The Philadelphia Film Society presents:
The Locarno Film Festival
“Where the Swiss Alps meet the silver screen, Locarno reminds us that nature and cinema share the same magic: both can take your breath away.”
The Philadelphia Film Society takes your love of cinema to new heights at the extraordinary Locarno Film Festival.
Locarno is renowned as one of the world’s great film festivals — but imagine experiencing it alongside the Board of the Philadelphia Film Society. Join Andrew, Michael, and Carla for an extraordinary journey that blends premium festival access, high level post-movie talks paired with curated local discoveries, rich history, and unforgettable culinary moments.
About the Philadelphia Film Society
The Philadelphia Film Society (PFS) is the region’s foremost resource for film presentation and education, committed to presenting film as a transformative and powerful medium for artistic expression and a catalyst for strengthening community. A nonprofit, 501(c)3, community-supported organization, PFS produces the acclaimed Philadelphia Film Festival, curates an extensive year-round film program celebrating the past and future of world cinema, and provides education and community outreach programs, all serving to advance film as a vital piece of Philadelphia’s arts and culture community.
About the Philadelphia Film Society
About Bliss Travels
Founded on the idea of providing special, hard-to-find experiences for people traveling in France, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Croatia, Portugal and… Switzerland, Bliss Travels’ trips deliver just that...unique and immersive, custom vacations and events that cannot be replicated without the special, in depth knowledge of cultural insiders and local residents. Its association with the Philadelphia Film Society strives for excellence and promises a one-of-a-kind, memory-making experience in Locarno.
Inclusions of the trip (August 9th - 13th or 16th)
This trip offers two length options: 4 nights or 7 nights. Both include full-access passes provided by PFS, with pricing to be confirmed once tickets are released. All guests will begin their journey on August 9th, with the trip concluding on either August 13th or August 16th, depending on the option you choose.
Private transfer from Milan airport on arrival (other destinations can be accommodated upon request and at extra cost)
4 or 7 nights at luxury boutique 4 star hotel
Gourmet breakfast daily
Welcome walking tour of Locarno and Ascona
Welcome dinner or apero on day 1
One daily private transfer for our group in and out of festival, scheduled to match our daily activity
One custom excursion such as a private wine tasting of local wines or similar 1/2 day excursion tbd, including private transportation and accompaniment by Bliss Travels event plannerFarewell Bistro dinner for people staying 4 nights
Farewell Michelin starred dinner for people staying 7 nights
Private transfer back to Milan airport on departure day (other destinations can be accommodated upon request and at extra cost)
All trips include our custom planning, booking and payment for all included items. We also provide an on site event planner for all included events (other than films). Any additional items travelers book with Bliss Travels will be managed by Bliss Travels.
The PFS staff
J. Andrew GREENBLATT
Michael LERMAN
Carla RICCI
Outline of the trip
The outline below is a preliminary overview and is not final. Inclusions and the placement of each activity within the itinerary may still change. Its purpose is simply to give you a general sense of the trip.
Sunday, August 9th
Private transfer (one per 2 people) from Milan airport to Ascot
Arrival orientation walking tour of Locarno/Ascona
Checkin, time off to relax
Welcome dinner or apero tbd
Monday August 10th
Gourmet breakfast at your hotel
Day on your own at the festival (one transfer each way provided by Bliss)
Tuesday August 11th
Gourmet breakfast at your hotel.
2-3h Private transfer to a nearby winery for a special wine tasting or other similar experience we can create*
Private transfer back to your hotel
Remainder of the day on your own at the festival
Wednesday August 12th
Gourmet breakfast at your hotel
Day on your own at the festival (one transfer each way provided by Bliss)
Bistro type 3 course dinner, combination of farewell for guest on the 4-night stay, and joint fundraising/or film discussions dinner with everyone (specifics to be discussed).
Thursday August 13th
Gourmet breakfast at your hotel
Private transfer to Milan airport (other destinations can be arranged at extra cost) for 4-night stay people. One transfer per couple.
Friday, August 14th
Gourmet breakfast at your hotel
Day on your own at the festival (one transfer each way provided by Bliss)
Saturday August 15th
Gourmet breakfast at your hotel.
Day on your own at the festival (last day, one transfer each way provided by Bliss)
Farewell dinner at a Michelin starred restaurant with wine pairing.
Sunday August 16th
Gourmet breakfast at your hotel
Private transfer to Milan airport (other destinations can be arranged at extra cost). One transfer per couple.
If you wish to donate to the Philadelphia Film Society Click here
Interested in extending your adventure? Whether it’s a pre- or post-trip to Milan or other iconic destinations across Italy and Europe, just let us know — we’re always happy to help you plan the perfect addition to your journey.
