Switzerland & Italy Multi-Adventure: Ticino & Italian Lakes
8 days | 10 days with Lake Como extension |
- Physical activity
- Group size
- 5–19 travelers
Three lakes, two countries, one unforgettable adventure.
Picture yourself walking along trails through chestnut forests, pedaling past medieval castles on electric bikes, and clinking wine glasses at a lakeside estate. This tour through Switzerland’s Ticino region and Italy’s legendary northern lakes isn’t about choosing between adventure and indulgence—it’s about discovering they’ve always belonged together. Your week unfolds across three distinct lakes, each with its own character. Around Lake Lugano, mountain trails lead down to medieval villages and castle estates. In Locarno, you’ll e-bike from a UNESCO fortress through valleys and stand atop the Verzasca Dam before ferrying across Lake Maggiore from Switzerland into Italy, where the pace relaxes. Lake Orta, the final stop, is the smallest and quietest of them all—intimate enough to paddle across in a morning, beautiful enough to linger over. This is the kind of trip where you cover a lot of ground without ever feeling like you’re racing through it.
What's included
- Hiking, e-biking & canoeing
- 6 nights in handpicked hotels
- Private minibus for local transfers
- Ferry transport across Lake Maggiore from Switzerland to Italy
- Funicular rides to Monte San Salvatore & up to your Locarno hotel
- 6 breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 3 dinners with beer or wine
- 1 wine tasting
- An expert European Tour Director
- Local guides for all adventure activities & select experiences
- Safety equipment and briefings for all activities
Why you'll love it
- Hike downhill from Monte San Salvatore to a lakeside castle winery
- Taste Ticino’s Merlot at a medieval estate overlooking Lake Lugano
- E-bike from Bellinzona’s UNESCO fortress to palm tree-lined Locarno
- Hike through Valle Verzasca past waterfalls and the dam made famous by James Bond
- Ride a scenic ferry from Swiss Locarno to Italy’s lakeside Stresa
- Canoe to San Giulio Island’s ancient monastery on Lake Orta
Itinerary
Overnight flight1 night
Day 1: Fly to Milan
Board your flight to Italy and get ready for a week of scenic trails, medieval fortresses, and lakeside villages. Rest up—the adventure starts as soon as you land.
Lugano2 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Milan and transfer to Lugano
Included meal: Welcome dinner
You’ll touch down in Milan and transfer to Lugano, a Swiss city where Italian is the mother tongue and palm trees thrive at the foot of the Alps. This is Ticino—a region that seamlessly blends Swiss efficiency with Italian warmth—and the town of Lugano is your base for the next two nights. After settling into your beautiful hotel with sweeping lake views, you’ll meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Orientation covering the week ahead, followed by your first group dinner of the tour.
- Meet an EF representative at the airport.
- Transfer 1.5-2 hours to your hotel in Lugano.
- Toast with a glass of wine, beer, or a soft drink while you get to know your fellow adventurers and Tour Director during a Welcome Orientation.
- Enjoy a Welcome Dinner and keep the bonding going with the group.
Note: Airport transfers are included for travelers who book flights with EF Adventures. If you book your own flights, airport transfers may be available for a fee upon request.
Day 3: Monte San Salvatore to Tenuta Castello di Morcote hike followed by lunch & tasting at winery
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Wine tasting
Monte San Salvatore rises 3,000 feet above Lake Lugano, its summit offering sweeping views across three countries—Switzerland, Italy, and a sliver of France in the distance. Rather than climbing on foot, you’ll ascend via Funicolare Monte San Salvatore, a railway that’s been carrying visitors up the mountain since 1890. From there, your hike begins, going downhill through Ticino’s varied landscapes. You’ll go from ridge-top trails to chestnut forests, eventually reaching Tenuta Castello di Morcote, a medieval estate nestled among vineyards where you’ll enjoy lunch and a wine tasting—because in Ticino, the best hikes end with a glass in hand.
Monte San Salvatore to Tenuta Castello di Morcote hike
- Physical intensity: 2 out of 5
- Distance: 6 miles
- Elevation change: 777 ft gain, 1,969 ft loss
Your adventure begins aboard the funicular, which carries you from lakeside Paradiso up to Monte San Salvatore’s summit. From here, the trail unfolds downward through constantly shifting terrain. You’ll start along exposed ridge lines where Lake Lugano sparkles below, then descend into sun-dappled forests. The trail continues through picturesque vineyards toward Tenuta Castello di Morcote, a medieval estate, where you’ll enjoy lunch featuring homemade risotto and fresh local ingredients, followed by a winery tour and tasting.
- Ride the historic funicular to Monte San Salvatore’s summit for three-country panoramas.
- Descend through alpine meadows and forested trails on a relaxed, downhill hike.
- Enjoy lunch and a wine tasting at Tenuta Castello di Morcote, a medieval estate overlooking Lake Lugano.
- Return to your hillside hotel to relax by the pool or simply unwind with views of the lake below.
Locarno2 nights
Day 4: Bellinzona castle tour and Bellinzona to Locarno e-bike ride
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, travel from Lugano to Bellinzona, where medieval fortifications give way to lakeside promenades, tracing the route that once connected Italy to the Alpine passes of central Switzerland. Bellinzona has guarded this strategic valley for centuries, and its UNESCO-listed fortress comprised of three castles—Castel Grande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro—stands as a monument to that history. You’ll tour the oldest and most imposing of them (Castel Grande) this morning before climbing aboard e-bikes for a journey through the Magadino plain to Locarno, where palm-lined promenades and a Mediterranean climate await.
Bellinzona to Locarno e-bike ride
- Physical intensity: 2 out of 5
- Distance: 21.4 miles
- Elevation change: 1,893 ft gain
First up, you’ll climb to Bellinzona's other two castles—Montebello and Sasso Corbaro—your e-bike's electric assist taking the sting out of the ascent as you stop for photos and stunning valley views. Then it’s a thrilling descent followed by a gentle ride through the Magadino plain, where vineyards and orchards stretch toward distant mountains. The route traces quiet country roads, crosses ancient bridges, and skirts the banks of the Ticino River. As you approach Locarno, the landscape shifts—palm trees appear, signaling the Mediterranean climate that defines this corner of Switzerland. The final stretch leads to the shores of Lake Maggiore, where Locarno welcomes you with sunlit piazzas and lakeside promenades.
- Depart Lugano and tour Castel Grande in Bellinzona with a local guide, discovering the fortress that controlled Alpine trade routes for over 500 years.
- Cycle via e-bike from Bellinzona’s fortress through the Magadino plain, stopping for photos at Castles Montebello and Sasso Corbaro.
- Arrive in Locarno, where palm trees and Alpine mountain views coexist, and enjoy an orientation walk with your Tour Director.
- Ride a funicular up to your hillside hotel overlooking Lake Maggiore and Locarno below, settle in, and have dinner with your group.
Day 5: Explore Valle Verzasca, Frasco to Sonogno hike, and optional Lake Maggiore stand-up paddleboarding or yoga
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Valle Verzasca is one of Ticino’s most dramatic valleys, carved over millennia by a river so clear you can see every stone on its bed. The valley gained worldwide fame as the backdrop for James Bond’s daring bungee jump in “GoldenEye,” but locals have known about its beauty for centuries. Today you’ll experience the valley’s highlights, from the iconic dam to the centuries-old Ponte dei Salti bridge, a graceful double-arched bridge spanning crystal-clear pools where locals gather to swim and sunbathe. After exploring the valley, you’ll set out on a gentle hike from Frasco to the mountain village of Sonogno, where you’ll enjoy lunch at a traditional grotto—a quintessential Ticinese experience featuring hearty dishes like polenta and local wines. In the afternoon, you’ll return to Locarno with the option to join a stand-up paddleboarding session on Lake Maggiore (June–September) or a yoga class (April, May, October).
Frasco to Sonogno hike
- Physical intensity: 1 out of 5
- Distance: 2.3 miles
- Elevation change: 302 ft gain
Starting in Frasco, the trail rises gradually through alpine meadows and woodland. You’ll pass through areas where wildflowers bloom as you approach the Cascata la Froda, a 230-foot waterfall where the crystal-clear waters of the Redorta River plunge into a rocky basin below. A wooden bridge in front of the falls offers stunning views of the cascading water and its beautiful natural colors. From here, you’ll follow the river downstream through birch and beech groves, with occasional views of turquoise pools below. Your hike ends in Sonogno, a village of stone houses and narrow lanes where you’ll stop for lunch at a local grotto, a traditional stone-walled Ticinese restaurant, often built into caves or cellars.
- Explore Valle Verzasca and marvel at the iconic Verzasca Dam, where James Bond made cinematic history.
- Cross the stunning Ponte dei Salti, a picturesque double-arched stone bridge straddling the emerald Verzasca River.
- Hike from Frasco to Sonogno, passing through wildflower meadows and alongside a dramatic waterfall.
- Savor hearty dishes native to Ticino’s alpine valleys at an included lunch.
- Travel back to Locarno, then consider joining the optional afternoon excursion—stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Maggiore in summer, or a yoga class in spring and fall—or spend some time enjoying the hotel pool or spa.
Lake Orta region2 nights
Day 6: Ferry ride to Stresa, travel by bus to Lake Orta region, and Orta Peninsula walk
Included meal: Breakfast
Today’s ferry ride carries you south across Lake Maggiore from Switzerland into Italy, offering an entirely new perspective on the landscapes you’ve been exploring. From the water, watch mountain peaks rise dramatically from the shoreline, their reflections on the lake’s surface as historic villas and terraced gardens drift past. As you approach Stresa, catch glimpses of the Borromean Islands—tiny baroque palaces and gardens that seem to float on the water. After free time to explore Stresa and grab lunch on your own, you’ll continue to Lake Orta, a smaller and quieter neighbor to Lake Maggiore. Here, you’ll walk the peninsula trail in Orta San Giulio before settling into your lakeside hotel, a contemporary retreat that captures the peaceful, unhurried spirit of this romantic corner of northern Italy.
- Take a ferry across Lake Maggiore to Stresa, crossing from Switzerland into Italy.
- Explore Stresa at your own pace and enjoy its grand 19th-century hotels and promenades.
- Walk the Orta Peninsula trail and climb to the UNESCO-listed Sacro Monte d’Orta, where 20 historic chapels decorated with frescoes and terracotta statues crown the hillside.
- Have dinner on your own in Piazza Motta before heading to your new hotel in the Lake Orta region.
Day 7: Canoeing on Lake Orta and visit San Giulio Island
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
Your final day centers on Lake Orta, the smallest and most serene of northern Italy’s major lakes. At just over a mile wide, it’s perfectly suited for canoeing. San Giulio Island sits in the middle of the lake, home to a basilica and monastery that have occupied this tiny piece of land since the 4th century. Legend says Saint Julius of Novara rid the island of serpents and dragons before establishing a church here, making it one of Christianity’s earliest outposts in the region. After your morning paddle and island exploration, the afternoon is yours to absorb the quiet rhythm that defines Lake Orta—perhaps strolling through Orta San Giulio’s narrow cobblestone lanes or relaxing by the hotel pool. As evening arrives, you’ll gather with your fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner to reflect on and celebrate the week’s adventures.
Canoeing on Lake Orta
- Duration: 2 hours
You’ll launch from the shore near Orta San Giulio and paddle across the lake toward San Giulio Island. Once you reach the island, you’ll pull your canoes onto shore and have time to walk around and visit the Basilica di San Giulio, a Romanesque church with frescoes dating back centuries. The island is small—you can circle it in about 10 minutes on the “Way of Silence,” a contemplative walking path that rings the Benedictine monastery. This meditative route invites quiet reflection as you pass ancient walls and listen to the soft tolling of bells. After your visit, you’ll paddle back across the lake to shore.
- Canoe across Lake Orta’s calm waters, surrounded by reflections of the Italian Alps.
- Explore San Giulio Island, home to a centuries-old monastery and timeless tranquility.
- Toast to new friendships and the week’s memories over a Farewell Dinner with your fellow adventurers.
Flight home
Day 8: Fly home
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
After a final breakfast at your hotel, you’ll transfer 1–1.5 hours to the Milan airport with a camera full of photos and plenty of stories to tell when you get home.
Lake Como extension
Why stop at three lakes when you can make it four? Start your adventure a few days early in the Lake Como region, giving yourself time to ease into the journey, shake off jetlag, and explore one of Italy’s most glamorous destinations before the main tour begins. This is where Hollywood stars like George Clooney have made their homes, where classic Riva boats cut across stunning blue water, and where centuries-old villas cling to shorelines that have attracted the wealthy and famous since Roman times. Your pre-extension includes a walking tour of Como’s historic center—home to a Gothic-Renaissance Duomo and neoclassical lakeside estates—plus a morning yoga session to ground yourself before the week ahead. By the time you join the rest of your group in Lugano, you’ll be perfectly acclimated and ready for the adventure ahead, having already experienced your first taste of northern Italy’s legendary lakes.
Overnight flight1 night
Day 1: Fly to Milan
You’re heading to Italy’s Lake Como, where Hollywood glamour meets centuries-old villages and Alpine peaks plunge into impossibly blue water.
Lake Como region2 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Milan and transfer to the Lake Como region
After landing in Milan, you’ll transfer to the Lake Como region, one of northern Italy’s most celebrated destinations. While your hotel doesn’t sit directly on the lakefront, you’ll be in the peaceful hills above the lake, offering a quiet base before you explore Como’s waterfront and historic center tomorrow. Once you’ve checked in, gather for a Welcome Drink at the hotel bar, where you’ll meet your fellow travelers.
- Meet an EF representative at the airport.
- Transfer 45–60 minutes to your hotel in the Lake Como region.
- Raise a glass to the start of your adventure with a Welcome Drink.
Note: Airport transfers are included for travelers who book flights with EF Adventures. If you book your own flights, airport transfers may be available for a fee upon request.
Day 3: Day trip to Como: Walking tour and optional Lake Como cruise
Included meal: Breakfast
Lake Como has been a retreat for the wealthy and famous since Roman times, its dramatic Alpine backdrop and mild climate making it one of northern Italy’s most coveted destinations. The town of Como sits at the lake’s southern tip, serving as both gateway and cultural anchor to the region—a place where silk production once fueled the local economy and where centuries of architecture tell the story of a prosperous mercantile past. Today you’ll explore Como’s historic center on a walking tour, visiting landmarks like the Gothic-Renaissance Duomo and the neoclassical Villa Olmo before enjoying an optional lake cruise in the afternoon.
- Walk through Como’s cobbled streets with a local guide, discovering medieval piazzas, lakeside promenades, and centuries of architectural history.
- Enjoy free time for lunch and more Como exploring on your own and consider joining the optional cruise on Lake Como.
- Settle in for a relaxing evening at your hotel, exploring the grounds or unwinding by the pool.
Day 4: Morning yoga, travel to Lugano, and Lugano walking tour
Included meals: Breakfast, Welcome dinner
The final day of your pre-extension begins with a morning yoga session at your hotel before transferring to Lugano, where your Tour Director will take you through the city’s highlights. You'll see everything from the lakeside gardens of Parco Ciani to the Renaissance frescoes inside the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli. By evening, you’ll meet the main tour group, officially beginning the week of adventure ahead.
- Begin the day with a morning yoga class, grounding yourself before the adventures ahead.
- Travel to Lugano and explore the city’s lakeside gardens, historic churches, and boutique-lined streets on an orientation walk with your Tour Director.
- Meet up with the full group for your Welcome Orientation and first dinner together.
Note: While today is officially Day 4 of your trip, when you meet up with the rest of the Switzerland & Italy group, they will be on Day 2. For consistency, once you join the group, you will also be on Day 2.
Handpicked accommodations
From boutique hotels to 5-star luxury retreats, our accommodations are curated with the expert eye and attention to detail that come from 60 years of travel experience, always prioritizing authenticity. We select high-quality properties that balance comfort, location, sustainability, and local charm. From bustling city centers to serene countryside and picturesque small towns, each hotel is chosen to complement your adventure’s unique style. While the specific accommodations may vary based on your travel dates, you can always count on staying at fantastic properties that meet our standards for quality and character.
Lugano - Kurhaus Cademario Hotel & Spa
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Locarno – Hotel Belvedere Locarno
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Lake Orta region - Laqua by the Lake
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Lake Como region - Tenuta de L’Annunziata (Pre-extension)
See detailsFlights
Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
Add our airfare and you’ll get:
- Round-trip flight for your tour
- Airport transfers at your destination
- A great price locked in today
- 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
- Options for requesting an upgrade
- Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
Weather
Milan, Italy
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Stresa, Italy
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Lugano, Switzerland
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Locarno, Switzerland
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Morcote, Switzerland
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Bellinzona, Switzerland
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Know before you go
- In order to enter Switzerland and Italy, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
- Beginning in late 2026, Passport holders from visa-exempt countries like the U.S. and Canada will need to register for an ETIAS travel authorization to enter certain European countries. Even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these 30 countries without a visa, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you’ll only need to complete the form once.
- All EF Adventures travelers will be responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- Round-trip flights booked through EF Adventures arrive in and depart from Milan.
- Transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the tour are included for travelers who purchased their flights through EF Adventures. If you book your own flights, airport transfers may be available for a fee upon request.
- When you arrive in Milan, an EF Adventures representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with an EF Adventures sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical activity level
This tour is rated as Moderate, which means you’re eager to expand your adventure horizons while still having time to appreciate your surroundings. You’re comfortable with some physical activity and ready to try new experiences at a balanced pace. You’ll enjoy a mix of relaxation and light challenges in beautiful settings.
This tour is great for:
- Recreational adventurers
- Those who enjoy a good workout in nature
What to expect:
- Up to 6-mile hikes with a maximum of 800 ft of elevation gain on varied terrain
- Up to 22-mile e-bike rides with a maximum elevation gain of 2,000 ft on a mix of paved roads and paths
- Other activities such as canoeing, optional stand-up paddleboarding in sheltered water
Tour pacing
This is a fast-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- Three 2-night stays
- Most days and evenings full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
- Most transportation by minibus and ferry
- Daily travel time varies
Climate considerations
- Switzerland’s Ticino region and Italy’s northern lakes have a temperate climate with warm summers and mild temperatures during the touring season (April to October). Average daytime temperatures range from the mid-50s to mid-80s°F, depending on the month and elevation.
- Evening temperatures can drop, especially at higher elevations, so it’s essential to pack warm layers.
- Rain is possible at any time, so a waterproof jacket is recommended.
Physical activity & tour pace extra info
- EF Adventures and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- If you have physical activity concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or give us call at 617-619-1679. We’re here to help!
- This tour includes various modes of transportation, including minibuses, ferries, and funiculars.
- Ferry transport across Lake Maggiore from Locarno to Stresa is included
- Funicular ride to Monte San Salvatore summit is included
- Funicular rides up to your Locarno hotel are included
- Equipment for all adventure activities will be included
- Yoga (Pre-extension): yoga mats and any necessary props
- E-biking: High-quality e-bikes and helmets suitable for the Bellinzona to Locarno ride
- Stand-up paddleboarding (optional, June–September): Single and double SUP boards, paddles, and life jackets
- Yoga (optional, April, May, October): yoga mats and any necessary props
- Canoeing: Canoes, paddles, and life vests
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one personal item each due to storage limitations on minibuses and ferries.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you’re responsible for any baggage fees incurred.
- Contact your airline(s) for the baggage size and weight restrictions on your flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must be able to manage their luggage throughout tour; porters aren’t guaranteed at hotels or airports.
We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear. Don’t forget to pack:
- Comfortable hiking shoes or trail runners with good traction
- Athletic shoes for walking around and riding an e-bike
- Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun protection
- Sunscreen
- A sun hat, sunglasses, and rain gear, as these will help you stay comfortable in all types of weather
- Moisture-wicking, quick-drying socks (wool or synthetic)
- A warm mid-layer (fleece or wool)
- A warm, lightweight jacket
- Insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and other bugs
- A daypack to carry essentials like water, snacks, and sunscreen
- A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the tour (and cut down on single use plastic waste)
- A collapsible walking stick for hikes (some travelers find them useful)
- A swimsuit for hotel pools and water-based activities throughout the tour
- Casual clothes for evenings and travel days
- Dressier attire for Welcome/Farewell Dinners and in case you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance
- Sleepwear and toiletries
- A universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter
- Any personal medications, including motion sickness remedies for minibus and ferry rides
- Your medical insurance card, in case of emergencies (pack this in your carry-on)
- EF Adventures handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, sustainability, and local charm.
- Specific properties will vary based on your departure date, but are typically three-to-five-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas. There may also not be elevators.
- Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
- Some hotels on this tour are situated on narrow streets; as such, our minibuses may not be able to drop you off right out front. In these instances, you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, no more than a few blocks.
- Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in European hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
- All destinations visited on this tour operate on the European standard 220-240 volts. Switzerland uses Type J plugs with three small pins, and Italy uses Type C, F, or L plugs with two or three small round pins.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at cdc.gov.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify EF Adventures at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
- Take proper care with sun exposure, as the sun can be especially strong in some of the regions on this tour.
- There are inherent risks associated with adventure activities such as hiking, e-biking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding, particularly for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Discuss your planned activities with your doctor or healthcare provider for the best advice on participation.
- Travelers prone to seasickness should note that this tour includes a ferry ride.
- This tour includes 2 lunches and 3 dinners. They may be set menus, à la carte, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also may include beer, wine, juice, soft drinks, as well as water, coffee, and tea.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- In Switzerland’s Ticino region, cuisine reflects the area’s unique position as the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. Expect homemade pastas, polenta, risotto, and hearty mountain dishes featuring local cheeses and chestnut flour. The region is known for its Merlot wines as well.
- Traditional Ticinese grottos—stone-walled restaurants often built into caves or cellars—serve authentic mountain fare where locals have gathered for generations. Meals are hearty and meant to be savored, often accompanied by regional wine served in special ceramic cups called boccalini and finished with a shot of grappa, a strong Italian spirit distilled from grape pomace (the leftover skins, seeds, and stems from winemaking).
- As you cross into Italy’s Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta regions, the cuisine becomes more distinctly Italian while maintaining the emphasis on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Fresh lake fish, risotto, gnocchi, and various pasta dishes are culinary mainstays, along with locally produced cheeses and olive oil.
- Tips for meals, drivers, porterage (if applicable), and local guides for hikes and sightseeing tours are included in the price of your tour.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping the equivalent of $15-$20 USD per person per day for your Tour Director.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- Switzerland uses the Swiss franc, while Italy uses the euro.
- Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
- We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
- You can use most cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you don’t already have at least one card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your Tour Director.
- To help you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Adventures mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wi-Fi on any of the minibuses.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your Tour Director will be an experienced guide who will be with you throughout the entire journey. In addition to sharing their knowledge of the country’s history, culture, and natural wonders, they will coordinate all included activities, assist with logistics, and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the group.
- The Tour Director will work closely with local guides who specialize in each adventure activity, providing an additional layer of expertise and support. As an active individual themselves, your Tour Director will participate in many of the same adventure activities as you and is trained in safety procedures to ensure the well-being of the group.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Adventures is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- Switzerland and Italy are one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
- When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.
- When you travel with EF Adventures, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- EF Adventures encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
- When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.
- When you come across wild animals on tour, take the philosophies of World Animal Protection to heart: Don’t touch or feed them, and maintain a respectful distance. The animals you encounter on your trip should be able to exhibit natural forms of behavior.
- Furthermore, avoid buying exploitative animal products, like crafts made from animal parts or products tested on animals.
- If you feel we aren’t meeting any of these commitments, please let us know.
Flights? We got you.
Round-trip flights are one more thing we can handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate. Rates shown in cart.
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