Making the most of your half fare card

Locarno, Ascona and Brissago - Ticino

  

Locarno - Madonna del Sasso (Orselina)

A short funicular from Locarno brings you to this
wooded rock with views of Lake Maggiore, which
has been a site of pilgrimage since the 15th century. The Church complex also includes a small museum which is worth a visit for its atmosphere alone. A steep but interesting walk back to Locarno is a good alternative to the funicular.

From Locarno 7Sfrs or 3.50Sfrs with your half fare card.

Orselina - Cardada -Cimetta

The modern ‘tear drop’ cable car glides up to Cardada, where there is a 10 minute walk to the Alpe di Cardada with wonderful views over the lake. There are a variety of walks from here and of course a friendly restaurant for a drink or lunch. You can continue by chairlift to Cimetta for its stunning views over the high Alps and further refreshments.

From Orsilina 28Sfrs to Cardada, 34Sfs to Cimetta or 14Sfs or 17Sfs respectively with your half fare card.

 

Centrovalli rail excursion to Stresa

An enjoyable journey combining rail and boat that takes you on one of the regions most scenic rail journeys to Stresa via tiny villages, clear waterfalls and vineyards. The journey back is by boat via Isola Bella to Locarno.

From Locarno 48Sfrs including your rail reduction with your half fare card.

Walking in the Mountains

There are several small mountain railways and cable cars in the area around which there are wonderful, marked walks for your enjoyment. These include Intragna-Pila-Costa, San Carlo-Robiel, Verdasio-Rasa and Verdasio-Monte Comino. The Lake Maggiore tourist office has full details of these walks, which are suitable for all levels.
 

 

The Brissago Islands

Now the Botanical Gardens of the Canton of Ticino, the gardens were originally started in the 19th century by Baroness Antoinette de la St Léger, as an artistic haven. From 1927, the gardens were further developed along with the Villa, Orangerie and Roman bathhouse by Max Emden until the local towns purchased these beautiful islands in 1949. Today over 1,500 species of plants grow in this mild climate, most of which are subtropical with their origins from around the world

Entrance to the Islands 8Sfs

Cruises on Lake Maggiore
 

This beautiful lake offers a number of possibilities
ranging from a trip along the shoreline between
Brissago and Ascona or visiting Italy either for a trip to the market at Cannobio or down to the beautiful Italian town of Stresa.
As the majority of this lake is in Italy, the lake boats are operated by an Italian company and your half fare card is not valid. A day ticket which would include Stresa is around 45Sfrs.
 

Bellinzona

A short journey by train from Locarno will be rewarded by a great day out in the historic town of Bellinzona recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The old town is dominated by three fantastically preserved medieval castles. Allow time for lunch!

From Locarno 18Sfrs or 9Sfrs with your half fare card.

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Explore SWITZERLAND

Scenic Rail Journeys

The highlight of a Swiss holiday is to travel along one of the many scenic routes which cross Switzerland. These journeys are a great way of combining resorts to create your own two centre or multi-stay holiday and we have shown a few suggestions but we will be happy to help you with your individual requirements.

Tours available:

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