Travel to Switzerland

Matterhorn

The Matterhorn is an amazingly beautiful mountain any day of the year. The beautiful postcards of the peak set against a clear sky are either altered with a computer to remove clouds or taken on an extremely rare day. Most days, there is a trail of clouds floating off to the left of the mountain, almost as if the mountain itself were smoking. I think the smoke trail makes the mountain all the more mysterious. If you are a climber, try to negotiate your way past the many Japanese tourists with their humungous cameras and designer climbing outfits, and head towards the summit. (It was absolutely amazing the number of Japanese tourists that were in Zermatt, and they all wanted to climb the mountain!) For the less adventurous, there is a series of cable cars that will take you up the mountain for a beautiful view of the peak. You won't get all the way up (I don't even think we made it high enough up to hit snow), but it's worth the cost of the ride anyway. At the top of the last cable car you can get out and walk around the mountain and explore the area, or pick up the trail and walk a ways further towards the top.

Lausanne's Cathedral

Lausanne's Cathedral is the biggest, most beautiful gothic building in Switzerland. Though inaugurated in 1275, the north tower is still missing! During the day, you can climb to the top of the tower for a magnificent view of the city; and don't miss the stained-glass. From 10p-2a, the town crier shouts out the hour from the four sides of the tower as has been the tradition since the Middle Ages; the last to do so in Europe. The Cathedral often hosts classical concerts.

Cross Kapellbrucke

OK, this one is listed in all guidebooks. But you just have to cross this old covered bridge and admire its frescos. When you emerge onto Bahnhofstrasse, take in the best view of old Lucerne.

Which Mountain in Interlaken?

If you don't feel like taking a long obligatory train trip to Jungfraujoch, take a funicular to Harder Kulm. It takes only 8 minutes to get to the viewing platform, and the views are fantastic. There are some good hiking trails on the mountain.

. Feed the Bears in Bern

Walk down Kramgasse, a fine baroque street, cross the river and check out a bunch of happy Bern's mascots in the Bear Pit.

Go for a Minimalist Hotel in Historic Bern

Hotel Bern is friendly and cool: minimalist rooms in Art Nouveau building.

Very Parisian

You don't have to eat sauerkraut every day. Brasserie Lipp on Uraniastrasse looks so much like the original on Bd Saint-Germain, and seafood there is fresh and delicious.

Funky Right Bank in Zurich

A cooler alternative to Bahnholfstrasse's expensive shopping, Niederdorf has cutting-age boutiques and cafes behind the medieval facades.

Rafting

You may be surprised to learn that you can go rafting in the heart of Geneva. The 8km-long river Arve is punctuated by six waterfalls and rapids, making for an easy but exciting course. Boats accommodate four to six people and an instructor will accompany and guide you on your descent. The club also organises rafting in the Alps and the Pre-Alps.

Institut et Musee Voltaire

 

In the former residence of Voltaire, a museum has stood since 1954. Principally a center of research on the philosopher and the 18th century, it houses old editions, manuscripts, paintings, drawings and sculptures. Articles belonging to Voltaire himself are on display giving you a fascinating taste of the day-to-day life of the author. The library can be used by appointment in the mornings. The mansion is in the grounds of the Parc Delices which Voltaire himself described as "Les jardins d'Epicure". Admission is free.