Mt. Pilatus

Our trip to the top of Mt. Pilatus was the most spectacular event of the trip.

On the way to the top we glided over idyllic farms and could hear

the cow bells ringing.

The gondola ride takes over 30 minutes.

We went through clouds

 and emerged at what seemed like the top of the world!

 Before reaching the top we had to exit the gondola and get on a cable car.

In the snow at 10,000 feet

 the air so clean and crisp

 we played in the snow (or at least Huguette did:-)

We climbed to one of the top lookout points

 and down through caves in the mountain

with Jerry and Jan.

 Check out the prices at the cafe.  Yes, that is about $10 for a plate of french fries!

And I thought Disney World was expensive!

Coffee was about $8 a cup.

There's a hotel at the top and I can't imagine how much it costs to stay there.

All too soon it was time to head back down

But what an experience!

Sad to leave Luzern, but our next stop is Paris!!

Luzern

After leaving Venice we headed, again in the rain, through northern Italy past Lake Como.

It looked so serene and peaceful.  

A few miles out we stopped for lunch and I thought these hats would be the perfect gift

if I knew anyone named Guido or Jurg!

The ride to Luzern was spectacular.

We went through the St. Gottard tunnel, which is 17 kilometers and the longest in the world. 

When we exited on the other side of the mountain the skies were clearing!

 When we arrived in Luzern our first stop was to see the Lion Monument and learn the story behind it.

Our tour guide, Lorenzo, gave a wonderful talk which I recorded on the following clip.

(hope this works!)

We then went to our hotel, the Hotel Astoria, which was centrally located
and a short walk to everything.

This is the lobby.

 Very minimalistic!

The rooftop lounge was exceptional.

 All glass and views!

After a quick shower we were off for a cruise of Lake Luzern!

Trish, Barb, me & Sandra

Carl, Roy & Bill

Bill frequently hid behind a camera lens.

Ann & Rosa

 We all had a great time taking pictures and enjoying the views.

 The scenery was spectacular!

Luzern is a beautiful city

We headed out for a group dinner
and show at the Stadtkeller.

Roy learned to play a new musical instrument

 and Bill learned how to yodel.

We danced the night away and thoroughly enjoyed the evening,

then headed back to our hotel over the covered bridge.

Tomorrow we're going to the top of Mt. Pilatus!