Our goal was to see as much as possible in 6 days while maintaining an unhurried approach. From the first contact, our experience was detailed perfection. Marc and his team managed everything from airport pickup to hotel and restaurant recommendations.
We hoped to relax and not worry about anything — this expectation was exceeded. The team clearly listened to our preferences.
Our main stops included Zurich, Appenzell, Liechtenstein, Lake Lucerne, Interlaken, Thun, Zermatt, and the vineyards around Montreux.
The best element of our time was our top-tier guide, Manuel. His personality, knowledge, energy, and pride in his country were exceptional.
- 1 Day
- Lucerne
- Sightseeing
Overview
Highlights
There’s a moment on Lake Lucerne when the water turns perfectly still and the mountains reflect back like a painting. It’s a quiet pause that feels unmistakably Swiss.
This full-day private Switzerland tour pairs the timeless charm of Lucerne with the sweeping alpine panoramas of Mount Rigi, creating a day that’s effortlessly scenic, relaxed, and guided by locals who know every hidden detail.
One of Guide Nicole's Favorites
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The morning begins on the water – calm, glassy, and framed by mountains. As the boat pulls away from the quay, you’ll feel the pace of the day immediately soften. The route to Vitznau is one of the most scenic Lake Lucerne boat tours, with views that shift constantly between rocky cliffs, lakeside villas, and soft alpine meadows.
From Vitznau, the historic cogwheel railway carries you steadily toward the summit. The views open quickly; imagine layers of blue lakes, scattered villages, and rolling foothills all the way to the Alps. At the top, the breeze feels crisp and clean, and the air seems to carry a little more quiet than the world below.
This moment is often a favourite for guests creating a personalised Switzerland travel itinerary or looking to include Rigi in wider tours of Switzerland.
Your time on Mount Rigi is flexible. You can take gentle paths along the ridge, pause at lookouts, or simply settle into a viewpoint that seems to speak to you. On clear days, you’ll see the Alps stretching all the way to the Bernese peaks in the distance.
Rigi is ideal for travellers who want the beauty of the Alps without strenuous hiking – a thoughtful addition to Switzerland sightseeing tours.
In summer, your guide can take you to a traditional alpine cheese farm, where you’ll see cheese wheels on outdoor racks, and the air is filled with the scent of fresh alpine herbs. It’s a peaceful spot, where you can enjoy the quiet mountain atmosphere and learn about the cheese-making process from local farmers.
A private tasting can also be arranged, perfect for guests who love culinary experiences or are building a Switzerland food and wine tour into their trip. It pairs beautifully with a luxury wine tour in Switzerland if you’d like to extend the day with a curated regional tasting.
Lunch is served with the mountains spread out in front of you. Whether you choose a seasonal speciality or something simple and comforting, the setting makes it taste unforgettable.
Back in Vitznau, your guide takes you to the elegant terrace at Vitznauerhof – a perfect spot for dessert with both lake and mountain views. The setting feels refined yet relaxed, and the pastry selection is worth savouring slowly.
The afternoon ends in Lucerne, where painted façades, wooden bridges, and cobbled lanes give the city a soft, warm charm. Your guide will share stories of guild houses, hidden courtyards, and riverside viewpoints before giving you time to browse artisan boutiques.
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What's Included
Included:
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Expert Local Guide
A private local guide will accompany you throughout the day, providing expert insight and ensuring you experience the best of each destination.
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Transport
- Private luxury vehicle and driver for the full day
- Boat from Lucerne to Vitznau
- Funicular/cogwheel tickets to Mount Rigi
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Activities / Attractions
- Mount Rigi summit visit
- Optional cheese factory tour (summer only)
- Lucerne Old Town walking experience
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Other
- Private Switzerland tour guide
- Curated lunch and dessert recommendations
- Bottled water and light snacks
Not Included:
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Accommodation
Not included for day tours, though we’re always happy to arrange pre- and post-tour stays in Lucerne’s finest hotels.
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Food & Drink
No food or drink is included in the price of this itinerary, but on request and additional fee, could be catered for.
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Other
- Optional wine tastings
- Personal shopping costs
Lucerne & Mount Rigi Day Photos
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Why Book With Us?
1. 100% local expertise, tested first-hand
Every itinerary is designed by Swiss locals who live and breathe their regions – we’ve tested every route, restaurant, and hidden lookout ourselves.
2. Exclusive top-rated Swiss guides
Our guides aren’t just professionals – they’re storytellers and insiders, available only through Luxury Tours Switzerland.
3. Hidden gems beyond tourist routes
We open doors to secret spots, from private lakeside picnics to heritage chalets, that no typical private tours Switzerland itinerary could offer.
4. Special access through trusted networks
From after-hours museum tours to private vineyard dinners, our connections unlock Switzerland’s most exclusive moments.
Our Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour lasts a full day, typically from the morning boat departure in Lucerne until the late-afternoon return after your Old Town visit. This includes the Lake Lucerne cruise to Vitznau, the cogwheel railway to Mount Rigi, time at the summit, the journey back to Vitznau for dessert, and a guided walk through Lucerne’s historic centre. Your Switzerland tour guide adapts the pacing so the day feels relaxed rather than rushed.
Yes, the tour is well-suited to beginners, non-hikers, and guests of all fitness levels. Mount Rigi is known for its gentle alpine paths and accessible viewpoints, so you can enjoy panoramic scenery without any demanding climbs. For travellers seeking scenic Switzerland sightseeing tours, this is one of the easiest ways to experience the Alps.
Yes, the Lake Lucerne boats and the Mount Rigi cogwheel railway operate throughout most of the year. The only exceptions are brief scheduled maintenance periods or occasional weather-related adjustments, which your guide monitors in advance.
When planning day trips from Lucerne or multi-day tours of Switzerland, this reliability makes Rigi one of the most dependable mountain excursions.
Yes, a wine tasting can be added to the day, either in Lucerne or at a nearby lakeside vineyard. We can arrange a curated experience featuring Swiss alpine wines – a great addition for guests building a broader Switzerland food and wine tour into their travels. Tastings are fully tailored to your interests, whether you prefer crisp whites from the region or want to explore rarer Swiss varietals.
Yes, the itinerary is excellent for families, older travellers, and anyone who prefers a gentle pace. The transportation is comfortable, the walking sections are optional and easy, and there are plenty of rest points along the way. This makes it a popular choice for relaxed tours in Switzerland that prioritise comfort and beautiful scenery.