What is the difference between 1st and 2nd class on the panoramic trains?

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. The journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express is included in 1st class . There you benefit from more comfort, additional legroom and tables of two and four, which offer more space .

What makes the Centovalli Railway special?

The Centovalli Railway combines the comfort of a panoramic train with the functionality of a regional train. A seat supplement of CHF 1.50 applies for the panoramic carriages .

Can I choose my seat on the panoramic trains in advance?

On the Gotthard Panorama Express , you can specify your seat preferences during the booking process using the comments field . Depending on availability, seat preferences cannot always be fulfilled. We will endeavour to allocate you the best available seat and inform you if a window seat is not available. The view is always impressive, regardless of your seat. If you would like to reserve seats on the Centovalli Railway in advance, you can do so directly online at Vigezzinacentovalli.com .

What dining options are available on board the panoramic trains?

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. On the ship you can enjoy your lunch in the restaurant . A table reservation is recommended and can be made by telephone on +41 41 367 67 67 or online at Lakelucerne.ch . Centovalli Railway: There are no catering facilities on board the Centovalli Railway. We recommend that you stock up on snacks and drinks before the journey .

Where do the panoramic routes start and how do I get from the railway station to the hotel and back?

The journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express begins on the Panorama Train from Lugano and takes you to Flüelen . From there, continue by boat to Lucerne . The Centovalli Railway runs between Domodossola and Locarno . In the booking process , the distance to each train station is displayed when you choose your 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 .

How far in advance should I book?

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 .

Is the journey accessible?

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.

Train Journey

Culinary Highlights

Give all your senses a Swiss experience. Charming cities, picturesque landscapes and culinary surprises await you on this trip. Enjoy unforgettable views and indulge in regional specialities – a perfect combination of culture, nature and cuisine.

8 days / 7 nights

from CHF 1’450

Two people sitting at sunset with a glass of wine on a hillside, looking at the sea.

Highlights

Wine tasting in Lavaux, the largest wine-growing region in Switzerland
Risotto workshop in an authentic grotto – with a rich aperitif and local wine
Public chocolate city tour through Bern – indulgence and culture in the old town
Unique combination of boat and train journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express
Magnificent view from the open top deck of the CabriO cable car to the Stanserhorn

A hand holding a wine glass with white wine in front of a landscape with vineyards and a lake.

5 Images

Itinerary

Overview

Day 1

Travelling to Montreux

Itinerary

Travel to Montreux by public transport. The city is nestled between the Alps and Lake Geneva, known for its beautiful lakeside promenade and musical heritage.

Overnight stay in Montreux

City view by the lake with mountains in the background.

Day 2

Visit to Chillon Castle and Lavaux

Itinerary

After breakfast at the hotel, it is a short bus ride to visit Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva. Then head to Chexbres for a wine tasting at Domaine Bovy with a view over the Lavaux wine terraces. Return to Montreux in the evening.

Overnight stay in Montreux

A picturesque landscape with a village amidst vineyards, a lake, and mountains in the background.

Day 3

Journey on the Centovalli-Railway

Itinerary

Travel from Montreux to Brig. Continue on the picturesque Centovalli-Railway to Locarno and then by regional train to Lugano, a lively city on the lake. In the evening, you can sample a delicious dinner in one of the many Italian restaurants.

Journey time: approx. 5h 30min

Overnight stay in Lugano

Train on a bridge over a gorge with a river in a mountainous landscape.

Day 4

Lugano and risotto workshop in Bellinzona

Itinerary

Take a trip to Bellinzona for a workshop where you learn how to prepare a traditional Ticino risotto. In the afternoon, you can explore the Ticino region with its charming villages, castles and lakes by train or bus.

Overnight stay in Lugano

A woman and a man walk along a waterfront promenade, with trees and a mountain visible in the background.

Day 5

Journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express

Itinerary

Travel on the Gotthard Panorama Express in 1st class from Lugano to Lucerne. The journey combines a trip on the panoramic train with a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne. If you are hungry, you can enjoy a delicious lunch on board the boat.

Journey time: approx. 5h 30min

Overnight stay in Lucerne

Mountain landscape with lake, train, and ship in the foreground.

Day 6

Lucerne and mountain excursion to the Stanserhorn

Itinerary

The excursion to the Stanserhorn is included in your Swiss Travel Pass. Ride the world's first open-topped cable car to the summit and enjoy lunch in the revolving restaurant. Afterwards, you can explore Lucerne's old town, the riverside promenade and the Chapel Bridge at your own pace.

Overnight stay in Lucerne

A cable car floats over a picturesque mountain and lake landscape.

Day 7

Visit to the Kambly World of Experience and chocolate city tour

Itinerary

Drive from Lucerne to Trubschachen to the Kambly World of Experience, where you can sample Switzerland's most famous biscuits. Continue to Bern for a public guided chocolate city tour, available from Monday to Saturday. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to explore the medieval old town, the Zytglogge tower and the arcades.

Overnight stay in Bern

A family strolls through the old town of Bern in the sunshine and eats ice cream.

Day 8

Return journey from Bern

Itinerary

Travel by public transport from Bern to your final destination in Switzerland.

A beautiful old town by a river with a stone bridge and green hills in the background.

When is the best time to travel?

Travel period

April to October

Recommended travel period

June, September

High season

July, August

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