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Ticino: 3-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive

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The 3-day version for June: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 2-day plan · 3-day plan · 4-day plan · best time to go.

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3
days
95 km
distance
3.5 h
driving
20
curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

Day 1 Lugano

6 curated stops
Transit
0h42
Finish
~17:55
Temperature
14.1°C–22.2°C
Rainy days
~17
Daylight
15.5h
09:00
Monte San Salvatore montesansalvatore.ch read more map ↗
Enjoy sweeping views from the mountain's lookout tower.
90 min · Lugano
10:40
Hermann Hesse museum hessemontagnola.ch map ↗
Explore the life and works of Hermann Hesse through exhibits.
50 min · Lugano · Fr. 7.50, Fr. 6.00 discounts for families and groups
open: Summer season (Mar-Oct) daily 10:00-18:30; otherwise F-Su 10:00-17:30
11:45
Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angioli read more map ↗
Marvel at the grand 16th-century fresco by Bernardino Luini.
50 min · Lugano
12:45
Palazzo Civico search map ↗
Admire the elegant architecture of Lugano's City Hall.
50 min · Lugano
13:45
Monte Brè read more map ↗
Hike scenic trails up to panoramic mountain views.
90 min · Lugano
15:25
Gandria read more map ↗
Wander narrow streets in this picturesque lakeside village.
90 min · Lugano
16:55
Manora search map ↗
Savor international dishes in a stylish cafeteria setting.
60 min · Lugano · Meals starting from CHF12 (price listed 2017)
Overnight here
e.g. Montarina Hotel & Hostel · Hotel Pestalozzi
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 2 Bellinzona

6 curated stops
Transit
1h16
Finish
~17:45
Temperature
14.1°C–22.2°C
Rainy days
~17
Daylight
15.6h
10:00
Castello di Montebello bellinzonese-altoticino.ch read more map ↗
Explore this picturesque medieval castle and its museum.
50 min · Bellinzona · Fr. 5; combined ticket for 3 castles: Fr. 15
open: Jul-Aug: daily 10:00–19:00, museum 10:00–18:00; Apr-Jun Sep-Oct: daily 10:00–18:00
11:00
Castelgrande bellinzonese-altoticino.ch read more map ↗
Appreciate bold modern architecture in this remodeled castle.
50 min · Bellinzona
open: Museum: Jul-Aug daily 10:00–19:00; Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct daily 10:00–18:00; Nov-Mar daily 10:00–16:00. Inner court: Tu-Su 09:00–22:00, M 10:00–18:00; Murata …
12:00
Castello di Sasso Corbaro read more map ↗
Survey the town from this hilltop fortress built in 1479.
50 min · Bellinzona
open: Jul-Aug: daily 10:00–19:00; Apr-Jun Sep-Oct: daily 10:00–18:00
13:00
Ponte della Torretta search map ↗
Relax by the river at this historic broken bridge park.
50 min · Bellinzona
14:05
Lido di Arbedo facebook.com map ↗
Unwind by the river at this summer beach bar.
90 min · Bellinzona · free
open: estimated: M-W 12:00–18:00, Th 10:00–22:00, F-Sa 12:00–03:00, Su 10:00–01:00
15:55
Monastero di Santa Maria read more map ↗
Enjoy valley views from this hilltop monastery.
50 min · Bellinzona
16:45
Giardino search map ↗
Savor locally loved Italian dishes in a hidden garden restaurant near the train station.
60 min · Bellinzona
Overnight here
e.g. Bellinzona Youth Hostel · Hotel Internazionale
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 3 Locarno & the Valleys

6 curated stops
Transit
1h32
Finish
~17:10
Temperature
14.1°C–22.2°C
Rainy days
~17
Daylight
15.6h
09:30
Ponte dei Salti (Lavertezzo, Valle Verzasca) read more map ↗
You will see a stunning natural waterfall cascading over rugged cliffs near Lavertezzo.
50 min · Locarno & the Valleys
10:55
Santuario della Madonna del Sasso read more map ↗
You will see stunning views and feel the serene atmosphere of this sacred shrine.
50 min · Locarno & the Valleys
11:55
Ride a funicular search map ↗
Ascend via a historic funicular to Santuario della Madonna del Sasso and panoramic views.
90 min · Locarno & the Valleys · Single: Fr. 5.40; Return: Fr. 8.00
13:35
Piazza Grande search map ↗
Stroll through the vibrant heart of the city center, surrounded by shops and energy.
50 min · Locarno & the Valleys
14:35
Castello Visconteo read more map ↗
Explore a historic castle now housing municipal and archaeological museums.
50 min · Locarno & the Valleys
15:40
Falconeria Locarno falconeria.ch
Marvel at a captivating show featuring falcons, eagles, owls, and vultures.
90 min · Locarno & the Valleys

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Every stop is a real, sourced place, but opening hours change, roads close and businesses move. Check anything you're paying for before you book.

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