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railtour suisse · Independent rail holiday

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland «Hidden Treasures»

Three-day rail trip from Interlaken to Locarno via the Centovalli railway

Illustration of Grand Train Tour of Switzerland «Hidden Treasures»

railtour suisse runs this three-day, two-night independent rail holiday between Interlaken and the Ticino region in southern Switzerland. The trip begins in Interlaken, at the base of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mountains, and on day two crosses into Domodossola, Italy, through the Simplon Tunnel before switching to the Centovalli railway. That line, which the operator describes as a journey for romantics, winds through the Valle Vigezzo and Centovalli valley past gorges, bridges, waterfalls, chestnut forests and vineyards before reaching Locarno on the shore of Lake Maggiore. Day three continues by train to Fluelen, with an onward boat connection and the option to add the Gotthard Panorama Express in first class for a surcharge, before an individual return journey to the traveller's home station. railtour suisse notes the route can also be booked in reverse, which suits independent travellers who want to set their own pace rather than follow a guide.

What to know before you look closer

  • The optional Gotthard Panorama Express upgrade on day 3, from Locarno to Fluelen, requires a first class ticket and carries a surcharge over the standard second class fare.
  • The included train journey to and from your home station in Switzerland is priced on a Half Fare Travelcard basis, so check with railtour suisse how this affects your fare if you do not hold that card.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Interlaken

    Arrival in Interlaken

    Arrival by train via Lucerne - Brünig in Interlaken, the gateway to the three mighty mountains of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Locarno

    Interlaken – Locarno (4h)

    Travel from Interlaken via Spiez and Brig through the Simplon Tunnel to Domodossola (Italy), then change to the famous Centovalli railway. This panoramic journey to Locarno passes through the Valle Vigezzo and the Centovalli valley, with deep gorges, countless bridges, waterfalls, chestnut forests and vineyards. Arrival in Locarno, the film and music city on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

  3. Day 3rail

    Locarno and return journey

    Train journey from Locarno to Flüelen and onwards by boat to Lucerne (optionally with the Gotthard Panorama Express, surcharge applies and a 1st class train ticket is required). Individual return journey. This tour can also be booked in the opposite direction.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrival by train in Interlaken, described as the gateway to the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mountains.
  • Day 2The Centovalli railway crosses from Domodossola to Locarno through the Valle Vigezzo and Centovalli valley, passing gorges, bridges, waterfalls, chestnut forests and vineyards.
  • Day 3Train travel from Locarno to Fluelen, with an onward boat connection toward Lucerne and the option to add the Gotthard Panorama Express in first class.

Included

  • Train journey in 2nd class from/to domicile, Half Fare Travelcard basis
  • 1 night in Interlaken, 3*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast
  • 1 night in Locarno, 3*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Second class train travel from your home station in Switzerland is included, along with the Interlaken to Domodossola to Locarno route and the day 3 journey to Fluelen.
Which trains are used?
A regional or InterCity train through the Simplon Tunnel from Interlaken to Domodossola, the Centovalli railway from Domodossola to Locarno, and a regional train from Locarno to Fluelen, with an optional first class upgrade to the Gotthard Panorama Express on that last leg.
What hotels are included?
One night in a 3-star hotel in Interlaken and one night in a 3-star hotel in Locarno, both standard double rooms with breakfast.
Is this a guided tour or independent travel?
It is an independent rail holiday. The evidence describes day 3 as an individual return journey, and notes the tour can be booked in the opposite direction.
What meals are included?
Only breakfast is included with each hotel night; no other meals are listed in the evidence.

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