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Tailor Made Rail · Self-guided rail holiday

Travelzoo: Lake Maggiore via the Gotthard Pass

Eight days from London to Lake Maggiore via Gotthard Pass, first class rail

Illustration of Travelzoo: Lake Maggiore via the Gotthard Pass

Tailor Made Rail's eight-day self-guided rail holiday takes you first class from your UK local station through the Channel Tunnel and across France to Strasbourg, then over the Gotthard Pass into Switzerland and down to Locarno on the shores of Lake Maggiore, where you spend five nights based at a handpicked hotel with included breakfast and a Ticino Ticket for free local transport. The journey back to London features the celebrated Gotthard Panorama Express, combining a train climb over the original pass with a boat cruise across Lake Lucerne, stops in Lucerne and Basel, and high-speed return trains through Paris. All seven nights' accommodation and all rail journeys are included in first class. The trip suits repeat rail travellers who appreciate named trains and couples seeking an independent lakeside break with the freedom to explore at their own pace.

What to know before you look closer

  • On April, November, and December departures, the panoramic Gotthard Panorama Express train does not operate; the lake cruise still runs and the rail leg is by Treno Gottardo direct from Locarno to Flüelen.
  • Lunch on the Lake Lucerne boat cruise is not included and is payable locally.
  • An optional day trip south towards Lake Como incurs a small supplement for the Italian border stretch.
  • Hotels listed are marked 'or similar', meaning your final accommodation depends on availability and tier.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Strasbourg (BW Plus Monopole Metropole or similar)

    Your local station to Strasbourg

    Eurostar through the Channel Tunnel, connecting with a TGV on the rapid LGV Est line to Strasbourg, arriving in time for dinner.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Locarno (La Palma au Lac or similar)

    Strasbourg to Locarno

    Regional service into Switzerland, then the Treno Gottardo, a modern train with large picture windows, over the Gotthard Pass and down into Ticino, ending at Locarno on Lake Maggiore.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Locarno (La Palma au Lac or similar)

    Locarno

    Free day on Lake Maggiore - boats depart along the lake to towns including Stresa, with a Ticino Ticket giving free local bus and train travel.

  4. Day 4overnight: Locarno (La Palma au Lac or similar)

    Locarno

    Explore further afield - the Verzasca Valley or colourful Ascona along the lakefront.

  5. Day 5overnight: Locarno (La Palma au Lac or similar)

    Locarno

    Further time at leisure in Locarno and the surrounding Lake Maggiore region.

  6. Day 6overnight: Locarno (La Palma au Lac or similar)

    Locarno

    Optional day trip south towards Lake Como, with a small supplement for the stretch across the Italian border.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Basel (GAIA Hotel or similar)

    Locarno to Basel via the Gotthard Panorama Express

    The celebrated Gotthard Panorama Express climbs the original Gotthard Pass to Flüelen, then continues by boat across Lake Lucerne to Lucerne (with lunch available on board, payable locally), before continuing by rail to Basel. On April, November and December departures the panoramic train does not operate; the lake cruise still runs and the rail leg is by Treno Gottardo direct from Locarno to Flüelen.

  8. Day 8rail

    Basel to your local station

    High-speed TGV Lyria to Paris, transferring to the Gare du Nord for the Eurostar under the Channel to London, with onward First Class UK rail included.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Treno Gottardo, a modern train with large picture windows, climbs the Gotthard Pass and descends into Ticino, arriving at Locarno on Lake Maggiore.
  • Day 3Free day on Lake Maggiore with boat departures to towns including Stresa, using a Ticino Ticket for free local transport.
  • Day 7The Gotthard Panorama Express climbs the original Gotthard Pass to Flüelen, then continues by boat across Lake Lucerne to Lucerne, before rail to Basel.

Included

  • All rail journeys, in first class
  • Seat reservations where required
  • 7 nights' handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Easy-to-follow travel documentation
  • Despatch of tickets by email
  • Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included in the price?
Yes. The price includes all rail journeys in first class from your local UK station through to Basel, including Eurostar, TGV, Treno Gottardo, the Gotthard Panorama Express, and the Lake Lucerne boat segment. Seat reservations are also included where required.
Is this an escorted tour or self-guided?
This is a self-guided rail holiday. Tailor Made Rail provides easy-to-follow travel documentation and email ticket despatch, but you travel independently. In Locarno you have five free days to explore.
Which trains am I on?
Day 1: Eurostar and TGV (LGV Est). Day 2: regional train and Treno Gottardo through the Gotthard Pass. Day 7: the Gotthard Panorama Express (train plus Lake Lucerne boat). Days return via TGV Lyria and Eurostar.
What hotels are included?
One night in Strasbourg (BW Plus Monopole Metropole or similar), five nights in Locarno (La Palma au Lac or similar), and one night in Basel (Gaia Hotel or similar). All include breakfast.
When does this trip depart?
Departures run in July, August, September, October, November, and December 2026. Low-season prices (April, November, December) start at GBP 1,199; high-season prices (May-October) start at GBP 1,299.
What is not included?
Lunch on the Lake Lucerne boat is payable locally. An optional day trip towards Lake Como carries a small supplement. Travel insurance and meals not specified are not included.

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