8 Days Rail Explorer Peaks & Waterfalls

About the destination: Zurich labours under the misconception that it is nothing more than a sterile banking city – don't believe a word of it. True, Zurich plays home to one of the largest stock exchanges in the world and is the financial motor of Switzerland itself, but step back from the markets and share prices and you'll find an arty, trend-conscious and vibrant city. Just hang in Zurich West for a while. Its former warehouses, viaducts and ship building caverns have been converted into art centres, funky bars and quirky boutiques. Along Langstrasse, the city’s notorious red light district, you’re now as likely to take home a chic handbag crafted by an emerging designer as you are a piece of skirt. Zurich’s character booms from the speakers of the annual Street Parade, a mammoth techno festival that weaves through the city with DJs and minimally-clad dancers on floats. There isn’t a banker’s tie in sight. If there is in the pretty east bank quarter of Niederdorf, it’s loosened. These medieval streets are abuzz with cafés on corners, trendy taprooms and world-class restaurants. It’s easy to while away an afternoon just absorbing its laidback atmosphere, especially in summer when the riverside take on a beach vibe. Winter is special too. Under the spell of snow, the cobbled alleyways, fountains, lakeside promenades and stunning architecture of the Old Town were made for the stroke of an artist’s brush. This is when one of Europe’s best Christmas markets rolls into town and the warming citruses and cinnamons of the glühwein (mulled wine) stalls fill the air. Shoppers will be in their element here at any time of year. Zurich’s flashy side is evident in the upmarket designer boutiques of Bahnhofstrasse, the city’s main shopping drag. But this is no longer a city for the smart set alone; there are plenty of unusual shops to be discovered down hidden streets. Sitting astride the River Limmat and the northern tip of Lake Zurich, Mother Nature certainly smiles down on Switzerland’s biggest city. Architects were courteous in their additions too - just check out the Fraumünster and Grossmünster churches, which face each other across the river. Then, when you’ve had enough of the city’s diverse array of restaurants, first-rate museums and pulsing nightlife, there’s always the nearby Uetliberg mountain or a boat trip on Lake Zurich to enjoy – if only to catch your breath before diving back into the city’s delights again.

About the destination: With the Alps and the Lake Lucerne as its backdrop, charming and prosperous Lucerne is a spectacular city. Brightly coloured wall painting, an art form that flourished in the late 16th century, decorate its narrow streets and colourful squares. The city is ideal for boat trips and excursions to Mt. Rigi and Mt. Pilatus. A walk along the river affords a great view of the old city. Two ancient bridges cross the river. The Chapel Bridge is decorated with scenes from Swiss history, and runs by the Water Tower, symbol of the city. The shorter Spreuerbrücke is adorned with Kaspar Megliner’s eerie Dance of Death paintings. Walk by the Altes Rathaus, City Hall, and through the charming squares of Weinmarkt and Hirschenplatz for a taste of authentic Swiss wall painting. For a bird’s-eye view of Lucerne’s dozen or so churches and three mountains, Pilatus, Rigi and Titlus, climb the medieval fortifications with their numerous towers. Don’t miss Das Löwendenkmal, a huge sculpture of a lion carved into the face of a rock dedicated to the Swiss mercenaries of Versailles. Mark Twain dubbed it “the saddest and most compassionate piece of rock on earth”. In the Am Rhyn Haus, next to the Altes Rathaus, you can see an interesting collection of late Picasso works. The combination of tranquil lake and breathtaking snow-capped mountains give Lucerne a special charm which is furthered even more by the medieval old town, famous wooden bridges and beautiful skyline.

About the destination: Capital of Switzerland, Berne is a calm, beautiful city, lined with 17th century arcades and dotted with colourful fountains. A cultural centre, Berne bustles with activity, and its people are easy-going and friendly. The best introduction to Berne is to stroll around its old town with its cobblestoned streets, marketplaces and colourful 16th century fountains. At the entrance to Berne's Old Town there is the clock tower with its famous moving figures. The clock tower dates back to the early 13th century and the astronomical clock dates from the 15th century. From there continue to the Albert Einstein House. Albert Einstein rented this small flat during his years working at the Swiss patent office. Here are numerous photos and original documents from Einstein's life, work, and speeches. There is a look-alike of the genius selling postcards and books. A small alleyway a few blocks down leads to the cathedral, which has a 100m steeple, and is a fine example of Swiss Gothic architecture. The Rosengarten allows a magnificent view of the old city and the River Aare. Berne offers many fine museums, several of them grouped together at Helvetiaplatz. The renowned Bernisches Hiatoriche Museum exhibits collections related to the history of Berne from prehistory to the present. It includes the Einstein Museum. The Kunstmuseum is the oldest art museum in Switzerland with a permanent collection and houses works covering eight centuries. The Swiss Alpine Museum’s collection of maps and old hiking equipment will interest visiting hillwalkers. Berne has got everything one needs: a great shopping mile where you don't get wet if it rains, a wonderful Cathedral, the river Aare to swim in, picturesque surrounding hills, good restaurants and bars with a dynamic atmosphere. So come explore this nice town, it won’t disappoint.

About the destination: The city of Geneva has a population of 200,000 inhabitants and is one of largest in Switzerland, is the capital of the canton and is situated on the Lac Leman, also named Lake of Geneva, it is divided by Rhône River, which emerges from the lake. It is a nice and charming city with numerous bridges. The Gothic Cathédrale de St-Pierre towers over the vieille ville, Geneva’s old section of narrow, winding streets and flower-bedecked homes. Climb the north tower for a spectacular view of the old town. Most of the city’s museums are in the vieille ville. The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire prides itself on its eclecticisms. Exhibits range from ancient Greek vases to Dadaism art. The Petit Palais houses a wonderful collection of modern art in an intimate 19th century palace. Geneva’s lakefront is beautiful. The audacious Jet d’Eau is one of the world’s tallest fountain. Don’t miss the manicured Jardin Anglais with its famous Horloge Fleurie, a large clock adorned with flowers, erected in homage to Geneva’s clock industry. Geneva remains the international city it has been for centuries, epitomizing the Swiss neutrality which has welcomed such diverse visitors as Lenin and Borges. Today, diplomats and the executives of innumerable corporations fill Geneva’s offices, though seldom its spotless streets. Sedate and picturesque, Geneva is the most pleasant city in Switzerland.