JazzAscona 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 performances 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 lakeside 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 8 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*or 4* hotels that
are three minutes walk apart.
3* 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* 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 (the first two bookings received incur no supplement)
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 Isola 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.
Itinerary
Saturday June 24
Group flights check in at Heathrow or Manchester
for the BA scheduled flight to Italy. After arrival you will be
transferred by coach to your hotel in Locarno, either the 3* Hotel
Pestalozzi, or 4* Ramada Arcadia where you will stay for the next 8
nights on a bed and continental breakfast basis.
Time permitting, we will take you a short orientation walk of Ascona
prior to the evening programme beginning Sunday June 25
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 2
After breakfast check out of your room. Afternoon
coach transfer to the Airport for your return flight home.
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Itinerary Information
