Grand Swiss Railways

Be the first to know Would you like to receive the latest updates, special offers and promotions from Radio Times? Sign up to our newsletter

By proceeding, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. To find out what personal data we collect and how we use it, please visit our Privacy Policy.

Discover the pure delights of Swiss scenery as we travel in style through some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes. From white Mountain peaks to glistening turquoise Lakes, you’ll be mesmerised as you journey towards some of Switzerland’s top locations. With this idyllic travel package and stunning destinations, it’s the perfect holiday to experience Switzerland’s most iconic railways – this is not one to be missed!

Holiday Highlights

Entrance to the Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne
Free time to explore Lucerne, Lugano, Tirano and Lausanne

Plus Five iconic railway journeys:

Gotthard Panoramic Express
Bernina Express
Glacier Express with a three course lunch on board
Gornergrat Mountain to see the Matterhorn
Golden Pass Panoramic

What's Included

Return Eurostar from London to Strasbourg
Connecting rail journeys
Nine nights’ bed and breakfast five dinners and one lunch
Luggage transfer service in Switzerland (1 piece per person)
Lucerne mobility transport ticket
Ticino transport ticket
Lausanne transport card
Services of our experienced Tour Manager

Please note:

Single Supplement:£395
Deposit: £275

Itinerary

Day 1: London – Lucerne

We journey by Eurostar from London to Strasbourg and connect with our onward trains to Lucerne. On arrival, it’s just a short walk to our hotel where we enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.

Day 2: Lucerne

After a leisurely breakfast, you will have free time to explore the iconic city of Lucerne, with its beautiful Chapel Bridge and historic streets. Why not visit Swiss Transport Museum where you can learn about the development of transport and mobility by road, rail and water as well as in the air and outer space – yesterday, today and in the future! Be sure to make use of your Lucerne Mobility ticket too which gives free public transport in the main centre. Dinner is at leisure this evening.

Day 3: Gotthard Panorama Express

Today we leave Lucerne behind and embark on one of Switzerland’s most beautiful journeys - the Gotthard Panorama Express to Lugano. Your luggage will be transported to your hotel in Lugano. In Lucerne, we take a steamboat on Lake Lucerne past bays and beautiful Swiss landscape. You will pass countless locations steeped in Swiss history – most notably the Rütli meadow, where Switzerland was founded in 1291, as well as Tell’s Chapel. On arrival in Flüelen, the panoramic train will take us along the historical Gotthard route. We will pass through the Gotthard tunnel between Göschenen and Airolo, and continue south to the Ticino region, where the Mediterranean landscape awaits! On arrival in Lugano, we take a short walk to our hotel, situated on the lake. Dinner is included this evening at the hotel.

Day 4: Lugano

Today you have time to explore Mediterranean Switzerland and the picturesque lakeside resort of Lugano. Your Ticino Ticket will grant you free access to most public transport within the region, whilst boats, cable cars and attractions can be purchased at a reduced price. Lugano has a wonderful promenade which hugs the crystal waters of Lake Lugano and has an array of restaurants serving both Italian and Swiss specialities.

Day 5: Bernina Express

After breakfast, we take the Bernina Bus from Lugano to Tirano in Italy. On arrival in Tirano, you’ll have some free time to explore and perhaps have lunch in one of the many cafes or restaurants before catching the Bernina Express panoramic train to Pontresina. The scenic route travels via Alp Grüm, the Bernina Pass and Lake Bianco to Pontresina. On arrival, we walk to our hotel in Pontresina and enjoy dinner at the hotel

Day 6: Glacier Express

Today we will take one of the most famous trains in the world: the Glacier Express. The beautiful panoramic carriages wind their way through beautiful landscapes with plenty of mountains in view and lots of opportunities to take photos. We arrive in Zermatt and check into our hotel for a two-night stay.

Day 7: Zermatt

Today is free for you to explore the town Zermatt. The main street, Bahnhofstrasse is lined with boutique shops, hotels and restaurants and you’ll have plenty of time to browse at your leisure. Why not take the Gornergrat train, the world’s first fully electrified cog railway, for spectacular views of the Matterhorn, affectionately known as the Toblerone Mountain. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 8: Golden Pass Line to Lausanne

Check out of your hotel after breakfast. Your luggage will be transported to your hotel in Lausanne for your convenience. Today, we enjoy another scenic rail journey, the Golden Pass. This line crosses stunning countryside including rolling hills and green meadows as well as travelling to Lake Geneva’s shores. We arrive in Lausanne where we check into our hotel, our home for the next two nights.

Day 9: Lausanne

Today you are free to explore Lausanne, a city made famous as the home of the International Olympic Committee. Rising impressively from the opposing French lakeshore are the Savoy Alps, the attractive old town is largely car-free. Small alleyways with cafés and boutiques shape the streetscape in the medieval city centre. Be sure to make use of your Lausanne Transport Card, giving free public transport and discounts on boat trips and museum entrances. This evening, we include a traditional Swiss fondue dinner in a local restaurant; the perfect end to our holiday!

Day 10: Lausanne – London

We depart after breakfast retracing our route to Strasbourg where our Eurostar connection returns us to London St Pancras International.

Hotel Waldstätterhof Lucerne or similar

This 3 star superior city hotel is centrally located. The modern tastefully furnished rooms have a hair dryer, TV, telephone, safe, a kettle and free Wi-Fi. The restaurant serves dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Hotel International Au Lac Lugano or similar

The family run 3 star hotel is in the centre of Lugano overlooking the lake. Rooms have a TV, air conditioning, safety box, hair dryer and free Wi-Fi. Relax in the hotels garden or take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool.

Hotel Schweizerhof Pontresina or similar

The 3 star hotel is located in the heart of Pontresina. There are two restaurants serving market fresh food. Bedrooms have a mini bar, TV and free Wi-Fi. The wellness area has a hot tub, sauna.

Hotel Derby Zermatt or similar

The family owned 3 star hotel is centrally located on the main street of Zermatt. All the bedrooms have a balcony, hair dryer, safe, TV, mini bar and free Wi-Fi. The restaurant has a terrace and serves Italian and international cuisine.

Hotel Movenpick Lausanne or similar

Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva this 4 star hotel offers stunning views over the French Alps. Many rooms have lake views rooms, mini bar, air conditioning, hair dryer, coffee and tea maker and free Wi-Fi. There are two restaurants and a bar which is ideal to meet for a beer, wine or a cocktail. The fitness centre and sauna are perfect for some relaxation.

Holiday provided by

Read further information about our partner and full Terms and Conditions by clicking here

Day 3: Gotthard Panorama Express

Day 4: Lugano

Day 5: Bernina Express

Day 6: Glacier Express

Day 7: Zermatt

Day 8: Golden Pass Line to Lausanne

Day 9: Lausanne

Day 10: Lausanne – London

You might like...

Swiss Christmas Markets

Swiss Alps Wintertime Adventure

Christmas in Switzerland for Solo Travellers

Swiss Alpine Glories for Solo Travellers

At a glance