Lucerne, Mount Rigi & Lake Cruise from Zurich: Private Tour

The cogwheel train climbs through alpine pastures to views of 13 Swiss lakes and the snow-capped Alps.

A private full-day tour from Zurich to Lucerne, Mount Rigi and back, with hotel pickup and drop-off in a luxury Mercedes-Benz. You walk through Lucerne's Old Town past the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument, cruise Lake Lucerne by passenger boat, ride Europe's oldest cogwheel railway to Mount Rigi's summit at 1,798 meters, and descend by panoramic cable car to Weggis. A professional driver-guide leads the day in your choice of five languages.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Lucerne30m
2. Chapel Bridge30m · entry included
3. Zurich Old Town30m · entry included
4. Lion Monument30m · entry included
5. Mount Rigi2h · entry included

Zurich to Lucerne and Mount Rigi tour

• Hotel pick-up in Zurich
• Scenic drive to Lucerne
• Guided walking tour of Lucerne Old Town
• Visit Chapel Bridge and Water Tower
• See the Lion Monument
• Boat cruise on Lake Lucerne
• Arrive at Vitznau and board cogwheel train
• Ascend Mount Rigi to summit
• Enjoy panoramic views and lunch
• Cable car descent to Weggis
• Return drive to Zurich
• Hotel drop-off in Zurich

The experience

The day starts at your Zurich hotel, where your driver picks you up in a private air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz for the scenic drive toward Lucerne. Along the way, live commentary frames the Swiss countryside before you arrive at the Old Town for a guided walk. You cross the iconic Chapel Bridge, see the octagonal Water Tower, and walk past decorated medieval guild houses in the Altstadt. The Lion Monument, carved directly into natural rock, sits nearby, with time to photograph it or grab coffee along the Reuss River.

From Lucerne's pier, you board a passenger boat for a one-hour cruise across Lake Lucerne, taking in shoreline views of Mount Pilatus and Mount Bürgenstock before arriving at Vitznau. There you transfer to the cogwheel train that opened in 1871, Europe's oldest of its kind, and ascend through alpine pastures and pine forest to Rigi Kulm at 1,798 meters. At the summit, you step out into 360-degree views spanning 13 Swiss lakes and the snow-capped Alps. A mountain restaurant sits at the peak if you want lunch (at your own cost), or you can walk the alpine trails around the ridge.

The descent happens by panoramic aerial cable car from Rigi Kaltbad down to Weggis, a picturesque lakeside village, floating over deep forest canopy and lake views the whole way. Your driver meets you there for the comfortable return drive along Lake Zug back to your Zurich hotel, ending the day where it began.

What’s included

• Mount Rigi cogwheel train ticket and aerial cable car ticket from Rigi Kaltbad to Weggis.
• private transportation in a luxury air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Lake Lucerne boat cruise ticket.
• professional driver-guide in your choice of language.

Options for this experience

2 options

Private tour, pickup includedGuide in 6 languages · 9 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 12:00Includes pickup

Private tour, no pickupGuide in 6 languages · Available from 13 Dec · 08:00Includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day9 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 12:00

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Swiss Epic Tours

Is this one for you?Pick this option if your hotel is your starting point and you prefer a private vehicle that moves at your pace, allowing you to linger longer at stops like the Lion Monument or Rigi's summit.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Chapel Bridge and why is it famous in Lucerne?

The Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) is Lucerne's most iconic landmark, a covered wooden footbridge with an octagonal Water Tower at its center. Built in the 14th century, it connects the Old Town across the Reuss River and is one of Europe's oldest wooden bridges, decorated with interior paintings that tell stories of Lucerne's history.

How high is Mount Rigi and what can you see from the summit?

Mount Rigi rises to 1,798 meters (5,899 feet) and is known as the "Queen of the Mountains." From the summit, you get 360-degree panoramic views across 13 Swiss lakes and the snow-capped Swiss Alps on clear days.

Which cogwheel train do you ride, and when was it built?

You ride Europe's oldest historic cogwheel railway, which opened in 1871. It ascends from Vitznau through alpine pastures and pine forests all the way to Rigi Kulm at the summit.

How long is the Lake Lucerne boat cruise?

The boat cruise across Lake Lucerne lasts one hour and departs from Lucerne's pier. You see shoreline views of Mount Pilatus, Mount Bürgenstock, and grand lakeside villas along the way.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included. At Mount Rigi's summit, you can eat at the mountain restaurant at your own cost or walk the alpine trails around the peak instead.