Cebu Travel Packages - Travel Trends - Switzerland

Switzerland is more than skiing!

Colorful old towns and beautiful waterfront settings worthy of a visit on your way to the slopes, these cities offer wonderful and interesting art. Lucerne and Lausanne; however this country has much to offer beyond the slopes in the urban cities of Zurich, many people only visualize ski slopes when they hear Switzerland.

A great way to see the town is on a riverboat which functions similar to a city bus. Bike rides and cruises, provides the opportunity for romantic walks, lake Zurich, zurich visitors and residents alike enjoy a huge body of water, like most Swiss cities. Zurich is located in the north and is Switzerland's largest city and a major transportation hub.

One of the city's art treasures is a set of Chagall stained-glass windows depicting Bible scenes located in the Fraumunster Church in the center of Zurich. A stream of cafes and streets with a colorful ambiance, zurich is sprinkled with more than 1200 fountains, known as one of Europe's most "fountainous" cities.

It is great to stop for a drink at Long Street Bar or get in a few laughs at Volkshaus Zurich comedy club, as dusk falls. Zurich's red light district, go over to Langstrasse, for a different type of culture. Head to the very interesting Indianermuseum where you can trace the history of the Native American culture, once you have had your fill of the outdoors. There is no better way to enjoy a beautiful sunny afternoon than to stroll through Backer Park which is considered to be one of the most beautiful and lush in all of Zurich.

Swans often cluster near the bridge and locals will tell you the swans arrived in the 17th century as a gift from Louis XIV in appreciation for the protection the Swiss Guards provided him. Showing scenes from Lucerne's history, hang under the bridge's rafters, some replicas and some dating from the 17th century, approximately 100 colorful paintings. Covered wooden bridges in Europe, medieval Chapel Bridge forms the centrepiece of the city's townscape and is considered to be one of the oldest, a covered. An hour south of Zurich lays the beautiful city of Lucerne.

Historic houses are decorated with frescoes which line the numerous picturesque town squares such as 'Weinmarkt' square.

Playing dress-up and horsing around with children, getting a haircut, here you will see Picasso in the bathtub. Picasso fans will want to see Lucerne's Rosengart Collection which showcases several dozen black-and-white candid photographs of the artist.

Is one of the best-known monuments in Switzerland, the figure of a dying lion which was chiselled from rock in remembrance of the heroic death of Swiss guards killed during an attack on the Tuileries in 1792. The Jesuit church dating from the 17th century is regarded as Switzerland's first sacral Baroque building and the twin towers of the Hofkirche form an integral part of the townscape. Lucerne is a city of town squares and churches.

The Center is also a landmark of Lucerne and a venue for a wide variety of cultural events throughout the year. Is one of the architectural highlights of the town, designed by leading French architect Jean Nouvel, the KKL, the futuristic Culture and Convention Centre. As the town has also earned a reputation for itself with innovative design, tradition and modern life stand side-by-side with ease in Lucerne.

Or a steamship cruise on Lake Lucerne with its many bends and arms are worthy experiences, but excursions up onto the Stanserhorn. The Pilatus or the Rigi - the queen of mountains - is a must, a trip up one of Lucerne's regional mountains. Lucerne is the ideal starting point for many excursions to the highlights of central Switzerland.

The "cherry road" leads from Lucerne through the landscape of cheery trees. South of the Alpine ridge, the Wilhelm Tell Express originates in Lucerne and ferries its passengers to the foot of the Gotthard pass via Lake Lucerne and then continues by rail into Ticino.

The evolution of sports equipment is evident here containing Carl Lewis' track shoes and Sonia Henie's ice skates. The museum here displays a colorful history of the games complete with a century of ceremonial torches and medals. Lausanne is perched elegantly above Lake Geneva and has been home to the International Olympic Committee since 1915.

The pedestrian walking zone lies north of the train station and provides great entertainment for shoppers and locals alike. Expansion during the nineteenth century broadened the city scope to the east and west. Dominates the city, crowned by the Cathedral, to the north the hill of The Old Town. Formerly the wealthiest part of the city and still known for its upscale markets and boutiques, francois dominates the hilltop district known as the Bourg. Place St. River less gorges, linked by bridges spanning deep, lausanne's city centre spans several hilltops.

The locals nicknamed their town the San Francisco of Switzerland for all its hills as it seems to be a trek each direction. Office workers and roller skaters, the waterfront area is the happy domain of commoners.

Shoes and of course chocolates, leather goods, ski equipment and clothing, stainless-steel cutlery, antiques, cheese, cowbells, folklore souvenirs (such as music boxes), textiles, lace, the best thing that can be done with a pear), liquors (Williamine, swiss army knives, clocks (including cuckoos), wood carvings, embroidered items, crystal, watches, items to purchase in Switzerland may include pottery, if you are a shopper!

There is more to this country to be found in its glorious urban areas, explore and ski the alpine peaks, while most people come to enjoy. The cities of Switzerland seem to have it all, whether you enjoy displays of modern art or wish to explore Old World charm.