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 seats are larger and more comfortable in 1st class, with more legroom and privacy and a 2+1 arrangement that offers additional comfort . The seats in 2nd class are arranged more closely with 2+2 seating and offer slightly less space and legroom. Both classes have large panoramic windows . The Prestige class in the GoldenPass Express takes comfort to a new level: heated leather seats , a raised seating position (by 40 cm) for an even better view, and guaranteed seat facing the direction of travel . In addition, the seats are particularly large, which guarantees an exclusive travel experience . If you would like to adjust your booking to the Prestige class or require further information , please contact our travel experts – they will be happy to help you. Please note that the route from Lugano to Tirano is by bus . There is no class division on the bus – all passengers travel in the same class .

What are the special features of the Centovalli Railway?

The Centovalli Railway combines the comfort of a panoramic train with the functionality of a regional train. A surcharge of CHF 1.50 is levied for the panoramic train cars .

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

You can specify your seat preferences on the panoramic trains during the booking process using the comment field . As the train cars can change direction, it is not guaranteed that your seat preferences will always be met. We will do our best 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 where you sit. 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?

GoldenPass Express: On board, you can choose from various appetizer 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 options on board the Centovalli Railway. We recommend that you stock up on snacks and drinks before your journey. Bernina Express: There is no dining car, but there is a moving minibar with snacks and drinks. You can also bring your own food and enjoy it during the journey.

Where do the panoramic routes start and how do I get from the station to the hotel and vice versa?

The Lucerne-Interlaken Express connects Lucerne and Interlaken . The GoldenPass Express runs between Interlaken East/West and Montreux . The Centovalli Railway runs between Domodossola and Locarno . The Bernina Express Bus runs between Lugano and Tirano . The train route of the Bernina Express runs between Tirano and St. Moritz . In the booking process you will be shown the distance to the respective train station when choosing a hotel. This allows you to choose accommodation nearby if required. Some hotels offer practical transfer services . Please contact your hotel for details on the transfer .

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend that you book early . Demand is particularly high for the main season (see above). You can book your package deal conveniently online or with our travel experts .

Is the trip accessible for the handicapped?

For accessible travel, we recommend that you contact us directly . This way, we can check the best options together and ensure that your travel needs are optimally met . Feel free to contact us by email or phone – the contact details can be found below .

Train journey

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Lakes and Peaks

Climb aboard and discover Switzerland in all its facets – on a round trip with the most famous panoramic trains. Let the most beautiful lakes and the highest and most famous mountains in the Alps enchant you. Two short side trips to Italy are included. Whether it's the picture-book scenery of Montreux, the Matterhorn, or the wild Engadine mountains – every route has a new highlight in store.

6 days / 5 nights

from $ 1,700

Sunset over an alpine town with a church, surrounded by mountains and a lake.

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

View of a lake with mountains in the background, a bird flies in the sky.

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Highlights

Travel with the Bernina Express on the highest train tracks in Europe
The Matterhorn – the symbol of Switzerland
From the mountains to Lake Geneva with the GoldenPass Express
A touch of elegance in the mountain world of St. Moritz
Centovalli Railway – a romantic train ride through the "valley of a hundred valleys"

A red train winds through a mountainous landscape with forests and a view of a lake in the distance.

A tranquil mountain landscape with a lake in the foreground and snow-capped peaks in the background; flowers in the foreground.

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Travel itinerary

Overview

Map of Switzerland Grand Train Tour of Switzerland itinerary – Lakes and Peaks

Day 1

Journey to Interlaken

Daily Itinerary

Travel by public transport from your starting point in Switzerland to Lucerne. Take the Lucerne-Interlaken Express to Interlaken.

Travel time: approx. 1h 50min

Overnight stay in Interlaken

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

Day 2

Ride on the GoldenPass Express

Daily Itinerary

You travel in the panoramic train car of the GoldenPass Express to Montreux on Lake Geneva.

Trip time: approx. 3h 15min

Overnight stay in Montreux

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

Day 3

Stay in Zermatt

Daily Itinerary

The Matterhorn Gotthard Railway takes you from Montreux to Zermatt. Here you have time to discover the beautiful village at the foot of the Matterhorn.

Trip time: approx. 2h 30min

Overnight stay in Zermatt

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

Day 4

Ride on the Centovalli-Railway

Daily Itinerary

Today you will travel briefly through Italy on the Centovalli-Railway and then on to Ticino. Enjoy the beautiful route through picturesque valleys and along deep gorges.

Trip time: approx. 5h 15min

Overnight stay in Lugano

A railway bridge spans a gorge in a green, mountainous landscape under a clear, blue sky.

Day 5

Ride on the Bernina Express

Daily Itinerary

From Lugano, you first travel on the Bernina Express bus to Tirano (IT). The journey continues in the panoramic train car of the Bernina Express to St. Moritz. A spectacular journey on the UNESCO World Heritage route of the Rhaetian Railway.

Trip time: approx. 5h 45min

Overnight stay in St. Moritz

A red Bernina Express train travels through an alpine landscape with snow-covered mountains in the background.

Day 6

Return journey from St. Moritz

Daily Itinerary

Return to your final destination in Switzerland by public transport. Alternatively, you can also extend your stay in St. Moritz.

A serene mountain landscape with a lake in the foreground and a village on the slopes under a clear, blue sky.

When is the best time to travel?

Travel period

February to November

Recommended travel period

May to September

High season

July, August

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Important information about the trip

What our Switzerland expert says

Between lakes and peaks
This tour offers you the best of Switzerland's diversity. Between lakes and peaks, you will discover impressive towns and panoramic routes along the way.
Barbara