Swiss Tour: Gotthard Panoramic Express

Traveling on the Gotthard Panoramic Express boat-train option, from Lucerne to Lugano, is a unique and unforgettable experience that offers the perfect combination of scenery, history, and culture. The boat ride across Lake Lucerne is a perfect way to enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys while the scenic train journey which follows takes you on to the Canton of Ticino, offering stunning views of the Swiss Alps and picturesque villages along the way.

After boarding the boat in Lucerne, the lake journey takes around 2 1/2 hours which gives you plenty of time to relax and enjoy some refreshments while gliding southward across the lake passing numerous villages, epic scenery and one very important historical site. The Rütli Meadow, perched high on a bluff overlooking the lake, was the legendary site of the signing of the Federal Charter on August 1, 1291, between the forest cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden. This is said to have laid the foundation of the Switzerland of today.

After arriving at Fluelen at the southern end of Lake Lucerne, we then boarded the train to continue on to Lugano. Along the way, the train passes through the stunning Gotthard Tunnel, which at over 15 miles long, is the longest railway tunnel in the world.

As the train emerges from the tunnel, you are transported into a different Switzerland as Ticino has a decidedly different feel with a more temporate climate and classical Mediterranean vegetation.Overall, the Gotthard Panoramic Express is an unforgettable experience that offers the perfect combination of breathtaking scenery, history, and culture. The boat-train option adds an even more unique and memorable experience. It is a must-do for anyone visiting Switzerland and wanting to explore the country in a unique and memorable way.