Switzerland Great Tour

Despre destinație: 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.

Despre destinație: 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.

Despre destinație: 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.

Despre destinație: 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.

Despre destinație: 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

Despre destinație: 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.

Despre destinație: Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel Gölü üzerinde yer alan İsviçre'nin Neuchâtel kantonunun başkentidir. Şehir bazen tarihsel olarak Almanca Neuenburg olarak anılır, bu da aynı anlama gelir, çünkü başlangıçta Kutsal Roma İmparatorluğu'na ve daha sonra 1848 yılına kadar bölgeyi yöneten Prusya'ya aitti. Neuchâtel'in resmi dili Fransızca'dır ve Avrupa Konseyi ve Avrupa Komisyonu Kültürlerarası Şehirler programının bir pilotudur. Neuchatel'in eski kalesini, tarihi şehir merkezini, "Eglise Rouge" olarak adlandırılan Kırmızı Kilise'yi ve şehir merkezindeki küçük bir tepe üzerinde yer alan ve Neuchatel Kantonu'nun parlamentosuna ev sahipliği yapan eski Şato'yu ziyaret etmelisiniz, ayrıca eski bir ortaçağ katedrali de bulunmaktadır. Şato ayrıca, birçok yüzyıllık sarı kumtaşı binaların ve dar taş döşeli sokakların bulunduğu şehrin Eski Kenti'nin ortasında yer almaktadır. Ayrıca, büyük bir kırmızı Katolik kilisesi, Kuzeydoğu Neuchatel'in siluetini domine eder.

Despre destinație: Basel, İsviçre'nin üçüncü en kalabalık şehridir. İsviçre, Fransız ve Alman sınırlarının buluştuğu yerde bulunmaktadır. Ren Nehri üzerinde, kuzeybatı İsviçre'de yer alan Basel, kimya ve ilaç endüstrisi için önemli bir sanayi merkezi olarak işlev görür. Basel bölgesi, kültürel olarak Alman Baden-Württemberg ve Fransız Alsace'ye uzanır ve modern Latin adı "Regio TriRhena"da üç devletin mirasını yansıtır. İsviçre Konfederasyonu'nun en eski üniversitesine (1460) sahiptir. Basel, İsviçre'nin en önemli kültür merkezlerinden biridir. Şehir, Güzel Sanatlar Müzesi de dahil olmak üzere birçok tiyatro ve müzeye ev sahipliği yapar, bu müze halka açık en eski sanat koleksiyonudur. Ayrıca, Theater Basel 1999'da Almanca performanslar için en iyi sahne olarak seçildi. ANA TURİSTİK ATRAKSİYONLAR • Surlarla Çevrili Şehre Kapılar. 1356'daki büyük depremden sonra tüm eski şehrin etrafına (üçüncü) bir halka şeklinde tahkimatlar inşa edildi. • Marktplatz, Pazar yeri. Taze meyve ve sebzeler, ekmekler ve hamur işleri, çiçekler her iş günü mevcuttur. • Rathaus (Belediye Binası) Doğrudan Marktplatz'da, bu güzelce yenilenmiş Rönesans sarayı hala resmi olarak kullanılmaktadır, ancak kendi başınıza avluya girebilir veya rehberli bir tura katılabilirsiniz.

Despre destinație: İsviçre'nin büyüleyici başkenti Bern, Aare Nehri'nin zarif kıvrımı boyunca uzanır ve siyasi bir merkezden çok, rahat bir ortaçağ kasabası havası taşır. UNESCO tarafından koruma altına alınan Eski Şehir, kemerli sokakları, kumtaşı cepheleri ve gizli avlularıyla aceleci gezilerden ziyade yavaş yürüyüşlere davet eden bir labirenttir. Arnavut kaldırımlı sokaklar sizi, 16. yüzyıldan kalma gösterişli çeşmelerin, geleneksel mahzen barlarının ve altı kilometre uzunluğundaki kapalı kemerlerin altında yer alan butik dükkanların yanından geçirir; her türlü hava koşulunda mükemmel bir sığınak. Şehrin kalbinde, yüzyıllardır izleyicileri eğlendiren süslü bir astronomik saate sahip ikonik saat kulesi Zytglogge yer almaktadır. Yakınlarda, yükselen Bern Katedrali, kulesine tırmananları kırmızı kiremitli çatılar ve Aare'nin zümrüt yeşili şeridi üzerinde panoramik manzaralarla ödüllendirir. Kısa bir yürüyüş mesafesinde bulunan Federal Saray, bu sakin şehrin aynı zamanda İsviçre demokrasisinin merkezi olduğunu hatırlatır ve pazar günlerinde Bundesplatz, yerel peynirler, çiçekler ve bölgesel spesiyaliteler satan tezgahlarla dolup taşar. Bern'de doğa asla uzak değildir. Yaz aylarında, yerliler ve maceraperest ziyaretçiler kristal berraklığındaki Aare Nehri'nde tekne gezintisi yaparken, Gül Bahçesi tepe parkı, özellikle gün batımında, şehir manzarasına en iyi bakış noktalarından birini sunar. Şehrin yüzyıllardır süregelen sembolü olan canlı ayılara ev sahipliği yapan Ayı Parkı, Eski Şehrin hemen karşısında, nehrin diğer tarafında yer alır ve folklor ile kentsel yeşilliğin eşsiz bir karışımını sunar. Sanatseverler için, Zentrum Paul Klee ve Kunstmuseum, İsviçreli ve uluslararası sanatçıların başyapıtlarını sergiler. Bern ayrıca daha geniş bölgeyi keşfetmek için ideal bir üs konumundadır. Mükemmel demiryolu bağlantıları, şehri Bernese Oberland'a bağlar; burada Interlaken, Grindelwald veya Jungfraujoch'a dağ gezileri kolayca günübirlik geziler şeklinde yapılabilir. Dağlarda geçirdiğiniz bir günün ardından, Bern'in şirin kafelerine, nehir kenarındaki teraslarına ve geleneksel restoranlarına dönerek rösti ve Bern usulü tabak gibi yöresel yemeklerin tadını çıkarabilir, İsviçre şarapları veya yerel biralar eşliğinde keyifli vakit geçirebilirsiniz. Sakin ama karakter dolu Bern, atmosferi, tarihi ve daha yavaş bir seyahat temposunu takdir eden ziyaretçileri ödüllendiriyor.