Pure adrenaline

Ticino is home to an exceptional variety of landscapes. In the north you
will find towering mountains and deep valleys carved by glaciers and
rivers, whose waters flow into Lake Maggiore in the south.
The central-southern region is the land of the lakes, with clear skies
and a mild climate, hotels, piazzas and gardens, villages stretched along
lake shores or perched on hillsides, and campaniles basking in the
sunshine.
In the south, you are already in the Mediterranean region. The
southernmost point of the triangle, the Mendrisiotto, is notable for its
serene tranquillity, its expansive landscapes, its gentle hills scattered
with houses and fields, and its glowing sunsets on mild October
evenings.
The towns and cities also have plenty of pleasures to offer – from
sipping a cappuccino on the celebrated Piazza Grande of Locarno to
sampling the cultural attractions in Bellinzona and shopping among the
historic alleyways of Lugano. Characteristic of all of Ticino’s towns is
the agreeable atmosphere that surrounds you as you stroll among the
historic buildings, across bustling piazzas and through gardens in
bloom.
meetings.ticino.ch
mice@ticino.ch
Tel. +41 91 825 70 56

Transfer to Ticino
Transfer by bus to the Valle Verzasca, with a visit to the Verzasca dam and the
villages of Brione and Sonogno
Start the tour by following in the valley its magical jade green river of crystal clear
waters. Then visit the Verzasca dam, famously featured in the James Bond film
starring Pierce Brosnan, “Golden Eye” for its 220 metre bungee jump. Later on
stop at the picturesque village of Brione and in Sonogno, the last village of the
valley, right on the edge of rolling green hills and stunning mountains.
Lunch at a grotto in Sonogno
Sonogno is the last village of the Verzasca Valley. The hamlet is plenty of stone
houses and typical roads; there is a museum too (Ex Genardini house). Also of
note are the ancient village oven, which is still used sometimes and the wool
center (by the Pro Verzasca organization, which is responsible for dyeing, carding
and spinning the wool). The finished products are sold in the town’s craft shops.
Departure by bus to the Ponte dei Salti in Lavertezzo and to the smallest village
in Switzerland: Corippo
Visit the famous Ponte dei salti, (also known as “ponte romano”) a medieval bridge
built in stone, crossing the Verzasca River in Lavertezzo, which was partially
destroyed in 1868 and rebuilt in 1960. Then continue with a visit to the distinctive
village of Corippo, which has many architecturally unique buildings and some
beautiful religious frescoes.

Transfer to Ascona, check in at the hotel and free time
Dinner at the Marina Restaurant, in the hotel Eden Roc, Ascona

Breakfast at the hotel
Transfer to Ascona’s lake promenade
Meeting with the skippers
First there will be a 30 minute introduction to the theory of sailing, then the
group will be divided into a 5-person crew for practical training: the perfect way
to explore the most beautiful places on the lake.
Departure for practical training on the sailboats
Lunch at the Brissago Islands
The Brissago Islands are the Canton Ticino's botanical park. On the big Island
(Isola Grande or St. Pancrazio), which was opened to the public in 1950, mostly
subtropical plants with origins from the northern and southern hemisphere are
grown. The Brissago Islands are part of the Gardens of Switzerland network,
which brings together the most beautiful gardens of Switzerland.
Boat race between the crews
Return to Ascona with the sailboats and transfer to the hotel

The boat trip offers a unique vantage point for this whole trip to Ascona, famous
for the Mediterranean flavour of its lakefront, for its mild climate, its historic
centre “Il Borgo” and the Church of San Pietro e Paolo, a basilica with a sixteenth
century colonnade, whose high bell tower is the symbol of this area. The
branching lanes of the Old Town lead to the car-free zone of the Lake Promenade
with its charming street cafés.
Free time
Dinner at the Ristorante Al Pontile, Ascona