Lucerne and Scuol

Flight from the UK to Zurich airport with rail travel to Lucerne (approximately 1 hour 10 minutes).

Check in to your hotel and enjoy your first look around Lucerne, one of the most popular towns in Switzerland. Famously sitting on the shore of the lake, with a wide vista of mountains beyond, Lucerne's natural beauty is matched by the charm of its historical buildings. Take a wander around the Old Town, or maybe sit in a riverside café and take in the views.

Helpful links 

Lucerne resort page & hotels

Central Switzerland excursions

With your Half Fare Card, Lucerne is perfect to enjoy discounted travel around the dramatic scenery. 

With such a beautiful sight on your doorstep, you will probably want to take your first day to explore the lake. You'll find the boat station just beside the railway station and there are regular departures throughout the day. The fleet is made up of modern cruisers, a sleek yacht and some beautifully restored paddle steamers which have been carrying sightseers on the lake for over 100 years. With your Half Fare Card you can buy a day pass for unlimited travel along the full length of the lake so you can take time to go ashore wherever you fancy. The boats call at some delightful villages around the lake - maybe you could take a wander around Weggis or Vitznau. As you sail out further from Lucerne, the mountains become higher and the views spectacular. You could connect with one of the funiculars which travel up from the shore and enjoy the views from Seelisberg or Klewenalp (50% discount). Or why not alight at one of the stops on the Swiss Trail route - enjoy a scenic walk and then take the boat home again.  

Known as the 'Queen of the Mountains', Mount Rigi is one of the most popular excursions for those staying in Lucerne. Head to Vitznau, where the historic cogwheel railway - Europe's oldest - will transport you slowly up the mountain. The 1,800m summit is known as Rigi Kulm and here you have a magnificent view. On the Rigi there are plenty of scenic walking trails to enjoy, many with sweeping views over the water. Along the way you'll find picnic and barbecue spots for an al fresco lunch in idyllic surroundings. At Rigi Kaltbad there are a number of boutiques, mountain restaurants and even a mineral spa. You can take the train back down again, or try the cable car which transports you gently down to Weggis. All the transport described is discounted with your Half Fare Card. 

Another recommended mountain journey - again discounted with your Half Fare Card. Travel by rail or boat from Lucerne to the town of Stans. Here you take the funicular and then the famous CabriO cable car. The cabin has an open upper deck for 30 people and gives a fantastic 360 degree panorama to the Stanserhorn. A unique experience!  On arrival, you may like to head to the viewing platform with a clear view of the Säntis Mountain, Finsteraarhorn, Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau and the Brienzer Rothorn. There is a marmot park and a splendid walk along the Rock-Gipfelweg trail leading to the summit, where at the highest point you can enjoy a breathtaking 360 degree panorama. There are plenty of walking trails, or you may prefer to relax on deck chairs. For lunch, there is a revolving restaurant (it takes 43 minutes for the Rondorama restaurant to turn on its axis) and a self-service buffet to enjoy while you look out over the wonderful scenery.

Today you head for the mountains in the Lower Engadin at Scuol - a delightful Spa town close to the Austrian border. The journey takes around 3 hours 40 minutes and you will travel through scenic landscapes en route. Scuol is a must if you like exploring the unknown highlights of Switzerland. After check in you will have time to get a flavour of the town and maybe discuss your plans with the hotel.

Helpful links 

Scuol resort page & hotels

Graubünden Excursions

There is so much on offer here with your free Scuol Guestcard. You might wish to use it on your first full day to travel to Zernez - gateway to Switzerland’s fabulous Swiss National Park. It is a joy to wander amongst the mountain trees and shrubs on a choice of 21 walking trails covering 80km across the Park - you may also spot animals such as ibex, marmots and birds of prey! During your visit you will see pines, larch and spruce trees; a few of the flowers and shrubs which thrive here include glacier crowfoot, Rhaetian poppy, vanilla orchid, edelweiss and alpine clematis. The welcome centre has plenty of information and knowledgeable staff to help you get the most from your visit, including binoculars and audio guides for hire. There are plenty of scenic spots for a picnic, but you must take all litter with you.

Start your day with a cable car journey to Motta Naluns at 2,146m and enjoy truly beautiful views. Your Guest Card gives you a free return journey. There is a mountain restaurant at the summit and the opportunity to experience some wonderful walks in the pure mountain air. A favourite activity here is to rent an electric 'trottibike' and enjoy the descent back to the valley. 

In the afternoon you could 'take the waters' for which Scuol has been famous for centuries. There are 20 mineral spring providing the water to the superb Engadin Bad Scuol which features six indoor and outdoor pools, a solarium and sauna area. Entry is free when staying at our hotel, the Belvédère. 

Time to bid farewell to Scuol - make your way by train back to Zurich for your flight to the UK.