Switzerland · SWISS LAKE CRUISES
Lucerne, Zurich, Geneva, Brienz, Thun. These 11 cruises are compared on route, how long they run and what the ticket covers, with a note on which boats are the original steamers and which are modern panoramic decks.
From central Lucerne, ride a panoramic gondola and Dragon Ride to Mount Pilatus, enjoy free time at 2,132 meters, descend by cogwheel train, then cruise Lake Lucerne from Alpnachstad. The English tour lasts about 5 hours 15 minutes and includes transport and admissions.
“Enjoyed the cable car and gondola up the mountain and the cogwheel down the mountain. Sites on top were amazing!!”
Travel from Zurich to Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus with a multilingual guide such as Adolfo or Rafael. Explore Lucerne briefly, ride gondolas to 2,132 meters, walk the Dragon’s Path, descend by the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, and finish with a Lake Lucerne cruise in the summer season.
“Bus, train and cable car this tour has it all. Along with beautiful mountains, lakes and views all seen with very informative commentary from an experienced guide. A day well spent in nature with lovely professional people.”
Set out from Eaux-Vives with Julien on a private 90-minute cruise aboard a relaxed pontoon-style boat. You’ll pass Geneva’s water jet, beaches, and parks while enjoying an aperitif, snacks, city stories, and perhaps a swim when conditions allow. English is available.
“It is a beautiful tour on Lake Geneva! Our guide Julien was informative and provided interesting historical info about the sights along the lake.”
See Zurich by air-conditioned coach, pause at Lake Zurich, walk the medieval Old Town, then take a one-hour public lake cruise with an audio guide. Add the FIFA Museum if you choose. This partly guided tour suits first-time visitors who want a quick city overview without spending a full day on foot.
“The tour guide did a wonderful job explaining the city and the history. I really enjoyed the walking tour. It was so nice to be apart of Zürich.”
Join Nico for a private three-hour sail from Cologny across Lake Geneva. You’ll learn basic sailing, help with the boat if you wish, view Geneva and Mont Blanc, and possibly pass through the spray of the Jet d’Eau.
“We had the most beautiful time on the lake with Nico. His boat is a lovely 24 foot mono hull sailboat. You can just enjoy the ride, or if desired help sail. If the weather is nice a jump in the lake may be in order! We highly recommend!”
Explore central Zurich privately with an English-speaking guide, using walking routes and included public transport. See Bahnhofstrasse, Lindenhof, Fraumünster, Grossmünster, Niederdorf, the university area, and Limmatquai. Add a one-hour Lake Zurich cruise for broad city views.
“Our guide quoted an inordinate amount of dates and history at a rapid speed, but failed to give adequate local knowledge and feelings of Zürich. We were unable to get into the main church because of filming during the month - he was unaware of this and did not show us inside any other church as an alternative eg St Peters. In our next tour chocolate tour we learnt that the clock face was the largest in Europe bigger than Big Ben and the building was owned by both the canton and state. Such details are interesfing and memorable - this was not the information we got from our guide.…”
See Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse, lakefront, university quarter, Old Town, and Dolder viewpoint with a private English-speaking guide. You’ll take a short Lake Zurich boat ride to Kilchberg, then visit Lindt Home of Chocolate. Hotel pickup and drop-off keep this family-friendly tour easy.
“Tour guide was great, spoke fluent English and was very knowledgeable. Tour of Lindt Chocolate factory was fun and tasty.”
Meet in Zurich and see the city from Polyterrasse, Lindenhof, Bahnhofstrasse, and the medieval Old Town before a 90-minute Lake Zurich cruise. English-speaking guides such as Greg lead the walking portion, while the small group keeps questions easy and personal.
“Ferry cruise was a very nice boat. Tour was good even though it was raining a bit. Tour leader very knowledgeable and attentive.”
Travel from Basel to Lucerne by Intercity train, then follow a Swiss guide through the old town, Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument, and more. Finish with a one-hour Lake Lucerne cruise. Guides such as Abraham, Oskar, Emil, and Ueli have led this flexible small-group outing.
“Just seeing the old section of town and the lion memorial. Also enjoyed the two old bridges. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm”
Travel from Basel to Mount Pilatus and Lake Lucerne with a private guide and hotel pickup. Ride the Dragon Ride cable car, descend by the steep cogwheel railway, and cruise the lake in first class. Guides including Michael, Ray, Jonas, and Lina have helped guests manage train changes and mobility needs.
“Wonderful daytrip! Ray, our guide, was fabulous! He patiently paced our tour to accommodate my mobility issue .Ray was extremely kind. thoughtful, and very knowledgeable. The trip itself was breath-taking! Highly recommend this trip! Magnificent photo opportunities,”
Join a small English-speaking group from central Zurich for a Lake Zurich ferry ride, a guided Old Town walk, and a self-guided Lindt chocolate museum visit with unlimited tasting. Guide Greg is praised for his humor and clear local advice. The tour ends at Lindt, with a 24-hour Zurich transport pass for your return.
“Our guide was excellent. He was informative and had a great sense of humor. He was very kind and provided great tips for Zürich and other cities”
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