Inntravel we work in close partnership with our hoteliers, taxi drivers and other local suppliers to provide our self-guided holidays directly to you. We are entirely confident that you will continue to receive the usual warm welcome from them, regardless of what is happening in the European political sphere.
  • The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides up-to-date, country-by-country travel advice, as well as information on security, local laws, passports and visas for UK citizens.
    If you live outside the UK, see our essential travel information page for a list of relevant websites.
  • You are the best judge of your child’s/children’s capabilities. We are happy to take bookings for families of older children/teenagers if they walk regularly, love the outdoors and are comfortable with the distances and ascent/descent involved. Please note that the bedrooms at most of the accommodation we use will normally only sleep a maximum of 3 people, and sometimes only 2.
Last fetch time is : 10/26/2021 5:54:43 AM