Switzerland-Lakes and Mountains Kayak/Walk Adventure

Grade

Moderate

Duration

9 days

Type

Lodge-Based

Season

June to July

Cost

From €4875.00 PP

Region

Europe

Swiss Lakes & Mountain Adventures Await

Switzerland boasts breathtaking landscapes, featuring turquoise lakes, lush meadows and snow-capped mountains. Join us on a nine-day adventure where we kayak across pristine lakes, stroll through vibrant meadows and ascend mountains on unique railways. Our adventure includes a deep exploration of Lake Lugano, nestled between Switzerland and Italy, where Lugano’s blend of Italian flair and Swiss elegance captivates us during a three-night stay.

Experience the Bernina Express from Tirano to St. Moritz, kayak on the elevated Lake Sils and marvel at Lucerne’s medieval architecture from your kayak on Lake Lucerne. A highlight is the ascent on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to Mount Pilatus, offering unparalleled views. The journey concludes in Corippo, a quaint stone village offering a serene retreat.

Comfortable accommodations and exquisite local dining featuring fresh cheeses, berries and Swiss chocolate await you each evening. With Southern Sea Ventures, you’re set for an unforgettable Swiss escapade of kayaking, walking and exploring. Dive into Switzerland’s charm, where adventure and tranquility meet.

Grade

Moderate

This trip is suitable for active people with some previous paddling experience and an interest in walking.

Trip Grading

Dates

2026
29 Jun-7 Jul

Cost

2026
From €4875.00 per person

Trip costs are in Euros, per person and based on twin share or double rooms. Enquire for the single room supplement cost.

Includes

Eight nights of accommodation in hotels (based on twin share or double rooms), all meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 9, all transfers as specified in the itinerary, expedition kayaks, paddles, sprayskirts, life jackets, a small dry-bag for your personal gear while kayaking, professional guide and a group first aid kit.

Excludes

Flights, entry fees into historic sites or museums, items of a personal nature such as WIFI charges and laundry, alcoholic beverages, single room supplement, travel insurance and tips.

Day 1

Meet your guides at Malpensa Airport-Milan for the transfer to the southern Swiss city of Lugano, situated on the sunny north shore of Lake Lugano. The lake is nestled between Lake Maggiore and Lake Como, straddling the Swiss-Italian border. Lugarno is our base for three nights.

Day 2

We launch the kayaks and paddle picturesque Lake Lugano, enjoying postcard-perfect views of Venetian-style villages clinging to the rugged shoreline, verdant hillsides and the iconic Swiss mountains. One place worth a deeper look is Morcote, described as one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland. We’ll come ashore to tour the town’s alleyways, arcades of old patrician homes and the beautiful Scherrer gardens on the lakefront, which is full of exquisite subtropical flora.

Day 3

We continue our paddling exploration of Lake Lugano. The town of Gandria is set above the lake, clinging to a steep slope below Monte Brè and surrounded by chestnut forests. Gandria is a characterful town and a treat to explore with its’ angular lanes, steep staircases, courtyards and arcades.

Day 4

From Lugano, we transfer to Tirano in Italy to board the Bernina Express. This spectacular ride takes us over the Swiss Alps and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Our finish point is the chic town of Saint Moritz, our accommodation for two nights is on Lake Sils.

Day 5

Returning to our kayaks today, we’ll paddle Lake Sils, located 1797 metres above sea level. The lake is overlooked by several mountains of over 3,000 metres in height and depending on the sun and time of day, its’ waters can look turquoise, sometimes emerald green, while at other times, deep blue. Walking around Lake Sils is very scenic, with the trail winding through larch forests and across meadows.

DAY 6

This morning we head northwest to Lucerne, about a three hour drive. Situated on Lake Lucerne, the city is a gem, from the cobbled streets of the Old Town to the Kapellbrücke, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe, to the mountainous panorama. Our introduction to Lucerne will be a late afternoon paddle on the lake where we enjoy a unique perspective of the city from our kayaks. We spend two nights in Lucerne.

Day 7

Today we experience a fantastic adventure to Mount Pilatus by riding the world’s steepest cogwheel railway and cable car to the summit. At the top, there are short uphill hikes for 360 degree panoramic views of many lakes and mountain views of Central Switzerland. Return to Lucerne for dinner in the Old Town.

Day 8

We return to the canton of Ticino to explore Valle Verzasca. The valley is the green heart of Ticino, with the crystal clear Verzasca river flowing through the centre. We’ll hike a trail through beautiful chestnut forests and along the Verzasca river. Our last night of the trip is spent in the very small and charming hamlet of Corippo. The village is perched on a steep hillside and with all the buildings made of stone, it seems that little has changed there over the last few hundred years.

day 9

After breakfast, we farewell little Corippo for the trip back to Milan Malpensa Airport. On arrival into Malpensa, your guides will help unload your luggage from the van and bid you a fond farewell.

Request Full Itinerary