Ticino, Switzerland's southernmost Canton, is a land of many contrasts: in its environment, its history, its art and its culture. In a radius of just a few kilometres in fact, it offers the mild climate of lakeside towns with palm trees, mountains that reach up to over 3000 metres and even glaciers. Historical architecture co-exists in perfect harmony with more avant-garde buildings. Internationally important events alternate all year round with parties in squares, markets and food and wine exhibitions. In this corner of Switzerland where gastronomy ranges from traditional cuisine to the most refined and sophisticated of cooking, Italian vitality - La Dolce Vita ?- is the perfect partner for the proverbial Swiss efficiency.