Switzerland Vacations | Switzerland Multi-City Vacation Itineraries

Cities in Switzerland :

Zurich

Zurich is a stunningly beautiful with a charming old town where cobbled streets of the 12th-century Old Town are pristin and the blue trams run reliably. The avant-garde Dadaist movement started here in 1916. Zurich also attracted Irish author James Joyce. The city's extraordinary museums and galleries, confirm the city's position as Switzerland's spiritual, if not political, capital. There is also a hip, less conventional side to Zurich. Z�ri West, once the industrial section, has become the in spot over the last decade, with loft living, galleries, museums, experimental theater and clubs.

Lucerne

Located at the north end of the Lake Lucerne within sight of Mount Pilatus and Rigi, Lucerne is a beautiful small city in the heartland of Switzerland. It abounds in narrow cobblestone streets, covered bridges, frescoed houses, and fountains. The city became a center of Swiss history and legend, and is the setting for the most memorable part of the legend of William Tell who shot an apple off of his son's head. Lucerne is also a great base from which to explore other famous Swiss sites.

Geneva

Chic Geneva, the soul of Switzerland's French speaking territory, is home to some of the world's most luxurious and exclusive stores and extravagant restaurants. Filled with parks and promenades, the city becomes a virtual garden in summer. At the heart of the city is the huge Cath�drale St-Pierre, and some of its top-class museums include Mus�e d'Art et d'Histoire and an impressive gallery of East Asian art. Last but not least, Geneva is home to dozens of international organizations among them the United Nations European headquarters and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Interlaken

Located at 570 metres above sea level, Interlaken is one of the oldest tourist resorts in Switzerland and one of the most popular. It offers winter sport's lovers access to some of the most spectacular skiing in the Alps, in an idyllic lakeside setting between the lakes Thun and Brienz. The main attraction for hiking is probably the mountain Jungfrau with the altitude of 4158m. The resort offers a variety of water-based activities, throughout the year.

Swiss Alps

Bern

Bern is one of the oldest and loveliest cities in Europe, with origins going back to the 12th century. It is on the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage. There are many museums, theatres, landmarks, caf�s, restaurants and shops - not to mention the weekly market (and the lovely Christmas market) - all of which can be easily reached on foot. The Old Town of Bern has one of the longest "weatherproof" shopping malls in Europe under its six kilometers of covered arcades. The medieval atmosphere, with shops in the cellar vaults is unique. The modern mingles harmoniously with the old in this charming city, as in recent years residents have discreetly added contemporary-style homes and structures to the historic environment.

Lausanne

Dating back from the Stone Age, Lausanne flourished particularly in the Age of Enlightenment, when it was associated with the two leading writers of the 18th century Rousseau and Voltaire. Don't miss the famous Olympic Museum and the Gothic Cathedral. Built on three hills, Lausanne offers some astonishing views of the surroundings. Lausanne is the second-largest city on Lake Geneva. It'll only take a short walk to take a boat tour on the lake or a short ride to explore the great snowy outdoors.

Lugano

Lugano is the third Swiss banking centre after Z�rich and Geneva. Its old alleys and winding lanes are full of commerce, with boutiques, villa-style hotels and apartment buildings. The main attractions are the ancient churches and a clutch of world-class art galleries, including the famous Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection. Take a stroll under the lakeside palms alongside the shimmering lake. Both Monte Br� and San Salvatore are served by funiculars, and both give spectacular views over the Alps.

Montreux

Located on the Lake Geneva, Montreux is considered the chief resort of the Swiss Riviera. The main sight is the Ch�teau de Chillon, a castle on a small island in Lake Geneva; Byron is said to have carved his name in one of the columns in the dungeon where Bonivard was detained during a few years. The city hosts several international events, such as the Montreux Jazz Festival and the Film Festival. The mountains around Hauts de Montreux are threaded with forest trails, caves, grottos, and wildlife.

St Moritz

Originally known for its mineral springs, which were discovered, probably by the Celts, some 3,000 years ago, St. Moritz is nowadays the most fashionable resort in the world. Situated on the southern side of the Alps in the Upper Engadine, at an altitude of 6,000 ft., St Moritz is the mecca of skiing. It has been the host city for the 1928 and 1948 Winter Olympics. Other attractions are: The Segantini Museum, the olympic bob run - the last natural bob sleigh, and Glaciers landscape.

Zermatt

Located 5,315 fr above sea level, Zermatt is a car-free village at the base of the magnificent mountain Matterhorn. It is world-renowned resort for skiing and mountaineering. The town has one of the best networks of alpine cable cars, gondolas, and cog railways in Switzerland operating all year long. In Zermatt, falls more snow than on other winter resorts in Europe and that's way high-altitude skiing, especially at the Th�odul Pass continues throughout the spring and early summer.

Swiss Lakes

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