Only the northern tip of this long, slender pre-alpine lake lies in Switzerland, with the remaining portion curving southwards into Italian territory. Some 60 km (40 miles) long and 6 km (4 miles) wide, Lake Maggiore is hemmed in by mountains to the north, south and west. Follow this route through beachy resort towns, mountainside vineyards and terraced villages that boast jaw-dropping views. Boats and hydrofoils cross the lake from Ascona, Locarno and Brissago, carrying passengers down to the resorts in its Italian section.