Switzerland: The Paradise on Earth

July 2011

The idea of Swiss holiday for theBritish Asians has obviously beenderived from Bollywood glitz andglamour. It is often synonymous withfilm scenes by the veteran directorsYash Chopra or David Dhawan, butSwitzerland definitely has much moreto offer than just a romantic holiday ortrees to dance around. In fact if youcould travel through only oneEuropean country, probably it will onlybe Switzerland- a combination of Italy,France and Germany- all threedestinations into one!

People who have been readingour columns off late would by nowknow that the country has somefantastic scenic beauties and mixingexpansive greenery, slick cities andand buckets of fresh air. It is a stylishtourist destination that offers countlessoutdoor adventures and contemporaryurban breaks.

The top ski resorts in Switzerlandinclude Zermatt, Verbier and celebrity-studded St Moritz, while white-cappedmountain peaks set against blue skiesmake a wonderful backdrop forsummertime hiking.

CitiesThe ancient capital Berne providessuperb opportunities for sightseeing,shopping and traditional folkentertainment, while Zürich leads the

way in arts, design and nightlife; fromopera and world-class theatre to stylishbars and nightclubs.

The Swiss cities have historic citycentres and picturesque lakesides butalso offer exciting modern architecture,controversial exhibitions and trendynightlife. Compact in size Swiss citiesnevertheless offer visitors an excitingarray of the arts, first-class culinarydelights, excellent shopping and thebeauty of nature with crystal clearlakes and rivers. No wonder that yearafter year Zurich and Geneva –Switzerland’s largest two cities are tobe found in the top 5 cities with thebest quality of life.

Small, mountainous and wealthy,Switzerland is renowned for itsenviable quality of life in a country thatticks along like clockwork. Its productsare coveted the world over, fromdelicious cheese and chocolate toluxurious watches whose timekeepingis as sharp as a Swiss Army Knife;another popular export from thissophisticated Alpine nation.

LakesSwitzerland offers diversity which isnot only derived by a country whichhas four official languages andcultures (German, French, Italian andRomansh) but also by an everchanging countryside of spectacular

mountain panoramas, alpine peaksglittering with snow, gushingwaterfalls in hidden valleys, crystalclear lakes, vineyards and lush alpinemeadows. By the way - most lakesand rivers are so clean that you cantake a refreshing dip in the heat ofsummer - even in bigger cities such asZürich or Geneva!

Switzerland is the land of publictransport and a tourist’s dream totravel around in. Wherever you want togo there is a train, a bus, a boat, afunicular, a gondola or a mountainrailway that can get you there – andall this with a connected timetable andon time. And best of all childrenunder the age of 16 years travel forfree on almost everything even to thehighest mountain tops provided theirparents hold one of the fabulous SwissTravel System tickets.

Scenic railMany scenic journeys are simply madebecause of the spectacular scenery.The Glacier Express, The BerniaExpress, Wilhelm Tell Express, GoldenPass Line and Chocolate Train areprobably Europe’s best-known servicesdesigned for tourists.The last stretch ofthe Bernina Express line has evenbeen appointed as a UNESCO WorldHeritage site.

With an area of 41,285 sq km,

Switzerland is the most mountainousnation in Europe. It has a railwaynetwork that is the envy of the world.No holiday to Switzerland would becomplete without at least onemountain excursion and you don’teven need to be a mountaineer!

MountainsYou can conquer mountain topswithout breaking into a sweat, have abird’s eye view into the valley below,play in snow and ice even in thesummer time. The Swiss haveperfected the art of transportingvisitors to their beloved mountainpeaks. Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe,Mount Titlis,Mount Pilatus, Gornergrat,Schilthorn – Piz Gloria are somefantastic mountain destinations.

The Jungfrau Railway celebratesits centenary in 2012. Europe’s highestaltitude mountain railway is today stillhailed as an international masterpieceof railway technology and every yearattracts hundreds of thousands ofvisitors from all over the world. Takinga set of gondolas from the green valleyfloor, past gushing waterfalls to thevery top of Schilthorn – Piz Gloria isindeed a unique experience. At the topa revolving restaurant, sun terrace andsouvenir shop let you relax and enjoythe 360 degree view to your heart’scontent.

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2 Asian Voice - July 2011Switzerland Tourism

Experience- Lakeside setting with spectacularmountain backdrops

- Switzerland’s “City of Lights”- Endless cultural andscenic highlights

Enjoy- A lake cruise on the historicpaddle steamer

- Guided City Walk- Walk across the iconic Chapel Bridge

Choice of included activities- Mount Pilatus- Mount Rigi- Stanserhorn- Lake cruises

Lucerne PromotionThe ideal package for two people at a fantastic price! First person pays full price�2nd person travels at half price.

Valid for travel between 01 September and 31 October 2011. Booking has to be made by 15 August 2011.

Lucerne: Half Price Promotion4 Days from £548 - 2nd person 1/2 price

Limited seats.

Book now !

Package Inclusionsl Return flights from London to Zurich in economy class with Swiss International Air Lines

l All airport taxes and charges l Return rail travel from Zurich airport directly to Lucerne in 2nd class

l Three nights accommodation in carefully selectedthree star hotels, sharing twin/double room with ensuite facilities

l Swiss Buffet Breakfastl Regional Pass allowing two days of free travel on and around Lake Lucerne

l Guided City Walk of Lucerne l Little Surprise Souvenir Gift

Switzerland developed slowly over manycenturies, as more and more regionscame together to form a looseconfederation whose members gaveeach other mutual support. At timestheir different interests stretched thebonds between them almost to breakingpoint.

It was only in 1848 thatSwitzerland became a more centralisedfederal state. This favoured its economicdevelopment and ended any possibilitythat Switzerland might break up.

Switzerland boasts a thriving artsscene, with its architects in particularachieving world-wide acclaim. Theculture of Switzerland is characterisedby diversity. The Swiss sometimeswonder what keeps Switzerlandtogether.

We Asians are often worried aboutavailability of vegetarian food in

anywhere we go. Especially when it'sEurope, it is a matter of great worry. Wemust say that Switzerland has Europe'soldest vegetarian restauran- a culturalconglomeration as it is! It's called Hiltland based in Zurich. Besides that wehave at least 20 other vegetarianrestaurants making Switzerland 'the'place for the vegetarians. So if yourtaking your ba (grandmother) or parentsfor a family trip with you, there isnothing to fret.

While we adore eating out at acosy restaurant, a girl's new best friendis a lovely spa, where she can let herhair down and enjoy her time off work.If you are looking for such anexperience, you will love to know thatSwitzerland has 60 official wellnesshotels. Wellness coaches devise anindividual combination of treatments foreach guest that promotes deeprelaxation and also guard against illness.

When you choose youraccommodation, obviously there are

typically Swiss hotels that are decoratedwith flowers and appear picturesque- tochoose from. You can enjoy theirpersonal touch. The lovingly furnishedrooms, authentic local cuisine with localwines, situated in prime locations of thecountry.

But then you may not be one ofthose who want to stay in an expensivehotel. In that case don't worry- you willbe spoilt with choices. There are about900 bed and breakfasts in Switzerland,ranging from luxury to simple, locationsinclude castles, houses, chalets andfarms. You can have a private

accommodation or rent aholiday apartment and lookafter yourself.

If you are on abudget, there is no need todespair. There are some 56Youth hostels that providehigh qualityaccommodations.

For a really unusualSwiss experience, whydon't you copy Heidi andsleep in the hayloft? There

are 200 farms all over Switzerland thatoffer such unique experience and in themornings- you will have breakfast too.

You can book a farm holiday and beactive or lazy or just enjoy. families, theelderly, children by themselves, groups-there is a farm holiday for all.

There are straw hotels, mountainhuts where you can have an internetfree room and a far from the maddingcrowd experience. There are cosydouble rooms lit by candle light or moremodern hotels, sometimes with a directview to the sheep pastures.

Living, dining and relaxing with style

Spriha Srivastava,Journalist, ThomsonReuters: My Swissexperience was atruly fantastic one. Itlived up to all myexpectations, the truepicture of what I had in mind andwhat I had seen in movies eversince I was a little girl. One place Iremember I spent a lot of time justsitting and admiring the scenicbeauty was Kleine Scheidegg. It ison way to Jungfrau and one of thehigh points of my trip. I look forwardto going back to another beautifulSwiss experience soon.

Manisha Choudhury,Professional: Whatappealed to me mostabout our Swissholiday was howserene the entirecountry was. It was like makingones way through a picturepostcard. The beautiful town ofInterlaken and the train ride toJungfraujoch, which houses thehighest railway station in Europeremain amongst the mostbreathtaking places I have evervisited.

Vasanth Ganapathy,Indian Advocate andBusinessman: I wentto Switzerland withmy friends while I wasstudying in Cardiff.We loved skiing onthe snow, the mountain hikings.We were absolutely besotted withthe chocolates and the beauty ofthe landscape. We were a youngbunch of friends and it was anawesome experience.

Debasree Ghosh,Professional: Iholidayed inSwitzerland onesummer when I wasin Uni. Beautifuldoesn’t sum it up. Zurich is muchmore than a banking city. Thehistory-buff in me loved Bern for it’smedieval vibe. And I had enoughtime to look past Luzern, Interlakenand St Moritz. Beautiful country…oneof my favourite places on earth.

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Asian Voice - July 2011 3Switzerland Tourism

ProgrammeDay 1 - Arrival in Interlaken Flight or rail from the UK to Zürich and rail transfer to Interlaken.Overnight in Interlaken.Day 2 - Excursion to JungfraujochExcursion to the Jungfraujoch - the highest train station inEurope. Impressive views of snow-capped peaks and the Aletschglacier, the longest in Europe at 22km (13.6miles). Overnight inInterlaken.Day 3 - Over the Brünig PassToday you travel on the route of the Golden Pass over the BrünigPass. First the train follows along the banks of Lake Brienz andits turquoise water before climbing over the Brünig Pass. Fromhere you pass picturesque villages and small lakes beforereaching Lucerne. Trains run every hour, so there is no problemstopping in one of the villages along the way before continuingyour journey. Overnight in Lucerne. Day 4 - Mount Pilatus – the Dragon MountainA short cruise from Lucerne to Alpnachstad, then up to MountPilatus on the steepest cogwheel train in the world. Thecogwheel train is only in service from mid-May to November.During the other months a postal coach will take you fromLucerne to Kriens and from there a gondola awaits to take youto Pilatus. Overnight in Lucerne.Day 5 - Departure Rail transfer to Zürich and return journey to the UK.

5 Days Best of SwitzerlandIf you only have a few days to discover the beauty of the Swiss mountains then this tour is ideal for you.

Two nights in the charming town of Interlaken followed by two nights in Lucerne with trips to the summits of the Jungfraujoch and Mount Pilatus.

The included 2nd class Swiss Card covers all rail travel andexcursions as per itinerary and offers 50% discount onadditional train tickets.

Inclusions: Return flights from London, 2nd class railtravel as per programme, Half Fare Card,excursions to Jungfraujoch and MountPilatus, accommodation with breakfast.

Combinations:This tour is flexible and can be bookedstarting in Lucerne rather than Interlaken.You can also add a short city break in Zürichor Geneva or maybe extend your stay inLucerne or Interlaken.

Special Promotion Save £100 on 2nd person Prices:From £579 in 3 – star accommodation – 2nd person £479 orFrom £649 in four star accommodation – 2nd person £549

Upgrade to 1st class rail travel for £25 perperson

Highlights- Glitzy St. Moritz- Engadine countryside- Famous Glacier Express- Zermatt & the Matterhorn

Inclusions:Return flights from London,2nd class rail travelas per programme, Half FareCard, Glacier Expressseat reservation and meal,and accommodationwith breakfast.

Combinations:Start the Glacier Express inZermatt and extend your holi-day with a journey on theBernina Express to theMediterranean warmth ofLugano. For a little bit of city life why not spend a night in Zürich or Genevaat the beginning or end of your holiday? Enjoy historic city centres, shoppingand sight-seeing.

Prices:From £579 in three star accommodationFrom £699 in four star accommodationUpgrade to 1st class rail travel: £55 per adultChild prices vary depending on age. Valid for travel between 01 July – 31 October 2011.

Highlights- Beautiful lakeside Lucerne- Golden Pass Panoramic Express- Interlaken & Jungfrau Railways- Montreux- Lake Geneva Region

Inclusions:Return flights from London, 2ndclass rail travel as per pro-gramme, Half Fare Card, GoldenPass seat reservation (Interlaken-Montreux) and accommodation withbreakfast.

Combinations: This popular rail holiday can be as var-ied or as relaxing as you want it to be.Enjoy a lazy boat cruise or take thetrain to the peaks of the surroundingmountains. A favourite is to stop onday 3 in Brienz and use the steamtrain to the Brienzer Rothorn (see page4). For snow and ice you might want to add trips to Mount Titlis or theJungfraujoch. Stunning views are guaranteed with excursions to MountPilatus, Mount Rigi, Stanserhorn or the Schilthorn.

Prices:From £559 in three star accommodationFrom £655 in four star accommodationUpgrade to 1st class rail travel: £22 per adultChild prices vary depending on age. Valid for travel between 01 July – 31 October 2011.

Combine three of the most attractive regions in Switzerland in one excitingrail holiday on the Golden Pass Panoramic Express.

The individual journeys are short, so that you have plenty of time to explorethe resorts and their surrounding mountains and attractions.

Travel on the famous Glacier Express – one of Switzerland’s best scenic trainrides across the Alps connecting two of the most popular

resorts – Zermatt and St. Moritz.The entire journey takes around 7.5 hours and crosses 291 bridges, passesthrough 91 tunnels and climbs over the 2,033 m high Oberalp Pass.

6 Days Golden Pass Panoramic5 Days Glacier Express

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4 Asian Voice - July 2011Switzerland Tourism

The Swiss Travel System provides visitors toSwitzerland with tickets for the entire Swiss publictransport system covering the railways, post buses,boats as well as trams and buses in the cities.

Swiss CardThe Swiss Card entitles the holder to a return transfer by rail from theairport/ border to their destination and back. Additionally the Swiss Cardfunctions as a Half Fare Card entitling the holder to half or reduced pricetravel on the Swiss transport network. Price: £116* per adult.

Swiss Transfer TicketThe Swiss Transfer Ticket brings travellers from the Swiss border or airportto their destination and back again. Price: £79* per adult.

Swiss PassThe Swiss Pass entitles the holder to unlimited travel on consecutive dayson railways, boats and most alpine postal buses covering a network of over16,000 kilometers. The passes are available for 4, 8, 15, 22 days or 1month. A reduction of 50% is offered on many privately owned funicularsand mountain railways as well as free entrance to 400 museums inSwitzerland. The Swiss Pass also allows free travel on transport services of41 Swiss cities. Prices start from £139* per adult for a 4-day 2nd class Saver Pass.

Swiss Flexi PassThese passes have the same benefits as the Swiss Pass but only on yourchosen dates of travel. They are available from 3 to 6 days within a onemonth period. Prices start from £135* per adult for a 3-day 2nd class FlexiSaver Pass.

Swiss Half Fare CardThe Swiss Half Fare Card allows unlimited purchase of train, bus, boat andmany cable car tickets at half price within a one month validity. It isespecially beneficial for people travelling by car.Price: £69* per adult.

For bookings and information on all offers and products featured contact:

Tel: 020 7420 4900

Tel: 020 8585 4060

Tel: 020 8954 0077* All prices are subject to change. Please visit our website www.stc.co.uk for the most up-to-date prices.

TRAVLIN STYLE

Switzerland obviously has its owncharm when it comes to shopping. Weare aware of the Swiss watches andSwiss army knife, the chocolates,cheese and the bell, but you can alsomake special purchases includeembroidery and linen, Bernesewoodcarving and luxury handmadeclocks. Zürich is the shopping capital,centred on the luxury boutiques anddepartment stores of the celebratedBahnhofstrasse.

Most major towns and resorts alsohave nightclubs. There is a symphonyorchestra in every main city, and somebars and restaurants have local folkentertainment. Zürich is the country'stop nightspot, with an array of trendybars and a flourishing avant-garde clubscene, closely followed by Lausanne and

Geneva. During winter months, many skiresorts (including Verbier and Zermatt)offer a lively après-ski party atmosphere.

Upcoming Carnivals andFestivals

Paleo Music Festival (19-24 July)The Paleo Music Festival is one of thebiggest events of its kind in the countryand attracts musicians and music fansfrom across the world. Performancestake place on a number of differentstages and most festival goers camp atthe onsite camping grounds for theduration of this fun event. First held in1976, the festival originally went underthe name the First Folk Festival andthen the Nyon Folk Festival beforesettling on its current name in 1986.The modern day festival now attractsclose to 250,000 music fans during itssix-day run.

Swiss National Day (1st August)The Swiss National Day is a patrioticcelebration of the union of the threestates – Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden –

that comprise the nation and wasformed in 1291. There is a distinctpyrotechnic flavour, with bonfires,fireworks and a paper lantern paradethrough the streets of Geneva.Speeches and national songs naturallyplay a key role, but there is alsodancing, eating and drinking – withlocal wine and sausages high on themenu. This is a national holiday andpeople al over tend to join in thefestivities.

Fêtes de Genève (Geneva Festival-Early August)Geneva's summer street party beginswith a pre-festival warm-up from mid-July, with the main 10-day eventfollowing in early August. The streets ofthe centre burst into life with floats,parades and parties, street theatre andentertainment with a programme ofconcerts featuring national andinternational performers. Operatic andfolkloric shows are among theattractions while, mainly for children,there is a clown parade and a funfair.

Up to 1.5 million visitors pour into thecity to join in with the merriment thatculminates in a spectacular fireworksdisplay. Each year a guest-of-honourcountry provides its own mini exhibition.Fêtes de Genève is the biggest touristevent in the country, and is highlyrecommended.

Christmas MarketIn the time before Christmas manytowns and cities hold their traditionalChristmas Markets. Lovingly decoratedstands, selling festive gifts, decorations,mulled wine and gingerbread. Baseland Montreux are amongst the mostfamous, Zürich has the largest indoormarket inside the main hall of the trainstation and in Einsiedeln you find alovely atmosphere in front of thefamous monastery church.More than 150 lovingly decoratedstands are set up selling festive gifts,decorations, mulled wine andgingerbread. Widely accepted as one ofEurope's finest and most extravagantChristmas markets.

FREE Nights on all PackagesBook any ‘Experience Package’ from our ‘Experience Switzerland’brochure and receive one extra night completely free. Choose from good three star to deluxe five star accommodation. Take yourpick from Swiss City breaks, Lakes & Mountain holidays or high alpinedestinations. Whichever package you choose�you will get one extra night free.

Experience SwitzerlandThe regions in Switzerland are remarkably diverse and so are our summerpackages. They offer an ideal combination of accommodation, transport andactivities to experience Switzerland. In each region we include a localexcursion or activity and offer a little surprise souvenir. Extra excursions andactivities can be added on at the time of booking for a fun packed shortbreak. Let’s go and experience Switzerland.

The FREE Night Offer has limited availability and is valid until stock lasts !Applicable to all package bookings from Switzerland Travel Centre’s’Experience Switzerland Summer Brochure’. Booking Period: From 15 July until stock runs out.Travel Period: 15 July until 30 November 2011.

Package prices starting from £216 per person.Group discounts for 10 + passengers apply.

Stay an extra night on us!

Fun and Frolic, the Swiss Magic

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