Four Countries in a Day

Our trip to Lucerne involved traveling through four countries: Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. It was a long day on the bus so everyone had a chance to visit, catch a few winks as well as enjoy the scenery. Our first stop was at Neuschwanstein Castle. It was too bad that it was drizzling and foggy. We all took the long hike up to the castle, even though the view was not as beautiful as it would have been on a clear day.

Our next stop was Innsbruck, Austria. We stopped for lunch and to do some shopping. Many of the group found some bargains at the Swarovski Jewelry Store. And guess what else they found...another McDonalds!! Doug and I found a little bakery and sampled some of the apple strudel.

Liechtenstein was our last stop before Lucerne. We stopped at Vaduz, Liechtenstein. We had time to use the washrooms, buy some souvenirs and snacks and have our passports stamped.

We finally arrived at the Hotel Loewen in Lungern, about 25 minutes from Lucerne, Switzerland. The hotel was very old, built in the late 1800's. There were various levels and one very small elevator. some of the brave ones carried their luggage up 4 floors instead of waiting on the elevator. Dinner was served in a large dining room. It was served family style, large platters of meat and rice were placed on the tables and people served themselves.