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railtour suisse · Rail journey

Gotthard Panorama Express Luzern – Vitznau – Lugano/Locarno

Swiss three-day rail and boat journey from Lucerne to Locarno via Gotthard Pass

Illustration of Gotthard Panorama Express Luzern – Vitznau – Lugano/Locarno

Railtour Suisse's Gotthard Panorama Express is a three-day journey combining boat and train travel through the heart of Switzerland. The trip departs from Lucerne, where travelers board a boat to cross Lake Lucerne to Vitznau, passing the Rütli meadow and Tell's Chapel. On Day 1, an optional excursion to Rigi via Europe's first cogwheel railway is suggested. Day 2 features the centerpiece: the Gotthard Panorama Express, which climbs through the Alps via the famous double hairpin bend at Wassen and the 15-kilometer Gotthard tunnel, descending through two spiral tunnels to Lugano or Locarno. The train includes a photo car with openable windows and a multilingual guide who narrates the route's engineering and natural highlights. Travelers spend two nights in three-star hotels with breakfast included. Day 3 offers free time in Switzerland's sunniest region before an individual return journey. This trip suits first-time rail travellers seeking scenic, guided comfort, as well as repeat travellers interested in rail engineering and photographers wanting to capture Alpine landscapes.

What to know before you look closer

  • The optional Rigi cogwheel railway excursion on Day 1 is not included in the package price.
  • Day 3 is free time in Lugano or Locarno with an individual return journey; the itinerary does not specify guided activities that day.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Vitznau

    Arrival in Vitznau

    Arrival in Lucerne by train. Your unique travel experience starts with a boat trip on Lake Lucerne to Vitznau. We suggest an excursion to the Rigi. From Vitznau you can take the first cogwheel railroad in Europe to the Rigi. The «Queen of the Mountains» offers 100 kilometers of hiking trails with a breathtaking panorama.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lugano or Locarno

    Vitznau – Locarno/Lugano

    After breakfast at the hotel, boat trip to Flüelen, past the Rütli meadow and Tell's Chapel. The Gotthard Panorama Express waits in Flüelen for the onward journey on the old Gotthard route to Bellinzona and Lugano, via the famous double hairpin bend at Wassen and the 15-kilometer Gotthard railroad tunnel. From Piottino to Biasca, a total of 650 vertical meters are overcome via two further helical tunnels. Travelers to Locarno change to the regional train in Bellinzona.

  3. Day 3

    Lugano/Locarno and return journey

    Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the day in Switzerland's sunniest region. Individual return journey. This tour can also be booked in the opposite direction.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Boat trip on Lake Lucerne to Vitznau past the Rütli meadow and Tell's Chapel, with views across the lake to surrounding mountains.
  • Day 2The Gotthard Panorama Express climbs via the double hairpin bend at Wassen and crosses the 15-kilometer Gotthard railroad tunnel, then descends through two helical tunnels losing 650 vertical meters between Piottino and Biasca.

Included

  • Train journey in 2nd class from/to domicile, Half Fare Travelcard basis
  • Seat reservation and supplement for 1st class on the Gotthard Panorama Express
  • 1 night in Vitznau, 3*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast
  • 1 night in Lugano or Locarno, 3*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes 2nd-class connecting train travel from any Swiss domicile station (via Half Fare Travelcard), seat reservation, 1st-class supplement, and travel on the Gotthard Panorama Express. The guide accompanies passengers on the panorama train.
What hotels are included?
One night in a three-star hotel in Vitznau and one night in a three-star hotel in Lugano or Locarno, both with breakfast and standard double rooms.
Is this trip escorted?
A multilingual tour guide accompanies passengers on the Gotthard Panorama Express train. Day 1 offers an optional suggested excursion to Rigi, and Day 3 is free time in your chosen destination.
What is the duration and price?
The trip is three days and two nights. The price starts from 516 Swiss francs (approximately 643 USD).
Can the trip be done in the opposite direction?
Yes, the tour can be booked starting from Lugano or Locarno and ending in Lucerne.

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