Wilderness Retreat in Switzerland with Jason and Crystalina Evert and Fr. Thomas Hunyor - 26RS07CHJE

July 13, Monday, Day 6: BECKENRIED – ALTDORF – MONTE CARASSO – BELLINZONA
This morning, we take the train from Beckenried to Altdorf to Bellinzona. The hike across the Ponte Tibetana in Carasc near Bellinzona is a highlight for anyone looking to combine nature with a thrill. The trail starts from the lovingly restored hamlet of Curzútt. This historic village, once elevated to avoid the risk of malaria on the plains, transports visitors back in time. Here, we find a guesthouse and restaurant and enjoy the tranquility. The hike leads through chestnut forests and past ancient vineyards to the Ponte Tibetana, which connects the communities of Monte Carasso and Sementina. The impressive suspension bridge is 270 meters long and up to 130 meters high. The crossing offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Magadino Plain and the surrounding mountains. Next visit the fortress of Bellinzona, consisting of three imposing castles: Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro, which together form what is arguably the most important defensive system in the Alpine region. In the Middle Ages, they served as a strategic point of protection on the important trade route between Italy and the north. The fortresses were further expanded by the dukes of Milan in the 15th century to secure control over the Alpine passes. Today, the castles are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and symbolize the historical significance of Bellinzona as a border fortress. Dinner is at leisure. Overnight in Bellinzona.

Route: Carzutt - Ponte Tibetano - Sementina - Monte Carasso (Walking time without rests: approx. 2.5 hours, distance: 5.5 km, ascent/descent: 100/350 altitude meters)

July 14, Tuesday, Day 7: BELLINZONA – LOCARNO – CARDADA
This morning, we take the train from Bellinzona to Locarno. Then take the mountain rail from Locarno to Cardada. Cardada towers high above Locarno, like a balcony, offering views of the shimmering blue waters of Lake Maggiore. From this vantage point, our hike leads slightly uphill over open meadows and sparse forests to Pian della Cimetta. Now, it’s only a few meters up to the Cimetta summit at 1672 m. The view is hard to beat. From the highest point in Switzerland, with the Dufourspitze (4634 m) to the west, the view extends to the lowest point in the country, far below at Lake Maggiore (193 m). To the east, the Ticino mountain peaks rise up, while in the south, the view loses itself in the Poebenbe in the dust. Then the trail leads down the north side through a beautiful beech forest and back to Cardada. Return by train to Bellinzona. Dinner is at leisure. Overnight in Bellinzona. (B)

Route: Cardada – Cimetta (walking time without rests: approx. 2 hours, distance: 3.5 km, ascent/descent: 320/10 altitude meters) Option to visit Madonna del Sasso on way back

July 15, Wednesday, Day 8: BELLINZONA – LUGANO – MONTE SAN SALVATORE
This morning, we take the train from Bellinzona to Lugano / Paradiso. Monte San Salvatore is the emblem of Lugano and offers a 360° panorama from the snow-covered Alpine peaks far into the Italian Po Valley, with the blue-green shimmer of Lake Lugano deep below. The hike then leads first a little steeper and from Ciona along the ridge
to Carona. The artists’ village, where the writer Hermann Hesse also found inspiration, is known for its historic center and the typical Ticino grotti offer the opportunity to take a rest and fortify yourself. Then it’s on past the Praco San Grato botanical garden, through the chestnut forests towards Alpe Vicania and finally up hundreds of steps to picturesque Morcote, which was recently named one of the best tourist villages by the World Tourism Organization. We take our coach from Morcote back to Lugano and the train back to Bellinzona. Enjoy a farewell dinner in a local restaurant with wine or beer. Overnight in Bellinzona. (B. Special dinner)

Route: Monte San Salvatore - Carona - Morcote (walking time without rests: 3 h, distance: 10 km, ascent/descent: 235/850 altitude meters)

July 16, Thursday, Day 9: RETURN TO THE USA
Depart this morning for Milan airport for our flights back to the USA.