Ascona is situated in the Italian part of Switzerland, in the county of Ticino, right on the lake Lago Maggiore. It is beautiful and very expensive. When we got there, it was made clear that we had to play 4 and-a-half hour a day instead of 3 hours we had counted on. And we had to start in Café Piazzetta at four instead of six. No problem, the audience was enthusiastic, the weather is a bit rainy and dark but still pleasant - if you happen to go there, don't forget to swim in the lake. The water is first class and the town has a marvellous free beach.