Lake Maggiore and Brissago Islands experience

Our cruise departs from Locarno, where we board the boat and set off towards Gambarogno. In the summer months, take a refreshing dip in the lake at the charming lido in San Nazzaro. From the port in San Nazzaro, we continue by boat towards Brissago.

After around 15 minutes, the boat moors at the picturesque jetty in Ascona, right by the famous lakeside piazza. If you choose to disembark here, you will be welcomed by traditional houses with brightly coloured facades exuding Mediterranean flair. We recommend a little morning snack at one of the bars on the piazza and a stroll through the streets of the old town with its courtyards, alleyways and art galleries.

Another quarter of an hour away by boat from Ascona lie the Brissago Islands, in the middle of Lake Maggiore. These islands are renowned for their botanical garden full of exotic plants from all over the world.

The return journey to Locarno by boat offers the ideal opportunity to gaze out from the lake as you pass by the places you’ve visited, while you relax and enjoy the sun and warm breeze on deck.

Valid for an outward and return journey on all the following routes on the booked days:

• Basel–Olten–Lucerne−Arth-Goldau−Göschenen−Airolo–Bellinzona–Locarno

• Zurich–Zug–Arth-Goldau–Göschenen–Airolo–Bellinzona–Locarno

The outward and return journeys do not have to be on the same day.

To make sure you’re well prepared for your excursion, we recommend checking the boat company’s timetable before you travel.

The day pass is valid on board the boats of the Swiss Lake Maggiore boat company (Swiss side). The sections of Arcobaleno line 351 Locarno–Tenero–Magadino are not included.

• Show your voucher to the inspector when boarding the boat. If you have purchased an offer with a Half Fare Travelcard, please have your travelcard ready for inspection.

• When you show or hand over your voucher at the cash desk for the Brissago Islands, you will be admitted to the island.

To purchase the GA Travelcard offer, you will need:

• a valid GA Travelcard

• a Day Pass for the GA area of validity*

*Customers with a Day Pass for the GA area of validity must also be able to produce a valid Half Fare Travelcard.

With a seat reservation on the Treno Gottardo, Voralpen-Express, Alpenrhein-Express and IR Aare Linth, travelling is even more comfortable. We recommend reserving a seat, especially at weekends and peak times, in first class as well.

You can find all information about booking your seat here.

The boats are wheelchair-accessible, with some restrictions. Please call +41 91 222 11 11 for more information. At the Brissago Islands, accessibility is guaranteed up to Villa Emden (hotel and restaurant), while the garden is partially accessible by wheelchair. We recommend travelling with a companion, as there are steps, slopes and unpaved paths.