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Selected Departures April to October
A grand tour of Italy through the beautiful Alps of Switzerland, this inspiring journey hints at lakeside serenity, mountain passes and world-famous cities. During your holiday, travel in comfort aboard the spectacular Gotthard Panorama Express – complete with a lake cruise and complimentary baggage transfer. You might not have heard of this show-stopping railway journey, but trust us, it’s truly spectacular! The rest of your time is spent discovering the best of Italy – and there’s a reason we call it a Grand Tour: five cities, scenic rail routes, and even more destinations through unforgettable day trips.
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Everyone knows that Glacier Express dissects central Switzerland horizontally – but did you know you can also do almost the same vertically? You might not have heard of this railway journey – which is complete with a lake cruise for good measure - but trust us, it’s truly spectacular!
Leaving Lucerne on board one of Lake Lucerne Navigation’s beautiful boats (some of which are historic paddle steamers), you will enjoy the open water of Lake Lucerne as you head to the far side of the lake, passing Rütli - the birthplace of the Swiss Confederation in 1291 - and the chapel marking the spot where William Tell is said to have escaped his pursuers by throwing himself overboard. In just under 3 hours, you’ll arrive in Flüelen, ready to board the panoramic carriages of the Gotthard Panorama Express.
The train will wind and weave its way through the mountains, including a triple-pass of the Baroque church at Wassen, as the railway loops round to pass through the challenging terrain. From an interesting technical point of view, the railway uses helical (spiral) tunnels, to twist up through the rock. You’ll continue your journey through the Gotthard Pass – bypassing the world’s longest railway tunnel – to find yourself in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, Ticino, where you will glide past the castles of Bellinzona and wine terraces cut into the hillsides, before ending your journey in the gorgeous lakeside resort of Lugano.
You could also start this journey in Arth-Goldau if you would prefer a rail-only experience. Close by to Arth-Goldau you will find Mount Rigi: The Queen of the Mountains. A favourite of Queen Victoria and still a favourite today among rail enthusiasts and hikers alike. You can enjoy Mount Rigi as an excursion on some of our rail holiday packages.
You can also drop your luggage off beforehand and travel luggage free with the available luggage service (pre-book).
