8 Day | Scenic Contrasts Holiday

Travel over the Alps from traditionally Swiss Lucerne to the Mediterranean way of life in Lugano

Gotthard Panorama Express passing Wassen Church
Viewing platform on the Stanserhorn
Lugano lakeside promenade

This is one of our 'Relaxing Two Centre' holidays, offering you the chance to stay in two resorts which complement each other, and which are connected by a scenic rail journey.  There are plenty of day trips to enjoy - free or heavily discounted with your Swiss Travel Pass - or you could simply relax amidst the beautiful scenery. The holiday can be adapted in various ways to suit you, including upgrading your hotel room, adding more resorts and rail journeys or changing the duration. This holiday is suggested as 8 days, but can easily be extended to a fortnight. 

Please call 0800 619 1200 for help with planning or email us at info@swissholidayco.com

 

"A journey on the original Gotthard route showing Switzerland's contrasting regions and beautiful lakeside resorts. Enjoy a cruise along the length of Lake Lucerne followed by a journey on panoramic train on the looping track through the mountains - 1st class all the way"

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Contact us to book your holiday

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com

Day 1 - Arrive and explore charming Lucerne

Fly from the UK to Zurich in under 2 hours with connecting rail travel to Lucerne. Welcome to your hotel for your 4 night stay and enjoy exploring the Old Town and lakeside.

Day 2-4 - Free days to enjoy the beautiful Old Town, lake and mountains

With your Swiss Travel Pass, Lucerne is perfectly placed to enjoy free travel around the dramatic scenery of Central Switzerland. A lake cruise is a great way to relax and with a restaurant on board you could treat yourself to lunch on one of the longer cruises to Brunnen or even Flüelen. Also included free with your Swiss Travel Pass are the famous old cog railway to the stunning peak of Mount Rigi, the Stanserhorn open top deck cable car and the Stoos funicular. We also include a return day trip on the Luzern-Interlaken Express, a striking 2 hour journey of fabulous views en route to Interlaken. Mount Pilatus and other mountain railways and cable cars around Lake Lucerne are available at a 50% reduction.

For a very special treat consider the exclusive Legends Of Lake Lucerne Cruise. See page 43 for details.

Day 5 - Travel 1st class on the Gotthard Panorama Express to Lugano

Your unforgettable adventure starts with a first class 2½ hour cruise criss-crossing beautiful Lake Lucerne all the way to Flüelen. Then join the rail section of the Gotthard Panorama Express route in special panoramic 1st class coaches for the spectacular journey through the original Gotthard Tunnel. It’s then a gentle meander down to Bellinzona in the Ticino region before arriving at the town of Lugano.

Day 6-7 - Enjoy la dolce vita in Lugano and the Ticino region

This region boasts the sunniest climate in Switzerland and is warm even in spring and autumn. Lugano is a resort where the Italian influence affects all aspects of life, from the architecture to what you eat, and of course the shopping. Situated on stunning Lake Lugano, the town is also well placed for enjoying the verdant local mountains. Your Ticino Ticket gives you free travel on local trains and buses helping you get the most out of your holiday. You could visit the region’s historical capital, Bellinzona, with three fabulous historic castles to explore or take a day to visit Locarno and a trip on the Centovalli Line which departs from there.

Day 8 - Last day by the lakeside

Time for a last look around Lugano before you take the train back to Zurich airport for your flight to the UK.

 

2026 guide price

4 nights in Lucerne and 3 nights in Lugano

Available 18 April-18 October

(You can travel on the same route at other times. More details...)

Guide prices from £1,830 per person staying in 3 star hotels or from £2,249 per person staying in 4 star hotels

Adapt this holiday

Reverse the direction of travel

Upgrade to 1st class Swiss Travel Pass £181 per person – great value

Add the Legends of Lake Lucerne Cruise

Upgrade your hotel room

Include half board from £307 (3 star) or £485 (4 star) per person

Change your Lucerne stay to the quieter village of Weggis

 

Your holiday price includes

Booking Conditions
  • Scheduled return flights from London to Zurich including taxes and hold baggage (flights are available from around the UK)
  • 8 day Swiss Travel Pass covering all rail journeys described and many more (2nd class)
  • 7 nights’ hotel accommodation bed and breakfast as described based on two people sharing
  • 1st class lake steamer and rail travel on the Gotthard Panorama Express Lucerne-Lugano with reserved seats on the train
  • Ticino Ticket in Lugano offering free bus and train travel around the area
  • Personalised full detailed itinerary sent with all tickets
  • Financial protection ATOL 3148
The Swiss Travel Pass offers free travel on trains, scenic trains, PostBuses and most boats, with up to 50% discount for mountain railways and cable cars. Optional excursions may not operate year round, please check before booking. Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com
 

Request your holiday quotation

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com

Swiss Trail Pass
 

Your holiday includes a Swiss Travel Pass, covering the rail journeys below as well as many scenic excursions

Steamer on Lake Lucerne
  More photos

Your scenic train journey

You can discover more about this scenic route by clicking below

Gotthard Panorama Express 

 

Luzern-Interlaken Express 

 

Gotthard Panorama Express video

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Idyllic villages on the route of the Luzern-Interlaken Express

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Build your own scenic itinerary

Glacier Express on the Landwasser Viaduct
Not quite the perfect holiday? We can tailor make it to suit you:
  • Change the direction of travel
  • Add extra nights along the way
  • Add on lakes & mountains excursions
  • Include dinner on a half board basis
  • Upgrade to superior hotel rooms
  • Upgrade to 1st class rail for extra comfort
  • Bespoke prices available 2026
Request a scenic holiday quote
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