Lugano - Switzerland

Lugano is the most important town in the Ticino which is located in the Southern Switzerland. It is surrounded by a the meandering Lake of Lugano and boasting an almost Mediterranean micro climate. It is also the third financial place in Switzerland and a holiday destination since the end of 1800s. Along the lake you see lots of Venetian-type villages, showing of the closeness of its neighbor Italy. Words and pictures cannot describe its beauty.Highlights are a Ride up to Mount San Salvatore on a funicolare (cog-wheel incline train) for a 360-degree view of Lugano and the surrounding areas. Stroll along the lake promenade with its beautiful gardens and water fountains.

Take a boat tour of the lake while listening to big-band" hits playing on the loud speaker interrupted occasionally for a recorded mini-tour of the small Venetian-type villages.Lugano has two directions: up and down. The train station sits high above the city with the lake promonade below. Between them are winding cobblestone streets, large piazzas and great shopping areas. The only transportation you need are your feet. There is a cog-wheel tram that will take you between the train station and the lower city for a very small fee (approximately 90 cents), but you will miss some very interesting views. Most of the surrounding villages on Lake Lugano can be reached by car, train or bus. Probably the most picturesque village is Gandria and a visit is highly recommendable. You can take a boat from Lugano.