Between Land and Water: Walk and Sail Lugano Shores from Como

Lugano and its surroundings, facing the beautiful lake, have the peculiar charme of border places: here, different cultures and lordships have been in contact - or clash - since ever, making these land flourishing in economy and art. This private tour will lead you to discover the soothing beauty of the chief town and its lake from a double perspective: a pleasant cruise will allow you to keep in sight the small, enchanting towns of Melide, Campione or Gandria; later, an easy walk will introduce you to the nice spots of the centre, with its remarkable monuments: the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli - with its Renaissance frescoes, or the cathedral of San Lorenzo.

1. 1

   Lugano

   3 hours

   Lugano is the largest Italian speaking city outside Italian borders, being the chief town of Ticino district. It was the terminal of Via Varesina, an ancient Roman way leading from Milan to the lake. During the Renaissance age, Lugano was contended between Como and Milan, before being ultimately annexed by the latter, under the authority of the Visconti and - later - Sforza families. After the decay of the Duchy of Milan, in the 16th century, it passed under the government of the Swiss Confederation, until the Napoleonic age. The town centre is rich of art treasures, such as the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, dating back to 1499 and frescoed by Bernardino Luini (Leonardo da Vinci’s pupil) in Renaissance style.

2. 2

   Melide

   Pass by

   This small village, standing on the coastline of the lake of Lugano, was a major centre for stonemasonry, as stated in documents dating back to the 11th century. It was also an obligatory pass for travellers heading to the close by peninsula. In the 19th century, the construction of the dam and the upper railroad gave a strong impulse to the economical growth of Melide; today, the town is mainly a tourist and leisure location.

3. 3

   Campione d'Italia

   Pass by

   The town and its surroundings are an Italian enclave within the Swiss borders; this may be due to the relative autonomy which was conceded to Campione in the 16th century, when the Swiss Federation was established, being the town an imperial feud under the authority of Milanese St. Ambrose's abbey. Today, Campione is well known especially for the presence of a Casinò, whose seat was designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta.

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.