About Legends Of Lake Lucerne
Available: Tuesday-Sundays 15 May-15 September
Example travel costs
Swiss Travel Pass 444 Sfr with a 2nd Class Pass, 420 Sfr with a 1st Class Pass
Half Fare Card: 487 Sfr
Brand new is the superb day cruise ‘Legends of Lake Lucerne’. This exclusive cruise is like no other on the lake as the restored paddle steamer Gallia has been commissioned for VIP service daily throughout the summer. With only 65 passengers on board and a fine lunch included, this is an unforgettable way to experience the sparkling water of Lake Lucerne with views of scenic villages lining the water and the stunning Alps rising to the heavens.
Get your holiday quotation today
Contact us to book your holiday
Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com
Highlights
Your cruise
Your four hour cruise takes you almost the full length of the lake from Lucerne to Rütli – birthplace of the Swiss confederation - and back again, with magnificent views of the mountains. During the excursion, you will be treated to a five course menu, prepared in the ship’s kitchens using regional ingredients. Two courses are served à table in the salon and the others in a more informal style so that guests have free rein around the boat.
As well as serving your lunch, the crew and the Captain are on hand to answer your questions about the history and operation of the ship and to give you an insight into the glorious landscape and the legends of Lake Lucerne. The colourful character of Casimir Friedrich Knörr (founder of steam cruises on the lake) is also on board, ready to regale you with his gripping tales of yore. After all, this is the heartland of Switzerland – where neighbouring cantons came together to form the genesis of a new country in 1215, and where the events of the William Tell legend took place.
09.00-09.35 Welcome on board in Lucerne
09.45 Departure for the full round trip with unforgettable views
13.45-14.00 Disembark in Lucerne
The Gallia steamship
You will be welcomed on board at Lucerne’s boat station and immediately be struck by the nostalgia of the Gallia steamship. Built in 1913, the Gallia is the fastest steamer in Europe thanks to her two-cylinder steam engine and a sleek hull design. Take a stroll around to discover the ornate dining salon with its Belle Epoque style and the open upper deck with sun awning.
The Gallia has a capacity of 900 passengers, so with only 65 guests on board this really is a VIP experience with staff attending to your every need.
Typical Legends menu
STARTER Uri Alpine lamb and Swiss alpine Salmon
TYPICAL LUCERNE Lucerne mini puff pastry with Swiss turkey and organic Gotthard mushrooms
RUSTIC Clariden Glacier Fondue with Swiss potatoes
FROM THE WATER Swiss Zander and Ravioli with cheese
FROM THE MEADOW Central Swiss beef tenderloin with rösti
FINISH Lake Lucerne iced coffee
A full vegetarian menu can be pre-ordered.
Served with Bollinger Champagne, a carefully selected range of Swiss wines (white and red), non-alcoholic drinks and tea & coffee.
Included in the price
- 4 hours round trip on beautiful Lake Lucerne
- Exclusive VIP sailing, with only 65 passengers on board
- Plenty of space, peaceful atmosphere
- 5 course lunch prepared in the galley kitchen using regional produce
- Drinks including Champagne, Swiss wines, non-alcoholic drinks, tea and coffee
- Insightful conversations with the Captain and crew members
Did you know...?
...In English the lake is named after the historic city of
Lucerne. In German the lake is called Vierwaldstättersee, which
refers to the four forest cantons of Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden and Lucerne which surround the lake and occupy a significant role in the
foundation of Switzerland several centuries ago
...The lake has a size of 114 km², is 214 m deep
and lies at an elevation of 443 m above sea level.
...Lake Lucerne was formed as a glacial lake about 12,000
years ago, at the end of the Ice Age. It has four main tributary rivers and one outflow, the River Reuss in the
city of Lucerne. Because of its unique shape, Lake Lucerne has several scenic bays which you may want to visit on foot later in your holiday after you have spotted them from the water on your cruise.
...Before the construction of the railways and tourism, trade shipping
was the most important activity on Lake Lucerne. Until
1863, Lake Lucerne provided the only access to the stony roads of the
Gotthard Pass for the important north-south route through the Alps.
Directions
The boat station is located just outside the railway station in central Lucerne.
As the embarkation is from 09.00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays-Sundays, you may be able to reach the pier from other resorts such as Weggis, Vitznau or Brunnen if you take an early morning bus/train. On Wednesdays there is an evening departure at 17.15.
Request your holiday quotation
Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com