Stop over train travel from Milan to Lucerne

Might consider Lugano.

If you are taking the direct (Gotthard Pass) route via Arth-Goldau, you could stop in Lugano as Frank suggests. Or you could leave the train at Como, before Lugano, and ferry across Lake Como to one of the lovely little towns on the lake such as Bellagio or Varenna ( which would be my choice). See if they have rooms available at Albergo Milano,which is right on the lake and a charming place to stay. Another option would be to take the longer but very scenic Bernina Pass route, which would entail a train from Milan to Tirano ( about 2.5 hours) where you would pick up the Bernina Express train. You could overnight in Pontresina, or a high alpine location if you prefer. Continue to Luzern by way of Chur. Another option without much detour would be to take the train from Milan to Arth-Goldau. Instead of changing trains there for Luzern, take the little cogwheel train that climbs to the top of Mt. Rigi. There is a hotel at the top at Rigi Kulm, made famous by Mark Twain in his writings. Or you could descend the other side by train to one of the small resort areas on the side of Rigi, with wonderful views over the lake. After your stay on Rigi, you would proceed down to the lake by cable car or cogwheel train to a village ( Weggis or Vitznau) from which you would ride a lake boat to Luzern. If I were coming from Australia this last (Rigi) would probably be my choice as it is the cost unique and off the beaten path. But we love Varenna too. Either way you get a beautiful lake.

Thank you so much for your suggestions.
We were planning on taking the Bernina Express, is it still possible to stop at or near Lake Como?

Yes, that is possible. If you are starting at Milan, you yowled take the train directly to Varenna on Lake Como, a one- hour ride) instead of going to Lugano for the bus portion of the Bernina. Stay a night or two in Varenna, then continue on the same train line to Tirano (1.5 hours) where the scenic train portion of the Bernina Express starts. I have long wanted to ride the Bernina Express that way, and will try to work it into our next trip. I hope it works out for you. If you wish to do this route with a stop in Varenna, it would be good to make your hotel reservations now,mas it is a popular place. In addition to Albergo Milano I mentioned previously,there is anyplace perched high above the town, a steep ten minute walkmif you don't mind that eremo Gaudio. A friend stayed there and loved the views.

Thank you Lola, your suggestions have been very helpful and we are going to take you suggestion Milan to Varenna etc. I forgot to mention the September in next year, so we have plenty of time to get the hotel sorted. Thank you once again. Cheers
Maria

Three years ago my husband and I took the William Tell boat/train trip from Lucerne to Lugano, Switzerland. We stayed in Lugano for five nights. One day we took the train to Milan for the day. Another day we took the train to the Lake Como station and took the boat around Lake Como for the day. We ate in Bellagio. Another day we took a train to Lake Maggiorre and spent the day on the boat around the lake. Then on the day we left Lugano, we started the Bernina Express bus/train trip. Our hotel was just a few yards from the train stop. Across the road is where we got on the bus for the Bernina Express. The bus took us around Lake Maggiorre for a beautiful, beautiful ride looking at the lake. Then we eventually got on the train part through the Alps. We started the Bernina in Lugano in the morning and ended our day in Zurich.

Hi fellow Adelaidean. We have just returned from Europe/Switzerland. We took the Bernina Express. It was a wonderful experience which I would recommend. We stayed in Lugano for 3 days. Loved it. From Lugano you can catch the Bernina Express bus to Tirano (about a 3 1/2 half scenic drive). Pick up the Bernina Express from there.
We stayed at the Hotel Walter au Lac in Lugano. Very good value for a large room with a balcony overlooking the beautiful lake and snow capped mountains beyond.

Thank you Elaine and Judy, much appreciate your response, they have been very helpful. Cheers
Maria