I had a great time with all of the lovely folks in the group and I appreciated how warm and friendly our tour guide, Jenn, was. The excursions were well planned and organized, which I loved, and I always felt safe.
Scenic Mountains & Lakes
Vegan “Ticinoian” Gastronomy
Rich Cultural Heritage
Come visit the picturesque and tranquil region of Ticino, Switzerland
Join Veg Jaunts and Journeys as we explore the Ticino region of Switzerland while indulging in delicious vegan cuisine along the way. Nicknamed Sonnenstube or “sun porch” by the Swiss, Ticino is known for its Mediterranean climate, sweeping Alps, historic architecture, and breathtaking lakefront towns. On this 8-day adventure we will stay in the scenic village of Brissago, along the shore of Lake Maggiore, and have opportunities for hiking in the Lepontine Alps, boat tours, visits to Swiss Heritage Sites, and ample time to soak up the scenery. With the exception of the Alp mountainscapes, this Italian-speaking region of Switzerland feels altogether different from the rest of the country and has roots dating back to the Bronze Age.
Our journey will be one of culinary nature too; meals will aid us in learning about the unique culture of the region by featuring authentic flavors in vegan dishes. This trip has been designed by local guides to show you the true gems of this area, and is thoughtfully paced so that you will have the option to stay active or to take extra free time to relax.
Why You’ll Love This Tour!
An excursion to Valle Verzasca where we will be traveling through the stunning scenery of the southern alps with majestic valleys, peaks, and rivers.
The rich heritage of this notably Italian-influenced & Mediterranean-feeling region of Switzerland which can be seen reflected in both the culture & cuisine.
Visiting “one of the most important sites of historical and architectural heritage in Switzerland” and an UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Fortezza di Bellinzona.
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Essential Info
Essential Info
Price
$4500 USD/per person
*A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the tour cost, along with a registration form, are required in order to join the tour. Your space is not guaranteed until both of these are received.
Dates
September 20-27, 2025
Tour duration
7 nights/ 8 days
Group size
8 – 11 people
Included
- 7 nights accommodations
- 7 Dinners
- 6 Lunches
- 7 Breakfasts
- Transport from airport upon arrival
- Transportation to airport at the end of the trip
- Listed guided tours & workshops
- Transportation & logistics for listed daily activities
Not included
- Airfare
- Travel insurance
What to bring
We recommend bringing as little as possible! If you need any packing tips, please contact us. Please be ready for weather between 40-50F at night/ 65-75 in the day with light rain possible. We encourage packing walking shoes, a water bottle, and layers you can easily remove throughout the day’s activities.
Travel insurance is highly recommended for any unexpected emergency expenses.
About your guide
One Tour Leader, Mairead, and additional local guides
Trip Overview
The tour begins with your scenic shuttle from the airport to the hotel in Brissago along the shores of Lake Maggiore. We will meet to get to know the group over our first group dinner and then dive into a week of breathtaking vistas and delicious flavors.
Our second and third days will be spent discovering some of the quaint towns along the shores of Lake Maggiore. There will be opportunities for walking tours, boat tours, wine tasting, and more. We will travel to Isola Bella by boat for unparalleled views of the lake and its surroundings, as well as visit the Sacro Monte di Brissago.
Our fourth day of the tour you will have the option to enjoy a free day or take a special excursion to visit the jade-green waters of Valle Verzasca. The following day will be another opportunity to get active while soaking up the scenery, with a hike up the mountain behind Brissago to a panoramic view of the lake and alps.
As we round out our last two full days of the trip, we will be treated to walking tours of Ascona and Locarno and visit the Castelli di Bellinzona which have defensive walls of such significance that they have received protections as a UNESCO Heritage Site. The tour will end with a shuttle back to the airport after breakfast on our last day.
Cuisine on this tour will reflect the local diet and traditions of this region. We will be having breakfast provided daily at our hotel as well as our welcome and goodbye dinners. The rest of our meals will be with different local chefs, allowing us to explore the range of gastronomy in Ticino.
Itinerary
On Day 1, we will arrange a shuttle to transport guests from the Milan Malpensa Airport to our hotel in the village of Brissago, which lies on the northwestern coast of Lake Maggiore. After arrival we will settle into our beautiful surroundings and get to know our fellow travelers over a welcome dinner.
On our first full day, as with all days, we will start with breakfast at the hotel; then we will dive into the history and culture of Brissago with a walking tour to visit the Sacro Monte or “Sacred Mountain” of Brissago. We will then explore the lakeshore area and enjoy lunch on the waterfront. To top off our day, that evening we will relax with wine tasting and dinner at Cantina Giromit, a local winery that has been passed from father to son for four generations and now focuses on sustainable agriculture balanced with cultural traditions.
Meals Included
Day 1: Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On Day 3, we will take a day trip over the Italian border to the town of Cannobio. With its brightly colored buildings and cobblestone streets, this 14th-century town is popular for its lively and picturesque waterfront. We will take a boat tour from town to have lunch on the small island of Isola Pescatori and then visit the Isola Bella Palace and Gardens. Renowned for the island’s distinct beauty, the gallery with works of Baroque master painters, and Italian-style baroque garden where white peacocks roam freely – Isola Bella is not to be missed!
On Day 4, we will have the optional (although highly recommended) activity option of visiting the Valle Verzasca. A location known for its idyllic mountainscape, natural hot springs, and polished gorges, this valley draws in visitors both for its beauty and its sense of adventure. Some go to stand atop the iconic dam that James Bond jumped off of in the opening scene of the 1995 blockbuster movie GoldenEye, while others seek out the turquoise reflection of the Ponte dei Salti, an incredible medieval stone arch bridge that crosses over the Verzasca River. However, if you would rather use this day to rest or explore the area individually, you are welcome to do so and the group will regather for dinner in town that evening.
Meals Included
Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On Day 5, we will head out for a hike up the mountainside behind town to see the panoramic views of Brissago and Lake Maggiore. We will have a lovely lunch at the cabin Rifugio al Legn before our hike back where you will have some free time until our group dinner in town. This will be an all day outing as the trail is just over 6 miles with over 3500 feet in elevation gain. As with all activities, you can choose to use this as personal free time if this hike sounds out of your comfort zone.
The next day, our 6th, we will head just north to visit the towns of Ascona & Locarno. While there we will go on walking tours of these quaint towns and visit notable sites such as the Castello Visconteo, a castle that was first constructed in the year 808 and houses Roman antiquities. We will soak in the beauty of these towns while also learning about the fascinating history of WWII treaties and the current-day pilgrimage route to the Madonna del Sasso. After a full day of exploring these charming towns, we will enjoy dinner and prepare to make the most of our dwindling time together.
Meals Included
Day 5: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
For our last full day, we will venture over to a rocky peak overlooking the Ticino Valley to visit the Castelli di Bellinzona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered “among the most marvelous examples of medieval fortified architecture in the Alps”, we will truly step into another time walking amongst these three castles, their defensive walls and ramparts. After a full day out soaking up all we can of the Swiss countryside, we will gather for our final group dinner.
On Day 8, our tour will end with a last breakfast and wishing farewell to each other. We will check out of the hotel that morning and take group shuttles back to the airport.
Meals Included
Day 7: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Breakfast
Good to Know
Please fly in & out of Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) for a shuttle picking up on September 20th & dropping off on the 27th.
This tour will include daily walks with an estimated daily mileage of 4-7 miles.
Your tour cost includes lodgings, all meals, all sightseeing and activities mentioned above, all transportation during the trip (excluding personal transportation choices during free time).
Previous Guests Praise Veg Jaunts and Journeys
5 stars aren’t enough! Every aspect of these tours are given the utmost consideration and it truly matters to owner Kim Giovacco that you have a fantastic experience. Great people, food, and sights. An absolute MUST for adventurous vegans.
Beautiful and interesting country. Wonderful caring and knowledgeable guides. Good vegan food including homemade meals prepared by our guide’s family. The group was the best world travelers I’ve ever been with. Thank you Kim!
