Travelzoo: Lake Maggiore via the Gotthard Pass
- 8
- £1,199
- A night in the pretty French city of Strasbourg
- 5 nights on the shores of Lake Maggiore, in stunning Locarno
- Scenic journey with the Gotthard Panorama Express back to Lucerne
- A stop in Basel on the way back to London
- Selected departures – other dates are possible but prices may vary
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade your hotels and rail journeys
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- All rail journeys, in first class
- Seat reservations where required
- 7 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Easy-to-follow travel documentation
- Despatch of tickets by email
- Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions
Suggested Itinerary
Travel from your local station to London this morning and connect at St Pancras to zoom over to France on a high-speed Eurostar service through the Channel Tunnel. Then, connect with a TGV service on the rapid LGV Est line (among the very fastest in Europe), reaching the charming city of Strasbourg in the Alsace region in time for dinner. Check in at the comfortable Best Western Plus Monopole Metropole (or similar) for an overnight stay.
Enjoy an evening at leisure here, exploring the picture-perfect old town (Petite France) area with its cobbled streets and half-beamed buildings.
Today’s travel takes you down into Switzerland on a regional service. After crossing the border, you board the Treno Gottardo, a modern train with large picture windows, that takes you up over the Gotthard Pass, and down into the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. The end of the line is Locarno, on the shores of Lake Maggiore, your home for the next 5 nights at the Hotel La Palma au Lac (or similar).
You have four full days to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Locarno, set on the sunniest shores of Lake Maggiore. From the nearby lakeside promenade and harbour, boats depart to stunning towns along the lake, including the elegant Italian resort of Stresa.
During your stay you will receive a Ticino Ticket, giving you free travel on local buses and trains throughout the region. This makes it easy to explore further afield, from the crystal-clear waters and stone bridges of the beautiful Verzasca Valley to colourful Ascona just along the lakefront. You can also take a day trip south towards Lake Como with only a small supplement for the final stretch across the Italian border.
Travel north through the Alps on the celebrated Gotthard Panorama Express, a journey that combines one of Switzerland’s most historic rail routes with a memorable cruise. From Ticino the panoramic train climbs the original Gotthard Pass, winding through tunnels and dramatic mountain scenery before descending to the lakeside village of Flüelen.Here, the journey continues by boat across beautiful Lake Lucerne to the city of Lucerne. On board the boat, a reserved table allows you to enjoy lunch (payable locally) while gliding past fjord-like scenery and historic lakeside villages. After an opportunity to stroll around Lucerne, you then continue by rail to Basel for an overnight stay at the welcoming GAIA Hotel (or similar), conveniently located opposite the station.
Please note: On April, November and December departures the panoramic train does not operate, but the lake cruise is included as normal and you travel on one of the Treno Gottardo train directly from Locarno to Flüelen.
Your return journey begins in Basel, travelling in comfort on a high-speed service to Paris with TGV Lyria. On arrival, transfer across the city to the Gare du Nord for the onward journey beneath the Channel with Eurostar, arriving at London St Pancras International in the early evening.
On arrival in London, your ticket also allows onward First Class rail travel to stations across the UK, offering the flexibility to continue your journey home the same day.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Strasbourg
The BW Plus Monopole Métropole is conveniently located for the train station and the centre of the city. Bedrooms are furnished in a bright, contemporary style with free Wi-Fi access, air conditioning and tea & coffee making facilities. Breakfast is served in the grand Alsatian-style breakfast room and there’s also a comfortable bar where you can relax with a drink after a day of sightseeing.
Locarno
This classic lakefront hotel is located in the centre of Locarno, with easy access to all attractions. All bedrooms come with air-conditioning, a TV, a safe and a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet either indoors or on the terrace, which provides great views of Lake Maggiore. Guests can enjoy relaxation in the spa and wellness area and regional specialities combined with local wine varieties in the hotel restaurant.
Basel
The Gaia is a family-run hotel with an historic façade and contemporary interior, located opposite the main SBB station. There are 86 non-smoking bedrooms, all with free Wi-Fi and a complimentary minibar. Guests can also make use of the hotel’s relaxing spa area and welcoming bar.
Upgrade your accommodation
Strasbourg
Situated in the centre of Strasbourg, the Hôtel Régent Petite France & Spa occupies a converted 17th-century mill. Bedrooms are furnished in a contemporary style with air-conditioning, mini bar and satellite TV. Facilities include a Champagne bar, restaurant and wellness centre.
Locarno
Hotel Belvedere Locarno is a superior 4-star hotel offering 90 rooms and suites, all south-facing with beautiful views over Lake Maggiore, the city and the mountains. All air-conditioned rooms are equipped with bathrobe and slippers, flat-screen digital TV/radio, safe and a mini-bar. There’s also a spa area with outdoor/ indoor pool, saunas, steam bath and gym along with a choice of restaurants. A short funicular ride takes you to the centre of Locarno.
Basel
Situated in the heart of the Old Town, on the banks of the Rhine, the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois is one of Europe’s oldest city hotels, where the likes of Napoleon, Pablo Picasso, Thomas Mann and HRH Queen Elizabeth have stayed. There are three on-site restaurants including the Michelin-starred Le Cheval, a games room and a cigar lounge.
