Simply Lucerne (4 days)

Arrival into Zurich airport. Your driver will meet you outside of baggage claim and customs and will transfer you to your deluxe hotel in Lucerne.

Lucerne is the gateway to Central Switzerland. Founded on the banks of Lake Lucerne in the 6th century, the city grew up around the Sankt Leodgar Abbey, initially built in 840, The city first gained prominence as a stop along the Gotthard trade route and then eventually, as a seat in the Swiss Confederacy. Today, as the most populous city in Central Switzerland, the city is a nexus of business and culture for the region, with several world-class museums and theaters for its residents to enjoy.

Your guide will meet you today for an overview tour of the city. Your walk will take you through some of the beautiful town squares, lined with historic homes decorated with frescoes.

Make your way to the water, where you will cross the medieval Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge). The bridge, centerpiece of the city, spans the River Reuss where it meets the lake. Initially built in 1365, it is the oldest surviving truss bridge in the world. Your guide will show you some of the 158 paintings that decorate the interior frames of the bridge. Painted by local artist Heinrich Wägmann in the 17th Century, they depict events from Lucerne’s storied history. Halfway across stands the Wassertum (Water Tower), which predates the bridge by about 30 years. Throughout the years, the tower has served as a prison, a library, and now as home to the local artillery association.

From there, walk through the medieval cobblestone streets up to the Musegg Wall, also known as “Nine Towers”. As part of the rampart walls built in 1386, the Musegg and its nine towers soar high above the city, providing some of the best panoramic views of Lucerne, The Reuss and the lake. Today, four of the towers are open to guests, including Zytturm, home to the city’s oldest clock.

End the day with a walk to the Lion of Lucerne, a moving monument to Swiss Soldiers who were massacred when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace during the French Revolution. Hewn out of a cliffside by Lukas Ahorn in 1821, it depicts a mortally wounded lion impaled by a spear, covering a shield bearing the fleur-de-lis. Mark Twain immortalized the monument in ‘A Tramp Abroad’, calling it “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world”.

Today you will enjoy the day at leisure. Day trips to Mt. Pilatus or Mt. Rigi can be arranged, as well as boat cruises on the lake.

Meet your driver for your private transfer to the airport.