FLY-RAIL
GOTTHARD PANORAMA EXPRESS RAIL HOLIDAY
5 nights / 6 days From £ 1,670 per person
Rigi above Lake Lucerne
LUCERNE • GOTTHARD PANORAMA EXPRESS • LUGANO
This five-night holiday includes stays in Lucerne and Italian-speaking Lugano with a spectacular journey by boat across Lake Lucerne and then train over the Gotthard Pass in between. This scenic iconic train route is known as the Gotthard Panorama Express.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY ONE Arrive in Zurich and travel to Lucerne On your first day, fly to Zurich and then take a train for the short journey south to Lucerne, where you will spend the first 3 nights of your rail holiday. You can also travel by train from London to Lucerne, changing in Paris and Basel usually. DAYS TWO TO THREE In Lucerne You have two full days to explore both Lucerne and the surrounds. The so-called City of Light is a bubble of cosmopolitan atmosphere, as well as a place of rich, historic significance. Wander down the pretty streets, taking in the individuality of the boutique shops and quaint cafes, or venture out into the surrounding landscape, visiting the Titlis Glacier, the Alpine meadows, and appreciating the views over the 13 nearby lakes, Swiss Mittelland, and the German and French borders from the Rigi Mountain. DAY FOUR Lucerne to Lugano on the Gotthard Panorama Express From Lucerne, board the boat and begin your trip across Lake Lucerne, enjoying the picturesque lake shore. Then, board the train to Locarno to begin the‘ Express’ part of your journey. The railway track runs along the Reuss River, as the landscape opens out onto a wide, flat plain, surrounded by jagged mountains that rise from the verdant ground. Gradually, the terrain becomes more typically Alpine, as the tracks gain altitude and the mountains close in on either side. Arrive in Lugano and disembark for a 2-night stay at your choice of luxury hotel. DAY FIVE In Lugano Use your time in Lugano to explore this cultural lakeside town, which is quintessential of the Ticino region. DAY SIX Lugano to Zurich and flight home On your final day you return to Zurich by train for a flight back to the UK, or perhaps have an overnight in Zurich before continuing to London by train the next day.
What’ s included
• Flights from UK to Zurich return OR rail travel London to Switzerland and back via Paris( first class can be booked at a supplement)
• 4-day Swiss rail flex pass( first class can be booked at a supplement)
• 3 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Classic double room at the Hotel Wilden Mann, Lucerne
• 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Quality double room at the Hotel Lugano Dante, Lugano
• Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
What’ s not included
• Personal holiday insurance. This is essential and cover should be in place from when you book the holiday.
• Local tourist tax, usually between Swiss Francs 1 and 3 per person per night, and payable locally to the hotel
• Transfers from stations to hotels, unless offered by your hotel
PRICES
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room and including standard class rail travel From £ 1,970
Supplements
• Standard premier / first class £ 210 per person
Holiday code CHBR06
To speak to our specialist rail holidays team telephone 01392 441250 or see www. expressionsholidays. co. uk 11