Train journey Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Hidden Treasures

Real insider tips on a short trip along the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland to its hidden gems: off the beaten track, there is a short detour to Italy, where you can travel on to Locarno on the Centovalli Railway. Traveling in 1st class on the Gotthard Panorama Express lets you learn more about the history of Switzerland on the outward or return journey to Lucerne.

3 days / 2 nights

from $ 600

Direction

To Planning

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

Aerial view of a village with historic buildings and a tall church tower.

Expansive mountain landscape with snow-covered peaks and a tranquil lake in the foreground.

4 Images

To Planning

Highlights

Unique combination of boat and train journey with the Gotthard Panorama Express
Lucerne and Interlaken – Swiss highlights between lakes and mountains
Breathtaking views on the Lötschberg mountain route with BLS
Sunbathe in Locarno on Lake Maggiore
Centovalli Railway – a romantic train ride through the "valley of a hundred valleys"

A ferry on a lake, with a church and houses in a green mountain landscape in the background.

Train passing through green hills beside a lake under a cloudy sky.

5 Images

Travel itinerary

Direction

Overview

Day 1 Travel to Lucerne and journey on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express
Day 2 Ride on the Centovalli Railway
Day 3 Ride on the Gotthard Panorama Express and return journey from Lucerne

Map of Switzerland with the itinerary Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - Hidden Treasures from Lucerne to Locarno

Day 1

Travel to Lucerne and journey on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express

Daily Itinerary

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

Travel time: approx. 1h 50min

Overnight stay in Interlaken

Day 2

Ride on the Centovalli Railway

Daily Itinerary

You travel from Interlaken to Valais on the BLS Lötschberg railway. From there, continue through the Simplon Tunnel to Domodossola and then take the Centovalli Railway to Locarno.

Trip time: approx. 2 hours

Overnight stay in Locarno

Day 3

Ride on the Gotthard Panorama Express and return journey from Lucerne

Daily Itinerary

You travel by train to Bellinzona and then with the Gotthard Panorama Express in 1st class to Flüelen. Continue with the historic steam paddle wheeler to Lucerne.

When is the best time to travel?

Travel period

April to October

Recommended travel period

May to October

High season

July to September

Important information about the trip

What our Switzerland expert says

Well-kept insider tips
This tour hides some well-kept secrets. The ride through the romantic Centovalli and Valle Vigezzo is particularly beautiful.
Heidi