Switzerland : Magical Tour

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 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.

Fringed by the Alps and Jura Mountains, and set at the southern end of the magnificent Lake Geneva, Geneva is a French-speaking Swiss city with plenty to offer the discerning traveller. The City’s postcard-perfect old town, lined with a maze of cobbled alleys and strewn with historical monuments, charming antique stores and quaint cafes, appeals to history buffs, ardent shoppers and foodies alike. This old world charm is surrounded by a slick, modern cosmopolitan city complete with a thriving community of international expatriates, world-class restaurants, famous luxury jewellers and enough chocolate shops to satisfy even the most avid chocoholics. Geneva specialises in the finer things in life. The selection is overwhelming and makes for some great window shopping which is practically a national sport in Switzerland.

Set in southern Switzerland’s Valais canton, at the foot of the mighty and jagged Matterhorn, one of the most recognizable mountains in the world, lies the quaint town of Zermatt. This popular tourist resort plays host to a combination of extreme sports enthusiasts, tour groups, backpackers and fur-clad socialites who use it’s ramshackle mazots and gorgeous wooden chalets as a base for exploring. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, hiking and climbing the peaks of the surrounding snow-capped mountains, or explore the depths of the ancient geological marvel that is the Gorner Gorge. Indulge in Zermatt’s delicious cheese fondue served with a refreshing glass of Valais wine while floating past the Matterhorn on one of the city’s famous gondolas. History lovers will delight in the multimedia displays and artefacts at the Matterhorn Museum.

Encompassing awe-inspiring snow-capped mountains and vibrant green meadows, Bernese Highlands, also referred to as the Bernese Oberland, is the region situated in the southern part of the Canton of Bern. A perfect balance of both natural wonders and city charm the Bernese Highlands boasts the snowy town of Gstaad; the historic Swiss village of Interlaken; the mountain village of Wengen; and the magical alpine, Lake Thun. Adventure seekers and nature lovers alike can immerse themselves in the enchanting mountain peaks as they enjoy a leisurely gondola ride up one of the many summits to ski, embark of an invigorating journey along the iconic North Face Trail, admire the beauty of the mighty Staubbach Falls or admire the scenery while they indulge in mouth-watering cuisine at the many village cafes.