Wilhelm Tell Express
Travel through stunning Swiss scenery on an old-fashioned paddle-steamer and a classic Swiss train holiday from the lakeside city of Lucerne, on the world-famous Willhelm Tell Express route to Lugano.
Please note The Wilhelm Tell Express runs May-October. Other Swiss holidays are available. Please click here for details.
New for 2010 The Wilhelm Tell Express has a new Premium service which includes the following: a welcome drink and a 3 course meal in the 1st class restaurant while onboard the paddle steamer. Also included you will receive a welcome drink on boarding the train and have reserved seats in the “Salon Liberte” with its unique swivel seats. Please call for prices.
Holidays can be tailor-made for you to include different hotels, lengths of stay, departure dates and additional cities. Please call for details.
| Choose your holiday below: | Price per person | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Night Holiday By Rail | from £879 |
Itinerary - 5 Night Holiday By Rail
Day 1 - London to Lucerne
Travel from London to Paris by Eurostar, before transferring onto the train to Basel and onward connection to Lucerne. On arrival check-in for 2 nights at theWaldstatterhof Hotel.
The Waldstatterhof Hotel has 78 comfortable ensuite bedrooms. The hotel is situated opposite the railway station in the centre of Lucerne, offering easy access to all of the city's main sights, attractions, bars and restaurants.
Day 2 - Lucerne
Lucerne
Lucerne is a picturesque city in the centre of Switzerland and set on Lake Lucerne. Stroll around the old town for the classic Swiss architecture from elegant spires to covered bridges, or the markets (Tuesday and Saturday mornings) set in arcades alongside the River Reuss. Take a hike around the picturesque lake or relax on a lake cruise.
Stay for your second night at the Waldstatterhof hotel
Day 3 - Wilhelm Tell Express
Wilhelm Tell Express
You travel from German-speaking Switzerland to Italian-speaking Ticino. Depart Lucerne on a historic paddle-steamer. Lunch onboard is included.
Transfer to a panoramic rail coach on the Gotthard Railway for your journey over the Gotthard Pass, with spectacular mountain scenery through the 15km long tunnel and on to Bellinzona – change for Lugano.
Days 3-5 - Lugano
On arrival in Lugano check-in at the International au Lac Hotel Lugano.
The International au Lac Hotel in Lugano is a historic hotel, which has been granted a UNESCO award. The hotel retains much of the character of the 19th century "grand tours". The hotel has a restaurant, the Blues Bar, and a garden with a swimming pool and a terrace (don't miss a game on the giant chessboard and the table tennis table.) The hotel is the only hotel situated on the lakeside promenade in the centre of Lugano.
Lugano
Explore this fascinating lakeside town and take the funicular railway to the top of Mount Sant Salvatore. Take in the café atmosphere and give yourself some designer retail therapy
International au Lac Hotel for your second night.
Day 5 - Basel
Take the train to Basel where you overnight at the Schweizerhof Hotel Basel.
The Schweizerhof Hotel Basel is a historic hotel which dates back to the 19th century, with a modern interior, newly renovated. The hotel has 83 contemporary bedrooms. The hotel is opposite the train station.
Day 6 - Basel to London
Take the high speed TGV direct route to Paris, where you change onto Eurostar to the UK.
We recommend…
Bernina Express
Extend your stay by adding nights by the lake in Lugano.
Or take the connecting Postbus to Tirano and then the Bernina Express for extraordinary mountain scenery.
Lucerne
Lucerne offers spectacular views and a relaxed lakeside atmosphere. Lucerne is a picturesque city in the centre of Switzerland and set on Lake Lucerne. Visit for the classic Swiss architecture from elegant spires to covered bridges, or the markets (Tuesday and Saturday mornings) set in arcades alongside the River Reuss.
Lugano
Lugano is the end of the Willhelm Tell Express route. Lugano is a charming sophisticated Swiss town, with a real Italian flavour, surrounded by stunning Alpine scenery. Take the scenic funicular railway to the nearby mountain of Sant Salvatore.
Basel
Located on the bend of the Rhine on the border with France and Germany, Basel is a charming city. Shop, or explore the historic streets in the romantic Old Town, or wander around one of Basel’s museums and galleries.
Waldstatterhof Hotel 
The Waldstatterhof Hotel has 78 comfortable ensuite bedrooms. The hotel is situated opposite the railway station in the centre of Lucerne, offering easy access to all of the city's main sights, attractions, bars and restaurants.
Hotel Facilities
- Laundry
Room Facilities
- Cable/Satellite TV
- Hairdryer
- Room Service
Some facilities may be subject to an additional charge at the hotel.
International au Lac Hotel Lugano 
The International au Lac Hotel in Lugano is a historic hotel, which has been granted a UNESCO award. The hotel retains much of the character of the 19th century "grand tours". The hotel has a restaurant, the Blues Bar, and a garden with a swimming pool and a terrace (don't miss a game on the giant chessboard and the table tennis table.) The hotel is the only hotel situated on the lakeside promenade in the centre of Lugano.
Hotel Facilities
- Swimming Pool
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Garden
- Terrace
Room Facilities
- Safe
- Cable/Satellite TV
- Hairdryer
Some facilities may be subject to an additional charge at the hotel.
Schweizerhof Hotel Basel
The Schweizerhof Hotel Basel is a historic hotel which dates back to the 19th century, with a modern interior, newly renovated. The hotel has 83 contemporary bedrooms. The hotel is opposite the train station.
Hotel Facilities
- 24 hour reception
- Bar
- Non-smoking Floors
Room Facilities
- Safe
- Cable/Satellite TV
- Hairdryer
- Tea/Coffee Making Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
Some facilities may be subject to an additional charge at the hotel.
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BedroomBedroom at Waldstatterhof Hotel -
ExteriorExterior at Waldstatterhof Hotel -
RestaurantRestaurant at Waldstatterhof Hotel -
ExteriorExterior at International au Lac Hotel Lugano -
BedroomBedroom at International au Lac Hotel Lugano -
PoolPool at International au Lac Hotel Lugano -
BarBar at International au Lac Hotel Lugano -
ChessChess at International au Lac Hotel Lugano -
LobbyLobby at International au Lac Hotel Lugano -
RestaurantRestaurant at International au Lac Hotel Lugano -
ExteriorExterior at Schweizerhof Hotel Basel -
BarBar at Schweizerhof Hotel Basel -
LobbyLobby at Schweizerhof Hotel Basel -
BedroomBedroom at Schweizerhof Hotel Basel
Schweizerhof Hotel Basel
“ Perfectly located for an overnight stay adjacent to the station. Very high standard of service and a magnificient restaurant! ”
Simon - Mar 2008
5 Night Holiday By Rail
This package includes Eurostar travel from London to Paris, onward train travel from Paris to Lucerne, 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lucerne, Wilhelm Tell excursion, a 3 day Swiss Flexi pass, 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lugano, 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Basel, train travel from Basel to Paris, and Eurostar travel from Paris to London.
Price per person for 5 night holiday:
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Julyfrom
£879 -
Augustfrom
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Octoberfrom
£879 -
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More dates and prices available – please call for details.
Add extra nights to your holiday, stop off en route, or book train travel from a European train station.
Call us on +44 20 3327 0800, and we'll tailor-make your holiday!
Terms
Holidays can be tailor-made for you (including stopovers or additional nights) call us on +44 20 3327 0800.
Midweek rates apply Monday to Thursday, weekend rates apply Friday to Sunday.
Prices are subject to availability, based on 2 people sharing a twin / double room, and based on best price Eurostar seats.
Supplements may apply if best price travel not available.
Supplements will apply for single occupancy.
Hotel and room facilities may be subject to an extra charge or are on request.
We accept all major credit and debit cards. If you pay
by debit card there is no extra charge; if you choose to pay by credit card a 2% surcharge applies.
How to Book
Call now on:
+44 20 3327 0800
Or
Send a request
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Blog Articles
Waldstatterhof Hotel
“ Comfortable contemporary hotel located close by the railway station in Lucerne - perfect for a stopover. ”
Matthew - Mar 2008