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Worldwide Travel Te Travel Guide Where lakes, mountains and rails unite


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The Gotthard Panorama Express combines boat and train to create one of the most remarkable travel experiences in Switzerland


Linking two of the country’s most beautiful regions, the journey also offers a deep insight into the history of a legendary Alpine route. Te Got- thard — often referred to as a sacred mountain — isn’t something to be described; rather, it’s something to be experienced. Te journey begins in Lucerne, a


city of around 80,000 inhabitants where history and modern life coex- ist in perfect harmony. Landmarks such as the Chapel Bridge, built in 1356, and the grand hotel buildings of the 19th century recall the gold- en age of travel. From here, guests board a historic paddle steamer and set off across Lake Lucerne at a lei- surely pace. As the vessel glides over the wa-


ter, dramatic cliffs, tranquil bays and places of great historical


im-


portance come into view. Highlights include the Schiller Stone and the Rütli Meadow, where Switzerland was founded in 1291. On board, the experience is complemented by fine dining: the ship’s restaurant serves classic Swiss dishes and regional specialities, set against ever-chang- ing Alpine scenery. In Flüelen, passengers transfer to the first-class car-


seamlessly


riages of the Gotthard Panorama Express. Tey’re warmly welcomed by experienced tour hosts before continuing by rail along the famous Gotthard route. Opened in 1882, this railway line was a pioneering engineering achievement and for


decades one of Europe’s most im- portant north-south links. Te line is particularly renowned for its spi- ral tunnels, including those near Wassen, where the village church appears three times from different angles during the ascent. One of the most memorable moments of the journey is the nine-mile Gotthard Tunnel between Göschenen


Airolo, once the longest railway tun- nel in the world. At the centre of the train, a dedi-


cated photo carriage allows win- dows to be opened, offering unob- structed views and a tangible sense of the surrounding landscape. On the southern side of the Got- the scenery changes


thard massif,


noticeably as the train enters the sunkissed Mediterranean canton of Ticino. Palm trees, warmer light


and


and softer colours signal a distinct shift in atmosphere. In the Riviera Valley, travellers catch sight of the three impressive castles of Bellin- zona: Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro. Built in the 15th century and now part of a Unesco World Heritage Site, they stand as powerful symbols of the region’s strategic past. Te journey concludes in Lugano,


the economic and cultural heart of Ticino. With its elegant buildings, well-tended parks and lakeside set- ting, the city exudes a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere. From the station, the old town, the lake promenade and panoramic view- points such as Monte San Salva- tore and Monte Brè are all within easy reach. To ensure an even more relaxed


travel experience, organised luggage transfer between Lucerne and Lu- gano is available, allowing guests to enjoy the journey unencumbered. As part of the Grand Train Tour of Swit- zerland, the Gotthard Panorama Ex- press can be travelled in either direc- tion and combined with other scenic routes. It’s widely regarded as one of the most rewarding ways to cross the country — a journey where the expe- rience itself is every bit as memora- ble as the destination.


For further information and bookings, visit: gotthard-panorama-express.ch


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