Immerse in Switzerland's southern capital

Three unforgettable days to make friends, gain a wealth of knowledge and fall in love with a country: our retreats with two of Switzerland’s most talented storytellers feature: 
  • Three all-inclusive days: all you need to do is arrive on Friday anytime you like.
  • Captivating activities and seminars: Diccon Bewes and Richard Harvell will be your guides
  • Friendships for a lifetime: the small group size ensures you’ll get to know others from around the globe
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Your Hosts

Diccon Bewes is the author of eight books about Switzerland, including the bestsellers Swiss Watching and Around Switzerland in 80 Maps. He teaches Swiss history and politics in Bern and Basel, and is also a popular tour guide and public speaker. 
Richard Harvell is a bestselling author, whose novel, The Bells, has been translated into 15 languages. He is the publisher of Bergli Books, where he has edited many bestselling and award-winning books about Switzerland. 
shutterstock/Mor65_Mauro Piccardi

Included in your retreat

All Immerse retreats offer hotel accommodation, excellent meals and an inspiring range of activities, as well as a programme curated and hosted by Diccon Bewes and Richard Harvell – all included in the price.

Keep reading to learn what makes this retreat special.

Accommodation 

We love the Hotel and Spa Internazionale because it's steps away from Bellinzona's station (just 1 hour 40 minutes from Zurich), and yet is also at the gateway to Bellinzona's historic old town. The famous market begins at our doorstep. Twin rooms available upon request, and all rooms are ensuite. Use of the spa is free to participants.

Seminars

Diccon Bewes will be your tutor for a special series of talks on Swiss history, politics and culture. Each seminar is intense but informative, thanks to Diccon’s wealth of knowledge about all things Swiss. Both your hosts will be on hand to answer any questions you might about life in Switzerland. 

Activities

The curated programme gives you hands-on immersion in to Swiss and Ticino culture. We'll visit Bellinzona's legendary Saturday morning market, taste local wines with an expert and explore the old town in a unique way. It’s a fun interactive weekend but also with time for you to relax in the spa. 

Meals

Breakfast is in the Internazionale dining room or in the sunlit winter garden. For the other meals, we'll eat out locally, from a castle grotto to a traditional trattoria. If you let us know in advance, we can accommodate vegetarian or vegan diets, and participants with allergies.

Time for yourself
and time for others

Whether you're coming on the retreat to recharge, or want to spend time with friends, or want to meet others who have recently moved to Switzerland, our retreats offer the time and space to relax, to chat, to play and to have fun. No part of our program is mandatory. Come immerse with us – you deserve it. 

Retreat pricing

Normal per person price: 1490Fr (sharing a double/twin room)

Special offer! Thanks to the support of Ticino Tourism, we're currently offering 16 places on our June 17–19 retreat for only 490 SFr (a savings of 1000 SFr per person)!

Apply now!

Single room supplement: CHF 100 per weekend.

No hidden fees. Price includes everything listed above, but not transport to Bellinzona. Single rooms have a small supplement. 

Register now!

Keep me informed

We'll let you know when new retreats open for registration. 
Have a question? Just send an email. 
Immerse Swiss