Geneva | Zurich | Basel | Berne
Lausanne | Lucerne | Lugano | Neuchatel

Although covering an area of less than 42.000 square kilometers, Switzerland is one of the most diverse countries countries in Europe and has a uniquen blend of ethnic influences - French in the south - west, flalian in the south-east and German in the north and east - bringing culinary, linguistic and architectural variety to the country. Urban sophistication is complemented by the rural lifestyle of ancient villages and the climate varies from the Mediterranean warmth in the south to the crisp,cool temperatures of the Alps. Switzerland is a scenic tapestry incor- porating pastures and vineyards,mountains and glaciers, forests and lakes - of which there are more than 10500 but common throughout the country are the traditional attributes of courtesy and efficuiency- the trains run to schedule everywhere and hotels,inns and restaurants provide the high standards of hospitality for which the swiss are forous.
The range of things to see and do is equally varied, form hiking through flower - studded meadow in the summer to slegant ski resorts in the winter . Shoppers will goods of extremely high quality- precision watches ski clotes and equipment, linen, hand-woven lace,woodcsrvings musical boxes cutlery cheeses and of course, the wonderful Swiss chocolate.
SWITZERLAND is a multi-cultural, multi-lingual country located in the very heart of Europe. It shares common frontiers with five countries Germany, France, Italy, Austria, and the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein. Switzerland is therefore is in the crossroads of the continent. It is a focal point of international air, road and rail traffic and easily accessible within hours from major European cities and centers.
Switzerland's main international airports of Zurich and Geneva are among the most modern in Europe. They are served by the leading airlines of nearly 100 countries- among them the award winning Swissair and European carrier Crossair - and both airports are linked to the nation's rail network. Smaller international airports are located in Basel, Berne and Lugano.
Thanks to its convenient central location, Switzerland is also served by fast reliable inter-European rail services from at least a dozen countries. Daily service operates from major cites in Germany, Italy, Austria, Spain, France, and Czech republic, Hungary, Scandinavia, and the Benelux countries. Most trains include dining cars, bars and a wide range other amenities and - for night - comfortable sleeping compartments. For travelers arriving by road, Switzerland is linked to Europe's extensive motorway network. Cross-borders travel is trouble free, with a minimum of delay and formalities. Driving in Switzerland is easy and decidedly thrilling in higher evolution where scenic road open horizons of stunning surprises.

Land of Languages 
Switzerland has a resident population of 7 million. 
64% speak German as their mother tongue, 
19% French,
8% Italian and 
1% Rhaeto-Romansh.
English is widely spoken thought Switzerland.
A verity of language is spoken by the remaining 8% of the population, most of whom are of foreign nationality.

Travel Around Switzerland
Any frequent traveler will tell you that Switzerland operates on of the finest public transportation system in the world. It ensures fast, efficient travel to every part of the country. The very latest in transportation technology is at your service. You can discover the scenic delights of Switzerland by rail, road and waterway. Better still, you can combine all three by using Swiss Travel System. Save time and money by purchasing the Swiss pass, Swiss Flexi Pass, or Swiss Card. The system is as reliable and punctual as a Swiss watch. Perfectly a co-ordinate timetable ensures rapid trouble-free interchange from one means of transport to another.
By rail. Within minutes of flying into Switzerland, you can transfer from plane to train. Fast trains depart hourly from the airport railway stations of Zurich and Geneva, up to 16 hours a day. Hourly rail departures also operate between all major Swiss cities. And Swiss trains are comfortable, clean and punctual. In additional efficient to enter city travel, an extensive network of nearly 2000 mountain railways (including aerial cableways, funiculars and ski-lifts) will lift up to snow-capped summits of the Swiss Alps.
By roadway. If you prefer to see Switzerland by road, the postbus services provide the perfect opportunity. The bright yellow buses takes the travelers off the beaten track to the remotest regions of the country. They are a familiar sight along 700 scenic routes across Switzerland. Their safety standards and record of reliability are unrivalled. For the motorist, traveling throughout Switzerland is safe and easy. Driving is on right and the distance is given on kilometers. Major car-hire companies operate in Switzerland. An extensive network of well-marked motorways spans the country. 
By waterway. Travel on Switzerland's lakes and rivers are an unforgettable holiday experience. Nearly 170 vessels operate in well- organized fleets on more than 20 waterways throughout the country. Stately steamers and modern motor ships are equipped with restaurants, some with bars. Cruises provide an excellent opportunity to see scenic Switzerland from a different and delightful perspective.

CLASSIC PANORAMA TOURS- THE AMOUS FOUR
Whatever the season, Switzerland is a classic holiday destination. The four panoramic routes described here are the legendary great-experience journey from which the climax of every vacation visits to our country. The Glacier Express is the slowest Express in the world. This remarkable rotes two of Europe's most renowned Alpine resorts- Zermatt and St. Mortiz. The route covers some of the most stunning scenery in the country, passing through no fewer than 91 tunnels and cross 291bridges. From the comfort of your panorama railcar, experience the breathing taking beauty of our unspoilt Alpine landscape. Dine and wine while you travel in the attractively furnished restaurant car. The William Tell Express is named after Switzerland's legendry 13th century hero. The route links German-speaking Central Switzerland (where tell supposedly lived) with sun-kissed Ticino in the south. The summer trips also combine a leisurely lake cruise with First Class rail travel. You set sail from Lecerne abroad a nostalgic paddle steamer; enjoy a gourmet lunch as you pass some of Switzerland's most historic landmarks. The second half of the trip to Locarno by train includes the famous Gotthard massif and 15km Gotthard Tunnel.
The Bernina Express is a spectacular two-country tour combining Switzerland's highest railway route with luxury coach travel in neighboring Italy. It- takes you on the north south Alpine crossing right across Grabunden, largest and eastern most of the 26 cantons. The journey from the cantonal capital of Chur leads over viaducts, past raging mountain torrents and Ice Age glaciers. On the Bernina pass, the train climbs to an altitude of 2,253 meters above sea level before descending in to Italy and the town of Tirano. The distance covers only but offers a striking contrast between eternal ice and picturesque palms. In Tirano you change from rail to road, crossing back in to Switzerland by coach.
The Golden Pass rail route operates from Lucerne to Montreux, linking lake Geneva German language Switzerland with the French language part of the country. You will travel along six lakes, over three-mountain passes- and in three different trains (because of the varying gauges of the track). From the historic sights of Lucerne, you head for Interlaken, "capital" of beautiful Bernese Oberland. The route then passes the fashionable Alpine resort of Gstaad with its chic chalets, before deciding to Montreux along the lake Geneva vineyards.

Don't miss the Swiss 
The Swiss are a friendly and hospitable people, though somewhat reserved at times. Cleanliness and orderliness are the order of the day. Life is our towns and cities are secure. We share an independent sprit, a respect for tradition, no fewer than four languages and dozens of dialects.
All this finds expression in the country's fascinating folklore, deeply rooted in the nation's past. Traditional festivals and popular pageants mark the seasons. Many winter and spring events still reflect the concern about light and crops, while summer and autumn festivals are gregarious gathering to celebrate the harvest. In many towns and cities weekly markets with fresh produce form the surrounding farmland are living examples of our rural lifestyles. 
Pleasures for the Plate 
Hotels and restaurants thorough the country takes pride in serving traditional local cuisine. Each region has its specialties- Fondue and Raclette (melted cheese dishes) in the French part; sausages, Roasts and Rosti (fried potatoes) in the German part; sliced air-dried meat (Bundner Fleisch) in the Graubunden region; and Italian specialties in Ticino. And excellent Swiss wines are one of the country's best-kept secrets well worth exploring.
Shopping Paradise
Shopping in our cities is one of life great delights. The list of excellent buys is long and varied. The finest watches, elegant jeweler, delicious chocolates, exclusive embroideries, fascinating music boxes and multi-blade pocketknives. A Swiss shop offers prestigious products that money can buy. 
Top Museums 
Our country's most popular museum is the Swiss transport museum in Lecurne. Then follow the Botanical Gardens in Geneva and the medieval Castle of Chillon on the Lake Geneva. The most popular Zoo is the Basel Zoo where success in animal breeding have ensured the several of species threatened with extinction. The most visited of Switzerland's many traditional cheese dairies is to be found at Affoltern in the Emmental region.
Festivals
Every year Switzerland hosts hundreds of music festivals, ranging from rap rock and reggae to classical and choral. The International Music festivals in Lucerne and Gstaad last several weeks and are among the most important events on the classical calendar. The famous jazz festivals of Montreux, Berne and Willisau are just a few of the many held across the country. Other festival specialize in steel bands, organ music, military music and country & western. For movie-lovers, the International Locarno film festival with its marvelous 

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