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Switzerland Travel Centre · Bahnreise

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - Gletscher und Palmen

Four-day Swiss rail loop from Lucerne to St. Moritz via Gotthard and Bernina Express

Illustration of Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - Gletscher und Palmen

Switzerland Travel Centre's Grand Train Tour of Switzerland takes you across four days and three nights through some of Europe's most celebrated rail routes. The journey begins in Lucerne, where you board a historic paddle steamer to cross Lake Lucerne, then transitions to the first-class panoramic carriage of the Gotthard Panorama Express for the dramatic climb over the Gotthard Pass. From there, a Bernina Express bus carries you through the Italian Alpine valleys before the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express rail line lifts you toward St. Moritz. This itinerary suits first-time rail travellers seeking a complete Alpine introduction, as well as seasoned enthusiasts eager to tick off three of Switzerland's signature trains in one trip. The pace is relaxed, with three nights in city hotels (Lucerne, Lugano, St. Moritz) and minimal walking beyond stations. You arrange your own arrival and departure via public transport within Switzerland, giving you the freedom to explore each base before or after the rail days. Customizable hotel grades, optional activities, and a Digital Swiss Coupon Pass for attraction discounts provide flexibility.

What to know before you look closer

  • The itinerary is in German; confirm translation and exact day-by-day schedule with Switzerland Travel Centre before booking.
  • Hotels and meal inclusions are not detailed in the published package; these are available to customize when booking.
  • Day 1 and Day 4 involve independent public-transport travel; the operator does not provide a guide for arrival and departure.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Luzern

    Anreise nach Luzern

    Du faehrst mit den oeffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln nach Luzern. Geniesse die Fahrt und nutze nach der Ankunft die Gelegenheit, die Stadt zu entdecken.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lugano

    Fahrt mit dem Gotthard Panorama Express

    Du ueberquerst den Vierwaldstaettersee mit dem historischen Raddampfer nach Fluelen. Danach faehrst du im 1. Klasse Panoramawagen des Gotthard Panorama Express nach Lugano. Fahrtzeit: ca. 5h 30min.

  3. Day 3railovernight: St. Moritz

    Fahrt mit dem Bernina Express

    Du faehrst mit dem Bernina Express Bus durch die italienischen Alpen nach Tirano. Anschliessend geht es mit dem Bernina Express im Panoramawagen nach St. Moritz. Fahrtzeit: ca. 8h.

  4. Day 4

    Rueckreise ab St. Moritz

    Du trittst deine Rueckreise ab St. Moritz mit den oeffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln an. Alternativ kannst du deinen Aufenthalt verlaengern.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Historic paddle steamer crosses Lake Lucerne, then the Gotthard Panorama Express climbs to the Gotthard Pass in first-class panoramic carriage.
  • Day 3The Bernina Express traverses the UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway line through Italian Alpine valleys and climbs toward St. Moritz.

Included

  • An- und Abreise inklusive - von jedem Start- und Endpunkt in der Schweiz
  • Digital Swiss Coupon Pass inklusive bei jeder Pauschalreise-Buchung im Jahr 2026 - dein Zugang zu ueber 100 exklusiven 2-fuer-1-Erlebnissen in der ganzen Schweiz, spare bis zu CHF 4'500.-

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
The Gotthard Panorama Express (first-class panoramic carriage), Bernina Express bus through the Italian Alps, and Bernina Express (panoramic carriage) from Tirano to St. Moritz are included. Arrival and departure use public transport within Switzerland.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
This is independent; you travel on your own on arrival and departure days, but the four-day rail loop is fixed as a package with booked hotels.
What is included in the price?
All rail and boat transport on days 2 and 3, hotels in Lucerne, Lugano, and St. Moritz (category chosen at booking), arrival and departure transfers within Switzerland, and a Digital Swiss Coupon Pass with discounts on over 100 attractions.
How long are the train journeys?
Day 2 takes approximately 5 hours 30 minutes (boat and Gotthard Panorama Express combined). Day 3 takes approximately 8 hours (Bernina bus and express combined).
Can I extend the trip or add activities?
Yes; the package allows you to lengthen your stay, customize hotel category, and add activities and Alpine excursions at the time of booking.
When does this trip run?
The operator has not published specific departure dates in the evidence; contact Switzerland Travel Centre for 2026 schedules and availability.

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