Overview
Compact and picturesque, ancient Lucerne is the perfect location to explore on foot.
The highlights of Lucerne are concentrated in a relatively small area, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the city without taking up your entire day. With churches, bridges, narrow cobblestone streets and town squares, you are sure to be charmed by lovely Lucerne.
This private tour allows your local guide to entertain and inform with important, humorous and interesting facts about this story-book Swiss city. The downtown area is nestled on the shores of Lake Lucerne, which boasts the distinctive, brilliant blue water unique to glacial lakes.
As we stroll the cobblestone streets we'll see Lucerne's trademark Chapel Bridge with Water Town, a 14th century fortification and Europe's oldest covered wooden bridge. Nearby you'll find the Baroque Jesuit Church and nearby Franciscan Church, also from the 14th century.
Don't be fooled by the quaint Spreuer Bridge. Despite its romantic outward appearance, peering at the rafters reveal its "Dance of Death" paintings with images of skulls and reapers. While you could consider this a commentary on the inevitable, let's choose to think of it as a reminder to enjoy simple pleasures and time with loved ones.
Moving on, we proceed to the Musegg Wall, constructed in 1386. Amazingly, most of the wall is still standing and intact.
The Old City squares are filled with important historical buildings, including the Town Hall, built in the Italian Renaissance style with open arcades facing the River Reuss. Here you will find suits of armor from the Middle Ages standing guard.
We'll visit the elaborate Hof Church, the main Cathedral and the most important Renaissance Church in Switzerland. Prepare to be moved by the beautiful Lion Monument, a touching memorial to the Swiss Guards who defended the Royal Palace in Versailles during the French Revolution.
Despite Lucerne's Old World charms, it is also a progressive city, exemplified by the KKL, its Culture and Convention Center. Designed by Parisian architect, Jean Nouvel, this contemporary design is a stunning example of forward-thinking Lucerne at its best.
Interested in finding out about Lucerne's foodie scene? If so, choose the "tasting add on" when purchasing this tour for an additional 1 hour of tasty touring time. While the usual stops are at a butcher, a bakery, a cheese shop and a chocolatier, because this is a private tour, your guide will be happy to accommodate your individual requests.
- This is a walking tour. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk on cobblestone streets.
- If you are staying in a hotel outside of the city center, you will have the option of paying a surcharge for pickup at your hotel or making your own way to a central meeting point (we suggest taking the train). You will be contacted regarding your preference after booking the tour.
- This tour is not able to accommodate those with limited mobility.
Days offered: 7 days a week
Departures:- 08:00 AM, duration: 2 hours Please meet your guide 15 minutes prior to departure
- 09:00 AM, duration: 2 hours Please meet your guide 15 minutes prior to departure
- 10:00 AM, duration: 2 hours Please meet your guide 15 minutes prior to departure
- 11:00 AM, duration: 2 hours Please meet your guide 15 minutes prior to departure
- 12:00 PM, duration: 2 hours Please meet your guide 15 minutes prior to departure
- 01:00 PM, duration: 2 hours Please meet your guide 15 minutes prior to departure
