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railtour suisse · Panoramic rail journey

Lötschberg mountain route and Centovalli

Swiss and Italian rail loop via two panoramic mountain trains

Illustration of Lötschberg mountain route and Centovalli

Railtour Suisse operates this three-day rail journey combining two of the Alps' most celebrated mountain trains. You depart Bern on the RegioExpress, which climbs the historic Lötschberg mountain route through hairpin loops and past the imposing Kanderviadukt before threading the Simplon Tunnel into Domodossola, Italy. The overnight stay gives you free time and the option to hike to Sacro Monte Calvario, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a 15-chapel Way of the Cross. Day two brings the Centovalli Railway, a two-hour journey through the Valley of a Hundred Valleys and the Vigezzo Valley to Locarno on Lake Maggiore, where you spend your second night. Day three offers a leisurely morning walk along the lake promenade and a visit to Piazza Grande before your return journey. The trip suits repeat rail travellers, photographers drawn to engineering and valley scenery, history enthusiasts interested in Swiss railway heritage, and couples seeking a relaxed pace with comfortable accommodation and time to explore two distinct Alpine and Mediterranean towns.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price is based on a Half Fare Travelcard; full-price rail fares may be higher.
  • Day three departure time is not specified; confirm your return journey options before booking.
  • The recommended hike to Sacro Monte Calvario on day one is optional and not part of the guided itinerary.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Domodossola

    Arrival in Domodossola

    Train journey to Bern and onward with the RegioExpress via Spiez along the historic mountain route to Brig, past the Kanderviadukt, the loops around the Felsenburg and the Bietschtal Bridge near Raron, then through the Simplon Tunnel to Domodossola (Italy). Free time, with a recommended easy hike to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sacro Monte Calvario.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Locarno

    Centovalli Railway (2h)

    Breakfast at the hotel. Travel on the Centovalli Railway through the 'Valley of a Hundred Valleys' and the Vigezzo Valley to Locarno.

  3. Day 3

    Locarno and return journey

    Breakfast at the hotel. Stroll beneath the palm trees along the lake promenade and visit Piazza Grande. Individual return journey. This tour can also be booked in the opposite direction.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The RegioExpress climbs the historic Lötschberg mountain route, passing the imposing Kanderviadukt and hairpin loops around the Felsenburg before entering the Simplon Tunnel to descend into Domodossola.
  • Day 2The Centovalli Railway winds through the Valley of a Hundred Valleys and the Vigezzo Valley for two hours to Locarno on the Swiss-Italian border.
  • Day 3A morning stroll along Locarno's lake promenade beneath palm trees and a visit to Piazza Grande before individual return travel.

Included

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

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
The RegioExpress from Bern to Domodossola via the Lötschberg mountain route and Simplon Tunnel, and the Centovalli Railway from Domodossola to Locarno. Both are in 2nd class.
Is this an escorted tour?
No. Railtour Suisse includes the train travel and accommodation with breakfast. Day three is described as an individual return journey, suggesting you arrange your own transport home.
What hotels are included?
One night in a 3-star hotel in Domodossola and one night in a 3-star hotel in Locarno, both with standard double rooms and breakfast.
How much walking is involved?
Days two and three involve strolling in town. Day one includes an optional easy hike to Sacro Monte Calvario; the rest is free time.
What is not included?
Meals other than breakfast, the optional hike, and the return journey home on day three.

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