Como & Lugano

This excursion give you the possibility to admire two of the most famous cities of the area, Como and Lugano

Como – Its proximity to Lake Como and the Alps has made Como a tourist destination and the city contains numerous works of art, churches, gardens, museums, theatres, parks and palaces. Piazza Cavour is a magnificent square that overlooks the lake, from here, you head towards the historical center and get to the monumental Piazza Duomo, overlooked by the thirteenth-century Torre del Comune, built in 1927.
Other remarkable buildings located in the square are Broletto, the historic home to the town hall, and the majestic Cathedral dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta. The interiors are worth a visit thanks to the paintings, the altars and the decorated tapestries.
Walking along the quaint streets of Como is an attraction itself, being the city really charming in every corner. While walking, you can stop and have a deeper look at Basilica di San Fedele, a former Romanesque Cathedral, the Civic Museums, the Art Gallery, Piazza Vittoria, and Porta Torre, a twelfth-century tower-shaped fortification. Just a few hundreds of meters away there is another beautiful city church, the Basilica di Sant’Abbondio, a masterpiece of the Romanesque style with its five-aisle decorated interiors, façade and two towers.

Lugano – In the early afternoon continue to Lugano one of the finest and more elegant towns in Switzerland. Lugano, often referred to as the ‘Rio de Janeiro’ of Switzerland combines the efficiency and elegance of Switzerland with the joie de vivre and friendliness of Italy.
The long lakefront was rightly described by Gabriel Faure as ‘the most magnificent bay in all Europe’ and its promenade is well tended with flowers, and adorned by works of sculpture and fountains. The shops and market stalls of Lugano are extremely varied and many are situated among the long arcades and porticos which abound in Lugano. The main Piazza di Riforma is a vibrant meeting place surrounded by 18thcenturypalazzi.
Highly recommended during your day is a visit to the famous Franciscan church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, which houses the famous, vast fresco of the Crucifixion, painted by Bernadino Luini, pupil of Leonardo da Vinci.
Lugano boasts many other attractions and activities, including its grand Civic Park, Parco Ciani, which houses a famous art collection, funicular rides up Monte San Salvatore, Monte Bre and a cog railway up the 1,700 metre high Monte Generoso. In all, Lugano is both cosmopolitan and charming and has something for everyone.

Enjoy one hour cruise from Lugano to Cassarate viewing the charming villages and Crotti ( typical restaurants) reachable only by lake. Then back by bus to the hotels