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A holiday at the
Ascona Jazz festival is a holiday to be remembered. Ascona is one of the biggest Traditional and Classical Jazz Festivals
in Europe offering over 400 hours of music on 5 main stages (and
numerous smaller venues) played by 200 artists from all over the
world. Music commences at around 6p.m. each evening continuing until
1a.m. You will need your stroller badge for the five lake side stages.
There are also concerts during the day.
Ascona and Locarno
The towns are either side of the River Maggia delta, 12 miles inside
the Swiss Border in the Italian speaking canton of Ticino. English is
widely understood, as is German and some French. The currency is the
Swiss Franc.
Locarno was once the most important town the lake, while Ascona is
often called the “Pearl of Lake Maggiore”. Both towns are steeped in
history going back as far as the 11th Century. The Mediterranean style
weather and Alpine setting make the two towns very popular year round
holiday destinations.
Ascona and Locarno lakefronts are approximately 1½ miles apart across
the delta. Buses run every 15 minutes, take approximately 13 minutes
and cost £1.25. Taxis are available for a fixed fee, take about 5
minutes and cost £2.50 per person based on carrying 4 passengers.
Alternatively, take the boat to Ascona, which costs £3 one way.
Accommodation
We have chosen to stay in Locarno, as hotels in Ascona are generally
small and are booked year on year by regular festival-goers.
Locarno is ideally suited as a start point for excursions having
excellent public transport services to the surrounding area, including
Ascona. We are offering a choice of 3 Star or 4 Star hotels that are
three minutes walk apart.
3 Star Hotel Pestalozzi
Situated 200 yards from the Piazza Grande, 100 yards from the
lakefront, and just 75 yards from where the buses leave for Ascona,
the hotel is within easy walking distance of the station and the
town’s restaurants and bars.
The rooms have en-suite shower rooms, balconies, television, radio and
direct dial phone, lockable drawer for personal effects, a mini-bar
and plenty of wardrobe space. The hotel has a ground floor Pizzeria
and bar.
4 Star Ramada Arcadia
Overlooking the lake, it is just three minutes walk from the town
centre.
The rooms have an en-suite bath/shower room, a lounge area with sofas,
radio, television, air conditioning, mini-bar and balcony. The hotel
has an outdoor swimming pool, sauna and solarium and also offers bike
and canoe rental. An enhanced continental breakfast is served each
morning in the full service restaurant. We have a secured a limited
number of lake-view rooms.
Single supplements and room sharing
The Hotel Pestalozzi supplement for single occupancy is £75 and for
the Ramada Arcadia £95, though availability is limited. We do offer a
same gender room sharing service - please call for details.
Excursions
There are many museums, churches and places of interests in Ascona and
Locarno, however it would be a shame not to get out of town and
explore the surrounding area during your stay. We are planning some
optional half and full day excursions during the week and will confirm
the schedule nearer the time. In the meantime, these are what we have
in mind.
Alpine Experience - Valley Verzasca
Famed for the river’s intense green water carving its way from the
Alps to the lake, Verzasca has maintained its original unspoilt
character and charm. Drive through picturesque historic villages, to
Sonogno at the head of the valley for lunch, stopping on the way to
enjoy a walk along the river with its many waterfalls.
Boat & Train - Lake Maggiore Express
Take the train through the panoramic Centovalli (100 valleys) with its
beautiful streams, waterfalls, chestnut forests and villages clinging
to the side of the mountain slopes. Return by boat to Locarno across
the lake from Stresa (in Italy - so take your passport) via Isle
Bella, with its beautiful palace and gardens.
Mountain High - the Cardada
Take a funicular, a cable car then a chair lift to enjoy 360o views
over the Alps upwards to the Monte Rosa massif and down to the Maggia
delta between Locarno and Ascona. If you don’t want to eat at one of
the mountainside bars, why not go for a walk and take your own picnic
lunch?
Castles and Courtyards - Bellinzona
Once Italian, this picturesque town nestles within the remains of its
original defensive walls, overlooked by three mighty castles dating
back to the 4th century. It retains its original charm with piazzas,
lanes and beautiful architecture. Enjoy our guided tour of the town
and its castles with time for lunch and shopping.
Saturday June 25
Check in at your preferred airport (Gatwick, or
Heathrow) for your BA scheduled flight to Italy. After arrival you
will be transferred by coach to your hotel in Locarno, either the 3
Star Hotel Pestalozzi, or 4 Star Ramada Arcadia where you will stay
for the next 8 nights on a bed and continental breakfast basis.
Sunday June 26
After breakfast, we will take you on a short
orientation walk of Locarno to familiarise you with key locations in
the town.
The rest of your time is free to enjoy the Festival although we plan
to offer some full and half-day excursions during the week to visit
the surrounding areas.
Sunday July 3
After breakfast check out of your room. Early
afternoon coach transfer to the Airport for your return flight home.
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Itinerary Information
Economy return British Airways
scheduled flights
UK transfers