Switzerland Great Tour

Mengenai destinasi: Zurich labours under the misconception that it is nothing more than a sterile banking city – don't believe a word of it. True, Zurich plays home to one of the largest stock exchanges in the world and is the financial motor of Switzerland itself, but step back from the markets and share prices and you'll find an arty, trend-conscious and vibrant city. Just hang in Zurich West for a while. Its former warehouses, viaducts and ship building caverns have been converted into art centres, funky bars and quirky boutiques. Along Langstrasse, the city’s notorious red light district, you’re now as likely to take home a chic handbag crafted by an emerging designer as you are a piece of skirt. Zurich’s character booms from the speakers of the annual Street Parade, a mammoth techno festival that weaves through the city with DJs and minimally-clad dancers on floats. There isn’t a banker’s tie in sight. If there is in the pretty east bank quarter of Niederdorf, it’s loosened. These medieval streets are abuzz with cafés on corners, trendy taprooms and world-class restaurants. It’s easy to while away an afternoon just absorbing its laidback atmosphere, especially in summer when the riverside take on a beach vibe. Winter is special too. Under the spell of snow, the cobbled alleyways, fountains, lakeside promenades and stunning architecture of the Old Town were made for the stroke of an artist’s brush. This is when one of Europe’s best Christmas markets rolls into town and the warming citruses and cinnamons of the glühwein (mulled wine) stalls fill the air. Shoppers will be in their element here at any time of year. Zurich’s flashy side is evident in the upmarket designer boutiques of Bahnhofstrasse, the city’s main shopping drag. But this is no longer a city for the smart set alone; there are plenty of unusual shops to be discovered down hidden streets. Sitting astride the River Limmat and the northern tip of Lake Zurich, Mother Nature certainly smiles down on Switzerland’s biggest city. Architects were courteous in their additions too - just check out the Fraumünster and Grossmünster churches, which face each other across the river. Then, when you’ve had enough of the city’s diverse array of restaurants, first-rate museums and pulsing nightlife, there’s always the nearby Uetliberg mountain or a boat trip on Lake Zurich to enjoy – if only to catch your breath before diving back into the city’s delights again.

Mengenai destinasi: St Moritz exudes health and wealth. This resort needs little introduction. It is one of the best-known vacation spots in Europe. Playground of today’s jetsetters, the curative properties of its waters have been known for 3000 years. If you enjoy skiing, then St Moritz is for you. Nonetheless, Saint Moritz has more to offer than just skiing. This nice small town, located in a small picturesque lake near the Engadine Valley, offers numerous other sporting facilities like golf, horse riding, rafting, and sailing to name just a few. And it is also the perfect place to relax by the lake, for hiking and admiring it amazing scenery and do some shopping. While visiting a number of city museums, you can get acquainted with its historical past. The Engadine Museum exhibits a collection of the folk art and traditions, the Segantini Museum displays works by the painter Giovanni Segantini. In the centre of St. Moritz is located the Leaning Tower built in the XII century. The tower, which height is 33m, is 5.5 degrees tilted. Another landmark of the city is the Abbey, on the territory of which are located numerous churches, church treasures and relics. This cute, cosy and charming little town, where the quality of service is unrivalled, is a paradise for lovers of snow-capped mountains and luxury.

Mengenai destinasi: Lugano is a lakeside city in Ticino, the Italian-speaking part of southern Switzerland. Part of a temperate micro-climate, Lugano offers palm trees, picturesque boulevards, stunning views of the lake and the Alps, and plenty of opportunity for outdoor and indoor activities. Lugano also makes a good base for visiting other cities and sites in the area. The city is a pleasant place to relax in the summertime and is only half an hour away from Lake Como. The Santa Maria degli Angeli chapel, designed by the world famous architect Mario Botta, is a marvel of contemporary architecture, with paintings by Enzo Cucchi. The chapel, built from 1992 to 1994, is dedicated to Santa Maria degli Angeli, and boasts innovative features in terms of religious building design. You can also visit the Parco Civico-Ciani. This area has both the features of an Italian and an English garden: lush flower beds alternate with green spaces and trees and shrubs from all over the world. The Swiss Miniature in Melide, which was opened in 1959, is the only miniature park in Switzerland. The detailed and authentic models include well-known sites such as the Heidi Village in Maienfeld, the castles of Burgdorf and Chillon, the Federal Parliament in Bern, and the Cathedral of Milan, the only model that can also be viewed from inside. Eighteen model trains travel between the buildings on approximately 3.5 kilometers of tracks.

Mengenai destinasi: Zermatt is a scenic ski resort, located at the northern base of the mighty Matterhorn. Skiing, hiking and mountaineering are the main attractions in this resort, nonetheless there is so much more to see in this flower bedecked village. Hinterdorf is the oldest part of Zermatt where you can still find a few of the old traditional Swiss wooden houses dating back to the 17th and 16th century. The St. Mauritius Church dominates the skyline of Zermatt. It is located at the Church Square, Kirchplatz, in the heart of Zermatt's busy city centre. Next to the Catholic Church, the Matterhorn Museum houses the remains and preserves Zermatt's history. Located close to St. Mauritius Church is the town's cemetery, the Mountaineers' Cemetery. There, the headstones tell some amazing stories of the climbers who met with destiny during their attempt to climb the Matterhorn. The main street is a hive of activity and has restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, gift shops and many shops retailing Swiss Watches. Beautiful Swiss style buildings adorn each side of the street. The English Church is a lovely little church set high on the hill overlooking Zermatt. It is a very heavily timbered building inside and, whilst not as big or as ornate as the Catholic Church, it has a charm all of its own. Well worth the walk up the hill. Bustling, crowded, busy and beautiful all at the same time, Zermatt is the epitome of Swiss atmosphere. Although busy with visitors and holidaymakers, this town has retained that lovely Swiss ambience and feel about it.

Mengenai destinasi: On the shores of Lac Léman at the foot of towering Alpine peaks, Lausanne is the seat of the International Olympic Committee. In summer, the Quai d’Ouchy becomes the equivalent of a Mediterranean resort with sailing, swimming, and waterskiing. But Lausanne was once the seat of bishops, and its old sections retain an ecclesiastic, medieval air. The rue Cité Devant and rue Cité Derrière comprise the heart of the old city. These medieval streets lead to the beautiful Gothic Cathédrale. Famed for its rose windows, it’s one of the outstanding monuments of Switzerland. The Château Saint-Maire is a short walk up from the cathedral and has a large and sunny terrace, which offers a good view of Lac Léman. Place de la Palud, nearby, has a large fountain where young people congregate. Place St-François, a small, quaint shopping district, is also a good spot for people-watching. The church of St-François has brilliantly coloured stained glass windows and a 15th century steeple. The Olympic Museum presents the philosophy of the Olympics and recounts their history. The quai de Belgique is a lakeside promenade flanked by flowers, immaculate gardens, small fountains and benches. Nature-lovers will also enjoy the statues and placid ponds of the Parc du Denantou at the end of quai d’Ouchy. Home to two highly regarded universities, Lausanne is a happening and dynamic city offering many attractions and activities. Lausanne is, as well, a city for active night owls, over the past decade Lausanne has transformed itself into the nightlife capital of French-speaking Switzerland: bars, nightclubs, pubs, discos, jazz clubs, theatres, etc. The city offers a wide range of establishments. If you happen to be in Lausanne in July, make sure you don't miss the Festival de la Cite. In the streets of the old town, this festival presents all types of performing arts, from dancing to theatre to rock concerts

Mengenai destinasi: The city of Geneva has a population of 200,000 inhabitants and is one of largest in Switzerland, is the capital of the canton and is situated on the Lac Leman, also named Lake of Geneva, it is divided by Rhône River, which emerges from the lake. It is a nice and charming city with numerous bridges. The Gothic Cathédrale de St-Pierre towers over the vieille ville, Geneva’s old section of narrow, winding streets and flower-bedecked homes. Climb the north tower for a spectacular view of the old town. Most of the city’s museums are in the vieille ville. The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire prides itself on its eclecticisms. Exhibits range from ancient Greek vases to Dadaism art. The Petit Palais houses a wonderful collection of modern art in an intimate 19th century palace. Geneva’s lakefront is beautiful. The audacious Jet d’Eau is one of the world’s tallest fountain. Don’t miss the manicured Jardin Anglais with its famous Horloge Fleurie, a large clock adorned with flowers, erected in homage to Geneva’s clock industry. Geneva remains the international city it has been for centuries, epitomizing the Swiss neutrality which has welcomed such diverse visitors as Lenin and Borges. Today, diplomats and the executives of innumerable corporations fill Geneva’s offices, though seldom its spotless streets. Sedate and picturesque, Geneva is the most pleasant city in Switzerland.

Mengenai destinasi: Neuchâtel is the capital of the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel on Lake Neuchâtel. The city is sometimes referred to historically by the German Neuenburg, which has the same meaning, since it originally belonged to the Holy Roman Empire and later Prussia, which ruled the area until 1848. The official language of Neuchâtel is French and is a pilot of the Council of Europe and the European Commission Intercultural cities programme. You must visit the old castle of Neuchatel, the historic downtown, the so-called "Eglise Rouge", the Red Church and the old Chateau which sits atop a small hill in the center of town houses the parlaiment of the Canton of Neuchatel, as well as an old medieval cathedral. The Chateau is also situated in the midst of the city's Old Town, which features many centuries old yellow sandstone buildings and narrow cobblestone streets. As well, a large red Catholic church dominates the skyline of Northeastern Neuchatel.

Mengenai destinasi: Basel on Sveitsin kolmanneksi suurin kaupunki. Se sijaitsee paikassa, jossa Sveitsin, Ranskan ja Saksan rajat kohtaavat. Sijaitsee luoteis-Sveitsissä Rein-joen varrella, Basel toimii merkittävänä teollisuuskeskuksena kemian ja lääketeollisuuden alalla. Basel-alue, joka kulttuurillisesti ulottuu saksalaiseen Baden-Württembergiin ja ranskalaiseen Alsaceen, heijastaa kolmen valtion perintöä modernissa latinalaisessa nimessä: ""Regio TriRhena"". Siellä on Sveitsin liittokunnan vanhin yliopisto (1460). Basel on yksi Sveitsin tärkeimmistä kulttuurikeskuksista. Kaupungissa on suuri määrä teattereita ja monia museoita, mukaan lukien Kuvataiteen museo, maailman vanhin yleisölle avoin taidekokoelma. Lisäksi Theater Basel valittiin vuonna 1999 parhaaksi saksankielisten esitysten näyttämöksi. PÄÄMATKAILUKOHTEET • Portit muurattuun kaupunkiin. Kolmas linnoitusrengas koko vanhan kaupungin ympärille rakennettiin suuren maanjäristyksen jälkeen vuonna 1356. • Marktplatz, toriaukio. Tuoreita hedelmiä ja vihanneksia, leipää ja leivonnaisia, kukkia on saatavilla jokaisena työpäivänä. • Rathaus (kaupungintalo) Sijaitsee suoraan Marktplatzilla, tämä kauniisti kunnostettu renessanssipalatsi on edelleen virallisessa käytössä, mutta voit mennä sisäpihalle omatoimisesti tai liittyä opastetulle kierrokselle.

Mengenai destinasi: Bern, Sveitsin viehättävä pääkaupunki, sijaitsee Aare-joen kauniissa mutkassa ja tuntuu enemmän rennolta keskiaikaiselta kaupungilta kuin poliittiselta keskukselta. Sen Unescon maailmanperintöluetteloon kuuluva vanhakaupunki on sokkelo holvikaarikatuja, hiekkakivijulkisivuja ja piilotettuja sisäpihoja, jotka kutsuvat hitaaseen kävelyyn kiireisen nähtävyyksien katselun sijaan. Mukulakivikadut vievät sinut ohi koristeellisten 1500-luvun suihkulähteiden, perinteisten kellaribaarien ja kuuden kilometrin pituisten katettujen holvikaarien alla suojassa olevien putiikkien – täydellinen pakopaikka säässä kuin säässä. Kaupungin sydämessä seisoo Zytglogge, ikoninen kellotorni koristeellisella tähtitieteellisellä kellolla, joka on viihdyttänyt katsojia vuosisatojen ajan. Lähellä kohoava Bernin tuomiokirkko palkitsee torniinsa kiipeävät panoraamanäkymillä punatiilikattojen ja Aare-joen smaragdinvihreän nauhan yli. Lyhyen kävelymatkan päässä sijaitseva liittovaltion palatsi muistuttaa, että tämä rauhallinen kaupunki on myös Sveitsin demokratian keskus, ja markkinapäivinä Bundesplatz täyttyy kojuista, jotka myyvät paikallisia juustoja, kukkia ja alueellisia erikoisuuksia. Luonto ei ole koskaan kaukana Bernissä. Kesällä paikalliset ja seikkailunhaluiset vierailijat lipuvat kristallinkirkasta Aare-jokea pitkin, ja kukkulan laella sijaitseva Ruusutarhan puisto tarjoaa yhden parhaista näköalapaikoista kaupunkikuvaan, erityisesti auringonlaskun aikaan. Karhupuisto, jossa elävät karhut – kaupungin vuosisatoja vanha symboli – sijaitsee aivan joen toisella puolella vanhastakaupungista ja tarjoaa ainutlaatuisen sekoituksen kansanperinnettä ja kaupunkien vehreyttä. Taiteen ystäville Zentrum Paul Klee ja Kunstmuseum esittelevät sveitsiläisten ja kansainvälisten taiteilijoiden mestariteoksia. Bern on myös ihanteellinen tukikohta laajemman alueen tutkimiseen. Erinomaiset junayhteydet yhdistävät kaupungin Berner Oberlandiin, josta alppiretket Interlakeniin, Grindelwaldiin tai Jungfraujochiin ovat helppoja päiväretkiä. Vuoristossa vietetyn päivän jälkeen voit palata Bernin viihtyisiin kahviloihin, jokivarren terasseille ja perinteisiin ravintoloihin nauttimaan paikallisista ruoista, kuten rösti- ja berniläisestä lautasesta, sveitsiläisten viinien tai pienpanimo-oluiden kera. Hiljainen mutta persoonallinen Bern palkitsee kävijöitä, jotka arvostavat tunnelmaa, historiaa ja hitaampaa matkustustahtia.