4D3N Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Glaciers and Palm Trees
- Travel in the 1st class panoramic coach on the historic Gotthard mountain route
- Picturesque boat trip on Lake Lucerne
- "Dolce Vita" in Lugano
- Panoramic trip on the Bernina Express through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Rhaetian Railway
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
| Luggage limit | None |
| Tour types | None |
| Meal arrangement | Breakfast included, Arrange yourself |
| Accommodation type | Hotel, Luxury (4–5 stars), Mid-range (3 stars) |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, City walking tour |
| Transport | Sightseeing cruise, Walking |
Product Info
- St. Moritz to Lucerne -
This is a self-guided tour — we’ll provide the necessary tickets and a recommended itinerary, but you’re free to explore on your own way.
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN ST. MORITZ
- Individual travel by train to St. Moritz. The town is more than just a holiday resort, it was also the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism. Overnight in St. Moritz.
Day 2: BERNINA EXPRESS
- Breakfast at the hotel. Board the Bernina Express, travel over circular viaducts and pass through winding tunnels before reaching Tirano in Italy. Change to the Bernina Express bus which will take you onwards to Ticino. Overnight in Lugano.
Journey time: approx. 5h 40 min
Day 3: GOTTHARD PANORAMA EXPRESS
- Breakfast at the hotel. The Gotthard Panorama Express travels from the Mediterranean south to the traditional heart of Switzerland. From Flüelen you will have a boat ride over Lake Lucerne. Overnight in Lucerne.
Journey time: approx. 5h 30 min
Day 4: DEPARTURE FROM LUCERNE TO AIRPORT/SWISS BORDER
- Breakfast at the hotel. Individual return journey to your ending point in Switzerland.
- Lucerne to St. Moritz -
This is a self-guided tour — we’ll provide the necessary tickets and a recommended itinerary, but you’re free to explore on your own way.
Day 1: Travelling to Lucerne
- Travel to Lucerne by public transport. Enjoy the journey and take the opportunity to discover the city on arrival. Overnight stay in Lucerne
Day 2: Journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express
- Breakfast at the hotel. Cross Lake Lucerne on the historic paddle steamer to Flüelen. You then travel to Lugano in the panoramic coach of the Gotthard Panorama Express. Overnight stay in Lugano.
Journey time: approx. 5h 30min
Day 3: Journey on the Bernina Express
- Travel on the Bernina Express bus through the Italian Alps to Tirano. Then take the Bernina Express to St. Moritz in a panoramic carriage. Overnight stay in St. Moritz
Journey time: approx. 5h 40min
Day 4: Return journey from St. Moritz
- Start your return journey from St. Moritz by public transport. Alternatively, you can extend your stay.
- Hotel -
- 3 Stars
- 4 Stars
*Please note that you cannot choose the hotel but only choose the level of the hotel. We'll do our best to provide the suitable one for you.
- Booking and Travel Planning -
- From mid-April to mid-October, the Gotthard Panorama Express runs daily, except Mondays.
- Table reservations on the boat can be made directly via +41 41 367 67 67 or online at Lakelucerne.ch.
- We will book your connection with the Bernina Express and Gotthard Panorama Express depending on seat availability and to suit your travel programme. For all other trains, you are flexible and can check the timetable yourself at sbb.ch and decide on a connection
- Please note that seat reservations on the panoramic trains are not yet confirmed after booking.
- Travel documents will be sent by email where possible, by post in exceptional cases.
- Download the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland app and collect points for great offers as you discover the "must-sees".
- Please note that until 14.05.2025 the Bernina Express will only run from/to Pontresina. The journey between St. Moritz and Pontresina is by regional train.
- 07.05.2025 – 14.05.2025: Construction site between Pontresina and Poschiavo, a bus replacement runs.
- Travel from any start point and back to any end point in Switzerland
-FAQ-
Q: What is the difference between 1st and 2nd class on the panoramic trains?
A: The main differences lie in the seating arrangement and the comfort. The seating is arranged in tables of two and four in 1st class, offering more space and only tables of four in 2nd class. All travel classes have the same panoramic windows.
Q:Can I choose my seat on the panoramic trains in advance?
A:On the panoramic trains, you can specify your seat preferences during the booking process using the comments field. As the carriages can change direction of travel, it is not guaranteed that your seat preferences will always be met. We will endeavour to allocate you the best available seat and will inform you if a window seat is not available. The view is always impressive, regardless of your seat.
Q:What dining options are available on board the panoramic trains?
A:(1)Bernina Express: There is no dining car, but there is an at-seat trolley with snacks and drinks. You can also bring your own food and enjoy it during the journey. (2)Gotthard Panorama Express: The Panorama Train offers snacks and drinks that are served directly at your seat, including regional specialities such as a cold platter.
Q:Where do the panoramic routes start and how do I get from the railway station to the hotel and back?
A:The train route of the Bernina Express runs between St. Moritz and Tirano. A bus runs from Tirano to Lugano. In Flüelen you board the Panorama Train to Lugano. The itinerğıry can be done in both directions the choice is yours. In the booking process you will be shown the distance to each train station when choosing a hotel. This allows you to choose nearby accommodation as required. Some hotels offer practical transfer services. For details about the transfer, please contact your hotel directly.
Q:How far in advance should I book?
A:We recommend that you book early to avoid disappointment. Demand is particularly high for the high season (see above). You can book your package online at the touch of a button or via our travel experts.
Q:Is the journey accessible?
A:For accessible holidays, we recommend that you contact us directly. This way, we can check the best options together and ensure that your travel needs are taken into consideration. Feel free to contact us by email or phone the contact details can be found below.
3 Star Hotel - Full List of Accommodations https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O_duzdig0lQA4xdxta8xMef_iuy8-dDzAZgEVL1tDzA/edit?usp=sharing
4 Star Hotel - Full List of Accommodations https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O_duzdig0lQA4xdxta8xMef_iuy8-dDzAZgEVL1tDzA/edit?usp=sharing
Itinerary Overview
Purchase Notice
- From mid-April to mid-October, the Gotthard Panorama Express runs daily, except Mondays.
- Table reservations on the boat can be made directly via +41 41 367 67 67 or online at Lakelucerne.ch.
- We will book your connection with the Bernina Express and Gotthard Panorama Express depending on seat availability and to suit your travel programme. For all other trains, you are flexible and can check the timetable yourself at sbb.ch and decide on a connection
- Please note that seat reservations on the panoramic trains are not yet confirmed after booking.
- Travel documents will be sent by email where possible, by post in exceptional cases.
- Download the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland app and collect points for great offers as you discover the "must-sees".
- Travel from any start point and back to any end point in Switzerland
Reminders
The travel documents will be sent by e-mail if possible, in exceptional cases by post
Cancellation Policy
- For cancellations made at least 30 day(s) prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 10% will apply
- For cancellations made 15 to 29 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 35% will apply
- For cancellations made 8 to 14 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 65% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–7 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
This 4-day, 3-night tour connects alpine grandeur with Mediterranean flair. It features panoramic journeys on the Bernina Express through a UNESCO site and the historic Gotthard Panorama Express. You'll experience stunning landscapes from St. Moritz to the sun-kissed Ticino region, including a picturesque boat trip on Lake Lucerne and the 'Dolce Vita' in Lugano, showcasing Switzerland's diverse beauty and iconic rail routes.
The tour spans 4 days and 3 nights. It typically begins in St. Moritz, guiding you south to Tirano and Lugano via the Bernina Express, offering magnificent alpine views. The journey continues north through the Gotthard region to Lucerne, including a scenic boat trip on Lake Lucerne. Each day focuses on a distinct segment, combining iconic train routes with picturesque destinations and unique regional experiences.
The Bernina Express leg of the tour offers a panoramic journey through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Rhaetian Railway. You'll traverse dramatic viaducts, spiral tunnels, and breathtaking alpine landscapes, crossing the Bernina Pass at over 2,253 meters. This route provides unparalleled views of glaciers and mountain scenery, connecting the colder north with the warmer south of Switzerland through an engineering marvel.
On the historic Gotthard mountain route, travelers experience a journey through engineering marvels, including tunnels and bridges, showcasing traditional Swiss railway construction amidst impressive landscapes. This scenic route leads to Lake Lucerne, where a picturesque boat trip offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and charming lakeside towns, providing a serene contrast to the dynamic train journey.
This tour uniquely combines two iconic scenic routes: the high-alpine Bernina Express and the historic Gotthard Panorama Express, connecting two distinct climate zones – glaciers and palm trees. It offers a comprehensive Swiss experience, from the Engadin Alps to the Italian-speaking Ticino, with a focus on 1st class panoramic travel and a scenic boat trip, showcasing Switzerland's diverse landscapes and cultures in a single, well-planned itinerary.
In Lugano, the tour embraces a 'Dolce Vita' atmosphere, reflecting its Italian-speaking heritage and Mediterranean climate. Travelers can enjoy strolling along Lake Lugano, exploring the charming old town with its arcaded streets and piazzas, and indulging in local Ticinese cuisine. The city offers a delightful blend of Swiss efficiency and southern European flair, perfect for relaxation and cultural immersion by the lake.
You can conveniently book this Grand Train Tour through KKday, which offers a streamlined reservation process and reliable customer support for complex multi-day tours. The package typically includes 1st class rail tickets for all scenic routes, necessary seat reservations, and sometimes accommodation. This ensures a seamless travel experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying the breathtaking Swiss landscapes without the hassle of individual bookings.
Traveling in the 1st class panoramic coach on this Grand Train Tour offers an enhanced viewing experience with larger windows that extend into the roof, providing unobstructed vistas of the passing Swiss landscapes. Passengers typically enjoy more spacious seating and quieter carriages, allowing for a more relaxed and comfortable journey. It's designed for maximum scenic appreciation and comfort throughout the diverse routes.
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