Conjure a mental image of a Swiss city, and what you imagine will most likely resemble Lucerne. Elaborate fountains, Jesuit churches, Renaissance halls and old squares converge with storybook charm. The Lucerne Festival, hosting three celebrations throughout the year, is a world-renowned event for classical orchestras. Lucerne is also a launching point for excursions throughout central Switzerland. Nearby Mount Pilatus provides commanding views of the area and can be reached by cogwheel train or cable car. Forty-five minutes from downtown Lucerne (or an hour by pleasure steamer), Mount Rigi offers hiking and skiing trails. The Rigi massif was made famous by the paintings of J.M.W. Turner, including “The Blue Rigi: Lake of Lucerne, Sunrise.”