7 days in Lugano & Basel Itinerary

Located in the popular holiday region of Ticino, Lugano is the largest Italian-speaking town in Switzerland.

Start off your visit on the 21st (Wed): take in the architecture and atmosphere at Santa Maria degli Angioli, make a trip to William Tell Statue (Statua di Guglielmo Tell), look for gifts at Baba J, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Parrocchia Cattolica Romana Sacro Cuore, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Chiesa di Santa Maria Immacolata. On the 22nd (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: stroll around Parco Ciani, then explore the activities along Lake Lugano, then explore the ancient world of Monte San Giorgio, and finally don't miss a visit to Piazza della Riforma.

To find ratings, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Lugano itinerary builder.

Rome, Italy to Lugano is an approximately 4.5-hour combination of flight and train. You can also take a train; or drive. Traveling from Rome in December, expect Lugano to be slightly colder, temps between 10°C and 0°C. You'll have a few hours on the 23rd (Fri) to wrap things up before traveling to Basel.

Situated where the Swiss, German, and French borders meet, Basel is considered the hub of Dreilandereck, this "three countries corner." Its location makes Basel a center of culture and history, brimming with important theaters and museums.

Old Town and Basel Minster are good opportunities to explore the local culture. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Basel: Bahnhofstrasse (in Zurich), Bern (Klingendes Museum, UNESCO-Altstadt von Bern, &more) and Turm in Regensberg (in Regensberg). The adventure continues: wander the streets of Basel's Old Town, make a trip to Town Hall, engage your brain at Naturhistorisches Museum Basel, and go for a walk through Marktplatz.

To see photos, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, read Basel road trip app.

You can drive from Lugano to Basel in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Basel are 7°C, while nighttime lows are 0°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (Tue) early enough to catch the flight back home.