Great Rail Journeys of Switzerland: The Bernina Express and Ticino

Summary

In terms of rail journeys, the highlight on this new tour must be the Bernina Express, which despite the name winds its way at a leisurely pace through the stunning scenery of the Swiss Engadin Alps, with panoramic windows allowing an uninterrupted view. We travel from German-speaking Davos to the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, which has a distinctively Latin ambience quite different from the rest of Switzerland. Even the weather is different, with both Lugano and Locarno being among the sunniest and warmest places in the country.

Further highlights on this tour include a couple of funicular railways, one to the summit of the Schatzalp, where high-altitude plants from around the world flourish in an Alpine garden, and one to the top of Monte San Salvatore, which offers glorious views over the sparkling waters of Lake Lugano. This follows a particularly tasty morning as we learn how to make an authentic risotto before washing it down with a glass of wine! While we are in Ticino we have the use of a special card which gives free access to the sights in and around Bellinzona, including its medieval castles.

Tour highlights:

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• Travel aboard the Bernina Express
• Discover Bellinzona and visit the Castelgrande
• Take the funicular railway to the top of the Monte San Salvatore which affords lovely views over Lake Lugano