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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Lakes and Mountains of Switzerland

Seven-day Swiss rail loop from Lucerne through alpine passes to St. Moritz

Illustration of Lakes and Mountains of Switzerland

Vacations By Rail's Lakes and Mountains of Switzerland is a seven-day independent journey for rail travellers who want to explore on their own. You begin in Lucerne, with a day to wander its Old Town, historic Kapellbrücke bridge, and lakeside setting. On Day 3, you cruise from Lucerne to Flüelen, then board the Gotthard Panorama Express in first class, watching valleys and alpine landscapes unfold as the train descends into Lugano. After a free day there with optional wine tastings or walking tours, you travel on the Bernina Express, climbing through the Ticino region to St. Moritz, an alpine resort surrounded by peaks and lakes where you have another unscheduled day and access to cable cars and mountain excursions via the included Engadine Inclusive Card. Two nights in each city mean you can settle in rather than pack each day, and a Swiss Half Fare Card lets you explore on discounted mountain railways and boat rides during your free time.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 2 and Day 4 are unguided; optional paid excursions (Mt. Rigi, Monte Brè, wine cruises, or walking tours) are available but not included.
  • The from-price (USD 2,395) does not cover rail fares beyond what is packaged; confirm with Vacations By Rail whether the Gotthard Panorama Express and Bernina Express are included or booked separately.
  • Hotel accommodation is listed for three cities with two nights each, but the pack does not name the specific properties, only their locations.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Lucerne

    Lovely Lucerne

    Arrive at Zurich Airport and travel by rail to Lucerne, settling into accommodation beside Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee).

  2. Day 2overnight: Lucerne

    Explore Lucerne

    A free day to explore Lucerne at your own pace, including the historic Kapellbrücke bridge, the Glacier Garden's Lion Monument and the Old Town, or a choice of optional excursions such as Mt. Rigi, Mt. Pilatus, a guided walking tour, or the Swiss Transport Museum.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lugano

    Journey to Lugano via the Gotthard Panorama Express

    A cruise from Lucerne to Flüelen, then a first-class journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express through picturesque valleys and past lakes to Lugano.

  4. Day 4overnight: Lugano

    Discover Lugano

    A choice of optional activities including Monte Brè, a cruise on Lake Lugano to Gandria, a private cruise with wine tasting, or a food, wine and city walking tour, or explore Lugano's Old Town and museums independently.

  5. Day 5railovernight: St. Moritz

    From Lugano to St. Moritz via the Bernina Express

    A scenic journey aboard the Bernina Express through the Ticino region to St. Moritz, settling into accommodation for a relaxing evening.

  6. Day 6overnight: St. Moritz

    Enjoy St. Moritz

    A day of leisure in St. Moritz; the hotel provides an Engadine Inclusive Card granting access to excursions such as the Muottas Muragl funicular, Piz Nair by cable car and Diavolezza by cable car.

  7. Day 7rail

    Journey Home

    Board the rail journey back to Zurich Airport for departure home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3A cruise from Lucerne to Flüelen, followed by a first-class journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express through valleys and past lakes into Lugano.
  • Day 5The Bernina Express traverses the Ticino region on a scenic route to St. Moritz.
  • Day 6The hotel provides an Engadine Inclusive Card, granting access to cable cars and funiculars such as the Muottas Muragl funicular and Piz Nair by cable car.

Included

  • Hotel accommodation for 6 nights
  • First and Standard Class rail options available
  • 6 Breakfasts
  • Swiss Half Fare Card, permitting 50% discounted fares on free days for rail, boat and most mountain railway journeys
  • Superb tour excursions

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
The Gotthard Panorama Express and Bernina Express are part of the package. First and Standard Class rail options are available. Confirm whether these fares are included in the from-price or booked separately with Vacations By Rail.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
Vacations By Rail operates this as an independent rail vacation. You travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary; Days 2 and 4 are free days with optional paid excursions.
What hotels are included?
Six nights across three cities: two nights in Lucerne, two in Lugano, and two in St. Moritz. Specific hotel names are not listed in the package details.
What meals are included?
Six breakfasts are included, one for each night. Other meals are on your own, though optional paid activities include food and wine experiences.
When does this trip run?
No specific departure dates are listed. Contact Vacations By Rail to check availability and confirm the departure schedule.
What is the Swiss Half Fare Card?
Included in the package, this card grants 50% discounted fares on free days for rail, boat, and most mountain railway journeys.

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