Board the panoramic train and travel along the historic Gotthard mountain railway. The spiral tunnels, engineered in the 19th century, carry the train upward through dramatic valleys before the descent into Ticino begins.

Arrive in the capital of Ticino and visit the lower castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site open to the public. Wander the arcaded streets below, where markets, cafes, and Italian-inflected architecture reflect the town's role as the southern gateway to the Alps.

Step into the quiet village of Arcegno, where narrow stone lanes and chestnut groves recall a slower pace of life. Lunch is served in a traditional grotto, a rustic Ticino restaurant set into the hillside, offering local dishes and regional wine.

An optional trail over the Balladrum ridge passes through chestnut forest and open viewpoints above the lake. The path descends gradually toward the lakeshore, offering changing perspectives of Lago Maggiore and the surrounding mountains.

Reach Ascona, widely regarded as one of the most attractive towns on Lago Maggiore. The arcaded piazza, palm-lined promenade, and elegant villas along the waterfront create a setting of relaxed southern elegance.

The journey north uses the Gotthard Base Tunnel, at 57 kilometers the world's longest railway tunnel, opened in 2016 after nearly two decades of construction. The train travels up to 2,300 meters beneath the Alps, returning you to central Switzerland in record time.