We are planning a 3 week holiday starting with visiting our daughter in Lucerne and ending with a visit to family in Tuscany. The focus of the trip will be the Italian Lakes, but we want to do some time in Ticino as well. Val Verzasca looks like a must-see, so I'm leaning toward spending time in Locarno. I'd like to also visit Lugano, but if I have to pick one, which one? Should we make time for both? Or make one a daytrip? For activities we are looking at day hikes, biking, romantic dinners and just hanging out. It's a milestone anniversary, so we are prepared to go a little high end.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32201 posts
Both towns are very scenic but my preference would be Locarno. Perhaps I'm biased as one side of my family originated there. You'll definitely be "high end" in either city as they're both very posh.
A few thoughts......
As you want to visit the Italian lakes, Locarno is a good choice as it's at the opposite end of Lago Maggiore from Stresa. On your trip form Lucerne you might consider stopping in Domodossola and taking the scenic Cento Valli Railway to Locarno. During your time in Locarno, you could.....
- take the Funicular from the town and visit the impressive Madonna del Sasso Franciscan Monastery.
- after your Monastery visit, take the Cable Car to Cardada & Cimetta which are on the mountain above Locarno (incredible views). By this time it should be about lunch time so stop at the restaurant at the top of the cable car and enjoy a glass of Vino and a fine hot meal. The patio provides great views!
- after lunch you can embark on some hiking, perhaps to the Lookout that's on a platform extending out over a cliff.
- when you're finished hiking for the day and back in Locarno, you could always stop in the Casino and try your luck before dinner.
- if you're adventurous, give some thought to a tandem paragliding flight. NOTE: most life and travel insurance policies do not cover "extreme sports" without a special rider, so keep that in mind.
- if you like window shopping, stop at the Bucherer Jewelry store and have a look at the CHF 25,000 Rolex watch that you've always wanted.
You didn't say when you'll be taking this trip, but there's a famous film festival in Locarno from 7-17 August 2019 so hotel rooms will probably be at a premium.
After your visit to Locarno, take the Ferry / Hydrofoil to Stresa, and then by train to Varenna on elegant Lago di Como. As this is a "milestone anniversary", if your budget will allow you might consider having dinner at the very posh Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio (about a 20 minute Ferry ride from Varenna). If you have a rich relative, you could also spend a few nights at the hotel.
Congratulations and Buon Viaggio!
Posted by
OP
Vancouver, BC
367 posts
Thanks! That's all very helpful. I will make note of it all, except the paragliding part ;-)
Yes, I should have mentioned that we are going in May 2019
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32201 posts
Im sure you'll have a great time in whatever location you choose.
"I will make note of it all, except the paragliding part ;-)"
Just thought I'd mention that. It's not really all that frightening. Rather exhilarating though.
Posted by
Prior Lake, MN, USA
393 posts
I went to Lugano as a day trip. I recall one church having (what I think is) the largest fresco in Europe (?).
There's a nice funicular to the top of of a (very tall) hill - for a nice snack (we got there at the wrong time for a meal. We just walked around a lot (a couple of parks). We walked SO much, if I had more time, I'd spend it in the region straight downhill from the train station. They had a very nice shopping area with confectioners.
Posted by
Waikikamukau
435 posts
We travelled from Zermatt to Locarno (via Domodosola) by train. A very scenic trip.
At Locarno we caught the bus to Sonogno, the last stop in the Valle Verzasca.
We ended up staying 4 nights at Sonogno and loved it. A beautiful place.
Most travellers would probably soon get bored as there are not a lot of must see sights in the Verzasca.
If you venture this way visit the tiny village of Corippo. Also check out the much photographed bridge at Lavertezzo.
A bit further afield is a little alpine farming community Puscen Negra which is worth visiting if you are an energetic sort. A steep hike well beyond the last road.
The bus ride from Locarno to Sonogno is pretty amazing in itself.
For most perhaps just a day trip. If you are a keen hiker who loves exploring then you might want to stay for awhile.
Posted by
OP
Vancouver, BC
367 posts
Thanks everyone for your replies. My planning has been stalled but I hope to get back to it very soon.
Posted by
Monterey County, CA (formerly Verbania Italy-Lago Maggiore)
1626 posts
Ken gave you some great suggestions.
You might also think about Ascona instead of Locarno. Ascona feels a little more quaint, small town, while Locarno feels more big city. They are on opposite sides of the river.
During the summer Lago Maggiore has an impressive ferry system. Here’s link to trip report Lago Maggiore Express. For you, I’d skip the train part and do the two day pass using the ferries