Germany, Austria, Switzerland: Castles and Flowers May 23-31, 2009

Day 7: Interlaken -Golden Pass Scenic Route - Lucerne

As we leave the Bernese Oberland area of Switzerland, we begin our journey along the famous Golden Pass scenic route to Lucerne. On this portion of our rail journey, we stop for a few minutes in the small town of Meiringen, where the creation of meringue and the death of Sherlock Holmes and his nemesis, Professor Moriarty, at the Reichenbach Falls, are the two claims to fame of this quaint old town.

Keep your camera handy at all times on this rail journey. As we go through the valley of Lundgren, you can snap some great pictures of one of the loveliest churches sitting there so reverently in the heart of this valley, and seems as if it were painted in this setting. If there happens to be low clouds, the church spire will take your breath sticking up out of the clouds!

Beautiful Swiss flowers

This morning, we arrive in the lakeside city of Lucerne, said by many to be the prettiest city in Switzerland. A short walk brings us to our historical hotel, located on the banks of the River Reuss on one side and the Old Town on the other. Noted as one of the favorite places to eat by the locals, perhaps enjoy your dinner sitting out by the river, or under the arcade in the outdoor terrace restaurant.

Our first venture is a walk through the Old Town, with its cobble-stone streets and fountains, as we make our way to The Lion Monument. The lion, which was carved into a former sandstone quarry wall from a design by B. Thorvaldsen, is an allegory of the defeat of the Swiss Guard during the storming of the Tuileries in 1792, commemorating the Swiss Guards who died while defending Marie Antoinette in the French Revolution.

Join me for a very memorable lunch today, at the world-famous Old Swiss House. This lunch is optional, but I highly recommend you go with me for this marvelous experience and meal. The Old Swiss House ranks as one of Switzerland's most outstanding and attractive restaurants. The service staff are dressed in original Lucerne costumes and are eager to make your visit an unforgettable experience.

The Buholzer family has one of Switzerland's most remarkable wine-cellars, stocked with approximately 50'000 bottles of some of the rarest vintage wines, including a unique collection of Château Mouton-Rothschild, which is displayed near the entrance. The high standard of cuisine, service and cellar combined, make the Old Swiss House a tradition for the local clientele and a "must" for visitors from around the world.

Beautiful Swiss Chalet adorned with flowers

I never miss a chance to have Weinerschnitzel at least twice, when i'm in Lucerne! It is cooked table side, and involves a production fit for royalty. It has to be the world's finest, without doubt!! The tables are elegant, and yet there is a sense of casual elegance to the establishment. You do not need to take dress clothes to have lunch here.

Your time in Lucerne, is all free time after the Lion Monument, until we depart on Sunday morning, when we head to Zurich for our flights home. There is so much to see and do in Lucerne. Don't forget that your Swiss Rail Pass covers transportation on the city buses, as well as the boats on the lake.

Day 8: Free Day in Lucerne

Take advantage of this free day to explore the old town, walk around the lake, visit the Casino, venture up to Mt. Pilatus, for an unforgettable experience, or take the train to Mt. Titlis, and play in the snow, or ride the lake steamers. Shopping is a true delight in Lucerne or maybe visit the transportation museum, and visit the IMAX show of The Alps while there.

There are art museums located in walking distance, walk up to the walls of the old city for spectacular views, or stroll along the lake feeding the birds, take a turn riding on the swings or carousel as you enjoy the carnival! Don't forget to spend some time under the train station looking in the shops, and a must is to buy hot berliners, (donuts) made right in front of you and filled with a couple choices of fillings.

Your rail pass includes entrance to over 400 museums in Switzerland, and 50% discount on mountain top excursions, as well as passage on the lake steamers, city bus lines, as well as trips on the railroads.

Day 9: Lucerne to Zurich

After check out this morning, we will walk across to the train station for our last journey by rail on our tour. Zurich's Kloten airport is one of my favorites in the world. They have just completed a 4 year, 1 1/2 billion dollar renovation to the international portion of the airport. Kloten Airport has been awarded the best airport in Europe for 2004,2005,2006 and 2007. After we check in and clear immigrations and security, we may have a short time to shop in the small duty free store, located after you go through the security area, NOT the ones before security!

After we board our plane, it's time to relax and enjoy thoughts of all of our adventures on this incredible journey.

View the daily itinerary: Previous <<, Days 1-4, Days 5-6