ShoreTrips says...

Basel stands as a monument to the old and the new. With a rich history as a Medieval trading town, today this modern city is also known as a capital of industry.

We depart Basel in a private car with an English-speaking driver. Once in Lucerne, you will find the best way to explore this beautiful, compact city is by walking. Your local guide will 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 with rampart walls built in 1386, and still standing.

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.

We'll visit the elaborate Hof Church, 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.