Known as the William Tell Express until 2016, the Gotthard Panorama Express has been serving Swiss travelers for many years. The journey is as historic as it is scenic and as unique as it is impressive. Travelers begin their expedition lakeside in the beautiful city of Lucerne. Dramatic peaks of the Swiss Alps envelop the shores, and charming old buildings dot the surrounding landscape. But as the route proceeds south over the next 5 1/2 hours, the views change entirely. By the end of the line in Lugano, the alpine forests are replaced by palm trees, and passengers may question whether they are still in Switzerland at all. This trip is a showcase of the diversity the country has to offer.
Views of the beautiful Reuss Valley surround the tracks as the train begins its journey toward Lugano. Watch as the wide valley eventually narrows and as the views repeat themselves as the train winds through corkscrew curves to gain elevation.
Lush vineyards and lovely old buildings dating back to the Middle Ages dot the landscape as the train enters Giornico in Italian-speaking Switzerland. Enjoy stunning views as the train meanders through the Riviera Valley and the castles of Bellinzona emerge in the distance. These 15th-century castles - the Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro - make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The most modern way to traverse a tunnel that has been serving Swiss travelers since the 1880s, the Gotthard Panorama Express offers an experience that is not easily forgotten.
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