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railtour suisse · Independent rail holiday

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland «Glaciers & Palm Trees»

Four-day Swiss rail loop from Chur to Lucerne via the Bernina Express

Illustration of Grand Train Tour of Switzerland «Glaciers & Palm Trees»

Railtour Suisse operates this four-day independent rail holiday that traces Switzerland's contrasts from north to south. You begin in Chur, Switzerland's oldest town with a car-free medieval center, then board the Bernina Express on day 2 for a nine-hour 15-minute journey across UNESCO-listed Alpine rail heritage. The train climbs the world-famous Landwasser Viaduct, traverses Bernina Pass among glaciers, descends through the circular viaduct at Brusio, and reaches Tirano in Italy before continuing by coach to Lugano, where palm trees and Lake Lugano replace snow. On day 3, you return north by train and boat through the Gotthard region to Lucerne, set on a lake surrounded by mountains. Day 4 is free to explore Lucerne's Chapel Bridge and old town, or take optional mountain excursions. Three nights in solid three-star hotels with breakfast are included, along with your connecting train from any Swiss station. This suits independent travellers seeking technical rail heritage and complete Alpine scenery without a guide.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price (627 CHF) covers accommodation and the package rail itinerary on a Half Fare Travelcard basis; confirm what connecting journey from your domicile is included before booking.
  • The Gotthard Panorama Express on day 3 requires a 1st class ticket and costs extra; the standard day 3 journey is a regional train plus boat.
  • This is an independent tour with no guide; you arrange your own meals and activities, though the itinerary suggests options like the Chapel Bridge and mountain excursions on day 4.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Chur

    Arrival in Chur

    Train journey to Chur, Switzerland's oldest town. The car-free old town with its countless boutiques, galleries, restaurants, cafés and bars is one of the most beautiful in Switzerland.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lugano

    Bernina Express (9h15)

    Travel with the Bernina Express from Chur via the world-famous Landwasser Viaduct, the Bernina Pass and the circular viaduct at Brusio to Tirano (Italy), the south end of the Bernina Line. After lunch or a stroll through the old town, continue by Bernina Express bus through the Valtellina valley and along Lake Como to Lugano.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lucerne

    Lugano – Lucerne (5h15)

    Train journey from Lugano to Flüelen (optionally with the Gotthard Panorama Express, with supplement; a 1st class train ticket is required). From Flüelen to Lucerne by boat.

  4. Day 4

    Lucerne and return journey

    Stroll across the world-famous Chapel Bridge and through the winding streets of the old town, visit the Lion Monument or take a trip to Mount Rigi, Mount Pilatus or Mount Titlis. Individual return journey. This tour can also be booked in the opposite direction.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Bernina Express climbs the world-famous Landwasser Viaduct, traverses Bernina Pass, and descends through the circular viaduct at Brusio before reaching Tirano in Italy.
  • Day 3Travel from Lugano to Flüelen by train, optionally upgrading to the Gotthard Panorama Express, then continue to Lucerne by boat on Lake Lucerne.
  • Day 4Explore Lucerne's Chapel Bridge and medieval old town, or take an optional day trip to Mount Rigi, Mount Pilatus, or Mount Titlis.

Included

  • Train journey in 2nd class from/to domicile, Half Fare Travelcard basis
  • Seat reservation on the Bernina Express
  • 1 night in Chur, 3*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast
  • 1 night in Lugano, 3*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast
  • 1 night in Lucerne, 3*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes a connecting train journey from any Swiss domicile station on a Half Fare Travelcard basis, plus the Bernina Express with seat reservation, a regional train from Lugano to Flüelen, and a boat from Flüelen to Lucerne.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
This is an independent rail holiday. You travel on your own schedule and arrange your own meals and sightseeing; no guide is provided.
What trains are featured?
The Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano (9 hours 15 minutes, 2nd class with seat reservation included), a regional train from Lugano to Flüelen, and an optional Gotthard Panorama Express upgrade (1st class, supplement required).
What accommodation is included?
One night each in three-star hotels in Chur, Lugano, and Lucerne, with standard double rooms and breakfast.
When does this tour run?
The operator publishes no departure calendar in the information provided; confirm available dates with railtour suisse before booking.
How much walking is involved?
Day 4 includes optional walking in Lucerne's old town across the Chapel Bridge, or you may book mountain day trips; other days involve standard station and city transfers with luggage handling.

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