Switzerland
Mirrored lakes, imposing mountains, velvet forests, quaint chalets and picture perfect cities; Switzerland is one giant photo opportunity. Its snow-blanketed slopes lend themselves to hours of pleasure, for skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing. Switzerland’s ski chalets offer the sybarite every conceivable luxury, from heated swimming pools overlooking the Matterhorn to every possible cuisine.
Rest assured, a honeymoon in Switzerland will leave you with a lifetime of truly delightful memories.
City Information
Lucerne
This city occupies one of the most beautiful natural locales imaginable: on the shores of a pristine Alpine lake, surrounded by forests and dizzying snow-covered peaks. Lucerne’s mixture of Renaissance and medieval architecture, and its relaxed continental ambience has established this little Alpine settlement as one of Europe’s major tourist destinations. The imposing silhouette of Mount Pilatus stands watch over the city and everywhere you look, Switzerland’s magnificent mountain scenery meets your gaze and inspires wonder.Interlaken
Its irresistible combination of pastoral beauty and wild mountain grandeur has made it one of Switzerland’s most popular tourist attractions for over a century. As its name suggests, Interlaken is positioned between two lakes - Brienz and Thun - the focal points for summer sports and transport links. They are also officially two of Europe’s cleanest lakes, replete with fish.Zurich
This is unarguably the country’s most important city economically, and a major European business centre to boot. Zurich also boasts Switzerland's biggest and best cultural attractions.Zermatt
Located 1,620 metres above sea level on top of the Vispa valley and surrounded by some of Switzerland’s tallest mountains, this Alpine town occupies one of Europe’s most idyllic settings, with a view as majestic as the town is small.Ticino
Lugano
On the shores of Lake Lugano is the peaceful town of the same name, where neatly trimmed parks hem the sides of most streets, and several highly rated vineyards lie to the south of the town. The wine produced here is a connoisseur’s delight, and has led to the area coming to be known as ‘the Tuscany of Switzerland’. Several of the world’s celebrities have chosen to settle here, thanks to the excellent climate and marvellous countryside.Locarno
The city is reminiscent of a turnof- the-century rural community. Situated on the northern tip of Lake Maggiore, its narrow winding streets, antique buildings, neatly manicured parks and several welcoming cafés make for attractive holiday pictures. Every August, Locarno buzzes with activity, as the film community descends upon Locarno for the international film festival.Bellinzona
When one speaks of Bellinzona, the three medieval castles of Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro are what, more often than not, come to mind. These World Heritage sites, built to protect Ticino’s valleys from a northern invasion, are rather popular with tourists, and no wonder, with their enormous stone archways and ramparts that stand tall even today. The city’s historic centre houses several monuments, museums, and these three castles. While here, do try to visit the Saturday market.Ascona
This postcard-perfect town is set on the delta of the Maggia River, on the shores of a sunlit, tranquil bay. Its Mediterranean climate and warm hospitality have endeared it to travellers, who return every year as much for its climate as for its air of unruffled serenity. In the height of the holiday season, tourists usually throng Ascona’s historical centre, with its shops, boutiques, antique shops and art galleries.
Jungfraujoch
At 11,333 ft, this is the highest railway station in Europe. Board the cogwheel train for an unforgettable experience. Visit the Ice Palace where you can view a stunning display of ice sculptures. From the Sphinx terrace you can view the Jungfrau peak and the awesome Aletsch Glacier. Have a memorable encounter with eternal snow and ice at the plateau.
Mt. Titlis
At 10,000 ft, this is one of Switzerland’s highest points. Watch the scenery around you change from meadows to lakes to snowcapped mountains in the course of the three cable car rides that take you there. Your final ride is on the world’s first rotating cable car, the Titlis Rotair. At Mt. Titlis, you could visit the Ice Cave, admire the view from the restaurant or take a ride on the Ice Flyer, an enclosed ski lift. You could even have a few keepsake photographs taken in the Nostalgie photo studio.
Helicopter ride in Interlaken
This is possibly the high point of your honeymoon. Take a romantic flight (weather permitting) to the world-famous Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau massif. Leave valleys, villages and lakes behind and soar towards the rugged Eiger's North Wall. Sheer cliffs and glacier break-offs are your constant companions. As you fly high above Jungfraujoch, an impressive panorama opens up over the Aletsch Glacier to the Matterhorn.
Castelgrande castle in Ticino
This is the most ancient castle in the region. It was built in various stages and has undergone a series of restorations. Construction began in the 13th century, even though the site was inhabited as far back as the Neolithic period. The castle can be reached with the modern elevator downtown from Piazza del Sole or on foot from Piazza Collegiata or Piazza Nosetto.
Castello Montebello in Ticino
This 13th century castle stands tall above the city of Bellinzona. The drawbridges lead visitors past a spectacular view and into the courtyard, where impressive columns and solid stone create a surprisingly medieval atmosphere.
Sasso Corbaro Castle in Ticino
Of Ticino’s three fortresses, this is the smallest and the youngest. In 1479, it was designed and built in a brief span of six months. The castle can be reached either on foot (uphill) in about an hour, or by post bus from the train station which takes visitors to a short distance from the entrance.
Swissminiatur
This model village shows you the most picturesque sites of Switzerland: its towns, villages, monuments, transportation, etc. All 120 models are at a scale of 1:25. The Swissminiatur’s Model Railway is 3,560 m. long. The entire installation is mechanical and centrally controlled. There is also a restaurant in the park which serves Indian cuisine.
Wine tasting at Lugano
Visit a vineyard at Lugano, to savour the sheer flavour and variety of Ticino’s wines. Italian wine-producing traditions have dominated Ticino since the renaissance of viticulture in the early 20th century. The region’s wines, including red and white merlot, can be discovered directly at the local wine-producers. Do pick up a bottle or two.Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, St. Moritz *****
A favourite haunt of the world’s beautiful people since 1896, this hotel blends subtle elegance with discreet service and an excellent location, at one of the most challenging ski areas in the world.
LOCATION
Badrutt’s Palace Hotel
has long been hailed as a landmark
in the centre of St. Moritz, which
is in the Swiss Alps at 1,856
metres above sea level. The hotel
is reachable by car, plane (a private
jet to the local airport Samedan)
and train (3.5 hours from Zurich).
FEATURES
Guests may make the
most of all of the hotel’s facilities.
These include seven restaurants
which serve everything from
traditional French cuisine at Le
Restaurant, contemporary French
Cuisine at Le Bistro and Japanese
at Nobu; to casual Italian or Swiss
at Chesa Veglia, cocktails at any of
the three bars and the hotel’s own
discotheque, King’s Club. Palace
Wellness offers 10 treatment
rooms including two spa suites,
an indoor and heated outdoor
pool, saunas, steam baths and
a fitness centre. Other leisure
facilities include the Kids’ Club
Palazzino and Palace Galerie, the
shopping arcade.
ACCOMMODATION
Badrutt’s
Palace Hotel offers 159
guestrooms including 38 suites.
Rooms and suites are individually
furnished and superbly appointed
with views of Lake St. Moritz or
the Swiss Alps. Every room comes
with a flat screen TV as well as
complimentary movie channels,
a refreshment bar and Wi-Fi
internet access.
Baur au Lac, Zurich *****.
For 165 years, the Bar au Lac has been providing visitors to Zurich with attentive personal service, luxurious accommodation and sumptuous cuisine.
LOCATION
Set in a pretty park,
the Baur au Lac overlooks both
the lake and the Alps and is a
few minutes’ walk from Zurich’s
financial district and the
world-famous Bahnhofstrasse
shopping district.
FEATURES
The hotel’s four
restaurants offer several delights
to the city’s gourmets. These
include Pavilion and Le Hall, which
serve contemporary European
cuisine; and Rive Gauche which
specialises in Mediterranean grills.
Terrace is the ideal spot at which
to sip a cocktail or two. The Baur
au Lac’s rooftop fitness centre
boasts a view over the lake and
mountains. Medical massages
and physiotherapy are available
on request. There is an in-house
hairdresser and a beauty salon, a
business centre and a gift shop.
ACCOMMODATION
The Baur au
Lac offers a total of 120 rooms
including 27 Junior Suites and 18
Suites. Room styles vary between
Art Deco, French Louis XVI and
Regency English. All rooms and
suites offer a high level of comfort,
luxury and privacy.
Interlaken, Lucerne.
A relaxed, utterly luxurious break in the heart of Switzerland, this holiday offers you a host of magical experiences. A helicopter ride over the Alps. A romantic lake cruise. And enough time for you to discover each stunning location on your own.YOUR ITINERARY
Interlaken 3 nights
Lucerne 3 nights
Welcome to Switzerland! When you arrive in Zurich, take a train to Interlaken where you will be staying for the next three days. DAY 2
After an early breakfast, you have the choice of taking a romantic helicopter ride to the Eiger, the Mönch and the Jungfrau massif. Overnight at Interlaken. DAY 3
After breakfast, set off to spend the day at Jungfraujoch. Return to Interlaken, stopping at the Trummelbach Falls en route, if you’d like to do so on your own. Overnight at Interlaken. DAY 4
This morning, after you’ve finished breakfast, travel to Lucerne by the Golden Pass panoramic train. At Lucerne, explore the city on your own. In the evening, you may choose to take a boat ride on Lake Lucerne. Overnight at Lucerne. DAY 5
After breakfast, set off to Mt. Titlis, one of the country’s highest peaks. Return to Lucerne to spend the rest of the day however you like. Overnight at Lucerne. DAY 6
After breakfast, set off to Mt. Pilatus. Later, return to Lucerne, and do a little exploration or shopping on your own. Overnight at Lucerne. DAY 7
Travel to Zurich airport for your flight back home, or extend your holiday with us.
Lugano.
YOUR ITINERARY
Lugano: 4 nights
When you reach Zurich, board the train to Lugano. In the evening, take a cruise on Lake Lugano. You may also visit the fishing villages of Gandria and Morcote on your own. Overnight at Lugano. DAY 9
After breakfast, head to Bellinzona, the canton’s capital, on your own. Defended by the three medieval fortifications of Castelgrande, Sasso Corbaro and Montebello. The Three Castles of Bellinzona are an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, you may choose to go shopping in Fox Town, Southern Europe’s largest factory store mall, with 160 stores that offer fantastic deals on 250 brands like Gucci, Armani and Burberry. For those who like to gamble, Foxtown also houses the Casinò Admiral. Overnight at Lugano. DAY 10
After breakfast, visit Swissminiatur to view all of Switzerland’s most noteworthy sights, scaled down. Overnight at Lugano. DAY 11
Enjoy a substantial breakfast, following which you will step out to a wine tasting with a traditional Swiss meal, or an apéritif. Later, return to your hotel where you will spend the night. DAY 12
Travel to Zurich airport on your own for your flight back home.