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3 days in Lucerne, 3 days in Lugano ( 4 overnights )

Here's an intriguing combination of two different cultures: Lucerne in the very heart of Switzerland where the original four cantons around the Vierwaldstättersee joined together in 1332 to overthrow Rudolf of Habsburg and regain control of their own destiny.That was the beginning of the Swiss confederation. Through the centuries, Lucerne prospered especially with the coming of the railways in the mid 19th Century, and became the home of many artists and composers, Richard Wagner among others.
The Wilhelm Tell Express runs on the Gotthard route through and under the Alps, linking Lucerne with Lugano in the Ticino, the Italian speaking canton south of the Alps. Here it's not only the climate that is different but the more relaxed Italianate atmosphere. The countryside is just as astounding with mountains surrounding Lakes Maggiore, Como and Lugano and a Mediterranean type flora and fauna and well preserved nature parks, as well as a southern style cuisine. And the attraction of Milan is just a short rail ride away. But basically it's a lake-side culture of finance, business and the arts against an Italian background.

Day 1
Arrive at Zurich Airport and transfer to Lucerne.Welcome drinks and check in at your hotel. Lunch at leisure.
Afternoon: Panoramic City tour of Lucerne and walking tour in the Old Town. Dinner at hotel.
Overnight in Lucerne.

Day 2
Full day excursion to Mt. Pilatus. Transfer by private motor coach to the pier. Cruise by Lake Steamer to Alpnachstad. There you take the cogwheel train to the top of Mt. Pilatus. Lunch in the panoramic restaurant (included) and visit mountain look-out. Return by cable car (gondola) to Kriens, and by motor coach back to Lucerne. Evening: Dinner at a typical Swiss Restaurant with folkloric show.
Overnight in Lucerne.

Day 3
The Highlight of this tour: The Wilhelm Tell Experience linking two of Switzerland's most attractive regions, Central Switzerland and the Italian speaking Ticino. You board a magnificently restored, nostalgic paddle steamer in Lucerne for the three hour lake cruise to Flüelen. Enjoy a good meal in the First Class restaurant while watching secluded bays, picturesque villages and historic landmarks such at the Tütli and Tell Platte where Wilhelm Tell supposedly shot the arrow on his son's head as punishment ordained by Gessler, the local Governor. In Flüelen you board air-conditioned First Class panorama cars of the Swiss Federal Railways. The trip continues through the awesome Reuss Valley with its deep ravines and precipitous cliffs. The world famous Gotthard line swiftly climbs from 470 to some 1100 meters above sea level at Göschenen, where it enters the 15 km long Gotthard tunnel, Europe's most important North/South route. 

Countless spiral and horseshoe tunnels, galleries, and bridges testify to the remarkable achievement of the men who built this masterpiece of civil engineering.  After a 10 minute tunnel passage, you enter the Levantine valley in the sunlit landscape of the Ticino. The William Tell Express crosses breathtaking cantilevered bridges and passes charming villages on its way to Bellinzona.
From there, the next leg is to Lugano where you arrive at the main station.
Private transfer to your hotel. Evening: dinner at leisure.
Overnight in Lugano.

Day 4
Morning: Panoramic tour of Lugano, a city paradise nestled in a protective bay on Lake Lugano and spread out between the mountain peaks of San Salvatore and Monte Bré. There's a profusion of brightcolored subtropical vegetation. It's a business and banking city which became Swiss in 1512 after breaking away from the Dukedom of Milan, and it's noted for its art collections, classical music, jazz, folklore, gourmet restaurants, night clubs, and gambling casino across the lake.
Afternoon at leisure to explore the city and shopping area.
Evening: Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Lugano.

Day 5
Morning at leisure & lunch also. Afternoon excursion to the wild Verzasca Valley and nature reserve. Evening: Farewell dinner at a typical Swiss Italian Tavern. Overnight in Lugano.

Day 6
Free time. Transfer by private motor coach with English speaking guide to Milan airport and, if time permits, a short city tour of Milan and lunch before your flight.

1 free in twin with 20 paying guests
Valid period:   From May 1st until October 25th

Contact : SM TRAVEL