Gotthard Express & Lugano Day Tour | From Lucerne

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Meet your tour guide inside the Central Train Station in Lucerne in front of Platform 7.

   Passes by

2. Our journey begins on Lake Lucerne, a spectacular Alpine lake shaped by ancient glaciers and often compared to a fjord. Surrounded by steep mountains and peaceful villages, this region is considered the historical heart of Switzerland, where the Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291. During the cruise, enjoy changing views of green hills, dramatic cliffs, and the famous peaks of Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi. Historic paddle steamers add a classic touch to the experience, while the calm waters and fresh mountain air create a relaxing atmosphere. At the southern end of the lake, we reach Flüelen, the gateway to the historic Gotthard route.

   2 h

3. From Flüelen, the Gotthard Express follows one of Europe’s most historic Alpine routes. Opened in 1882, this railway was a major engineering achievement, using spiral tunnels, bridges, and galleries to climb through steep mountain terrain. One of the highlights is the small white Wassen Church, seen several times as the train loops through the valley. As we travel south, the scenery gradually changes from rugged Alpine landscapes to the wider valleys and warmer climate of Ticino. This route symbolizes Switzerland’s role as a link between northern and southern Europe and remains one of the country’s most scenic rail journeys.

   3 h

4. Arriving at the majestic lakeside city of Lugano in the Italian-speaking region of Ticino, the tour guide will lead you into the medieval Old Town, where a rich tapestry of history lies. Upon traversing through the ancient cobbled streets, the tour guide will unveil the Old Town’s cultural legacy, highlighting significant moments that shaped the area over the centuries. There will be an opportunity to encounter a variety of spectacular Gothic and Renaissance architecture, including the opulent Cathedral of Saint Lawrence, which dates back to the High Middle Ages. Time will be allocated for a restful lunch break, where enchanting views of the surrounding Swiss landscapes can be taken in.

   2 h

5. After a full day of adventure, your guide will return you safely to Lucerne Train Station.

   2 h

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 2 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Lucerne

• Its from-price is 12% below the median of the 129 day trips we list in Lucerne.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 63 of 129.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Lucerne

Lucerne is a compact Swiss lake city with a covered wooden bridge, a medieval wall and a ring of mountains, in the heart of Switzerland.

Lucerne sits at the northern end of Lake Lucerne, where the Reuss River flows out under two old wooden bridges. The Chapel Bridge, with its stone water tower and painted roof panels, dates from the fourteenth century, although it was partly rebuilt after a fire in 1993. The old town has painted house fronts, squares and the twin-spired Jesuit church, and the Museggmauer, a wall with nine towers, closes it to the north.

Top-ranked sights in Lucerne: Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee), Lucerne Old Town, Mt. Pilatus.

See all 343 experiences in Lucerne