For 35 years, New Orleans music has been filling the streets at JazzAscona. After a two-year hiatus forced by the pandemic, the music will return and The Ella Project in partnership with the New Orleans Jazz Museum will sponsor a group tour for the 36th edition of the world-famous gathering held on the shores of Lake Maggiore in the hills of southern Switzerland from June 23–28.
This 10-day festival, devoted to jazz, brings New Orleans artists together with musicians from around the world for more than 200 performances. In October 2021, leaders from Ascona and New Orleans came together virtually to formally become sister cities, cementing the partnership between the two cities united through jazz, and ensuring that New Orleans artists continue to fill the lineup of this premiere festival.
With participation limited to 20 guests, this intimate experience will offer vacationers the opportunity to explore the Lake Maggiore region of Switzerland and experience one of Europe’s top music festivals with companions who share a love of New Orleans music.
Ascona is a village with roots in medieval and Renaissance history on the shore of Lake Maggiore just north of the Swiss border with Italy. In the summer, this picturesque community offers visitors cafes, charming promenades, and spectacular views with a mild, Mediterranean climate. Popular with European travelers but off the radar of most Americans, visitors are drawn to the region not only for JazzAscona, but also for boating, golf, and swimming. The area offers many exceptional opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring natural scenery. Ascona is located approximately 1.5 hours north of Milan, Italy.
The cost is $3517 per person ($500 single room supplement) and includes a $600 tax deductible donation to The Ella Project that will support The Ella Project and New Orleans Jazz Museum. The tour includes ground transportation to and from Milan Airport, five nights at The Hotel Ascona, breakfast each morning at the hotel, first night dinner with welcome drink and aperitif included, lunches as detailed in the itinerary, a guided walking tour, a cruise on Lake Maggiore with tour guide, a private coach to Lake Como with tour guide, and festival tickets to JazzAscona. ‘The fare does not include international airfare, optional tours, meals not detailed in the itinerary, tips and gratuities, travel insurance and visa/passport fees.
For more information about the itinerary, visit here.
The Ella Project and the New Orleans Jazz Museum are working with Holly Barrett of St. Armands Travel to coordinate the trip. Participants needing additional assistance booking airfare to and from Milan, or with an interest in adding European travel before or after this tour are welcome to work with her directly to do so.
To book the trip, complete the registration form with your traveler information.
