We are planning a trip in September, flying from Tampa to Zurich and then staying in Lake Lucerne for 2 nights to recuperate before heading to our 10 day trip into Italy. My husband and I are taking my parents and this is our first trip to Europe. My father dearly loves trains and I was hoping to book a great scenic ride from Lucerne to Venice. Any route suggestions would be much appreciated!

Hi T,

You can get train schedules and intermedate stops at http://plannerint.b-rail.be/bin/quer...n?L=profi&

Maps at www.viamichelin.com

Probably not exactly what you were expecting and perhaps, also, a bit of a long day, but IMO if you want a REALLY secenic route from Luzern to Venice, you could try taking the Golden Pass route to Montreux and changing there for a fast (if you can make the connections) train to Venice.

Out of the way route but great scenery.

www.goldenpass.ch

www.cisalpino.com

Thank you both for the responses!! The schedule page is very easy to follow and answers our essential questions (re: length, transfers, routes, etc). We had also discussed taking a panoramic trip (such as the Heidi express) even though it takes us out of the way, so the Golden Pass suggestion is great as well. Many people I speak to are incredulous that we are not trying to find the fastest way into Venice (ie: fly directly there). However, it's a thrill for my dad to take any train ride and the travel to Venice will probably be enjoyed as much as his exploration of the cities. (hard to believe, I know).

Hello,

There are detailed explanations of all the scenic trains on Rick Steves' website, including route descriptions and instructinos on taking just part of the route. Several different ones pass through Luzern, so you have several choices. There is also a "regular" train (not panoramic cars) from Luzern to Lugano in that enjoys the same scenery and takes less than three hours. From Lugano to Venice is another 4 to 5 hours by train, with a change in Milan.

Another neat way to go would be the Golden Pass route to Montreux as Intrepid suggested, then take the train toward Milan (via Brig) but detrain in Domodossola, just over the Italian border. There you catch the very scenic narrow-gauge Centovalli Railway to Locarno: http://www.centovalli.ch/

I like the Swiss rail website for checking schedules and connections all over Europe: www.sbb.ch

Have fun!

I took the train from Venice to Lucerne a few years ago via Milan and Lugano - I believe it's the most direct route via train - and it was a breathtakingly lovely train ride.

Also if you have a chance while you're in Lucerne, I recommend taking a steamer across Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, where you exit the boat and board the world's steepest cog railway (48% gradient or something crazy like that!?)to take you to the top of Mount Pilatus at 7,000 feet. What a view! Then on the return trip you can take a summer toboggan run for part of the way (how absolutely fun is that, and best part is it easy! I believe it's the longest of its kind in Switzerland and it's sheer joy, you're luging through the Alps with Lake Lucerne waaaaay down below you off in the distance) and then afterward you get in a gondola to take you back down to the bottom. Voila.

Anyway I realize your parents may be past the age where the toboggan part would sound enticing to them but in that case I think you can take a gondola instead for that part of the trek. However, I can't imagine a train enthusiast wouldn't love the world's riding the world's steepest railway!

Well whatever you decide, buon viaggio!

Great Ideas! I have not yet been to Rick Steve's website, but will have much to research and review there in the next six months planning the ins and outs for the trip (now that plane tickets and hotel reservations are complete). I find that the whole experience (day dreaming and planning included, prolongs the joy of travel)

LunaBella, I'm very happy to hear from someone who has traveled this route first-hand and confirmed that the scenery is breathtaking. My father would jump at the chance to go down the toboggan run -- I'm just not so sure he should. . . We reserved a private guide in Lucerne and although we have limited time in this beautiful place, we have discussed venturing out into the Alps.

We are all so excited about every aspect of the trip. I think I'll let my dad make the final call as to what he would most enjoy. Without doubt, it will be an adventure for us! Thank you for the kind wishes and sharing your experience with us.