Social Programme
Our bespoke social programme will help you enjoy your free time in Lugano, get to know our beautiful surroundings, make friends, and build networks.
Please note that although most of our events are free to attend, they are ticketed, and you will need to register early to secure your place.
Summer School Dinner
Join us for the 2024 Summer School Dinner. This special evening will be held at Ristorante Panoramico Vetta on Monte Bré and is, every year, a social highlight for our instructors and participants.
The event features beverages, a buffet with a mix of vegetarian and meat options, and a main (vegetarian) dish, as well as music by our in-house DJ, Ilaria Falvo!
A fee of CHF 10 is payable upon Summer School registration and includes the dinner and return travel on the historical funicular.
The event is held in each of the Summer School's main workshop weeks, and you are welcome to attend both if you are staying with us for two weeks.
- Tuesday, 13th of August from 7 pm to 10.30 pm - REGISTRATION is now closed
- Tuesday, 20th of August from 7 pm to 10.30 pm - REGISTRATION is now closed
Informal Social Evenings
Join your organisers for an informal social night out at aL Lido Bar. The al Lido Bar sells a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and serves a selection of food, including delicious pizza, all of which can be ordered at the bar.
- Friday, 9th of August from 7 pm
- Friday, 16th of August from 7 pm
No sign-up required! We will have a few tables reserved for the Summer School participants and instructors. Please wear your badge so we can easily identify you.
Excursion Carona to Morcote
Join us for this full-day excursion from Carona to Morcote!
- Sunday, 11th of August from 10 am - Sign-up required. REGISTRATION is now closed
Meeting point: Lugano Centre (bus station), Stop S.
Difficulty level: easy
Length: circa. 6-7km
Altitude difference: 200m uphill / 530m downhill (note that the final part of the walk includes a series of steps. There are said to be over a thousand of them - come and see for yourself!)
Starting point: Carona, Paese (bus stop)
Destination: Morcote, Piazza Grande - upon arrival in Morcote you can choose from a selection of activities, including a visit to a botanical garden Parco Scherrer (free entry), a wander around the town of Morcote itself or a swim in the lake. You can return to Lugano via bus or take a scenic boat cruise in the early evening.
Please note that we will stop about halfway through for a cold drink at the Ristorante Vicania. There are a number of restaurants and shops in Morcote where you can purchase dinner, but you should bring a packed lunch with you. You can refill your water bottle in Parco San Grato (shortly after the start of our walk) and again in Morcote.
The Summer School organisers assume no responsibility for any injuries and risks - participants are responsible for their own safety during the tour.
Excursion to Monte Lema
Join us for this half-day excursion!
- Sunday, 18th of August from 10 am - Sign-up required REGISTRATION is now closed
Meeting point: train station Lugano FLP
From Lugano FLP train station, we will take a local train and then a bus to Migleglia. Here, we will jump aboard the cable car, travelling in style (and speed!) to the top of Monte Lema (see here for current prices). Once at the top, we will complete the 1-hour walk exploring the top of the mountain and visit the astronomical observatory (another 15mins excursion). After lunch, at the Ristorante Vetta, you can decide whether to take the cable car down back to Miglegila or whether to hike down via Pian Pulpito and Paz (see a map online, Percorso G, approx. 2hrs). Return to Lugano via bus and train in the afternoon.
The Summer School organisers assume no responsibility for any injuries and risks - participants are responsible for their own safety during the tour.
What else to do in Lugano?
Lugano is bustling throughout the summer! Below you can find a list of selected events on during the Summer School (we will keep on adding events as we learn about them!):
21st of August, Wednesday
22nd of August, Thursday
23rd of August, Friday
24th of August, Saturday
- Lugano - Guided City Walk (registration required)
- Yoga at Lido Riva Caccia (CHF20 includes entry to the lido)
- Food market - lakeside Paradiso
- Tango in Rivetta (free event)
- Mandolin concert (free event) centre of Lugano