4D3N Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Glaciers and Palm Trees

About this tour

• 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

– 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.