|
A small fulfilled country, Switzerland is enclosed between the Alps and the Jura mountains. It can be divided into French-speaking Switzerland and German-speaking Switzerland.
French-speaking Switzerland is made of the six French-speaking cantons: Geneva, Neuchatel, the country of Vaud, the Jura, and, partly, Freiburg and they are worth seeing it. This part is characterized by the forest of conifers of the Jura.
German-speaking Switzerland, as for it gathers all the cantons where one speaks infinity about German dialects.
A question arises: how can such a simple country also be so luxurious? Indeed, this country is often reduced to three words: “banks, tourism and chocolate”. But its biggest richness is doubtless the variety of its places. Whatever are the seasons, every landscape is attractive, and leaves room for dreams. There are 4 official languages in Switzerland: German, French, Italian and Romansch.
Switzerland, formerly the country of mercenaries, learnt how to be neutral during different conflicts in the past and appears as the most democratic country of the world. In brief, there are so many arguments that can only convince you to visit this small country of golden heart and of geographic and gastronomic marvels.
BERNE
Right in the heart of Switzerland, only 90 minutes from the three intercontinental airports (Basel, Zurich and Geneva), Berne is the capital, the seat of the federal Government and the National Bank. Founded in 1191, it has preserved its character of a medieval town. Four miles of arcaded streets are a shoppers' delight. The Alps and Lakes are within 15 or 20 minutes' drive.
GENEVA
Surrounded by mountains which do not belong to it, enclosed to France, Geneva seems to belong to these 2 countries. Town of finances, the city is the reception place of diplomats and businessmen who come from all around the world. As for tourism, Geneva is a curious city, with the old town, the district of museums, the International Organisms and the neighbourhood of Geneva. Amateurs of a Protestant city’s atmosphere, souvenirs of great men, parks and gardens, beaux-arts, Geneva is certainly the city for unforgettable holidays.
INTERLAKEN
Interlaken (meaning between two lakes') is one of Europe's leading resorts. Its reputation derives from an unrivalled location in spectacular countryside, a pleasant climate, splendid sports facilities, easy access and a wide selection of excellent hotels. The renowned Casino is the focal point of Interlaken's social and cultural activity.
LUCERNE
The old town of Lucerne is situated in the heart of historical Switzerland and finds itself in a magnificent site, in the Northwest of the lake of Four Canton, surrounded by the massifs of Rigi and Pilate. One can see in the background the Alps, of Uri and Unterwalden, who are being the last pillars of famous Gothard that used to be difficult to cross by Italian merchants. This luxurious city, born from trade, knew how to satisfy Victorian Europe by building castles and luxurious hotels along the quays; those served to shelter kings and artists who came to refresh their mind and cultivate their “spleen” at the end of the 19th century. Nowadays, this city rhymes with romanticism, and welcomes lots of tourists. Come and cross the waters of Reuss by crossing the symbol of the city: the covered bridge. Today, the old medieval alleys are full of restaurants and luxury shops, for the biggest pleasure of the tourists who combine historical visit and shopping! The city, which hosts big cultural events, for example the Carnival or the summer music festival, it is the point of departure for visiting central Switzerland. In brief, Lucerne summarizes Switzerland and it is a compulsory passage for unforgettable holidays...
MONTREUX
The most frequented resort on Lake Geneva, thanks to its beautiful location, it stretches gently along the shore of a wide south-facing bay and ryes above the lake like a huge amphitheatre amidst the wooded, vine-clad slopes sheltering it from the easterly winds. Many festivals, such as the September Music program enrich this lively resort. Montreux has always attracted many visitors and its palm trees and pomegranates give proof of its mild winters. Chillon Castle, a few miles from the city was immortalized by Byron and is one of the mot romantic sights in Europe.
ZURICH
Located at the Northern tip of Lake Zurich six miles from the airport, Zurich is surrounded by hills, with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Switzerland's largest city (altitude 1.345ft) has a population of 440'000. As a shopper's paradise it has few equals in Europe. Many famous people have appreciated Zurich. James Joyce liked its wine, Goethe its scenery and Lenin enjoyed working in the fine Central Library. Although the city is a commercial and financial centre, Zurich boasts art galleries, gardens, many interesting monuments, theatres and museums. With its lakes, its rich banks and its hills around it, Zurich is a city with multiple faces. Every season reveals its charm, the warm chestnuts in winter, the mountains and the nature in summer, the shop windows of famous Swiss chocolate makers. It is a besetting sin for tourists, but paradoxically, it would be a crime not to try it! The place of Zurich in the finance world is really important, and the city gathers the highest number of medical students, lawyers, publicity agents, insurance agents and computers students.
If you want to visit this surprising country, we invite you to participate to one of our six SWISS TOURS 2008 starting in Geneva and Zurich.
|
