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Enjoy this romantic walking tour from Gandria to Lugano. Take a 1.5-hour walk on the Olive Trail with the best views of Lake Lugano. Stroll around the village and eat something in one of the many different restaurants in Gandria. A boat will be waiting for you for the return to Lugano. The tour begins at 10am and has a duration of approximately 5 hours.
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Dress smart casual and comfortable shoes
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
Please be on time!
Difficulty level / walking: medium. Suggested comfortable shoes, hat and sunscreen.
Return by boat at 1.55 pm from Gandria (arrival at 2.40 pm in Lugano)
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Departure from Lugano Region tourist office in Via Magatti 6, Lugano at 10 am
Guided Excursion to Gandria
Boat Trip
Food and drinks
Lunch
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Piazza della Riforma
With its many bistros and restaurants, Piazza della Riforma is the city’s main place of encounter. Throughout the year several different events, including Easter in the City, Estival Jazz, Blues to Bop, Autumn Festival and Christmas in the Square, take place here. But in the past, when the square was called Piazza Grande, it was the scene of several political events. In fact, the 15th February 1798 was a chaotic day of fighting, at the end of which, despite initial success, the enemy was pushed back by the Lugano partisans. The most enlightened members of the bourgeois took advantage of events to finally achieve long-sought independence for the town, buoyed by the slogan “Free and Swiss”. At Zurich the twelve cantons proclaimed Canton Ticino’s independence and on 16 February the citizens erected the tree of liberty in Piazza Grande. In 1830, the square took on its current name thanks to the constitutional reform.
Parco Ciani
A short walk from the lively center of Lugano lies the Parco Ciani, a destination for many tourists who come there to admire what is considered one of the most beautiful Swiss parks.
15 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
808travellove,
Jul 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
It was a nice walk/hike to a quaint village with an interesting history. Once arriving in Gandria, you have an hour to have lunch and shop. For us, the lunch itself took over an hour so it wasn't enough time. Fortunately, the return was by boat so we were able to catch the next one out.






celskyn,
Apr 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Excellent performance from Mr. Bassam. I love his aura of confidence and smiling face. You won’t hesitate to ask him coz he is more than willing to serve
karen h,
Aug 25, 2024
- Review from Viator
The guide was knowledgeable and friendly and we enjoyed the story of the path and the stories he told along the way!
G4386UJbeatriceb,
Aug 23, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Easy walk in the greenery by the lake. Friendly Guide explaining the history of Lugano. Restaurant on the village and return by boat that makes a nice tour

Ken B,
Jul 12, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
we did the guided walk from Lugano to Gandria. beautiful scenery fantastic weather and a great guide combined to make this a memorable experience. The Lugano tourist information point in town is a great resource for all the things to do in this area. fully recommend all their suggestions



kenzar24050,
Aug 26, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
Doing this excursion was an amazing experience, especially with Marco who was a great guide and who helped us learn more about the amazing region of Lugano and its culture. It was an interesting and lovely day that ended with a nice boat ride.
Noelia I,
Jul 29, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
It was so nice to see a part of Lugano si:-) we were with children and was a great experience. Thank you






gogreen600,
Aug 30, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
It is personal and a pace and level suited to the group, guide was knowledgeable and friendly with a passion for the area and keen to share this wth us.
robbo1239,
Oct 23, 2019
- Review from Viator
This tour was great value. Our guide had exceptional knowledge on the area and its history, a tour well worth doing.
Sarah N,
Sep 7, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
Very nice and chilled-out walk with knowledgeable guide. He managed to translate everything in English, Italian and German for the group. Views were beautiful and worth it.

Operated by Ente Turistico del Luganese