Scenic Trains
Glacier
Express
Bernina
Express
Golden
Pass Line
Gotthard Panorama
Mont
Blanc - St Bernard
Palm
Express
Excursion Trains
Jungfraujoch
Chocolate
Train
Gornergrat
Matterhorn
Mt
Pilatus Railway
Mt
Rigi Railway
Roches
De Naye
Centovalli
Ticino Attractions
Monte
San Salvatore
Madonna
Del Sasso
Carnival
Bellinzona
Locarno
Film Festival
SWITZERLAND BY RAIL - REGIONS
Ticino Region
The Italian speaking region of Switzerland, historically separated by
the Pennine Alps and the Gotthard and Novena Passes from the rest of
the Swiss, but kept from being part of Italy by the great wall fortresses
of Bellinzona and Locarno, and surrounding the northern ends of Lago
Maggiore and Lake Como. Ticino in its architectural style and social
life seems quite Italian in its flair, but with the order of the Swiss.
More Mediterranian than Alpine. Palm trees line the lake sides as sun
bathes the south facing mountain slopes as they drop to the lakes. The
towns surround central Renaissance piazzas and monastic churches hidden
down narrow lanes and alleys. The region is compact and can be traversed
in an hour, from Logano to Bellenzona and Locarno. Poets and artists
have long been attracted to the romatic landscapes, making the Lake Como
shore resort of Ascona an artists enclave and popular lake shore resort.
The Locarno Film Festival in August draws thousands to screenings in
the central piazza, while Jazz fills the air in June in Ascoona.
Ticino is the southern destination of the Wilhelm Tell Express and the
Palm Express scenic routes. Take
funiculars to the hilltops in Logano for lake views and to the Madonna
del Sasso of Logano, explore the three castles of Bellinzona. In Ticino
enjoy the Dolce Vida of Italy, while never leaving the convenience
of a Swiss travel pass. Mountain biking
tours can start in ice and snow with mountain peaks reaching above balmy
forests
where spiny chestnuts fall to earth in autumn,
and end with a luncheon along Camelia draped the lakeshore prominades
of Ascona. Stroll in sub-tropical horticultural parks or seek the thrills
of whitewater rafting. Enjoy sailing on the lakes or board the hydrofoil
for one of
the fastest ferry rides in the world. In winter, sip steaming espresso
on the piazza in the mild winters, or ski dowwnhill with breathtaking
views of the deep blue lake waters surrounded by winter‘s white
coat all just a cable tram ride away.