Zurich–Lugano.
Your journey will begin along the shores of charming Lake Lucerne, but you won’t have to wait long for the next highlight: the tunnel of the century. The 57-kilometre Gotthard Base Tunnel will take you from Erstfeld to Bodio, shaving a good 30 minutes off your journey to the magical south.
Lugano–Tirano.
Out of the tunnel and back into the light: in delightful Lugano you will be met by palm trees and a Mediterranean climate. From here your grand tour will continue seamlessly – on board the comfortable Bernina Express Bus. Tirano is the epitome of italianità: pizza, gelato and coffee will be ready and waiting for you on the piazzas and alleyways of this little Italian border town, where you will arrive right in time for lunch.
Tirano–Chur.
Next you will board the Bernina Express heading towards ChurThe railway line blends in harmoniously with the mountain landscape of Bernina and Albula. The train tackles 55 tunnels, 196 bridges and gradients of up to 7 per cent with impressive ease. Perched at 2,253 metres above sea level is the highest point on the Rhaetian Railway: Ospizio Bernina station. The Tirano–Valposchiavo–Thusis route has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status and is one of the hallmarks of the Rhaetian Railway.
Chur–Zurich.
Travel in comfort from Chur back to Zurich in SBB’s 1st class panorama coach, passing Lake Walen and Lake Zurich along the way. Passengers with a 2nd class ticket can enjoy an upgrade to 1st class on this section of the route.
