Kick off your visit with a city tour for an overview of Lucerne before the crowds arrive. The compact Old Town is best explored on foot, with small-group and private tours available for a more personalized perspective of the history-steeped city.

No trip to Switzerland is complete without a mountain excursion. The city’s Alpine location makes it possible for you to ascend an iconic peak such as Titlis or Pilatus in just an afternoon. Many tours offer round-trip transport for hassle-free exploration.

After dinner, get an alternative perspective of the city. History buffs can dive into Lucerne’s past on a medieval walking tour, while photographers can take the opportunity to capture moonlit mementos of their visit.

If you’re craving more Alpine experiences, head into the Bernese Oberland to discover picturesque villages and grand peaks on a full-day tour. Alternatively, gain insight into urban life in German-speaking Switzerland on a tour to Zurich or Bern, the country’s capital.

Most day tours continue into the afternoon, dropping you back in Lucerne in the early evening. If you find yourself with time to spare, get a taste of local cuisine on a food tour, or keep the kids entertained at the Swiss Transport Museum.

A sunset cruise on Lake Lucerne is the ideal way to take in your final views of the city. Some cruises include dinner. Afterward, if you’re not yet ready to retire, enjoy a digestif in one of the sophisticated bars that line both sides of the Reuss river mouth.