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

The main differences are how the seats are arranged and the level of comfort . 1st class offers larger and more comfortable seats with more legroom and privacy , due to a seating arrangement of tables of two and four. In 2nd class, the seats are arranged more densely and the arrangement is in tables of four only . Both classes have large panoramic windows . The Prestige class on the GoldenPass Express takes comfort to a whole new level: heated leather seats , a guarantee to be facing the direction of travel and a raised seating position (by 40 cm) for even better views! In addition, the seats are particularly spacious to ensure an exclusive travel experience . If you would like to upgrade your journey to Prestige class or require further information , please contact our travel experts who will be happy to help. The Gotthard Panorama Express journey is included in 1st class . You will benefit from more comfort, additional legroom and more space , as seats are arranged in tables of two and four.

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?

You can specify your seat preferences for the panoramic trains during the booking process using the comments field . As the carriages can change direction, it may not always be possible to fulfil your seat preference. 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. If you would like to reserve a seat on the Centovalli Railway before travel, you can do so directly online at Vigezzinacentovalli.com .

What dining options are available on board the panoramic trains?

GoldenPass Express: On board, you can choose from various regional aperitif platters , combined with mineral water, wine or beer. The selection is made during the booking and the food is served directly at your seat . Centovalli Railway: There are no catering facilities on board the Centovalli Railway. We recommend buying snacks and drinks before your journey. 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 boat 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 .

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

The Lucerne-Interlaken Express connects Lucerne and Interlaken . The GoldenPass Express runs between Interlaken Ost/West and Montreux . The Centovalli Railway runs between Domodossola and Locarno . The journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express starts on a Panoramic Train in Bellinzona and takes you to Flüelen . From there, continue by boat to Lucerne . In the booking process , the distance to each station is displayed when you select 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

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Alpine Rivieras

In five days, you will experience five unique train routes – past glittering lakes and through spectacular Alpine landscapes. From the Swiss Riviera in Montreux to the mountains around Zermatt and sunny Ticino: look forward to the perfect mix of nature, culture and charming places!

5 days / 4 nights

from CHF 930

An idyllic mountain landscape with a train passing by a lake.

A train travels through vineyards with a view of a lake and mountains in the background.

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

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Highlights

Centovalli Railway – a romantic train journey through the "Valley of a Hundred Valleys"
Impressive fortresses and Mediterranean flair in Ticino
Famous mountains such as the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau or the Matterhorn
Unique combination of boat and train journey with the Gotthard Panorama Express
Montreux – the pearl on Lake Geneva

View of an alpine valley with a town, surrounded by green mountains and a prominent mountain peak in the background.

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

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Itinerary

Overview

Day 1

Arrival in Interlaken

Itinerary

Travel to Lucerne by public transport. Continue with the Lucerne-Interlaken Express to Interlaken.

Journey time: approx. 1h 50min

Overnight stay in Interlaken

City view with river, boats, and surrounding mountains in the background.

Day 2

Journey on the GoldenPass Express

Itinerary

Travel in the panoramic coach of the GoldenPass Express to Montreux on Lake Geneva.

Journey time: approx. 3h 15min

Overnight stay in Montreux

Train passes through green hills in front of a mountainous landscape.

Day 3

Stay in Zermatt

Itinerary

Travel by train from Montreux to Zermatt. Here you have time to discover the beautiful village at the foot of the Matterhorn.

Journey time: approx. 2h 30min

Overnight stay in Zermatt

A mountain landscape with a distinctive rock formation, surrounded by green hills and forests; slightly cloudy sky in the background.

Day 4

Journey on the Centovalli-Railway

Itinerary

Today travel on the Centovalli-Railway via Domodossola in Italy to Locarno and enjoy the beautiful route past numerous side valleys.

Journey time: approx. 5h

Overnight stay in Locarno

A train is crossing a bridge surrounded by green leaves, with a church steeple and snow-capped mountains in the background.

Day 5

Journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express

Itinerary

Take the train to Bellinzona and then the Gotthard Panorama Express in 1st class to Flüelen. Continue with the historic paddle steamer to Lucerne. From there, you can either extend your stay or start your return journey to your final destination in Switzerland.

Journey time: approx. 5 hours

A couple sits on a train and enjoys the view of a mountain village from the panoramic window.

When is the best time to travel?

Travel period

April to October

Recommended travel period

May to September

High season

July, August

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Included in your booking

Your Digital Swiss Coupon Pass

With every package holiday booking in 2026, we'll give you a Digital Swiss Coupon Pass – your key to over 100 exclusive 2-for-1 experiences throughout Switzerland. Discover more, enjoy more and save up to CHF 4,500.

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Important information about the trip

What our Switzerland expert says

A Perfect Combination
This tour combines a variety of panoramic journeys with the country's most beautiful destinations. For me, it is the perfect tour through Switzerland!
Annette