Is train travel included?

Yes. The package includes a 3-day Swiss Travel Pass valid for 2nd class rail travel on all trains in the itinerary.

Is this an escorted or independent tour?

This is an independent rail holiday. Railtour Suisse provides the rail pass, hotel bookings, and itinerary, but you travel and explore on your own schedule.

Which trains are included?

The Regional/InterCity train from Interlaken through the Simplon Tunnel to Domodossola, the Centovalli Railway from Domodossola to Locarno, and a regional train from Locarno to Flüelen. You may upgrade to the Gotthard Panorama Express (1st class supplement required) on Day 3.

What accommodation is included?

One night in a 3-star hotel in Interlaken and one night in a 3-star hotel in Locarno, both with breakfast and standard double rooms.

What is the starting price and when does it run?

The package starts at 456 CHF (approximately USD 568). No fixed departures are listed; book through Railtour Suisse for available dates.

What is not included in the base price?

The Gotthard Panorama Express upgrade (Day 3), any meals beyond breakfast, museum and mountain railway entry fees (though 50% discount on most mountain railways and free entry to over 500 museums are included), and optional local activities in Interlaken and Locarno.

railtour suisse · Independent rail holiday

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland «Hidden Treasures» (for international guests)

Three-day Swiss rail loop through the Simplon Tunnel and Centovalli Railway to Lake Maggiore

Railtour Suisse's Grand Train Tour of Switzerland «Hidden Treasures» is a 3-day independent rail journey that showcases two of Switzerland's most celebrated scenic train routes. Starting in Interlaken, the gateway to the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, travellers cross the Simplon Tunnel into Italy on Day 2, arriving at Domodossola before boarding the famous Centovalli Railway. This romantic line winds through the enchanting Hundred Valleys, crossing deep gorges and dramatic bridges through chestnut forests and vineyards, descending to Locarno on the palm-fringed shores of Lake Maggiore. On Day 3, the return to Lucerne by train and boat completes the loop, with an optional upgrade to the Gotthard Panorama Express. The package includes accommodation with breakfast in two 3-star hotels and a 3-day Swiss Travel Pass, plus discounts on mountain railways and museum entry. This itinerary suits independent explorers who appreciate scenic rail travel and want flexibility to explore each destination at their own pace.

What to know before you look closer

The Gotthard Panorama Express upgrade on Day 3 requires a 1st class ticket and incurs a surcharge; the base package includes a regional train in 2nd class.
The package includes 50% discount on most mountain railways but does not cover all cable cars or alpine attractions; confirm specific access before booking.
Hotels are marked as 3-star standard double rooms; exact property varies by date and availability.

Day by day

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.
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.
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 in Interlaken as the gateway to the three mighty mountains of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Day 2The Centovalli Railway passes through the enchanting Hundred Valleys, crossing deep gorges and spectacular bridges through chestnut forests and vineyards to Locarno on Lake Maggiore.
Day 3Return by train from Locarno to Flüelen and onwards by boat to Lucerne, with the option to upgrade to the Gotthard Panorama Express in 1st class.

Included

Swiss Travel Pass, 3 days in 2nd class
1 night in Interlaken, 3*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast
1 night in Locarno, 3*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast
50% discount on most mountain railways, free entry at more than 500 museums

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?: Yes. The package includes a 3-day Swiss Travel Pass valid for 2nd class rail travel on all trains in the itinerary.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?: This is an independent rail holiday. Railtour Suisse provides the rail pass, hotel bookings, and itinerary, but you travel and explore on your own schedule.
Which trains are included?: The Regional/InterCity train from Interlaken through the Simplon Tunnel to Domodossola, the Centovalli Railway from Domodossola to Locarno, and a regional train from Locarno to Flüelen. You may upgrade to the Gotthard Panorama Express (1st class supplement required) on Day 3.
What accommodation is included?: One night in a 3-star hotel in Interlaken and one night in a 3-star hotel in Locarno, both with breakfast and standard double rooms.
What is the starting price and when does it run?: The package starts at 456 CHF (approximately USD 568). No fixed departures are listed; book through Railtour Suisse for available dates.
What is not included in the base price?: The Gotthard Panorama Express upgrade (Day 3), any meals beyond breakfast, museum and mountain railway entry fees (though 50% discount on most mountain railways and free entry to over 500 museums are included), and optional local activities in Interlaken and Locarno.

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