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Switzerland Travel Centre · Voyage en train

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Trésors cachés

Three-day Swiss rail loop from Lucerne through alpine peaks to Locarno

Illustration of Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Trésors cachés

Switzerland Travel Centre's Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - Trésors cachés is a 3-day, 2-night independent rail journey for anyone wanting to experience famous Swiss trains without a fixed guided itinerary. Beginning in Lucerne, you board the Luzern-Interlaken Express for a scenic climb to Interlaken, where you overnight. On day two, the BLS Lötschberger takes you over the Lötschberg pass into Italy, crossing through the Simplon tunnel to Domodossola, then the romantic Train des Centovalli winds down the hundred valleys to Locarno on Lake Maggiore, where you stay a second night. On day three, you ride the Gotthard Panorama Express in first class from Bellinzone to Flüelen, then board a historic steam boat for a final cruise across the lake to Lucerne. The trip combines alpine railroading with lakeside stays and suits first-time rail travellers seeking a manageable three-day circuit, as well as repeat travellers collecting named scenic trains.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price (CHF 570 / USD 710) covers the rail package and accommodation; confirm whether all meals are included before booking
  • An optional panoramic car upgrade on the Train des Centovalli costs CHF 1.50 extra
  • Day 3 includes an unguided arrival in Lucerne by steam boat; arrange your own onward transport from the port

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Interlaken

    Arrivée à Lucerne et trajet avec le Luzern-Interlaken Express

    Tu te rends à Lucerne avec les transports publics. Ensuite, tu prendras le Luzern-Interlaken Express jusqu'à Interlaken. Temps de trajet : environ 1h 50min

  2. Day 2railovernight: Locarno

    Voyage avec le train des Centovalli

    Tu pars d'Interlaken avec le BLS Lötschberger pour te rendre en Valais. De là, tu continueras par le tunnel du Simplon jusqu'à Domodossola, puis tu prendras le train des Centovalli jusqu'à Locarno. Temps de trajet : environ 2h

  3. Day 3rail

    Voyage avec le Gotthard Panorama Express et retour depuis Lucerne

    Tu prendras le train jusqu'à Bellinzone, puis le Gotthard Panorama Express en 1ère classe jusqu'à Flüelen. Tu continueras ensuite avec le bateau à vapeur historique jusqu'à Lucerne.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Luzern-Interlaken Express departs Lucerne and travels 1 hour 50 minutes through alpine foothills to Interlaken, set between two lakes
  • Day 2BLS Lötschberger ascends the Lötschberg line to Domodossola, Italy, then the Train des Centovalli winds through the hundred valleys to Locarno on Lake Maggiore
  • Day 3Gotthard Panorama Express travels in first class from Bellinzone to Flüelen, followed by a historic steam boat across the lake back to Lucerne

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
The package includes the Luzern-Interlaken Express (day 1), BLS Lötschberger (day 2), Train des Centovalli (day 2), and Gotthard Panorama Express (day 3). A historic steam boat completes the journey on day 3.
What class of travel is it?
Second class throughout, except the Gotthard Panorama Express on day 3, which is first class.
Where do I stay?
Interlaken on night 1 and Locarno on night 2.
Is this an escorted tour?
No. You travel independently on the scheduled trains with accommodation provided in Interlaken and Locarno.
Can I add the panoramic car on the Train des Centovalli?
Yes, for CHF 1.50 extra (subject to availability).

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