From Lakeside Charms to City Wonders

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Lucerne

   If you only have time for one spot in central Switzerland, make it Lucerne. This charming lakeside town offers a memorable mountain panorama. The town's standout landmark is the 12th century Chapel Bridge (Europe's oldest covered bridge), which runs past the unique octagonal Water Tower. Visitors also tend to make a beeline for the Lion Monument, carved into a cliff, which commemorates the Swiss Guards who sacrificed their lives for the royal family during the French Revolution. Make sure to stop by the lesser-known covered Spreuer Bridge, with its Danse Macabre plaques. If you're fond of classical music, you're more than in luck, as the city offers frequent performances.

   Upon your arrival at Zurich's airport, a driver will pick you up and take you to your accommodations in Lucerne, after an hour's drive.
   

   

   Lucerne, Love, and Luxury

   Lucerne's breathtaking beauty truly sets it apart as one of the world’s most enchanting cities. After checking into your accommodations, immerse yourself in its charm by taking a leisurely walk through the Old Town and across the picturesque Chapel Bridge. If you're up for a bit more adventure, climb the Musegg Wall for stunning views of the city and its scenic surroundings. To cap off your day, savor an aperitif or enjoy a traditional fondue, a local specialty. For an exceptional dining experience, consider the Schiff or Fondue House Du Pont restaurants.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Lucerne

   

   City and Fondue Private Tuk-Tuk Tour

   Discover Lucerne by electric tuktuk and experience the city as the locals do, with one of them as your chauffeur and guide. Be taken from the charming Old Town to the shopping district, on to Switzerland’s most famous wooden bridge, the Chapel Bridge. Have your chauffeur let you in on Lucerne’s secrets, and discover Lucerne's diversity. This tour is not only about sightseeing, as you will also stop at the Falken Fondue House to try delicious fondue, with bread, potatoes and Swiss wine.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Be Trendy, Go Local

   Every iconic place has its intriguing past, and Lucerne's trendy Bruch neighborhood is no exception. Once the site of a bustling cattle market from 1912 to 1971, Bruchstrasse was known for its lively trading and less-than-pleasant conditions. The market's closure marked a transformation, and today, Bruch is celebrated for its chic shops, vibrant restaurants, cozy cafés, lively bars, and eclectic art galleries. Just 2 km (1.25 miles) from the city center, you'll also find the Neubad Cultural Center, a unique venue housed in a repurposed indoor pool. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM, Neubad offers a mix of bistro dining, a bar, and a concert and music hall within its original pool space.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Lucerne

   

   Mt. Pilatus Self-Guided Tour

   This self-guided tour takes you up to Mt. Pilatus, 2,132m (7,000 feet) above sea level, with stunning views of the Swiss plain and the Alps. In summer, you’ll likely start with a boat ride on Lake Lucerne, then ride the world’s steepest cogwheel train, and return by cableway and gondola. In winter, you'll take a bus to Kriens, followed by a gondola and cableway to the summit, returning the same way. Tickets and transport are all arranged, ensuring a seamless journey with breathtaking views year-round.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 5-6 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Just a Little Gambling

   You don’t need to place a bet at the Grand Casino Lucerne to enjoy yourself, though a small wager on a spin or a hand of cards can certainly add a thrill. The Grand Casino also houses the elegant Olivo restaurant, a Neo-Baroque concert hall, a theater, and a vibrant club, offering plenty of ways to spend your evening. For those inclined to gamble, there are 250 slot machines with impressive jackpots, along with classic table games like American roulette, blackjack, punto banco, and poker, inviting you to dive into a world of excitement and entertainment.
   

   Suggestion to explore on your own

4. Day 4 Traveling to Zurich by Private Transfer / Arrival in Zurich

   

   Today a driver will pick you up at your accommodations and take you directly to Zurich. The drive should take less than an hour.

   Switzerland's largest city and main hub, Zurich is where many of the nation's bankers and scholars bump shoulders. This cosmopolitan city ranks highly in terms of livability, but for all its wealth and global prestige, the Old Town remains charming, if almost spotless. The ridges flanking Zurich's river valley offer romantic views, but the best way to hit the ground running in Zurich is to follow the river itself as it cuts through the Old Town, then meets Lake Zurich. Along the way, indulge in detours, from upscale chocolatiers to low-stress beaches.

5. Day 5 Traveling to Munich by Train / Arrival in Munich

   

   Today a driver will pick you up from your accommodations in Zurich and take you to the train station, where you will board a train to Munich, a four-hour journey. We included second-class train tickets in your package but an upgrade to first-class is possible for an extra fee.

   With its traditional beer halls, designer shops, trendy restaurants and international business, Munich is a mix of old and new, German and cosmopolitan. Largely rebuilt after World War II, the city still retains its old world charm, even in the midst of expansion and modernization. You’ve probably heard of the city’s world famous Oktobertfest, a once-in-a-lifetime party dedicated to that incredible Bavarian beer along with some of the local delicacies, including tasty schnitzel. But there’s much more to Munich than drinking, and on your holiday you’ll have the chance to discover the best this charming city has to offer. Don’t miss out on the beer halls and the breweries, but be sure to get off the beaten path to discover a Munich of your own. Much of the city’s past centers around World War II, and there are several ways you can explore this chapter of Munich’s history, including a day trip to the Dachau concentration camp and a special tour focusing on Hitler and the local activities of the Third Reich. Munich is also a center of industry and there is nowhere better to experience this than BMW World. Moving slightly farther afield, Neuschwanstein Castle makes the perfect day trip, perched high in the hills over a verdant valley. Munich’s variety means there’s more than enough to satisfy even the most diverse groups of travelers. Let your curiosity guide you as you explore this unique German city.

   You will be greeted at Munich Hauptbahnhof when you arrive and brought to your central accommodations.

   

   See the City from Above

   Although not a city of skyscrapers, Munich offers numerous wonderful viewpoints. The best panoramic views of the Old Town are available from the St. Peter's Church (or "Old Peter," as the locals call it) viewing platform, which is climbed by thousands of visitors every day. Climb the 300 stairs (no elevator available) for the breathtaking views of the Frauenkirche and the Town Hall. Munich's highest point, the Olympic Tower, offers views over the whole city and on a clear day the Alps beyond. You can even enjoy a unique perspective on the city via a modern zeppelin, although these rides are offered rarely, and book up quickly (the zeppelin is generally used for tours of Lake Constance, on the Swiss border).

   Suggestion to explore on your own

6. Day 6 Your First Full Day in Munich

   

   Munich City Group Walking Tour

   Munich has a lot to offer when it comes to history, culture, art and of course, beer. Explore this magnificent city during your walking tour and get involved in the daily life of the locals as well. During your tour you will see the most important historical sights, the busiest streets and the most amazing beer halls too, all whilst learning about the rich history of the city.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Beautiful Machines

   If you love cars or want to approach Munich from a different perspective, we recommend immersing yourself in all things BMW. With its campus in a suburb of the city featuring a museum, a car plant, and BMW World (BMW Welt), this museum offers a unique, interactive presentation of the brand's history. With around 125 automobiles, motorcycles, and engines on display, BMW World is the grand location for car handover presentations and possibly the largest BMW showroom in the world. We recommend taking the English-language tour, which starts every day at 2:00 PM.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Your Second Full Day in Munich

   

   Neuschwanstein Castle Group Tour

   The "Disney Castle," or "The Eighth Wonder of the Modern World," . There is a reason that Neuschwanstein Castle has quite a number of names. This magnificent building has drawn visitors from all around the world and is sure to take your breath away.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 10 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

8. Day 8 Departure Day

   Based on your departure time, a driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to Munich's airport.