Zurich, or 'Zuri' as it is fondly known by its multicultural inhabitants, lies in northern Switzerland at the meeting point of a beautiful lake and river, with the magnificent snow-capped Swiss Alps standing guard high above it. This fairy tale city is renowned for its beauty, cleanliness, efficiency, and heritage. Explore medieval alleyways peppered with quirky corner cafes, steepled churches, trendy taprooms, and world-class galleries and restaurants. A day in Zurich can include browsing the unrivalled selection of luxury stores on it’s famous shopping strip, the Bahnhofstrasse; riding the Polybahn, the 19th-century funicular up a steep hill to admire the spectacular view; or ‘renting’ a free bike or skateboard to meander along the banks of picturesque Lake Zurich. The venerable palace of art at the Kunsthaus is also a major drawcard, containing numerous world-famous masterpieces.
Located in the southern Alps of Switzerland alongside an aquamarine lake, and surrounded by magnificent emerald forests and towering snow-capped peaks, St. Moritz is the star-studded epitome of exclusive, luxurious, ski resort towns. The quality and diversity of outdoor sports facilities are virtually unrivalled. Snow lovers flock here in winter for excellent skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, horse riding, curling, ice skating, ice cricket, and the world’s only Cresta run. This same crowd returns in summer to indulge in swimming, sailing, windsurfing, mountain biking, hiking, polo, tennis, and luxury shopping followed by a relaxing soak in the famously fizzy mineral springs. Whiskey lovers will enjoy a visit to Devil’s Place Bar, the most extensive whiskey bar in the world (listed in the Guinness Book of Records) - with 2500 varieties.
Set at the mouth of the river Sinagra on the banks of sublime Lake Como, Menaggio is a paradise for travellers seeking outdoor adventure, as well as those wanting to discover the rich heritage of the area. Blessed by enormous rugged mountains, abundant green forests, and spectacular lake scenes, this is the perfect place to enjoy hiking, cycling, swimming, boating, fishing, water-skiing, mountain biking, and the town's superb 18-hole golf course. The Antica Strada Regina, a pretty cobblestone road, is filled with well-preserved historic buildings and meanders through some wonderful ancient villages; it also runs over hilltops, providing fantastic views. Those who'd prefer to skip the effort can see heart-stopping views from the peak of Monte Grona, reached via a cable car. The grand Villa Mylius Vigoni, an impressive 19th-century estate boasting one of the best Romantic-style gardens in Lombardy, is also a must-see. Several top-notch restaurants, bars, cafes, and gelato shops complete the package of this idyllic destination.
The large and vivacious city of Lugano is set in the Italian-speaking region of Ticino in southern Switzerland, sheltered by a lovely bay on the northern side of Lake Lugano. It offers visitors a remarkable selection of chic boutiques, trendy bars and bustling pavement cafes lining the city’s steep, cobblestone streets. This maze of narrow alleyways winds its way through the historic town centre, with its Mediterranean-style squares and arcades, to the lakeshore and along the gorgeous flower-fringed promenade. As the largest of Switzerland’s three premier world-class waterfront resorts, Lugano tops Ascona and Locarno for architecture, sophistication, and exquisite surrounding terrain. With its Mediterranean flair, its traffic-free historic centre, and its Italianate Lombardy style buildings (which house numerous exclusive museums), Lugano combines all the perks of a world-class city, with the quaint charm of a small historic town.
Located in central Switzerland in the German-speaking part of the country, Lucerne is undeniably one of Europe's most enchanting cities. With its magnificent lakeside and mountain scenery, its remarkable variety of tourist attractions and its idyllic location at the northwest end of Lake Lucerne, the city is thought by many to be the epitome of 'true' Switzerland as well as the gateway to Central Switzerland. The landscape is a wonderland of snow-capped mountains, glistening lakes, cowbells, alpine villages and meadows full of Edelweiss. The pedestrianised centre of the city is a maze of cobblestone streets lined with medieval-style buildings adorned with wonderful displays of colourful flowers. Presiding over the old town, the original city wall provides stunning views. One of the main attractions is crossing the Reuss River on the famous Chapel Bridge.
Few towns can boast a position as privileged as the Victorian resort town of Interlaken. As the name implies, this small Swiss gem lies on an alluvial plain between two of Switzerland’s loveliest lakes in the mountainous Bernese Oberland region. Surrounded by crystal-clear streams, incredible waterfalls and extraordinary mountain scenery (including the icy peaks of the Eiger, the Monch and the Jungfrau) Interlaken is an ideal home base for travellers wanting to explore the area. There are plenty of adrenaline-filled activities to thrill adventure-sports enthusiasts, with climbing, hiking and paragliding available in summer and 200km of prime pistes on offer for skiers and snowboarders in winter. Historic paddle steamers cruise the two lakes and a classic funicular will transport you to a high lookout point where you can marvel at the awesome beauty of this picturesque holiday destination.
