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Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - Hidden Treasures

Three-day Swiss rail loop from Lucerne through Alpine passes to Italian Locarno

Illustration of Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - Hidden Treasures

Switzerland Travel Centre's Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - Hidden Treasures is a 3-day, 2-night rail and boat journey that departs Lucerne, crosses into Italy, and returns through Alpine passes. The itinerary combines five celebrated trains and one historic paddle-wheel boat: the Lucerne-Interlaken Express over Alpine foothills, the BLS Loetschberg railway through mountain terrain and the Simplon Tunnel, the Centovalli Railway through the valley of a hundred valleys to lakeside Locarno, the Gotthard Panorama Express in 1st class, and the vintage boat from Fluelen back to Lucerne. The package includes arrival and departure transport within Switzerland and a Digital Swiss Coupon Pass offering over 100 two-for-one experiences. This trip suits first-time rail travellers seeking a structured, short Alpine and lake-focused journey, as well as repeat rail enthusiasts who want to sample specialty train routes in compressed form. Accommodation is optional and customizable by hotel tier.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package price covers selected rail and boat journeys plus arrival and departure transport; confirm which train classes and seats are included for each leg
  • Accommodation is optional and selectable by hotel and room category; the quoted price may not include lodging

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Interlaken

    Travel to Lucerne and journey on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express

    You travel to Lucerne by public transport. Continue with the Lucerne-Interlaken Express to Interlaken. Travel time: approx. 1h 50min.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Locarno

    Ride on the Centovalli Railway

    You travel from Interlaken to Valais on the BLS Loetschberg railway. From there, continue through the Simplon Tunnel to Domodossola and then take the Centovalli-Railway to Locarno. Trip time: approx. 4 hours.

  3. Day 3rail

    Ride on the Gotthard Panorama Express and return journey from Lucerne

    You travel by train to Bellinzona and then with the Gotthard Panorama Express in 1st class to Fluelen. Continue with the historic steam paddle wheeler to Lucerne. Journey time: approx. 5 hours.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The Lucerne-Interlaken Express departs Lucerne and crosses Alpine foothills to Interlaken between lakes and mountains over approximately 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Day 2The BLS Loetschberg railway climbs from Interlaken through the Simplon Tunnel to Domodossola, then the Centovalli Railway winds through the valley of a hundred valleys to Locarno on Lake Maggiore
  • Day 3The Gotthard Panorama Express travels in 1st class from Bellinzona to Fluelen, followed by a historic steam paddle-wheel boat journey back to Lucerne

Included

  • Arrival and departure included - travel from any starting point and back to any ending point in Switzerland
  • Digital Swiss Coupon Pass included with every package holiday booking in 2026 - your key to over 100 exclusive 2-for-1 experiences throughout Switzerland, save up to CHF 4,500

Also sold by

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

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
The Lucerne-Interlaken Express, BLS Loetschberg railway, Centovalli Railway, Gotthard Panorama Express in 1st class, and a historic steam paddle-wheel boat from Fluelen to Lucerne are all included
Is this trip guided or independent?
The package supplies rail and boat travel with arrival and departure transport within Switzerland. Day-by-day guidance or group activities are not described in the itinerary
How long is the journey?
Three days and two nights. Day 1 is approximately 1 hour 50 minutes by train. Day 2 is approximately 4 hours. Day 3 is approximately 5 hours
What is included in the price?
Rail and boat travel on all five named routes, arrival and departure transport within Switzerland, and a Digital Swiss Coupon Pass with 2-for-1 offers. Hotels are optional and selected separately
Can I customize the trip?
Yes. Switzerland Travel Centre offers optional extras: you may choose your hotel and room category, add activities and mountain excursions, and extend the duration

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