Top Lugano landmarks
Top Lugano landmark tours
Top Lugano activities
Top Lugano landmarks
Beyond Lugano
Lugano trip ideas
  • Top Lugano landmark tours

Lugano Region Guided Excursion from Lugano to Monte San Salvatore by funicular

22 Reviews 4.50 out of 5 stars Based on 22 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 91% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Lugano, Switzerland

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.

3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English
and 3 more
French, German, Italian

Overview

Enjoy the view in this 3 hour tour in Lugano. The tour will begin at 10am on the lake shore just beneath Monte San Salvatore. You will then be able to experience Lugano Arte Cultura, the Santa Maria Degli Angeli Church, and even riding a cable car to the top of Monte San Salvatore. At the top of the mountain, you will have some free time to explore and have a picnic until it's time to ride the cable car back down, concluding the tour. Food and drinks are not included on this tour. You will receive a special discount if you want to eat at the panoramic restaurant.

What's Included

  • The cable railway will bring you up to the summit (912 m) in just 10 minutes.
  • Cablecar ride roundtrip included
  • Departure from Lugano Region tourist office in Via Magatti 6, Lugano at 10am
  • Food and drinks
See 1 moreSee 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Via Massimiliano Magatti 6
6900 Lugano, Switzerland

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Via delle Scuole 7
6900 Paradiso, Switzerland

End of the Excursion: at 1pm at the funicular Monte San Salvatore. At the end of the excursion it is possible to stay on the top of the mountain for a pic nic or a good lunch at the Restaurant Vetta (10% discount).

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

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.
Read more

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Church of S. Maria degli Angioli (pass by)

The Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli is the most important church of Lugano. It contains the famous Renaissance fresco of the Passion and the Crucifixion by the Italian artist Bernardino Luini.Its construction was started in 1499 by Franciscan friars and was consecrated in 1515. It was restored in 1929/30. Next to the church, there was originally a Franciscan monastery built in 1490. This was dissolved in 1848 and in 1852/54 a hotel was built on its grounds; it was then raised by two floors and converted into the Hotel Palace in 1903, which kept part of the ancient convent’s cloister. The church of Santa Maria degli Angeli is famous for its Renaissance fresco of the Passion and Crucifixion of Christ by Italian artist Bernardino Luini, whose artwork, dating back to 1529, is the most important example of Lombard Renaissance in Switzerland. The monumental fresco is located on the church’s dividing wall and depicts several figures from the Passion of Christ. The Last Supper fresco on the nave’s south wall (originally located in the refectory) and the beautiful Virgin Mary with baby Jesus and St John on the eastern wall of the first side chapel (which was once the lunette of the portal leading to the cemetery) are also by Luini. Both works show a strong influence by Leonardo.
Read more

LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura (pass by)

The city of Lugano’s arts centre and a cultural beacon for Switzerland, LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura expresses Lugano’s identity as a cultural hub where North encounters South Europe. Overlooking the lake, this atmospheric, architectural marvel plays host to a rich calendar of shows and events, musical seasons and theatre and dance festivals, together with a variety of cultural initiatives and a packed programme of activities for youngsters and families alike. LAC’s cross-genre appeal and the quality of its offerings make it the ideal place to enjoy art in every shape and form.
Read more

Monte San Salvatore

The Sugarloaf Mountain of Switzerland. Just a few steps away from the bustling city, Monte San Salvatore rises majestically to the skies and gives you the opportunity to enjoy a moment of peace while facing the seemingly endless horizon. It is a destination that can satisfy everybody’s needs and desires: gourmets, sports enthusiasts, culture and nature lovers will live on the Monte San Salvatore unique and unforgettable emotions.Various hiking trails offer the opportunity to discover unspoiled nature and it is possible to experience the thrills of climbing on the “Via Ferrata”.On Monte San Salvatore there is even space for culture: the Museum San Salvatore hosts a precious collection of rare religious art, illustrating the history of the Confraternity over the centuries, an exhibition dedicated to rocks, minerals, fossils and speleology of the region and the history of the lightening research centre with the historical significance of storms. There is also the possibility to combine work and relaxation. The two multi-use rooms can host from 6 to 100 people.The cable railwayThe cable railway is at 500 metres form the Lugano-Sud motorway exit and 5 minutes away from the Paradiso railroad station; it has a convenient car park and you can reach the summit in just 10 minutes. It runs from morning to late afternoon, from March to November, with trips every 30 minutes. In summer the last trip is at 11.00 p.m.
Read more

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Show 3 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Difficulty level / walking: easy - medium. Suggested comfortable shoes, hat and sunscreen.
  • A maximum of 8 people per booking
  • 10% discount at Restaurant Vetta San Salvatore

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Lugano Region Guided Excursion from Lugano to Monte San Salvatore by funicular?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-58286P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.50
22 reviews

Average 4.50 out of 5 stars based on 22 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
14
4 stars
6
3 stars
1
2 stars
1
1 star
0

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Sato Code Escape Room across Lugano

This is an escape game through the heart of Lugano. A dozen clues placed in the streets and shops of the old town, that only...

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.7 (3)
from
$18.53

Explore Locarno in 60 minutes with a Local

Join an exciting 60-minute walking journey through Locarno. Learn all the key facts about the city, dive into the local lifestyle, and feel its unique...

1 hourFree Cancellation
1 hourFree Cancellation
1 hour • Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$107.80

Lugano Mountains, private tour from Lugano

During this private guided tour we will go from Lugano to Verzasca Valley in Switzerland (half hour trip) to see Verzasca river in this part...

8 hoursHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
8 hoursHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
8 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
5.0 (29)
from
$359.91

Locarno Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt

Locarno has the best climate in Switzerland, a lake that looks borrowed from Italy, and a film festival that draws the world every August. This...

2 hoursFree Cancellation
2 hoursFree Cancellation
2 hours • Free Cancellation
3.0 (2)
from
$8.35

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Lugano Mountains, private tour from Lugano

During this private guided tour we will go from Lugano to Verzasca Valley in Switzerland (half hour trip) to see Verzasca river in this part...

8 hoursHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
8 hoursHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
8 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
5.0 (29)
from
$359.91

Explore Lugano in 60 minutes with a Local

Join an exciting 60-minute walking journey through Lugano. Learn all the key facts about the city, dive into the local lifestyle, and feel its unique...

60 to 90 minutesFree Cancellation
60 to 90 minutesFree Cancellation
60 to 90 minutes • Free Cancellation
5.0 (27)
from
$100.22

Skip the Line: Falconeria Locarno Ticket

Live an exciting experience in the world of birds of prey, observe from near the flight of eagles, hawks, owls, vultures, marabus, ibis and storks....

3 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation
3 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation
3 to 5 hours • Free Cancellation
4.8 (40)
from
$38.87

Lugano & Morcote, Lake Lugano, private guided tour, from Lugano

During this guided tour you will see the Town of Lugano and the Town of Morcote, Switzerland: Lugano the Swiss pearl in the Canton Ticino...

4 hoursHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
4 hoursHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
4 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
4.6 (19)
from
$192.82

What's Included

Activity name

  • The cable railway will bring you up to the summit (912 m) in just 10 minutes.
  • Cablecar ride roundtrip included
  • Departure from Lugano Region tourist office in Via Magatti 6, Lugano at 10am
  • Guided Excursion to the Monte San Salvatore
  • Food and drinks

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Reservation required.
  • The guided tour will be held in the two prevalent languages.
  • The guide can decide to break off or cancel the excursion in case of bad weather.
  • Difficulty level / walking: easy - medium. Suggested comfortable shoes, hat and sunscreen.
  • A maximum of 8 people per booking
  • 10% discount at Restaurant Vetta San Salvatore
  • Please be on time!
  • Pushchairs/strollers are only allowed on the funicular if they are folded.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
  • Operated by a business

Protecting you

Activity name

For your protection and stress-free bookings, use our secure platform to pay for bookings. Ente Turistico del Luganese

Report Product Issue

Activity name

Language
Currency

Site Settings

Activity name

Currency

Activity name

Activity name

Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Activity name

Cool Destinations wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool Destinations over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

Choose an option

Activity name

or

Cool Rewards Terms & Conditions

Activity name

Cool Rewards

  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

Earning rewards

  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
  • Earned rewards will be issued in a pending state and will move to a confirmed state 24 hours after the start time of the experience.
  • Earned rewards will be available to redeem once they are no longer in a pending state.
  • For bookings that are moved to a different travel date, the rewards will be redeemable after the amended travel date.
  • If a booking where rewards were issued is canceled, the earned rewards will not be redeemable and will be moved to a canceled state.

Redeeming rewards

  • To redeem rewards, you must be logged into your Cool Destinations account.
  • Any available rewards will be automatically applied the next time you make a booking, and their value will be deducted from your order at checkout, unless you choose not to apply them, which requires you to indicate this via the toggle switch. Bookings made using rewards are subject to the standard Cool Destinations Customer Terms of Use.
  • You will not be able to redeem only a portion of your available rewards at checkout. It is only possible to redeem all or none of your available rewards.
  • There is no minimum order value required to redeem your rewards. This means that you can pay for 100% of your order with rewards.
  • Rewards are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
  • If rewards are redeemed against a booking that is canceled or refunded, the rewards will be reissued to your account.

Miscellaneous

  • You can check your Cool Destinations account to see the rewards you have collected at any time. You are responsible for ensuring that your rewards balance is correct.
  • We reserve the right to modify these Cool Rewards Terms and Conditions at any time, with or without notice, including the rules for earning and redeeming rewards. Any changes will be reflected in the updated Terms and Conditions.
  • We reserve the right to terminate the Cool Rewards program and cease issuing any further rewards on future bookings. All pending and available rewards balances will be honored.
  • By earning and redeeming rewards, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, as well as any subsequent changes made to them.