Day 12: Today we traveled from Lucerne to Lugano on the Gotthard Panorama Express on our way to Lake Como. The total journey time for the Gotthard Panorama Express is around 5 and a half hours if you take the boat first and then transfer to the train. We weren’t planning on doing the whole journey at first, and planned to just transfer directly to the train, as we thought the whole trip may be too long. On the day of travel, however, we woke up and changed our minds. Thankfully, with our Travel Pass, the boat portion of the trip was already included, so we didn’t have to worry about not being able to board without pre-arranged tickets.

Our travel pass included first class seating, so we headed straight to the top of the boat. Unless you are on a very tight budget, we always recommend going first class with the boats and trains in Europe, as the pricing difference is rather insignificant but in terms of experience, is very worth it. We were fortunate to get a table for two right by the window and very excited by this, as we both love the views.

We ordered some coffee as soon as the wait staff approached us, and then settled into our seats to look at the menu for lunch. Ryan may or may not have ordered a donut.

Once lunch was ordered, we sat back and watched the villages and mountains float by. The landscape was so pretty, even on a cloudy day. These are a few images from the first leg on the boat.

Just a little practical note: When we arrived to board the boat in Lucerne, there were women collecting luggage for the boat and train ride just outside. No one had informed us that luggage service was available and we did not find this information during either or search or ticket purchase. We thought we would have to manage our own bags throughout the journey. It’s one of the main reasons we almost didn’t sail. On arrival, we happily signed over our belongings, internally praying that this was legitimate and we weren’t misunderstanding something important, because there really were no signs or explanations.

Once we arrived in Flueelen, we disembarked wondering if our luggage was traveling with us. It was not, or so our Apple Tags informed us. It was still in Lucerne! Of course that made us nervous but we had to have faith. We boarded our Panoramic train, which surprisingly was just steps away from where we docked. It was so seamless. And off we went. Here are a few images we took. We are also sharing a few of our clients’ photos. They traveled soon after we did and captured some great photos! (Thanks Janet and Caitlin!)

Gorgeous views at every single turn!

Of course, we had go get some delicious, rich coffee, as it only enhanced our viewing pleasure!

It’s amazing to think that while the whole trip from beginning to end was over 5 hours, it was over before we even realized it. Being completely surrounded by breathtaking scenery every minute of the day made travel fly by. My only regret is not being able to stop multiple times so I could hop out and take photos!

To finish the story, our train arrived in Lugano after going through 2 1/2 hours of stunning scenery, all easily viewable in the Panoramic train. On arrival, we were directed to the end of the train platform, where our luggage was waiting for us, as promised! I believe the luggage transfers may be a new complementary service offered, but either way it was so much more relaxing not having to worry and transfer our own bags on and off the boat and then to the train. What s lovely journey. A special thanks to Janet and Caitlin for sharing the below image!

We reluctantly said good-bye to the Gotthard Panoramic Express and met our private driver for the journey to Lake Como. For more information on our itineraries, feel free to email us at dtgainor@gmail.com or visit Global Getaways to learn more about who we are and how we work.