Lakes Lucerne & Lugano via the Gotthard Panorama Express

Tour Itinerary

• Days 1-2: UK - Lucerne

  Take the train from London via Paris and Basel or Zurich to lovely Lucerne, your base for the next two nights. You’ll have a full day at your leisure to explore and there is plenty to see and do in the area. The Mountains of Pilatus, Rigi, Stanserhorn and Titlis are all easily reached, each offering something different whilst providing amazing views!

• Day 3: Lucerne to Lugano on the Gotthard Panorama Express

  In addition to being a stunning journey combining both boat and panoramic train, the Gotthard Panorama Express includes a very convenient luggage transfer service. Simply leave your bags with the concierge at the quay in Lucerne and hop on board one of Lake Lucerne Navigation’s beautiful boats (some of which are historic paddle steamers) to begin. You will enjoy the open water of Lake Lucerne as you head to the far side of the lake, passing Rütli, the birthplace of the Swiss Confederation in 1291. In just under 3 hours, you’ll arrive in Flüelen, ready to board the panoramic carriages of the Gotthard Panorama Express. The train will wind and weave its way through the mountains, including a triple-pass of the Baroque church at Wassen, as the railway loops round to pass through the challenging terrain. The railway uses helical (spiral) tunnels, to twist up through the rock. You’ll continue your journey through the Gotthard Pass, bypassing the world’s longest railway tunnel, to find yourself in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, Ticino, where you will glide past the castles of Bellinzona and wine terraces cut into the hillsides, before ending your journey in the gorgeous lakeside resort of Lugano, where your bags will be waiting for you.

• Days 4-5: Lugano

  You’ll have two full days’ free time to relax and discover the region at your own pace. You could take a trip to Monte Generoso, with its unique architecture, the building is in the shape of a flower designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, and is complete with a 130 year-old rack railway and stunning National Park scenery, located just outside Lugano. There is also “Swissminiatur” where you can explore over 130 detailed miniatures of Swiss wonders and landmarks, all of which have been handcrafted by local artisans and arranged in a wonderful botanical park setting. Or, simply spend your time lazing by the clear lake waters, have a swim or take a boat trip on the lake!

• Day 6: Lugano- UK

  Return to the UK via Zurich and Paris by rail journey.