A Journey of Discovery: Treasures of Switzerland
Travelling on the
Prestige Continental Express
14 to 19 May 2026
Prices from: CHF 5,270
We embark on a journey of discovery through Switzerland on the special Prestige Continental Express train.
On tracks beloved of railway enthusiasts and many others besides, we travel through ancient cultural landscapes offering truly breathtaking views. We visit Lucerne. The city on the northern shore of the lake that bears its name boasts a magnificent old town and a superb waterside location. From here, we take a boat ride to experience the beauty of central Switzerland from a new perspective. We continue via the world-famous and historic Gotthard line to Ticino. Here, opposites attract, as lofty, snow-capped peaks meet subtropical vegetation.
Unique excursions take us up Monte Generoso and along the Centovalli line. Naturally, we also explore French-speaking Switzerland, stopping off in Montreux, the pearl of the “Swiss Riviera”. Nestling between the lake, mountains and vineyards, the local shoreline features a picture-postcard landscape. This is a little corner of paradise, which has captivated numerous artists, writers and travellers seeking beauty, peace and inspiration.
In the elegant Prestige Continental Express dining car fitted out in the style of the legendary Orient Express, we experience the glamour of train travel during the Belle Époque. This luxuriously appointed coach is air-conditioned. We enjoy the ever-changing views from the window as our enchanting journey proceeds.
Trip Details
Thursday, 14 to Tuesday, 19 May 2026
Depart Frankfurt main station in the late morning. For those who prefer a relaxed start to their journey, we will arrange accommodation for the preceding night at the NH Collection Spin Tower hotel located close by. A freshly prepared gourmet lunch and light dinner are served as we travel into Switzerland. We arrive in Lucerne in the evening, and then enjoy a brief guided tour of the city. Stay overnight at the Radisson Blu in Premium rooms with a lake view.
Our day begins with a special experience, as a historic steamboat glides us across Lake Lucerne and on via Lake Urnen to Flüelen, in 1st-class comfort. Light lunch on board. On arrival, our dining cars await us, hooked up to the Gotthard Panorama Express for the journey on the historic Gotthard line. Famed for its spiral tunnels and 15-km-long Gotthard summit tunnel, it was the world’s longest rail tunnel when it opened in 1882. We reach Lugano in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the Suitenhotel Parco Paradiso, in suites with a balcony and lake view.
Excursion to Monte Generoso (1,701 m above sea level) between Lake Como and Lake Lugano. We take the rack railway, which has been plying the route for 125 years, to savour the awe-inspiring vista from the top. The line is some 9 km in length, and runs through the magical mountain landscapes of a nature conservation area. Drinks are served on the terrace, followed by a buffet lunch. Stay overnight in Lugano.
Today is a day to delight every train enthusiast, as we embark on a very special railway journey: extending 52 km over 83 bridges, through two countries and 31 tunnels, the Centovalli might be a narrow-gauge line, but it offers scenery on a grand scale: deep gorges, wild mountains, rivers and waterfalls, while between the Centovalli and Vigezzo valleys, villages in the traditional local style blend harmoniously into the landscape. In Domodossola, we transfer to the Prestige Continental Express and dine as we travel via the Simplon Tunnel into Valais and on to the shores of Lake Geneva. Shortly before reaching our destination, we visit the striking Chillon Castle. Dinner and overnight at the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic. Rooms with lake view.
Day at leisure. There are many interesting activities in the region: boat trips on Lake Geneva, visits to museums in Vevey and Lausanne, Rochers-de-Naye, walks along the lakeside promenade with its Freddie Mercury statue, excursions to Gstaad or Gruyères. We will be happy to advise you.
After breakfast, we set off on our homeward journey on board the Prestige Continental Express via Basel and back to Frankfurt main station. We enjoy a splendid farewell lunch en route. Arrive in Frankfurt towards evening.
Thursday 14 May 2026
Depart Frankfurt main station in the late morning. For those who prefer a relaxed start to their journey, we will arrange accommodation for the preceding night at the NH Collection Spin Tower hotel located close by. A freshly prepared gourmet lunch and light dinner are served as we travel into Switzerland. We arrive in Lucerne in the evening, and then enjoy a brief guided tour of the city. Stay overnight at the Radisson Blu in Premium rooms with a lake view.
Friday 15 May 2026
Our day begins with a special experience, as a historic steamboat glides us across Lake Lucerne and on via Lake Urnen to Flüelen, in 1st-class comfort. Light lunch on board. On arrival, our dining cars await us, hooked up to the Gotthard Panorama Express for the journey on the historic Gotthard line. Famed for its spiral tunnels and 15-km-long Gotthard summit tunnel, it was the world’s longest rail tunnel when it opened in 1882. We reach Lugano in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the Suitenhotel Parco Paradiso, in suites with a balcony and lake view.
Saturday 16 May 2026
Excursion to Monte Generoso (1,701 m above sea level) between Lake Como and Lake Lugano. We take the rack railway, which has been plying the route for 125 years, to savour the awe-inspiring vista from the top. The line is some 9 km in length, and runs through the magical mountain landscapes of a nature conservation area. Drinks are served on the terrace, followed by a buffet lunch. Stay overnight in Lugano.
Sunday 17 May 2026
Today is a day to delight every train enthusiast, as we embark on a very special railway journey: extending 52 km over 83 bridges, through two countries and 31 tunnels, the Centovalli might be a narrow-gauge line, but it offers scenery on a grand scale: deep gorges, wild mountains, rivers and waterfalls, while between the Centovalli and Vigezzo valleys, villages in the traditional local style blend harmoniously into the landscape. In Domodossola, we transfer to the Prestige Continental Express and dine as we travel via the Simplon Tunnel into Valais and on to the shores of Lake Geneva. Shortly before reaching our destination, we visit the striking Chillon Castle. Dinner and overnight at the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic. Rooms with lake view.
Monday 18 May 2026
Day at leisure. There are many interesting activities in the region: boat trips on Lake Geneva, visits to museums in Vevey and Lausanne, Rochers-de-Naye, walks along the lakeside promenade with its Freddie Mercury statue, excursions to Gstaad or Gruyères. We will be happy to advise you.
Tuesday 19 May 2026
After breakfast, we set off on our homeward journey on board the Prestige Continental Express via Basel and back to Frankfurt main station. We enjoy a splendid farewell lunch en route. Arrive in Frankfurt towards evening.
Hotels
Hotel Radisson Blu in Lucerne
****
The Radisson Blu is just a short walk from Lucerne railway station and the spectacular lake on which the city stands. With its fully glazed façade, it offers spacious rooms with a lake view, restaurant and bar. Premium rooms with lake view.
Suitenhotel Parco Paradiso in Lugano
****
The Suitenhotel Parco Paradiso is ideally located and easily accessible, and offers stunning views of Lake Lugano, the city and the surrounding mountains. It is an oasis of calm amidst picturesque scenery. Suite with balcony and lake view.
Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic in Montreux
****
The Suisse Majestic is a landmark in the city of Montreux. Built in the Belle Époque style by Eugène Jost in 1870, it was completely renovated in 2019 and offers impressive panoramas of the Alps and lake. Guests appreciate its sophisticated and discreet ambiance.
Booking
plus 0.25% risk contribution for the guarantee fund
What’s included:
Travel on the Prestige Continental Express as described, reserved seats in the dining car, five nights’ accommodation in the named hotels including breakfast and all taxes, three lunches and one light dinner on board, a light lunch on the steamboat, drinks and buffet lunch on Monte Generoso, two dinners in the hotels, drinks with meals, guided tour of Lucerne, excursion to Monte Generoso, travel in 2nd class on the Centovalli railway, guided tour of Chillon Castle, luggage transfers between Lucerne, Lugano and Montreux, documentation, general tips, tour manager.
Programme, routes and rail traction subject to change. The organiser’s general information and conditions of travel apply. A minimum number of travellers is required for the trip to take place.