Top 10 Tours in Lugano, Swiss Alps

October 18, 2021 Claudia Navarrete

Perfectly positioned on a lake with the Alps at its back, lucky Lugano has a little bit of everything. Ride a cable car up Monte San Salvatore or Monte Bre for sunny panoramas of lake, rivers, mountains and red-roofed buildings. Explore the town's churches, cathedrals and the expressive and colorful Piazza della Riforma. Sample some slow-cooked Ticinese cuisine, explore the lake on a boat or spend the day at the lido with its Olympic-sized pool.
Restaurants in Lugano

1. Lake Lugano - a taste of culture

ECHO Trails
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Experience the essence of Italian-speaking Switzerland  -  Easy 1 hour walk on the Olive Trail with the best views of Lake Lugano -  Hear about Lugano's amazing history while browsing in high-end fashion outlets with a backdrop of gorgeous scenery -  Taste local food and wine  -  Refresh yourself at a quaint village where the buildings hang off the side of the mountain -  Take a boat cruise to your “grotto” lunch spot and make your own “classic risotto” under instruction from a master chef -  Taste local Ticino wine produced by local winemakers from the vineyards around Lugano. and the region

Inclusions: Lunch, All activities, Local guide, Hotel pickup, Private tour, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By elizabethsf2016

I spent a wonderful November day with Eve doing the William Tell hike. As a relative newcomer to Switzerland, Eve's knowledge and enthusiasm for her adopted country was infectious. In addition to the spectacular scenery and delicious local picnic lunch, she was a wealth of knowledge about the country and outdoor activities. The schedule was easy and we weren't rushed. We had lots of sunshine and finishing the boat trip at sunset and in the dark was very pretty. What a wonderful and memorable day in the beautiful outdoors.

2. Como, Italy & Lugano, Switzerland private full-day tour

Bar Stazione Tabacchi, Largo Giacomo Leopardi, 3, 22100 Como CO, Italy Violetta Geiger
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

This full-day tour will show you the most important attractions of Como and Lugano like the Cathedral, the San Fedele Church, the Roman city walls and towers in Como and the Cathedral, the Old town, the Parco Ciani and Casino in Lugano. We will start with the 2h walking tour in Como, then we will have 1 hour free time for lunch. At 2.30 p.m. we will part for Lugano from the San Giovanni train station with the comfortable train, the duration of the trip is 35 minutes (the train tickets are not included in the price). In Lugano we will continue with the 2h walking tour (Santa Maria degli Angeli Church, LAC, Lungolago, Cathedral) and take a funicular to return to the train station (the price of the funicular ticket is included). You will have also some free time in Lugano to visit the shopping area or to have a cup of coffee. At about 5 p.m. we will take the train to Como and finish our tour at 6 p.m. in Como. For a better experience the tour is limited to maximum 6 participants.

Inclusions: Live guide, Funicular ticket Lugano city centre - Lugano Train Station

Exclusions: Round trip train ticket Como - Lugano (20€)

Reviewed By saraoJ1108NE

The time I spent in Lugano was short but thanks to the incredible tour guide Violetta I had the opportunity to discover the city in all its facets. ​She is a very prepared and full of knowledge guide who answered to all my questions and doubts concerning the city and its history. During the tour, we also had time to enjoy together a coffee with a breathtaking lake view (of course, keeping the safety distance - Violetta was very careful in following all the hygiene measures)! In conclusion, I definitely recommend this tour to all the people who want to have fun while learning (and of course, walking)! What are you waiting for? Wear your best shoes and get ready to discover the hidden sides of Lugano!

3. Valle Verzasca: Ascona 007 Dam & Crystal Waters Swimming

Basecamp Europe
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From Lugano, embark upon this fully private day trip of a lifetime! We head north with the classic Swiss backdrop of mountains and meadows all around as we follow the crystal waters of Verzasca River. At the famous 007 Dam your driver will point out the Goldeneye bungee jump location before we stop at Lavertezzo where locals and tourists cavort in emerald waters. Here you can relax on smooth rocks, swim or even scuba dive before lunch in this natural paradise. Ascona is next, the lowest-lying town in Switzerland which embodies the marriage of idyllic Switzerland with the Italian Dolce Vita! Enjoy this Swiss-Italian lakeside haven and swim again in Lake Maggiore before drying off and returning to Lugano.

Inclusions: Magnificent mountainous scenery and vast lakes will inspire!, Follow crystal clear waters from the road and then jump in!, Stand where James Bond made Goldeneye a classic 007 movie!, Traverse the amazing terrain where Italy meets Switzerland!, Swim, scuba dive and swim again in wonderful clear water!, We will pick you up and drop you off anywhere within 30kms of Lugano

Exclusions: Tickets for boat tours or water sports (if desired), Lunch (options will be made available for purchase), Gratuities and personal extras

4. Lugano and its history private walking tour

Lugano, Switzerland Violetta Geiger
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

During our historical 2 hours walking tour you will learn about the long history of the city, visit the main attractions (St. Lawrence Cathedral, St. Maria degli Angioli Church, LAC, the Riforma Square and the Ciani park). You will walk through the beautiful narrow streets of the old city and along the picturesque lake shore. We introduce you into the history of Switzerland and explain what this country is famous for. You will receive a full information about what else you can visit in the region in order to optimise your stay in Lugano.

Inclusions: Experienced guide

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Reviewed By ljub0vp

I have had a pleasure to have such an experienced and knowledgeable guide Violetta during our visit to Switzerland in April 2021. She has made me feel very warm and comfortable with her presence as well as our tour being very interesting and remarkable. She is a real professional with a lot of knowledge about the place and has a passion to what she is doing. Booking a tour with a guide making it unique and allowing you to save precious time during your tour and visit the main attractions with stories only locals can know and tell you. I would definitely recommend to book a tour with Violetta, because that way you will know and see more than you would on your own.

5. Lugano and Bellinzona private full-day tour

Stazione FFS, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland Violetta Geiger
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This full-day tour will show your the two most interesting and important cities of the Canton Ticino in Switzerland. Lugano, because it has a sunny promenade on the lakeshore and is the third most important city of the country in the banking industry after Zurich and Geneva, and Bellinzona, because it is the capital of the Canton Ticino and has three medieval castles (UNESCO heritage from 2000).

Inclusions: Walking Tour in UNESCO heritage sites, Private Guide

Exclusions: Lunch, Round-trip tickets Lugano - Bellinzona (10 CHF)

Reviewed By saraoJ1108NE

The time I spent in Lugano was short but thanks to the incredible tour guide Violetta I had the opportunity to discover the city in all its facets. ​She is a very prepared and full of knowledge guide who answered to all my questions and doubts concerning the city and its history. During the tour, we also had time to enjoy together a coffee with a breathtaking lake view (of course, keeping the safety distance - Violetta was very careful in following all the hygiene measures)! In conclusion, I definitely recommend this tour to all the people who want to have fun while learning (and of course, walking)! What are you waiting for? Wear your best shoes and get ready to discover the hidden sides of Lugano!

6. 4-Day Glacier and Bernina Express Self-Guided Tour from Zurich

Zurich, Zurich Switzerland Travel Centre
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4.8 based on 4 reviews

On the Glacier and Bernina Express you will travel across impressive viaducts, through winding and helical tunnels on a journey offering views of mountain lakes, steep cliffs and pristine forests.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, 1 x Night stay with breakfast in St. Moritz, 1 x Night stay with breakfast in Lugano, 1 x Night stay with breakfast in Zermatt, 1 x Seat reservation on the Bernina & Glacier Express, 1 x 2nd class train ticket

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, A guide , All Fees and Taxes

Reviewed By Trip551330

Recently I had to cancel our train trip through Italy and Switzerland. I was able to obtain a refund on all the Italian train fares but no changes or refunds are permitted by Swiss rail. Swiss train fares are very high by world standards and while I appreciate the terms are non refundable, Swiss rail gives you no opportunity to purchase a refundable/changeable pass. Take care when purchasing a Swiss rail pass as plans can change.

7. Lugano & Morcote, Lake Lugano, private guided tour

Via Nassa 31, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland Gio & co
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4.8 based on 4 reviews

During this guided tour you will see the Town of Lugano and the Town of Morcote, Switzerland: Lugano the Swiss pearl in the Canton Ticino region, we will see Luini’s famous fresco inside the church of St. Mary, then we will walk along Via Nassa, famous fashion street of Lugano, we will see the cathedral of Lugano with its 15th century frescoes. We will get down the hill to see the city hall and walking along the lakeside we will see Ciani's park and the casino of Lugano from outside. We will go back to via Nassa and we will go to the town of Morcote: Morcote is one of the most beautiful village in Switzerland, it is a town surrounded by the nature divided from the lake in front of the town and the hills just behind it.You will enjoy Morcote a calm and relaxing town close to the most famous Lugano town. This is a private guided tour for your group only or if you are a single tourist only for you. Please specify if you need any transfer to reach Lugano we can provide with it.

Inclusions: private guided tour with professional tour guide speaking your language, transfer from Lugano to Morcote included

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Reviewed By lennynaidoo

Awesome. I really enjoyed it and I got all the fashion I wanted. Amazing deals and affordable prices

8. 4-Day Switzerland Tour from Geneva to Zurich Including Italy and Liechtenstein Visits

Gare Routiere, Place Dorcière, 1201 Genève, Switzerland Gray Line Zurich
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4.7 based on 24 reviews

Weave your way through Switzerland, Italy and Liechtenstein on this epically beautiful 4-day journey from Geneva to Zurich. Enjoy a balanced mix of guided sightseeing and free time as you hop from one Alpine town to another, including Lugano, St Moritz and Zermatt, home to the famous Matterhorn peak. Drive along the romantic shores of Italy’s Lake Como, sightsee in Liechtenstein’s capital city of Vaduz and admire the picturesque Swiss countryside before ending in Zurich. All transport and overnight accommodation in 4-star hotels is included.

Inclusions: Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Professional guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, 3 nights of accommodation in 4-star hotels

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified, Airport Transfers

Reviewed By U9943DIpaulb

During a short stay in Zurich we took a two hour city tour with headphone commentary (due to the virus there we no tour guides available). For us, at two hours the tour was just about the right length and the commentary was interesting and informative with a narrative that extended to both the city and national relevance. A word about the driver - he was friendly and just about the best bus/ coach driver I have ever experienced. He navigated the often narrow streets and turnings superbly and was courteous to other drivers and pedestrians. Whilst we thought this was quite an expensive tour, (most things in Zurich are quite expensive), we did very much enjoy it and would certainly recommend it.....

9. Monte Brè Tour from Lugano by funicular

Ente Turistico del Luganese - Lugano, Palazzo Civico, Piazza Riforma 1, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland Tourism Office of Lugano Region
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4.6 based on 20 reviews

From the heart of the city to the sunniest peak of Lugano. You'll enjoy the splendid view and walk through the tiny village of Brè. From the city’s heart, you will reach the station in Cassarate by walking, just in time to take the panoramic funicular , enjoy the splendid view of the city centre, gradually expanding at your feet as you reach Lugano’s most uncontaminated summit. You will take a stroll through the small village of Brè, where life runs at a slow pace as in the past, taking a look at the typical Ticinese houses, the church and the works of art. Attention: until further notice, the route Lugano centro - Cassarate will take place on foot not by boat.

Inclusions: Cable car ride, Local guide, Departure from Lugano Region tourist office in Piazza Riforma at 01:50 pm

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By BenitoAndersoni

Off the Esplanade behind a building facing a square is a little door and there it is. Helpful staff offering suggestions and providing maps etc.

10. Italy and Switzerland in One Day: Lake Como, Bellagio & Lugano from Milan

Porta Garibaldi, Milano MI, Italy City Wonders
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4.6 based on 419 reviews

Discover what makes the Italian Alps a favorite vacation destination for the rich and famous. Just an hour outside Milan, stunning lakes, fabulous villas and charming Alpine towns await – and you can experience them all in one blissful day. Cruise beautiful Lake Como in comfort. Enjoy free time in Bellagio, the “pearl of Lake Como”. Then cross the border to visit Lugano, “the Monte Carlo of Switzerland”.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Professional guide, Headsets, if needed, Lake Como cruise

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Food and drinks

Reviewed By 469kurt

Our tourguide katarina payonova was excellent , very passionate about the history of Milan and linking her stories nicely with Belgian art , the pace of the walk was perfect as well , def recommend her

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