Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps
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Lake Lucerne
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Interlaken, Switzerland
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The Rigi Railway goes up Rigi Kulm, highest peak on Mount Rigi ©Switzerland Tourism, Christian Meixner
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Chapel Bridge and Water Tower, Lucerne in Summer ©Lucerne Tourism, Laila Bosco
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View from the Musegg Wall in Lucerne ©Lucerne Tourism, Laila Bosco
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Jesuit Church and the Reuss River, Lucerne in Summer ©Lucerne Tourism, Laila Bosco
Enhanced
Lucerne and the region surrounding its famous lake are often referred to as being the ‘essence of Switzerland’.
Majestic peaks look down on a cobalt lake in a setting often likened to that of a fjord. The medieval Old Town of Lucerne (or Luzern) begs to be explored, scattered with covered bridges and bright sun-filled squares. Explore the fresco decorated historic houses or stroll along the flower-lined promenade, simply basking in the charm of this lakeside paradise.
Breathtaking scenery awaits on the lake’s shores and high up in the surrounding mountains. The backdrop of the Swiss Alps makes this tour an ideal setting for a combination of excursions and relaxation. During this tour, admire the stunning natural beauty of Switzerland from many vantage points. Relax on deck as you cruise across an azure lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Fly over rocky outcrops in a cable car to gain an aerial view of this pristine area. Chug through the mountains on a cog wheel steam train to explore what lies above the lakes.
Visit Interlaken, a town nestled between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, or feast on Meringue in its home town of Meiringen.
Dates
Dates throughout 2024
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1-2
Travel to Switzerland
Take a short sea crossing to Calais and travel south through France for an overnight stop before arriving in Lucerne on day 2.
Day 3
Lucerne Sightseeing
Travel the 10 miles or so into the beautiful city of Lucerne, located at one end of the famous lake. A guided walking tour (optional) tells the stories of Lucerne’s best-known attractions, including the remarkable medieval, covered Chapel Bridge. Historic houses, decorated with frescoes, line the picturesque town squares. Visit the Jesuit church, dating from the 17th century, and see the figure of a dying lion, hewn from the face of rock commemorating Swiss guards killed in Paris in 1792 during the Revolution. There’s free time to stroll through the medieval streets and along the flower-decked lakeside promenade, or perhaps take a steamship cruise on the lake.
Day 4
Steam boat cruise and Rigi Railway
The region is renowned for its many spectacular lakes, cog railways and cable cars up to the surrounding mountains. Today take a relaxing cruise on Lake Lucerne on a historic steamboat towards Vitznau, where we board the Rigi Railway. Enjoy phenomenal views as Europe’s first ever mountain rack railway twists and turns to the mountain’s summit.
Day 5
Interlaken, ‘Sherlock Holmes’ and Lake Cruise
The famous lakes of Lucerne and Brienz await you. Cruises on both lakes are possible throughout the year to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the surrounding hill-side villages and mountains. Combine your cruise on Lake Brienz with a visit to Interlaken, which is nestled between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. It has the stunning backdrop of some of the largest mountains in the region. Enjoy the main street, Hoheweg, which boasts many designer shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. Visit Meiringen, the home of ‘Meringue’ which featured in the stories of Sherlock Holmes. Take an optional ride on the funicular railway to visit the famous Reichenbach Falls, or walk along the natural wonder of the Aare River Gorge.
Day 6-7
Return to the UK
It’s time to leave Switzerland behind us. We stop overnight in France on the way back to Calais for our return ferry to the UK.
Alternative Excursions
Pilatus Railway or Titlis Cable Car?
Not got enough of the soaring heights of the Swiss Alps? Why not stay a bit longer and take a ride to the summit of Mount Titlis on a cable car, the world’s first revolving gondola or enjoy a journey on the Pilatus Railway, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway.
Suggested Hotel
Hotel Monopol****
Situated near to Lucerne train station, this hotel is based in a landmark, baroque style building is also a 6 minutes by foot from Kapellbrücke’s 14th-century wooden bridge. Rooms feature TVs, minibars, free Wi-Fi and work desks. There’s also a bar with a rooftop terrace offering city views and an elegant restaurant. Onsite and offsite parking is available for a small fee.
For more trips to Switzerland, please follow the links:
| Dates | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| Dates throughout 2024 | From £989.00 per person | Price on Request |
