GASTRONOMIC & CULTURAL TOUR
  TICINO
May 11th - 17th 2008 and September 28th - October 4th 2008

Influenced by its Italian neighbour, the canton of Ticino is where the cuisine and culture of the south come to life.
With its magical beauty, the area has much to offer: poetic landscapes with blue lakes nestled in between mountains and old stone villages in deep valleys. Local Merlot wines are never far from any traditional meal of risotto or polenta served with meat or freshwater fish.  
We will stay in small hotels and inns that represent rural charms and we will dine in typical native restaurants experiencing the local flavours. 

Day 1.  Meet your tour escort at Zurich airport.
From the airport we board the 1^st class train to the small  Berner Oberland village of   Kandersteg    
Check into Hotel Bernerhof                                                                                                           
Surrounded by majestic mountains, we take time to relax or ride the gondola to the picturesque Oeschinensee.
Berner Oberland dinner at the hotel
Overnight Hotel Bernerhof,*** Kandersteg
D

Day 2.  After breakfast the Post Auto will bring us to  Domodossola.
There we board the historic Centovalli train where we will be served lunch on board while riding through
breathtaking scenery to Locarno / Ascona.
Check into hotel
Free time to explore this picturesque town and stroll along the lake promenade.
Overnight Hotel Schiff***, Ascona
B

Day 3.  Today we explore the wild and romantic Verzasca valley .After a stop at the hydro-electric dam we visit an enchanting old Roman stone bridge crossing the clear water of a glacier-fed stream.  It’s like time stood still in this part of the world. Small villages with traditional stone houses nestle along the route to Sonogno. Here we will enjoy a typical simple Ticino lunch. After lunch the coach will bring us back to Ascona where we are free to explore the town.
Overnight, Hotel Schiff, Ascona
B,L

 Day 4. After breakfast we take the coach to another enchanting area, the valleys of Malcantone, extending from  panoramic peaks to the turquoise waters of Lake Lugano . The Malcantone villages are rich in culture and old traditions.We will walk through chestnut forests and take a gondola to the Peak of   Monte Lema for a truly magnificent view.
Overnight we are in a small hotel nestled among the chestnut trees.
After a typical Ticino dinner we’ll enjoy the peace and tranquillity  and maybe some local wine.
Overnight  Albergo Il Castagno,*** Mugena
B,D

Day 5.  This morning we board the bus for Lugano.
After checking into the lakeside Hotel we go for a boat ride across the lake to Candria , a romantic, unspoiled fishing village clinging to the steep shores of the lake. After a short guided tour we pause to eat and drink in a restaurant directly on the lake. In the afternoon we cross the lake by boat and visit the unique customs and smugglers museum. It’s possible to walk back from Gandria to Lugano or one can also return by boat.
Overnight Hotel International au Lac,*** Lugano
B, D

 Day 6. Today we ride the bus to the historically important town of Bellinzona.  Since Roman times this town has  served as the gateway to the north. Three castles guarded access to the old Roman roads leading across the  Alps. After a stroll around town we’ll visit the restored Castlegrande, enjoy the view and have lunch with a typical Ticino menu.   In the afternoon we return to Lugano and enjoy free time 
 Overnight Hotel International au Lac, Lugano.
  B,L,D

 Day 7. In the morning, the train will bring us across the Alps through the Gotthardtunnel to Zurich.
 Free time to shop or take a walking tour of old Zurich .
 Late afternoon bus sight-seeing tour followed by dinner with a Folkloric show.
 Overnight Hotel Glockenhof, Zurich . ****
 B,D

Day 8.  Return flights

INCLUSIONS:   7 nights accommodation in 3star hotels
                            7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches,  5 Dinners  as per itinerary
                            Swiss Pass for 1^st class train travel
                            Private coach transfers with Swiss Post Auto
                             Full time tour manager
                             All local taxes

EXCLUSIONS:   Meals not stated in itinerary
                            Wines and other beverages
                            Gratuities to driver/ local guides
                            Travel Insurance
                             Air travel

Land only cost: CAD $ 2475.00   per person in double occupancy
Single suppl.  CAD $ 300.00