Switzerland + North Italy Tour

About the destination: The city of Geneva has a population of 200,000 inhabitants and is one of the largest in Switzerland, it's the capital of the canton and is located on Lac Leman, also known as Lake Geneva, it's divided by the Rhône River, which emerges from the lake. It's a lovely 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 homes adorned with flowers. 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 fountains. Don’t miss the well-kept 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 countless corporations fill Geneva’s offices, though seldom its spotless streets. Sedate and picturesque, Geneva is the most pleasant city in Switzerland.

About the destination: Annecy in the North of the French Alps, is known in the tourism world as the Venice of Savoie. The medieval town centre, built around a 14th Century Chateau, is crisscrossed by small canals and streams flowing from Lac Annecy, which is clean, fresh and a wonderful azure colour. Annecy is also the administrative centre of the department of Haute-Savoie. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Annecy’s Castle This is a restored castle that towers over the old French town of Annecy in the Haute-Savoie department. It was purchased by the town, restored and converted into a museum. The castle is listed as a historic monument by the French Ministry of Culture. The castle was constructed between the 12th and 16th centuries. Palais de l’Isle This is the most iconic image of Annecy. Located on a triangular islet surrounded by the Canal du Thiou, the whimsically turreted, 12th-century Palais de l’Isle has served as a lordly residence, courthouse and prison over the centuries. Today, Annecy’s most visible landmark hosts exhibits on local architecture and history.

About the destination: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a parish in the Haute-Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. Located near the massive peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges and most notably the Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix is one of the oldest ski resorts in France and is known as the "gateway to the European Cascades." The north side of the summit of Mont Blanc, and therefore the summit itself are part of the village of Chamonix. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Mer de Glace. One of the biggest glaciers in continental Europe, accessible by the Montenvers rack railway. • Aiguille du Midi cable car. One of the highest cable cars in the world. • Brevent cable car. • Musée des cristaux. A museum exhibiting an impressive collection of crystals, mostly from Chamonix, but also from the rest of the Alps and worldwide.

About the destination: Courmayeur is situated at the 4,016 feet-marker of Mont Blanc, nestled within a lush basin surrounded by firs, spruces and larches, and of course, mountain peaks, glaciers and other stunning and traditional towns along the Dora Baltea River that crosses the entirety of Valle d'Aosta. The warm welcome that locals extend to their visitors and their attention to detail is evident in the numerous accommodation options – from luxury hotels to typical Alpine baitas, from the historic cafes in the town centre to the mountain huts near the slopes. And it was in Courmayeur that the story of the ski-lift began: in 1908 the Donzelli, Gilberti and Lora Totino families commissioned the first cable transport. Then, in 1939, this pioneering idea led to the Mont Blanc Society, which worked to realise the funicular running from La Palud to Punta Helbronner. Thus access to the mountains was expanded to include everyone, not just professional mountaineers. Today, with more than 62 miles of pistes, Courmayeur has established itself at the top of its winter sports offering, not only in Italy but on a European level, as well. Indeed, its alpine ski zone is frequented by skiers from all over the world. For Nordic skiers, there's nothing better than days filled with fun in Val Ferret, where slopes abound for both experts and beginners. These run in part next to a pedestrian path on the snow, allowing for pleasant nature walks just a few miles short of the town centre. Not only that, but backcountry skiing is also an option, with a descent over the Toula Glacier and over those of the Vallée Blanche; from here one can reach Chamonix – on Mont Blanc's French slope – by way of the the Mer de Glace Glacier. If you happen to be in Courmayeur, don’t pass up crossing Mont Blanc, Europe's highest mountaintop. With the Funivia Monte Bianco or Mont Blanc Funicular, visitors can ascend to over 6,562 ft in just a few minutes. During this trip - that begins in La Palud (at the heights of 4,347 ft) and arrives to Le Pavillon (at 7,129 ft a.s.l.) - expect to be rewarded with a magnificent view of the glaciers and grand peaks of the Alps. You can even visit an Alpine botanical garden and look out upon awe-inspiring glaciers, Alpine peaks, and the icicles of Mont Blanc. Not only that, but Courmayeur is one of Alpine mountaineering's historic capitals, a topic on which tourists can learn more at the Museo Alpino Duca degli Abruzzi, located in the town centre's Casa delle Guide and displaying a collection of documents, heirlooms and climbing apparatus. Easy to get to in any season of the year (from France and the rest of Europe by way of the Mont Blanc tunnel, and from other Italian Regions via the Autostrada connecting Turin to Mont Blanc), Courmayeur is an excellent holiday choice even in summer. What matters is its year-round natural beauty and its cosmopolitan atmosphere, both cosy and intimate yet social at the same time!

About the destination: The wee town of Stresa is part of the province of Verbano - Cusio - Ossola, in the Piedmont region, and has a modest population of 5,155. The town showcases its tourist appeal through the natural beauty that surrounds it. Being only a half-hour from the Alps and the Lake, the town is an ideal destination for families, relaxation, enjoying nature and escaping the hectic pace of the big city.

About the destination: With an almost Northern European feel, yet radiating Italian style, Milan is Italy's most cosmopolitan city. The capital of Lombardy is both industrious and glamorous - influential in industries from finance to fashion and, of course, football. But what gives Milan its unique charm is its status as the epicentre of Italian fashion and interior design. International fashion enthusiasts, designers, supermodels and paparazzi flock to the city twice a year for its spring and autumn fairs: Milan, which has meticulously maintained its reputation for flair, drama and creativity, is Italy's natural stage. This is undoubtedly one of the best places in Italy to shop, or simply window shop. Milan is the primary industrial, commercial and financial hub of Italy and as such, it unsurprisingly has a business-like appearance. At first glance, it may lack the wow factor, but if you take the time and are determined to explore Milan’s streets, you’ll discover its aesthetically pleasing treasures – and they do exist. Navigate through the modern metropolitan hustle and bustle, and you will stumble upon impressive churches and palaces, the charming Navigli area, the stylish Brera district and vibrant university quarter, and it goes without saying that the city is home to landmarks such as the Duomo, and Leonardo da Vinci's 15th century masterpiece The Last Supper. Milan cannot be criticised when it comes to having a good time. The Milanese know how to celebrate – and they don’t waste time getting started. Nightlife tends to kick off at 6pm; enjoying an aperitivo in which locals unwind with post-work drinks and snacks before heading home is more the norm than the exception. So whether you’re looking for affordable fashion, an alternative city break or a chance to paint the town red, Milan has undoubtedly got it covered.

About the destination: Como is a city and comune in Lombardy, Italy. It is the administrative capital of the Province of Como. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Volta Lighthouse. Offering some of the best views on the lake, this very tall building allows you to look down on the lake some 2000 feet below. • Cathedral. • Tempio Voltiano. A pleasant stop on your walk along the waterfront, the temple to Volta is designed in neoclassical style. • War Memorial. • City Walls. The ruins of the 12th century city walls, which enclose the narrow, winding streets of the old town. • Isola Comacina. A small island with ruins of several Byzantine churches.

About the destination: Lugano is a city by the lake in Ticino, the Italian-speaking part of southern Switzerland. Part of a temperate micro-climate, Lugano offers palm trees, picturesque boulevards, stunning views of the lake and the Alps, and plenty of opportunity for outdoor and indoor activities. Lugano also makes a good base for visiting other cities and sites in the area. The city is a pleasant place to relax in the summertime and is only half an hour away from Lake Como. The Santa Maria degli Angeli chapel, designed by the world famous architect Mario Botta, is a marvel of contemporary architecture, with paintings by Enzo Cucchi. The chapel, built from 1992 to 1994, is dedicated to Santa Maria degli Angeli, and boasts innovative features in terms of religious building design. You can also visit the Parco Civico-Ciani. This area has both the features of an Italian and an English garden: lush flower beds alternate with green spaces and trees and shrubs from all over the world. The Swiss Miniature in Melide, which was opened in 1959, is the only miniature park in Switzerland. The detailed and authentic models include well-known sites such as the Heidi Village in Maienfeld, the castles of Burgdorf and Chillon, the Federal Parliament in Bern, and the Cathedral of Milan, the only model that can also be viewed from inside. Eighteen model trains travel between the buildings on approximately 3.5 kilometers of tracks.

About the destination: With the Alps and Lake Lucerne as its backdrop, the delightful and prosperous city of Lucerne is truly spectacular. Brightly coloured wall paintings, an art form that thrived in the late 16th century, adorn its narrow streets and vibrant squares. The city is perfect for boat trips and excursions to Mt. Rigi and Mt. Pilatus. A stroll along the river offers a fantastic view of the old city. Two ancient bridges span the river. The Chapel Bridge is decorated with scenes from Swiss history, and runs by the Water Tower, a symbol of the city. The shorter Spreuerbrücke is adorned with Kaspar Megliner’s eerie Dance of Death paintings. Take a 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 massive 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 the peaceful lake and breathtaking snow-capped mountains give Lucerne a special charm which is further enhanced by the medieval old town, famous wooden bridges and beautiful skyline.

About the destination: Montreux is a municipality in the district of Riviera-Pays-d'Enhaut in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland. It is located on Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Château de Chillon. A historic castle and the country's most visited place, on a small island in Lake Geneva only a few meters from the shore. The Castle is more famous in modern times for having inspired Lord Byron's poem, The Prisoner of Chillon, based on the true story of François Bonivard, a political prisoner from Geneva who was released in 1536. • Marmots' Paradise. The mountains around Hauts-de-Montreux are threaded with forest trails, isolated villages, caves, grottos, and wildlife. • Casino Barrière de Montreux. Montreux is a municipality in the district of Riviera-Pays-d'Enhaut in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland. It is located on Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps. PRÍOMHATTRACTIONS TURASÓIREACHTA • Château de Chillon. Caisleán stairiúil agus an áit is mó a thugann cuairteoirí ar an tír, ar oileán beag i Lake Geneva díreach cúpla méadar ón gcladach. Tá an Caisleán níos cáiliúla sa lá atá inniu ann mar gheall ar an dán a spreag sé ó Lord Byron, The Prisoner of Chillon, bunaithe ar an scéal fíor de François Bonivard, príosúnach polaitiúil ó Geneva a scaoileadh saor in 1536. • Paradís na Marmots. Tá na sléibhte timpeall Hauts-de-Montreux lán de chosáin foraoise, sráidbhailte iargúlta, uaimheanna, uaimheanna, agus fiadhúlra. • Casino Barrière de Montreux.

About the destination: The city of Geneva has a population of 200,000 inhabitants and is one of the largest in Switzerland, it's the capital of the canton and is located on Lac Leman, also known as Lake Geneva, it's divided by the Rhône River, which emerges from the lake. It's a lovely 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 homes adorned with flowers. 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 fountains. Don’t miss the well-kept 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 countless corporations fill Geneva’s offices, though seldom its spotless streets. Sedate and picturesque, Geneva is the most pleasant city in Switzerland.