Search

Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Mount Rigi and the Gotthard Panorama Express

Swiss and Italian rail trip via Mount Rigi and Gotthard Express

Illustration of Mount Rigi and the Gotthard Panorama Express

Railbookers operates this independent rail vacation, a 6-day, 5-night trip that runs from Lucerne to Milan by way of Lugano. After arriving in Lucerne by train from Zurich, the second day is a full excursion to Mount Rigi: a cruise across Lake Lucerne to Vitznau, then the oldest mountain cog railway in Europe up to Rigi Kulm at 1800 meters, descending by a second cog railway to Arth-Goldau. The third day combines a paddle steamer crossing of Lake Lucerne to Fluelen with the first-class Gotthard Panorama Express along the historic Gotthard railway line into Lugano. A free day in Lugano follows, with options including the Swissminiatur open-air museum. The trip ends with a short train to Milan for a single overnight before departure. Hotel breakfasts are included throughout. The mix of named scenic trains, a mountain excursion, and one unguided city day suits travelers who want Switzerland's classic rail routes on a shorter timeline than a full two-week circuit.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Milan portion of the trip is a single overnight stay, arriving in the afternoon and departing the next morning, shorter than the two-night stays in Lucerne and Lugano.
  • Railbookers lists 16 accommodation options across Lucerne and Lugano alone, spanning tiers from the IBIS Styles Luzern Hotel up to the Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern and the Villa Principe Leopoldo; which hotel you get depends on the tier you choose.
  • The evidence available does not list current departure dates or a season for this package; confirm timing and availability directly with Railbookers.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Lucerne

    Your Journey Begins in Lucerne

    Take the train from Zurich to Lucerne and on arrival, check in for a two-night stay. The medieval Chapel Bridge is a great place to start as it is considered to be one of the oldest, covered wooden bridges in Europe.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lucerne

    Lucerne/Mount Rigi

    Today, take a 1-hour cruise on Lake Lucerne to Vitznau, then the oldest mountain cog railway in Europe, 1800m up to Rigi Kulm. On your descent, take another scenic cog railway to Art-Goldau, then a train back to Lucerne.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lugano

    Lucerne to Lugano

    After breakfast enjoy a paddle cruiser ride across Lake Lucerne to Fluelen. Then board the scenic Gotthard Panorama Express for a lovely journey along the historic Gotthard railway line. On arrival in Lugano, check in for a two-night stay.

  4. Day 4overnight: Lugano

    Lugano

    Spend today getting to know Lugano. Lugano Arte e Cultura (LAC) is the city's cultural centre. Visit Swissminiatur, an open-air museum that features over 120 1:125 scale models of the most famous buildings and monuments in Switzerland.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Milan

    Lugano to Milan

    Today, you will board the train from Lugano to Milan and on arrival, check-in at your hotel for an overnight stay. Spend the rest of the day discovering fashionable, vibrant Milan.

  6. Day 6rail

    Depart Milan

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your onward travel. If you wish to extend your journey with additional stops or extra days in a different city, one of our Rail Specialists would be happy to help you.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The trip opens in Lucerne with a visit to the Chapel Bridge, described as one of the oldest covered wooden bridges in Europe.
  • Day 2A cog railway, the oldest mountain cog railway in Europe, climbs to Rigi Kulm at 1800 meters, with a scenic descent via a second cog railway to Arth-Goldau.
  • Day 3A paddle steamer crosses Lake Lucerne to Fluelen, followed by the first-class Gotthard Panorama Express along the historic Gotthard railway line.
  • Day 4The Swissminiatur open-air museum in Lugano features over 120 scale models of famous Swiss buildings and monuments.
  • Day 5A short train from Lugano to Milan is followed by an evening discovering the city.

Included

  • First class travel on paddle steamer boat and on Gotthard Express
  • Standard class rail travel and reservations as per the itinerary
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Lucerne
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Lugano
  • 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Milan
  • Mount Rigi day trip

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. First class travel is included on the paddle steamer and the Gotthard Express, with standard class rail and reservations for the rest of the itinerary, including the Mount Rigi day trip.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation from Railbookers. Day 4 in Lugano is free time with no guide.
What does the Mount Rigi day trip include?
A 1-hour cruise on Lake Lucerne to Vitznau, then the oldest mountain cog railway in Europe up to Rigi Kulm at 1800 meters, descending by a second cog railway to Arth-Goldau before a train back to Lucerne.
How many nights are spent in each city?
2 nights in Lucerne, 2 nights in Lugano, and 1 night in Milan, all with breakfast included.
How long is the trip and what does it cost?
It runs 6 days and 5 nights, priced from $1,339 per person according to Railbookers.

Similar journeys