Bernina Express
Episode 4: Where Two Civilizations Meet — Lugano
Shariq Ali
Valueversity
There was a lively bustle at the Bellagio ferry terminal.
A short while later, a large ferry docked at the pier. As the lower deck gate opened, expensive cars began to roll out one by one, carrying their affluent owners and perhaps a few chauffeurs. Rolls-Royces, Mercedes, luxury SUVs and other high-end vehicles disembarked in an orderly fashion, followed by tourists riding powerful modern motorcycles.
Once all the vehicles and motorcycles had left the ferry, the way was opened for pedestrians. Within moments, hundreds of tourists streamed ashore and dispersed into the charming streets of Bellagio.
It was now the turn of those travelling in the opposite direction.
First, the cars drove aboard, followed by the motorcycles, and finally we, the foot passengers, were allowed to board.
We went straight to the upper deck and settled into seats close to the water.
Within moments, a gentle vibration ran through the ferry. The ropes were cast off, and once again we were gliding across the deep blue waters of Lake Como.
Even this short crossing was captivating. Steep green mountains rising directly from the lakeshore, boats drifting across the water, and picturesque villages and small towns scattered along the shoreline kept drawing our attention throughout the journey.
On reaching the opposite shore, we disembarked at the town of Cernobbio.
It was a small, peaceful place where no stop had been planned in our itinerary.
Following our guide, we walked for a few minutes to a nearby bus stop, where our luxury coach was already waiting.
Once everyone had taken their seats, the coach began climbing a winding mountain road with gradients that at times seemed almost vertical.
The scenery reminded us of the mountain roads of Murree and Nathia Gali in Pakistan—lush green slopes, dense pine forests, deep valleys stretching far below, and towering rock faces rising on one side.
Travelling along these narrow, twisting roads gave us a genuine appreciation of the driver’s skill.
In several places, deep ravines lay immediately beside the road, making it easy to imagine how even the slightest mistake could lead to a serious accident.
After some time, the road became gentler, and we arrived at the border between Italy and Switzerland.
The coach paused for only a few seconds while the guide and driver exchanged a few words with the border officials. Then we crossed into Switzerland—without any questioning or passport inspection.
We had now entered the beautiful Swiss city of Lugano.
The coach stopped beside the Blue Fountain in the city’s main square.
Our guide informed us that this would also be our meeting point after ninety minutes of free time.
We stepped off the coach and set out to explore Lugano at our own pace.
Lugano is the largest city in the Italian-speaking Swiss canton of Ticino.
Since the Italian border lies only a few minutes away, the influences of both countries are clearly reflected in its language, cuisine, architecture and everyday life.
Nestled at the foot of the city lies Lake Lugano, a natural lake formed thousands of years ago by melting glaciers. Part of the lake belongs to Switzerland, while the remainder extends into Italy.
Perhaps it is this unique blend that makes Lugano one of Europe’s most distinctive cities, where the beauty of two civilizations can be experienced within a single landscape.
For this reason, it has become a favourite destination not only for tourists, but also for artists, writers, affluent retirees and business professionals from around the world.
We spent some time strolling through the central shopping district and its surrounding streets.
Everywhere in the old quarter, elegance and refinement were evident.
Small cafés, tasteful boutiques, historic buildings and flower-filled windows created a wonderfully inviting atmosphere.
It is one of those rare cities where business, tourism and peaceful living exist in remarkable harmony.
After exploring the city centre, we returned to the shores of Lake Lugano.
The wide lakeside promenade was filled with visitors enjoying a leisurely walk, and we soon became part of the crowd.
Some carried cups of coffee, others were taking photographs, while many simply stood quietly watching the gentle ripples on the water.
Before us stretched the shimmering blue lake, while across the water elegant villas and multi-storey residential buildings dotted the green mountain slopes, glowing in the afternoon sunshine.
Most of these villas are not permanent homes but luxurious holiday residences owned by wealthy families.
Many affluent Europeans purchase lakeside properties like these so they can spend a few peaceful weeks each year surrounded by nature.
Lugano and its surrounding areas are among the most expensive residential locations in Switzerland, and owning a house by the lake is widely regarded as a symbol of prosperity.
After a long walk along the lakeshore, we decided to rest on a nearby bench.
Mona went to a nearby stall and returned with freshly made fruit smoothies, while I remained seated, quietly observing the world around me.
My attention was drawn to an elderly gentleman sitting on a nearby bench.
He was impeccably dressed in elegant Western attire. Beside him sat a small white poodle, calm and perfectly still.
Like its owner, the dog appeared exceptionally well-trained and remarkably composed.
My imagination quietly began weaving a story.
Perhaps this man had once lived an extraordinarily busy and successful life. Perhaps fortune had blessed him with wealth, respect and recognition.
Then, as the years passed, the excitement faded, the endless commitments came to an end, and many of those who had once shared his journey gradually disappeared from his life.
Now, perhaps, he returned every year to spend a few peaceful days beside this beautiful lake, accompanied by the most loyal companion of this brief journey through life—his little poodle.
It was merely a story born in the mind of a passing traveller.
What the reality was, perhaps even the gentleman himself no longer knew—or perhaps it simply did not matter.
A few moments later, Mona returned carrying chilled smoothies prepared from a colourful selection of fresh fruits.
Their refreshing taste made the beautiful afternoon even more enjoyable.
After resting for a while, we stood up to begin our return.
The elderly gentleman and his silent companion were still gazing across the lake.
By the time we reached the Blue Fountain, our coach was already waiting to depart.
Our next destination was the city of Como.
To be continued…