SUIÇA JULHO 2023

About the destination: Bern, the charming capital of Switzerland, unfolds along a graceful bend of the Aare River and feels more like a relaxed medieval town than a political center. Its UNESCO‑listed Old Town is a maze of arcaded streets, sandstone facades, and hidden courtyards that invite slow wanderings rather than rushed sightseeing. Cobblestone lanes lead you past elaborate 16th‑century fountains, traditional cellar bars, and boutique shops sheltered beneath six kilometers of covered arcades—the perfect refuge in any weather. At the heart of the city stands the Zytglogge, an iconic clock tower with an ornate astronomical clock that has been entertaining onlookers for centuries. Nearby, the soaring Bern Minster rewards those who climb its tower with panoramic views over the red‑tiled roofs and the emerald ribbon of the Aare. A short walk away, the Federal Palace reminds you that this tranquil city is also the seat of Swiss democracy, and on market days the Bundesplatz fills with stalls selling local cheeses, flowers, and regional specialties. Nature is never far in Bern. In summer, locals and adventurous visitors float down the crystal‑clear Aare River, while the Rose Garden hilltop park offers one of the best viewpoints over the cityscape, especially at sunset. The Bear Park, home to live bears—the city’s centuries‑old symbol—sits just across the river from the Old Town, providing a unique blend of folklore and urban greenery. For art lovers, the Zentrum Paul Klee and the Kunstmuseum showcase masterpieces from Swiss and international artists. Bern is also an ideal base for exploring the wider region. Excellent rail connections link the city to the Bernese Oberland, where alpine excursions to Interlaken, Grindelwald, or the Jungfraujoch are easy day trips. After a day in the mountains, you can return to Bern’s cozy cafés, riverside terraces, and traditional restaurants to enjoy local dishes such as rösti and Bernese platter, accompanied by Swiss wines or craft beers. Quiet yet full of character, Bern rewards visitors who appreciate atmosphere, history, and a slower pace of travel.

About the destination: The city of Geneva, with a population of 200,000 residents, is one of the largest cities in Switzerland. It serves as the capital of the canton and is located on Lac Leman, also known as Lake Geneva. The city is divided by the Rhône River, which flows from the lake. Geneva is a beautiful and enchanting city with numerous bridges. The Gothic St-Pierre Cathedral towers over the vieille ville, or old town, of Geneva, which is characterized by narrow, winding streets and houses adorned with flowers. For a breathtaking view of the old town, climb the north tower. Most of the city's museums are located in the vieille ville. The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire is known for its diverse exhibits, ranging from ancient Greek vases to Dadaism art. The Petit Palais is home to a wonderful collection of modern art housed in a cozy 19th-century palace. The lakefront of Geneva is stunning, with the daring Jet d'Eau, one of the tallest fountains in the world. Don't miss the well-groomed Jardin Anglais with its famous Horloge Fleurie, a large clock decorated with flowers, built in tribute to Geneva's clock industry. Geneva continues to be an international city, embodying Swiss neutrality that has welcomed diverse visitors like Lenin and Borges. Today, diplomats and executives of countless corporations occupy Geneva's offices, though rarely its immaculate streets. Calm and scenic, Geneva is the most delightful city in Switzerland.

About the destination: Zermatt is a picturesque ski resort, situated at the northern base of the powerful Matterhorn. Skiing, hiking, and mountaineering are the primary attractions at this resort, but there's so much more to explore in this flower-adorned village. Hinterdorf, the oldest part of Zermatt, still has a few traditional Swiss wooden houses from the 16th and 17th centuries. The St. Mauritius Church is a prominent feature of Zermatt's skyline, located in the bustling city center at Church Square, or Kirchplatz. Adjacent to the Catholic Church, the Matterhorn Museum preserves Zermatt's history and houses various artifacts. Near St. Mauritius Church is the town's cemetery, the Mountaineers' Cemetery, where the headstones narrate the incredible stories of climbers who met their fate while attempting to ascend the Matterhorn. The main street is a hub of activity, with restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, gift stores, and numerous shops selling Swiss watches. Beautiful Swiss-style buildings line both sides of the street. The English Church, a charming little church perched high on a hill overlooking Zermatt, is a heavily timbered structure that, while not as large or ornate as the Catholic Church, has its own unique charm. It's definitely worth the uphill walk. Zermatt, bustling, crowded, busy, and beautiful all at once, epitomizes the Swiss atmosphere. Despite being filled with tourists and vacationers, the town has managed to maintain its delightful Swiss ambiance.

About the destination: St Moritz radiates vitality and affluence. This resort requires little introduction. It's one of the most famous holiday destinations in Europe. A favorite spot for today's high-flyers, its healing waters have been recognized for 3000 years. If you're a fan of skiing, then St Moritz is the place for you. However, there's more to Saint Moritz than just skiing. This charming small town, nestled by a scenic lake near the Engadine Valley, offers a variety of other sports facilities such as golf, horseback riding, rafting, and sailing, just to name a few. It's also the perfect spot to unwind by the lake, go hiking, admire the stunning scenery, and do some shopping. While visiting the town's museums, you can learn about its historical past. The Engadine Museum showcases a collection of local folk art and traditions, while the Segantini Museum exhibits works by the artist Giovanni Segantini. In the heart of St. Moritz stands the Leaning Tower, built in the 12th century. The tower, standing at 33m, leans at an angle of 5.5 degrees. Another city landmark is the Abbey, home to numerous churches, sacred treasures, and relics. This quaint, comfortable, and captivating little town, where the service is second to none, is a haven for those who love snow-covered mountains and luxury.

About the destination: Zurich is often misunderstood as just a sterile banking city, but don't buy into that. Yes, Zurich is home to one of the world's largest stock exchanges and is the financial heart of Switzerland, but there's so much more to it. Beyond the markets and stock prices, you'll discover a city that's artistic, trendy, and full of life. Spend some time in Zurich West. Its old warehouses, viaducts, and shipbuilding caverns have been transformed into art centers, cool bars, and unique boutiques. Along Langstrasse, the city's infamous red light district, you're now more likely to find a stylish handbag from an up-and-coming designer than anything else. Zurich's personality is on full display during the annual Street Parade, a massive techno festival that winds through the city with DJs and scantily-clad dancers on floats. You won't see a single banker's tie. If you do in the charming east bank quarter of Niederdorf, it's probably undone. These medieval streets are alive with corner cafes, trendy bars, and top-notch restaurants. It's easy to spend an afternoon just soaking up its relaxed vibe, especially in the summer when the riverside feels like a beach. Winter is special too. Under a blanket of snow, the cobblestone streets, fountains, lakeside walks, and stunning architecture of the Old Town seem like they were made for a painting. This is when one of Europe's best Christmas markets comes to town and the air is filled with the comforting scents of glühwein (mulled wine) stalls. Shoppers will love it here any time of year. Zurich's flashy side is on display in the high-end designer boutiques of Bahnhofstrasse, the city's main shopping street. But this city isn't just for the well-to-do; there are plenty of unique shops tucked away on hidden streets. Located on the River Limmat and the northern end of Lake Zurich, Zurich is blessed with natural beauty. The city's architects have also made respectful additions - just look at the Fraumünster and Grossmünster churches, which face each other across the river. And when you've had your fill of the city's diverse restaurants, top-tier museums, and vibrant nightlife, you can always escape to the nearby Uetliberg mountain or take a boat trip on Lake Zurich – if only to catch your breath before diving back into the city's delights again.