Join a guided tour of Lucerne, home to medieval architecture, spectacular lakeside scenery, and a thriving culinary scene. Gain insight into centuries of Swiss history and taste Alpine cheese, chocolates, and wine. Book the option with a cruise to travel down Lake Lucerne. Meet your guide and indulge in a tasting of the finest Swiss chocolate and cheese with a glass of wine. Then, walk along the Reuss River and learn about the most iconic monuments in the city, Visit the Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden footbridge spanning the river, and its Water Tower. After a leisurely walk through the Old Town, head over to the imposing Lucerne Castle perched on a hill. Hop on a fascinating scenic lift and, once at the top, enjoy panoramic views of Lake Lucerne and see the mountain peaks of Mount Titlis and Mount Rigi. If you've chosen the tour with the lake cruise, say goodbye to your guide and embark on a 1-hour sightseeing boat trip on Lake Lucerne. Marvel at the stunning lake, in the heart of the Swiss Alps, and discover unique locations only accessible by water.

Discover the historical city of Lucerne on this tour with a night watchman. Start the tour on the right bank of the river by the Chapel Bridge. Listen to the fire horn, followed by the call of the night watchman. Listen to the exciting tales of the night watchman about his life, the Lucerne Chronicle of Diebold Schilling, the brilliant engraver Martin Martini, the stonemason Hans von Trient and his adversary Luzius Ritter, as well as other personalities from Lucerne’s past. At the beginning of the tour you can look at the route and attractions on the city map by Martini from 1597. Discover Kapellplatz and walk along Furrengasse to Kornmarkt. Here you can admire the Luzerner Elle and the Luzerner Fuß in the wall of the town hall. Hear the story about the giant of Reiden before continuing on along Brandgässli, which recalls the night of fire in 1833. Stop by the guild house of dressmakers and learn all about the legend of the night of murder in Lucerne. A few steps further is the wine market, where the night watchman brings you closer to the Swiss art of war. See the linden tree, where the pillory and the bank once stood, and listen to information about the court order, legal violations, and interrogation techniques. If time allows, you can stop at Zöpfli, one of the most beautiful places on the river in the old town. The route then continues on over Reuss Bridge, past the first Mint to the breathtaking display window of the medieval Alte Suidtersche Apotheke. Continue on to Ritter Palace and the story of Hans von Trient and his adversary Lux Ritter. Watch the dance of death by Jakob von Wal and stroll up the river across the Chapel Bridge back to the starting point.

Your local guide will welcome you at the reception of your hotel in Lucerne before briefing you on the route on a city map and providing all the information you need about your tour. You will then depart to the Bourbaki Museum, where your guide will provide you with historical information about it. Following this, you will continue to the Lion Monument, which represents a dying lion and commemorates the fallen Swiss mercenaries who died in the storm of the Royal Palace in the turmoil of the French Revolution. A walk of about 10 minutes will take you to the hill of the Musegg Wall, the still preserved part of the outer city fortification of medieval Lucerne. You will visit the "Schirmerturm" and the "Zeitturm" with its clockwork from the late Middle Ages. You will learn interesting facts about Swiss history, the wars of liberation, the territorial expansion policy and the armed neutrality that still applies today. After encountering the city center, you will have the chance to visit the wine market which hosts the city's oldest fountain. You’ll drink pure Pilatus spring water and learn from your city guide why the old town well flows the best water in the city of Lucerne. Afterwards, continue through the legendary Furrengasse to Peterskapelle, the first church in the city of Lucerne, which dates back to the founding of the city in the 12th century. You will stroll across the world-famous Chapel Bridge to the other river side of the historic center. Afterwards, visit the Jesuit Church and visit this first baroque church in Switzerland from the inside (except during church services). Just a few steps further on you will reach the cantonal government building, the former Ritter's Palace and the city's most imposing Renaissance palazzos. During your visit, you will see the courtyard with the loggias and marvel at the beautiful stone carvings of the unfortunate stonemason "Hans von Trient". You can then enjoy the presentation of the seven paintings which show the Dance of Death (Danse Macabre). This famous Renaissance art work was created around 1610 by Jakob von Wyl.

The walk starts at the meeting point with the introduction of the Medieval Guide. Learn about his life and work. Listen to what he has to tell you about Diebold Schilling, Martinus Martini, Hans von Trient, Luzius Ritter and other important people of the blooming City and Republic of Lucerne. You get familiar with the first tourist map of Lucerne, the Martini Plan of 1597. The guide shows you the route of the walk on the map and describes the main attractions along the way. The itinerary takes you from the meeting point round the corner to the Kappelplatz (chapel square). You walk through the Furrengasse to the Kornmarkt to see the Lucerne measure units foot and elle. Then you walk through the Brandgässli and listen to the story of the riot of Lucerne. On Weinmarkt you learn about our weapons and war fare. You will find out why all European rulers wanted to have Swiss mercenary. On the lower Weinmarkt you see the location of the first court, pillory and execution place in Lucerne. You learn about our interrogation methods, punishment and witches. You have a short stop at the "Zöpfli", the number one riverside place to relax in the historic center of Lucerne. (You might come back to this place to have a refreshing foot bath in the river Reuss or to enjoy your own picnic. Ask the guide. He knows where to buy affordable food nearby). Then you cross the Reussbrücke, the first bridge in Lucerne, located at the most narrow point of the river. You pass the first Mint House and stop at the breathtaking medieval display window of the Suidtersche Pharmacy. Nex stop is the Ritterscher Palace. Listen to the thru story of the Ritterscher Palace and the outcome of the irregularities between the bad mayor and the sorry mason. Then you continue alongside the river and cross the Chapel Bridge to the Meeting Point. This is your last opportunity to ask questions to the guide, a handsome local. The tour is framed with pictures, to be seen on the guide's iPad or your own mobile device (needs own internet access). 

This experience is provided by an independent Local. Discover the historical side of Lucerne with a passionate local who wants to share the historical and fun facts about Lucerne. Our excursion starts at the Torbogen Luzern, the portal to the past. Learn about how the city has grown and changed over time. From visiting the churches to discovering the history behind the Lion Monument, discover unique sites that your ordinary tourist tour won’t show you. We always knew travelling was the best way of learning, but having a knowledgeable Local by your side to give you insider tips and share local secrets is even better! Of course, if you want to learn about something in particular or have a special interest, just let me know and I will adjust the itinerary for you! Who is a Local? A Local is someone who is passionate about sharing authentic experiences based on their interests. As LocalBini, we bring together passionate people from all around the world giving them the opportunity to offer unique experiences via our marketplace.

Day 1: Arrival at Zurich Airport – Overnight at Zurich Directly from Zurich airport, your experienced driver will arrange a comfortable transfer to your hotel with a luxurious vehicle. Enjoy a well-earned rest after your flight. Your helpful guidebook will point out some of the most amazing sights and activities that you can enjoy independently. Day 2: Zurich – Lucerne – Fluelen – Lugano – Overnight at Lugano Your driver-guide will be waiting for you at 08:00 to take to a 2-hour walking tour with a professional local guide, and you will stroll along the sights of Lucerne. Afterward, the Gotthard Panorama Express – will award you an epic 5.5-hour adventure across water and land by both boat and train -an experience you’ll never forget. The boat ride from Lucerne and Fluelen, and once in Fluelen, the luxurious train with bright panoramic windows will be waiting to take you through the Alps and the Gotthard tunnel to sparkling southern Switzerland - a region of Italian language and culture and home to Lugano – where your trip ends for today. Day 3: Lugano - Overnight at Lugano You’ll meet your driver-guide at 09:00 to discover fabulous Lugano – a little version of Italy in Switzerland. During your 2-hour walking tour, you’re certain to fall for the fantastic Italianate architecture, lakeside promenades, and other sights. Here we present two options for adventure - you might choose to visit the open-air museum, Swissminiatur, it’s a perfect view of Switzerland on a smaller scale with 120 intricate models of houses, castles, and monuments. You might select a visit to the FoxTown Factory Stores instead- a veritable temple of elegance and luxury, where shoppers can discover over 160 stores and 250 of the most prestigious international brands. Day 5: St. Moritz - Overnight at St. Moritz Enjoy your free day in St. Moritz on day 5. Located high in the Engadin area of the Swiss Alps, the fashionable St. Moritz has been a popular holiday hot spot for decades. The town has a fascinating cultural heritage involving many famous visitors and a recognizable style of Engadin architecture. Enjoy wellness treatments at Ovaverva Spa to refresh your body and soul. From the outside pools with massage jets and views of the mountains to the large bubbling hot tubs and 25-meter pools, Ovaverva has everything to enjoy the water both inside and in the fresh open air. Day 6: St. Moritz – Liechtenstein – Zurich - Overnight at Zurich Your driver-guide will be waiting for you in the lobby of your hotel to explore the natural beauty and cultural glory of two countries, all in one day – Switzerland and Liechtenstein. You’ll travel through the stunning Swiss countryside with crystal-clear alpine lakes and sweeping mountain vistas to visit the fascinating Vaduz – Liechtenstein’s capital. Day 7: Departure - Zurich Airport We are at the end of our trip, full of colorful moments. Your driver will be ready and waiting to take you back to the airport to catch your flight home.