Thanks to past threads on hotels in Lucerne (Luzern) I have submitted a reservation request for Hotel des Alpes for one night only(alas), Friday, April 27. We are breaking our 900 km trip there, back to Wiesbaden, Germany, from the Ligurian coast. <BR>Now, given half a day in Lucerne on Friday and a bit the following Saturday, what would you do with it? Other than pray for good weather, of course. Thanks, kk

Take a relaxing lake cruise - you may need the relaxation. If time permits break the cruise at Vitznau for a train ride on the Rigi Bahn for great views from the summit. You can usually buy a good meal and other refreshments on the lake steamers.

kk, <BR>I think you'd be best just to walk. First get lost in the shops & streets of the old town, walk across the Kapellbrucke & the Spreuerbrucke, see the Weinmarkt, the Kornmarkt, the Alte Rathaus, the Hirschenplaz, & the Jesuitenkirche, and walk down the lake on the Schweizerhofquai in front of the big hotels. There is a Fondu-Dinner boat cruise on Friday nights, and if you do this you'll kill three birds at once: get a great Swiss fondu dinner, have a cruise on the lake, and get fed. You've probably seen these websites before, but if not, check them out: <BR> <BR>www.lakelucerne.ch for rates, schedules, and reservations for the fondu cruise. <BR> <BR>www.lucerne.org to map out your wander. <BR> <BR>Write if you need more info. <BR> <BR>s

I would make my first priority seeing the town. A decent walking tour should take you half a day or a little more. It is a beautiful place. There are lots of good souvenir shops too. If you have time after that, a cruise on the lake is fantastic and very relaxing. We were able to do both in a daytrip of about 9-10 hours in Luzern.

Dear Tony, swandav, and Dan... <BR>thank you all so much. Fodorites are such great people! This is a big help. <BR>Anyone else have opinions, please?

I have stayed at that Hotel des Alpes. I can highly recommend it. They have breathtaking views and huge balconies to have breakfast on. A great choice!