Switzerland Great Tour

About the destination: Zurich is often misunderstood as just a sterile banking city, but don't buy into that. Yes, Zurich is home to one of the world's largest stock exchanges and is the financial heart of Switzerland, but there's so much more to it. Beyond the markets and stock prices, you'll discover a city that's artistic, trendy, and full of life. Spend some time in Zurich West. Its old warehouses, viaducts, and shipbuilding caverns have been transformed into art centers, cool bars, and unique boutiques. Along Langstrasse, the city's infamous red light district, you're now more likely to find a stylish handbag from an up-and-coming designer than anything else. Zurich's personality is on full display during the annual Street Parade, a massive techno festival that winds through the city with DJs and scantily-clad dancers on floats. You won't see a single banker's tie. If you do in the charming east bank quarter of Niederdorf, it's probably undone. These medieval streets are alive with corner cafes, trendy bars, and top-notch restaurants. It's easy to spend an afternoon just soaking up its relaxed vibe, especially in the summer when the riverside feels like a beach. Winter is special too. Under a blanket of snow, the cobblestone streets, fountains, lakeside walks, and stunning architecture of the Old Town seem like they were made for a painting. This is when one of Europe's best Christmas markets comes to town and the air is filled with the comforting scents of glühwein (mulled wine) stalls. Shoppers will love it here any time of year. Zurich's flashy side is on display in the high-end designer boutiques of Bahnhofstrasse, the city's main shopping street. But this city isn't just for the well-to-do; there are plenty of unique shops tucked away on hidden streets. Located on the River Limmat and the northern end of Lake Zurich, Zurich is blessed with natural beauty. The city's architects have also made respectful additions - just look at the Fraumünster and Grossmünster churches, which face each other across the river. And when you've had your fill of the city's diverse restaurants, top-tier museums, and vibrant nightlife, you can always escape to the nearby Uetliberg mountain or take a boat trip on Lake Zurich – if only to catch your breath before diving back into the city's delights again.

About the destination: St Moritz radiates vitality and affluence. This resort requires little introduction. It's one of the most famous holiday destinations in Europe. A favorite spot for today's high-flyers, its healing waters have been recognized for 3000 years. If you're a fan of skiing, then St Moritz is the place for you. However, there's more to Saint Moritz than just skiing. This charming small town, nestled by a scenic lake near the Engadine Valley, offers a variety of other sports facilities such as golf, horseback riding, rafting, and sailing, just to name a few. It's also the perfect spot to unwind by the lake, go hiking, admire the stunning scenery, and do some shopping. While visiting the town's museums, you can learn about its historical past. The Engadine Museum showcases a collection of local folk art and traditions, while the Segantini Museum exhibits works by the artist Giovanni Segantini. In the heart of St. Moritz stands the Leaning Tower, built in the 12th century. The tower, standing at 33m, leans at an angle of 5.5 degrees. Another city landmark is the Abbey, home to numerous churches, sacred treasures, and relics. This quaint, comfortable, and captivating little town, where the service is second to none, is a haven for those who love snow-covered mountains and luxury.

About the destination: 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.

About the destination: Zermatt is a picturesque ski resort, situated at the northern base of the powerful Matterhorn. Skiing, hiking, and mountaineering are the primary attractions at this resort, but there's so much more to explore in this flower-adorned village. Hinterdorf, the oldest part of Zermatt, still has a few traditional Swiss wooden houses from the 16th and 17th centuries. The St. Mauritius Church is a prominent feature of Zermatt's skyline, located in the bustling city center at Church Square, or Kirchplatz. Adjacent to the Catholic Church, the Matterhorn Museum preserves Zermatt's history and houses various artifacts. Near St. Mauritius Church is the town's cemetery, the Mountaineers' Cemetery, where the headstones narrate the incredible stories of climbers who met their fate while attempting to ascend the Matterhorn. The main street is a hub of activity, with restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, gift stores, and numerous shops selling Swiss watches. Beautiful Swiss-style buildings line both sides of the street. The English Church, a charming little church perched high on a hill overlooking Zermatt, is a heavily timbered structure that, while not as large or ornate as the Catholic Church, has its own unique charm. It's definitely worth the uphill walk. Zermatt, bustling, crowded, busy, and beautiful all at once, epitomizes the Swiss atmosphere. Despite being filled with tourists and vacationers, the town has managed to maintain its delightful Swiss ambiance.

About the destination: On the banks of Lake Geneva, at the base of towering Alpine peaks, Lausanne is home to the International Olympic Committee. In the summer, the Quai d’Ouchy transforms into a Mediterranean-style resort offering sailing, swimming, and waterskiing. However, Lausanne was once a bishop's seat, and its old districts maintain a religious, medieval atmosphere. The rue Cité Devant and rue Cité Derrière form the heart of the old city. These medieval streets lead to the stunning Gothic Cathedral, renowned for its rose windows and considered one of Switzerland's most remarkable monuments. The Château Saint-Maire is a short walk from the cathedral and features a large, sunny terrace with a great view of Lake Geneva. Nearby, Place de la Palud has a large fountain where young people gather. Place St-François, a small, charming shopping area, is also a great spot for people-watching. The St-François church boasts vibrant stained glass windows and a 15th-century steeple. The Olympic Museum explores the philosophy and history of the Olympics. The quai de Belgique is a lakeside walkway lined with flowers, pristine gardens, small fountains, and benches. Nature enthusiasts will also appreciate the statues and tranquil ponds of Parc du Denantou at the end of quai d’Ouchy. Home to two highly respected universities, Lausanne is a vibrant and dynamic city with many attractions and activities. Lausanne has also become a hotspot for nightlife in French-speaking Switzerland over the past decade, with a wide variety of bars, nightclubs, pubs, discos, jazz clubs, theaters, and more. If you're in Lausanne in July, don't miss the Festival de la Cite. Held in the streets of the old town, this festival showcases all types of performing arts, from dance to theater to rock concerts.

About the destination: The city of Geneva, with a population of 200,000 residents, is one of the largest cities in Switzerland. It serves as the capital of the canton and is located on Lac Leman, also known as Lake Geneva. The city is divided by the Rhône River, which flows from the lake. Geneva is a beautiful and enchanting city with numerous bridges. The Gothic St-Pierre Cathedral towers over the vieille ville, or old town, of Geneva, which is characterized by narrow, winding streets and houses adorned with flowers. For a breathtaking view of the old town, climb the north tower. Most of the city's museums are located in the vieille ville. The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire is known for its diverse exhibits, ranging from ancient Greek vases to Dadaism art. The Petit Palais is home to a wonderful collection of modern art housed in a cozy 19th-century palace. The lakefront of Geneva is stunning, with the daring Jet d'Eau, one of the tallest fountains in the world. Don't miss the well-groomed Jardin Anglais with its famous Horloge Fleurie, a large clock decorated with flowers, built in tribute to Geneva's clock industry. Geneva continues to be an international city, embodying Swiss neutrality that has welcomed diverse visitors like Lenin and Borges. Today, diplomats and executives of countless corporations occupy Geneva's offices, though rarely its immaculate streets. Calm and scenic, Geneva is the most delightful city in Switzerland.

About the destination: 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.

About the destination: Basel is Switzerland's third most populous city. Located where the Swiss, French and German borders meet. Located in northwest Switzerland on the river Rhine, Basel functions as a major industrial centre for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. The Basel region, culturally extending into German Baden-Württemberg and French Alsace, reflects the heritage of its three states in the modern Latin name: ""Regio TriRhena"". It has the oldest university of the Swiss Confederation (1460). Basel is among the most important cultural centres of Switzerland. The city comprises a large number of theatres and many museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the world's oldest art collection accessible to the public. In addition, the Theater Basel was chosen in 1999 as the best stage for German-language performances. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • The Gates to the Walled City. A (third) ring of fortifications around the whole old city was constructed after the great earthquake of 1356. • Marktplatz, Market square. Fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and pastries, flowers are available each working day. • Rathaus (Town Hall) Right on Marktplatz, this beautifully renovated Renaissance palace is still in official use, but you can enter the courtyard on your own, or join a guided tour.

About the destination: Capital of Switzerland, Berne is a calm, beautiful city, lined with 17th century arcades and dotted with colourful fountains. A cultural centre, Berne bustles with activity, and its people are easy-going and friendly. The best introduction to Berne is to stroll around its old town with its cobblestoned streets, marketplaces and colourful 16th century fountains. At the entrance to Berne's Old Town there is the clock tower with its famous moving figures. The clock tower dates back to the early 13th century and the astronomical clock dates from the 15th century. From there continue to the Albert Einstein House. Albert Einstein rented this small flat during his years working at the Swiss patent office. Here are numerous photos and original documents from Einstein's life, work, and speeches. There is a look-alike of the genius selling postcards and books. A small alleyway a few blocks down leads to the cathedral, which has a 100m steeple, and is a fine example of Swiss Gothic architecture. The Rosengarten allows a magnificent view of the old city and the River Aare. Berne offers many fine museums, several of them grouped together at Helvetiaplatz. The renowned Bernisches Hiatoriche Museum exhibits collections related to the history of Berne from prehistory to the present. It includes the Einstein Museum. The Kunstmuseum is the oldest art museum in Switzerland with a permanent collection and houses works covering eight centuries. The Swiss Alpine Museum’s collection of maps and old hiking equipment will interest visiting hillwalkers. Berne has got everything one needs: a great shopping mile where you don't get wet if it rains, a wonderful Cathedral, the river Aare to swim in, picturesque surrounding hills, good restaurants and bars with a dynamic atmosphere. So come explore this nice town, it won’t disappoint.