Special Interest Groups Switzerland
City Breaks 2 nights per City
Destinations:
Zurich - Lucerne - Interlaken - Bern - Geneva - Lugano
1st day: Zurich
As a "metropolis of experiences" by the water, with a magnificent view of the snow capped Alps on its horizon, Zurich offers a unique mixture of attractions - over 50 museums and more than 100 art galleries, international fashion labels and Zurich designs and the most flamboyant and lively nightlife in Switzerland. Recreational activities range from a visit to the riverside and lakeside bathing areas in the very heart of the city to a spectacular hike on the Uetliberg mountain. The city of Zurich lies in the heart of Europe and at the centre of Switzerland, on the northern shores of Lake Zurich. It's multicultural flair and the variety of leisure activities on offer attract guests from all over the world to this "region of short routes". Zurich is quick and easy to reach whether by train, plane or private vehicle. It’s international airport has direct connections with over 150 destinations. Just a 10-minute train ride from the airport and situated right in the city centre. Zurich's Main Railway Station is regarded as a central European railroad hub. A total of 370'000 people live in this science and business centre. Thanks to it's top-quality infrastructure set amidst natural surroundings, it is a popular place for study and research.
Lucerne:
Lucerne, the gateway to central Switzerland, sited on Lake Lucerne, is embedded within an impressive mountainous panorama. Thanks to it's attractions, it's souvenir and watch shops, the beautiful lakeside setting and the nearby excursion mountains of the Rigi, Pilatus and Stanserhorn, the town is a destination for many travel groups and individuals on their journey through central Switzerland. Complete with gable paintings, the covered medieval Chapel Bridge froms the centerpiece of Lucerne's townscape and is considered to be one of the oldest, covered wooden bridges in Europe. Historic houses decorated with frescoes line the picturesque town squares as they do the "Weinmarkt" square in the car-free old town. Lucerne is a city of town squares and churches. Lucerne is a ideal starting point for many excursions to the highlights of central Switzerland. A trip up one of Lucerne's regional mountains, the Pilatus or the Rigi - the queen of mountains - is a must. But excursions to the Bürgerstock or a steamship cruise on Lake Lucerne with it's many bends and arms are cetainly no less worthy. Tradition and modernity stands side-by-side with ease in Lucerne, as the town has also earned a reputation for itself with innovative design. The futuristic Culture and Convention Centre (KKL), designed by leading French architect Jean Nouvel, is one of the architectural highlights of the town. The KKL is also a landmark of Lucerne Festival City and venue for a wide variety of cultural events throughout the year.
Interlaken:
Interlaken lies in the Bernese Oberland on an alluvial plain, between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The vacation destination, which is presided oveer by the three mighty mountains, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, is the starting point for numerous activities. As a vacation destination and convention location of international importance, Interlaken is an ideal starting point for countless excursions. Over 45 mountain railways, cable cars, chair lifts and ski lifts lead to 200 km of pistes and dense network of hiking trails. Excursion ships, including historic paddle steamers, ply the waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Interlaken is also located on the "Golden Pass" panorama route from Montreux on Lake Geneva past the luxury holiday resort of Gstaad to Interlaken and from there across the Brünig Pass to Lucerne.
Bern:
Not many cities have managed to retain their historic features quite as successfully as Bern, the capital of Switzerland. The old town of bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and thanks to it's 6 kilometres of arcades - the locals refer to them as "Lauben" - boasts on of the longest weather-sheltered shopping promenades in Europe. The medieval air of this city with it's fountains, sandstone facades, narrow streets and historic towers is unique. The elevated Rose Garden above the Bear Park and the platform of the 101-metre-high cathedral tower offer the best views of the old town round which the River Aare flows. The former entrenchments and bastions drop down steeply to the river. The boutiques, bars and cabaret stages of the old town, some of which are located in vaulted cellars, and the small street cafes attract locals as well as a lot of tourists. Although Bern has a very good public transport network it is best to explore the city centre on foot.
Geneva:
Enbedded between nearby Alpine peaks and the hilly terrain of the Jura, the french-speaking city of Geneva lies in the bay where the Rhone leaves Lake Geneva. With it's humanitarian tradition and cosmopolitan flair, the European seat of the UNO and
headquarters of the Red Cross is known as the "capital of peace". The symbol of the "world's smalest metropolis" is the "Jet d'eau" - a fountain with a 140-metre-high water jet at the periphery of Lake Geneva. Most of the large hotels and many restaurants are situated on the righhand shore of the lake. The old town, the heart of Geeva with the shopping and business quarter, holds his way over the left-hand shore. It is dominated by St. Peter's Cathedral, however the actual centre of the old town is sthe Place du Bourg-de-Four, which is the oldest square in the city. Quays, lakeside promenades, countless parks, lively side streets in the old town and elegant shops invite guests to stroll. The "mouettes", a type of water taxi, enable crossings to be made from one lake shore to the other, while larger vessels invite visitors to enjoy cruises on lake Geneva. Geneva is Switzerland's most international city, sas it is where the European seat of the UNO is based. Even the International Red Cross directs it's humanitarian campaigns from here. Besides being a congress city, Geneva is also a centre for culture and history,
for trade faires and exhibitions. The "Horloge Fleuri", the large flowere clock in the "Jardin Anglais" (English Garden), is a world-renowned symbol of the Geneva watch industry.
Lugano:
Lugano, the largest town in the holiday region of Ticino, is not only Switzerland's third most important financial centre and a conference, banking and business centre, but also a town of parks and flowers, villas and dacred buildings. With Mediterranean
flair, Lugano offers all the advantages of a world-class city, combined with the cachet of a small town. Lugano lies in a by on the northern side of Lake Lugano, surrounded by numerous mountains offering splendid viewpoints. The traffic-free historc town centre, the numerous buildings in Italianate Lombardy style, the exclusive museums, the mountains, lake and packed calendar of events all invite visitors to see the sights, soak up the atmosphere - and enjoy "dolce far niente". Thanks to it's mild climate, Lugano is a popular tourist destination in the spring when the camellias are in bloom. The two closest mountains to Lugano, Monte San Salvatore and Monte Bre, give you an outstanding panorama of the town, Lake Lugano an dthe alpine scenery. Taking a boat trip back to Lugano is a splendid way to round off the day.
Package cost: On Request Basis
