Ski, sail and sample the famous Swiss chocolate

Switzerland, known as one of the richest countries in the world, is located in Western Europe between the Alps and the Jura mountain ranges. Travel to this landlocked country to tour the lush landscape and great lakes. Visit Zurich and enjoy a city of wide boulevards and rows of elegant boutiques. Discover the Lindenhof Hill, the site of Zurich’s medieval castle, and stroll around the grounds of the Old Botanical Garden. The Paradeplatz is at the centre of the financial and business district and is the world headquarters to several large businesses. Walk around the streets and marvel at the impressive contemporary architecture. At night, enjoy a drink at Cabaret Voltaire to experience the hedonistic atmosphere where artists and thinkers got together to form the Dada movement. Geneva is a popular city to visit in Switzerland; spend an afternoon beside the Rhône River or sail out onto the glistening Lake Geneva.

Why Go?
Take a trip to Switzerland at any time of year and enjoy a holiday destination filled with numerous activities. Ski the Alpine slopes in the winter months or hike through the woods and valleys in the summer. Swiss cities boast some of the finest shopping centres in Europe.

When to Go?
Switzerland has a temperate climate which varies between the regions. Cold glacial conditions are evident in the Alps with warm, almost Mediterranean, temperatures in the south during July and August. Intermittent rainfall throughout the year contributes to a landscape of green pastures and lush forests. The southern valleys are the driest areas of Switzerland and popular with tourists. Travellers to the ski resorts should check out the conditions as a wind storm known as the Fohn can encourage avalanches on the mountains.

How to get there?
Switzerland is served by four international airports located in major Swiss cities; smaller airfields and domestic airports operate throughout the country. Direct flights from the UK are available to Zürich Airport (ZRH), Geneva International Airport (GVA), Bern Airport (BRN) and Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL). The journey from the UK to Switzerland lasts approximately 2 hours. Transport in Switzerland is fast and efficient with reliable high-speed train services operating daily.

Must see
Take a tour of Switzerland and be sure to stop off in the cities of Zürich and Geneva. Explore the galleries and museums or browse the jewellers and watchmaker stores for unique and expensive items. Swiss food, particularly the chocolate, is renowned the world over; enjoy a day out to the Maestrani Chocolate Factory in Favil and pick up a box from the large onsite gift shop. Relax over a large lunch and sample traditional Swiss dishes including fondue, raclette and rösti.