Ed and Annette's Excellent European Adventure: Great train ride though the Alps to Lucerne Switzerland

We left the big city of Milan for a little relaxation in the Alps before heading home on Monday. What a great train ride through the Alps. The beauty and grandeur just cannot be captured in words or pictures. It is such a magnificent view with the mountains, rivers, waterfalls, towns, etc. Our train gave us an excellent front row seat of nature at its best.

Arriving at the city of Lucerne (Luzern) we were astonished at the city; serene setting, yet packed with tourists all wanting to enjoy this piece of heaven. The buildings all have a unique Alpine look and feel. So much work and architecture to make them each stand out uniquely.

After finding our hotel, IBIS Budget Hotel (cheapest nice place we could get to stay on budget) we headed out to find food and explore. We saw a Starbucks as we walked so we went in for a look. What is with the prices in Switzerland? $8.50 for a Mocha Frapucccino; over double the US price. We found a cafe for lunch and had $17 hamburgers because it was cheaper than the $40 dinner plates. All I can say is if you are traveling to Switzerland be prepared and double your budget!

The town closes up at 4 PM on Saturday and is closed on Sunday (the days we are here!) I guess looking in the windows is the most we will be able to do (cheapest too). Luckily the surrounding area will give us lots of places to walk and hike. Maybe a tram up the mountain?

The lake and the river running through the middle of town and the multiple bridges gave us lots of opportunity to get great views of the mountains and to soak in the beauty. A couple different times we found ourselves just sitting and enjoying the nature all around us.