Thursday, October 9, 2008



Switzerland Tour Itineraries


Switzerland Tour Package: Mt. Rigi Experience

Tour Package: Mt. Rigi Experience

Tour Duration: 3 days /2 nights

Destinations Covered: Goldau - Rigi Kaltbad - Mt Rigi

Day 1: From the Swiss border or any Swiss airport you take the 2nd class train to Goldau and travel further by cogwheel railway up to Rigi Kaltbad. Stay overnight in Rigi Kaltbad.

Day 2: Excursion to Mt Rigi by cogwheel rail and cablecar. Overnight at Rigi Kaltbad.

Day 3: Return to Swiss border or airport either by cogwheel train via Goldau and further by public train via Vitznau, further by boat to Lucerne and continue by public trains or continue your stay in Switzerland at your own request.

Tour Package: Grand Tour Of Switzerland

Tour Duration: 8 days / 7 nights

Destinations Covered: - Lucerne - Vitznau - St Moritz - Zermatt - Geneva / Zurich

Day 1: Arrival in Zurich or Geneva by train 2nd class. Overnight at Zurich or Geneva.

Day 2: Train to Lucerne. Overnight stay at Lucerne.

Day 3: Enjoy a Lake cruise from Lucerne to Vitznau. See the sights of Lucerne including the wooden chapel bridge, the lion monument and picturesque villages along the lakeside.

Day 4: Board a train and travel to St.Moritz. Overnight at St.Moritz.

Day 5: Board the Glacier Express to Zermatt. A 7½ hours train journey across 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels and across the Oberalp Pass at 2'033 metres in altitude. Overnight at Zermatt.


Switzerland Tour Packages: Grand Tour Of Switzerland

Day 6: Explore Zermatt at the foot of the Majestic Matterhorn. Overnight at Zermatt.

Day 7: Train from Zermatt to either Zurich or Geneva. Overnight at your chosen destination.

Day 8: Return to the Swiss border or continue your stay in Switzerland at your own request.

Tour Package: Tops of Europe

Tour Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Destinations Covered: Paris - Interlaken - Rome


Switzerland Tour Packages:  Tops of EuropeDay 1: Arrive at Paris. Overnight at Paris.

Day 2: Explore the capital of France. Paris is a majestic city. Visit Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Louver, Sacre Coeur. Or cruise along the Seine and enjoy Paris' splendor as you glide along. Overnight at Paris.

Day 3: Rail journey from Paris via Basel to Interlaken in Switzerland. Overnight at Interlaken.

Day 4: Excursion to UNESCO World Natural Heritage Jungfrau - Aletsch - Bietschhorn. Overnight at Interlaken.

Day 5: Board a train to Italy. Overnight at Rome.

Day 6: Discover Rome's cultural richness and history. Visit Vatican City, Coliseum, The Rome Forum and other sites. Overnight at Rome.

Day 7:Transfer to the airport for your onward journey, at the end of your Tops of Europe Tour.


Switzerland Excursions


Switzerland Excursion: GenevaTravel on delightful excursions in Switzerland with Switzerland Flexitours. The tourist attractions of Switzerland beckon you. Enjoy seeing the tourist attractions of Switzerland on tours of Switzerland with Switzerland Flexitours. Visit the famous cities, mountains and tourist attractions of Switzerland when you travel to Switzerland with Switzerland Flexitours.

Switzerland Excursion: Geneva, Chamonix and Mont Blanc
Duration: 9 1/2 hours
See the towering Mont Blanc a favorite tourist attraction in Switzerland. Take a breathtaking cable car ride and see panoramic views of the Alps in Switzerland, France and Italy. Enjoy stopping over for lunch at a picturesque mountain village in France.

Switzerland Excursion: Lausanne, Montreux and Chillon
Duration: 10 1/2 hours
Travel to Lausanne, the cultural heart of Switzerland and one of its popular tourist attractions. Visit the art galleries and museums or wander around the lake. Tour the Castle of Chillon, one of Switzerland's most renowned monuments, made famous by the poem of Lord Byron. This tour is only available from April to November.

Switzerland Excursion: Geneva Afternoon City Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Spend an afternoon seeing the tourist attractions of Geneva, Switzerland. See the calm lake, the sprawling parks and many international institutions including the United Nations Headquarters.

Switzerland Excursion: Gstaad, Les Diablerets and Glacier Walk
Duration: 9 1/2 hours
Travel across the meadows and glaciers of the Swiss Alpine region and see stupendous views. Enjoy a walk at an altitude of 3000 meters above sea level and see the Swiss Alps at their best, Enjoy this tours from July to December with Switzerland Flexitours.

Switzerland Excursion: Montreux and Chillon
Duration: 5 1/2 hours
Travel to Montreux and Chillon in Switzerland. See the tourist attractions of these popular destinations in Switzerland. Gaze at the green hillsides covered with vineyards and take a guided tour of Chillon Castle. This tour is only available from April to December.

Switzerland Excursion: Christmas at Montreux and Chillon Duration: 8 hours
Celebrate Christmas in Montreux, Switzerland. Enjoy shopping at the Christmas market amidst a variety of chocolates and confectionery, Christmas decorations and gifts. Take a tour of the Castle of Chillon, one of Switzerland's most renowned monuments, made famous by Lord Byron's poem. This tour is only available in December.

Switzerland Excursion: Mt. Pilatus, the Mystic Mountain
Duration: 5 hours
Open your eyes to the amazing views of the Swiss Alps. Board a cable car at Kriens and enjoy a ride up to the top of Mt Pilatus. See panoramic views of the snow-covered Swiss Alps along the way as winter covers the mountains in Switzerland with a blanket of snow. This tour is only available from November to March.

Switzerland Excursion: Mount Titlis - Eternal Snow and Glaciers
Duration: 5 hours
Ascend a towering mountain on a revolving cable car that takes you to a height of 10,000 feet. Board the cable car at Engelberg and travel over glaciers, icy heights and snow-covered landscape. Enjoy the breathtaking views on your journey to the summit of Mt Titlis.

Switzerland Excursion: Interlaken - Grindenwald in the Bernese Oberland
Duration: 9 hours
Travel to the Swiss Alps and enjoy the spectacular scenery of Switzerland's natural tourist attractions. Enjoy the crisp mountain air when you tour the holiday resort of Grindenwald. Visit the Glacier Village - a popular tourist attraction in Switzerland, with Switzerland Flexitours.

Switzerland Excursion: Interlaken - Eiger - Jungfrau Glacier Panorama View
Duration: 9 hours
Travel up to the Kleine Scheidegg, which is 6762 meters high. This region in the Bernese Alps is famous for the annual Lauberhorn World Cup ski race. Enjoy a range of winter sports, including tobogganing down the Eiger run and taking sled rides drawn by huskies, in a landscape that abounds in panoramic views of the Swiss Alps.

Switzerland Excursion: Mystery Park - Interlaken

Switzerland Excursion: Mystery Park Interlaken
Duration: 9 hours
Enjoy a tour of the Mystery Park in Interlaken, where the world's unsolved mysteries and amazing natural phenomena are realistically displayed through multimedia exhibits. Prepare to be amazed by the wonders of the Mystery Park in Interlaken
Switzerland.

Switzerland Excursion: Zurich and its Beautiful Surroundings
Duration: 3 3/4 hours
Take a guided tour of the heritage buildings and shopping arcades of Zurich. Enjoy a cable car ride to Felsenegg at a height of 800 meters and see the stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall. See both the natural and manmade attractions of Zurich with Switzerland Flexitours.

Switzerland Excursion: Mt. Rigi - Queen of the Swiss Mountains and Lucerne
Duration: 8 3/4 hours
Travel to the summit of Mt Rigi and enjoy the view of the snow covered Alpine region. Explore the winter wonderland around you and enjoy the hot chocolate or warm punch served at the local eateries when you travel to Mt Rigi and Lucerne. This tour is only available from November to April.

Switzerland Excursion: Heidiland Tour
Duration: 7 1/2 hours
If you've read Joanna Spyri's children's classic Heidi and felt like visiting the beautiful Alpine valleys and slopes described by her, then you can. The Heidiland tour takes you to the region where Heidi lived, amidst beautiful Alpine meadows, hill slopes glaciers, and waterfalls. Also visit Vaduz, the capital of Leichtenstein and see a spectacular view of the lakes of Switzerland as you return to Zurich on the Heidiland Tour.

Switzerland Excursion: Lucerne Tour
Duration: 8 3/4 hours
Explore the city of Lucerne, ramble through its streets, wander through its museums, see its heritage buildings, parks and gardens, markets and shopping arcades. See the picturesque sights of Lucerne on your tour of this tourist city in Switzerland.

Switzerland Excursion: The Zurich Trolley Experience

Switzerland Excursion: The Zurich Trolley Experience
Duration: 2 hours
Explore the tourist attractions of Zurich while riding in a trolley through Zurich city. The accompanying audio commentary will explain the sights of the city in 8 languages. See the museums, churches, the shops, banks and business areas, the lovely lake and the Alps in the distance on you tour of trolley tour of Zurich.

Switzerland Excursion: Engelberg - The Great Mountain Village
Duration: 8 1/2 hours
Travel to Angel Mountain - Engelberg in Switzerland. Be amazed by the sight and sound of the largest organ in Switzerland, at the monastery in this picturesque mountain hamlet, while on your tour of Engelberg.

Switzerland Excursion: Mt. Pilatus, the Mystic Mountain and visit to Lucerne
Duration: 9 hours
See the tourist attractions of Lucerne, Switzerland and then board a cable car for a trip to the top of Mt Pilatus. On the way you can see spectacular views of the snow-covered Swiss Alpine landscape. Also visit the Swiss Traffic Museum. This tour is only available from November to March.


Swiss Point to Point Train Tickets


Travel by Train in Switzerland Buying tickets in advance is one of the essential things while making a journey in Switzerland trains. You can book rail tickets as early as two months ahead. A point to point ticket is always recommended for a rail journey in Switzerland from one destination to another along a specified route. All the point to point tickets of scenic trains are issued including reservation. It is always recommended to take reservation seats in advance when traveling by major trains in Switzerland like Bernina Express, Pre-Alpine Express etc. You can get reservation of point to point rail tickets by previously filling the reservation form.

While traveling in the Swiss Alps you can use the Eurail-pass to get discounts on some private trains and lifts in the mountains. Avail point to point train tickets in Switzerland and enjoy scenic train ride in the Glacier Express, crossing southern Switzerland from Martigny to Chur. Most of the route in Switzerland is covered by Eurail and Euro passes.

With excellent railway system in Switzerland you can ensure a relaxing and comfortable journey in train and you can enjoy the panoramic scenery of the place. The point-to-point tickets and reservations in various trains in Switzerland can be purchased at every railway station. It is for your information that a single train ticket is expensive and so the Swiss travel system offers a wide rage of train tickets to cut the cost of the expensive tickets. You can avail Swiss pass in Switzerland at all major railway stations.


Montreux Jazz Festival


Montreux Jazz FestivalThe annual Montreux Jazz festival is one of the best-known musical events in the world and is often considered to be a "Mecca" for music lovers. Held near the shores of Lake Geneva every July, this festival has indeed achieved cult status over the years with many famous names from the musical world endorsing it in a big way.

Way back in 1967, an enterprising music lover named Claude Nobs decided to create an event entirely dedicated to jazz, his favorite form of music. The extravaganza lasted for three days and brought together some big names from the world of jazz besides many newcomers. The participants included Cecil McBee, Jack DeJohnette and Charles Lloyd Quartet with Keith Jarrett. The enthusiastic response received from music lovers inspired Nobs to make it a yearly affair. Thus the much loved Montreux Jazz festival came into being. Thereafter, the event went from strength to strength and became one of the biggest musical events to rock the world.

Today, the Montreux Jazz festival lasts for more than two weeks and attracts an audience of more than 200,000 people from all across the world. Moreover, the Montreux Jazz festival is no longer a "purely jazz" affair even though this beautiful form of music still remains an integral part of the proceedings. Now music lovers can choose from a variety of music styles like pop, rock, reggae and so on. In fact, the list of participants is getting more and more impressive every year. Some famous names that have been a part of the Montreux Jazz festival include Santana, Eric Clapton, Miles Davis, James Brown, Ray Charles, Herbie Hancock, Leonard Cohen, Tracy Chapman, Deep Purple, Johnny Cash, Simply Red, Bob Dylan, Sting and Paul Simon. Indeed the list is endless!

Besides bringing together some of the biggest names in music, the Montreux Jazz festival also serves as a wonderful platform for newcomers to showcase their talent. In fact, one of the main objectives of this festival is to scour for new talent that would simply bloom forth into a force to reckon with. Every music lover should make it a point to visit this festival at least once during his / her lifetime and thus garner a bagful of precious memories to last forever.

Swiss National Museum, ZurichSwiss National Museum, Zurich

A conglomeration of 8 museums spread around the country, the Swiss National Museum offers you a glimpse into the cultural, historical and developmental splendor of glorious Switzerland - that is a dream in deep green and pure snow.

The main section of the Swiss National Museum is located in Zurich, Switzerland and was inaugurated in the year 1898. Set inside a traditional castle like structure that reminds you constantly of the enchanting Swiss lifestyle in the middle ages, the Swiss National Museum in Zurich, displays a wealth of treasures that ranges from articles from the stone age, Roman period to the modern day Swiss implements and crafts.

The high ceiling rooms connected to each other with plush passageways display a storehouse of Swiss gems such as ancient weaponry, armor, crossbows, swords, sculptures, artistic presentations, 15th century stain glasses, silverware, gold objects d' art, coins, textiles and much more.

So set out on history tours to the Swiss National Museum located at Museum Strasse, 2CH -8023, Zurich and walk through enthralling history corridors that show your Roman drinking bowls, silverware, attires, pre-historic arts and crafts apart from enchanting 17th century china, dollhouses and more.

Find out more about the Swiss culture that is a colorful kaleidoscope of traditions, culture and monumental splendor.


Annual Events in Switzerland


Events in SwitzerlandEvent: La Tchaux Carnival
Venue: La Chaux-de-Fonds
Dates: March 31 - April 2, 2006
This carnival celebrates the end of winter and is characterized by many colorful parades accompanied by great music. Enjoyment and revelry become the order of the day as people celebrate this lively carnival.

Event: Salon des Inventions
Venue: Geneva
Dates: April 6 - 10, 2006
Hosted by the Palexpo Exhibition Centre in Geneva, this fair showcases new inventions and technologies. It also provides a good platform for inventors to market their products in a big way.

Event: Triftji Bump Bash
Venue: Zermatt
Dates: April 14 - 17, 2006
Enjoy being part of this grand event that is held every year on the slopes surrounding the 3000-meter high Triftji glacier. The event also sees some excellent skiing and snowboarding feats by a number of participants.

Event: Lausanne Carnival
Venue: Lausanne
Dates: April 16 - 24, 2006
Enjoy three full days of fun, food, street theatre, confetti fights, music and DJ nights. Besides, the carnival is also characterized by a number of colorful processions that are a sight to watch.

Event: Patrouille des Glaciers
Venue: Valais
Dates: April 26 - 30, 2006 (held every two years)
Be part of this exciting event that sees groups of highly experienced skiers make their way through the Haute Route along the Swiss-Italian border.

Event: Geneva Book Fair
Venue: Geneva
Dates: April 27 - May 1, 2006
Held at the famed Palexpo Exhibition Centre, this annual event brings together many international publishers and writers. A number of parallel events are also held at this fair that attracts around 125,000 visitors every year.

Event: Gwand Fashion Events Lucerne
Venue: Lucerne
Dates: May 15 - 18, 2006
Get to know about the latest trends at the biggest fashion event in Switzerland. Bringing together a host of old and new designers, Gwand Fashion Events is a must visit extravaganza for fashion aficionados.

Event: Berne International Jazz Festival
Venue: Bern
Dates: March 5 - May 22, 2006
This mega event sees top musicians descending upon the Swiss capital to showcase their prowess and encourage young musicians. Visitors are indeed left mesmerized by the sheer grandeur of the event.

Event: Salon des Gouts & Terroirs
Venue: Bulle
Dates: May 18 - 29, 2006
Relish a number of delectable delights that are sure to pamper your taste buds like never before. This food festival attracts around 30,000 people every year and offers a range of regional specialities for you to savor with delight.

Event: Metamorphosis Festival
Venue: Interlaken
Dates: June 4 - 11, 2006
This high altitude event is characterized by a number of musical performances and operas that mesmerize the senses.

Event: Fete de la Musique (music festival)
Venue: Geneva
Dates: June 17 - 19, 2006
As Geneva's main musical event, Fete de la Musique draws thousands of visitors every year. Music becomes the order of the day during this 3-day long event that encompasses the whole of the city.

Event: Art Basel
Venue: Basel
Dates: June 21 - 26, 2006
Be a part of the world's leading art show that attracts art lovers from every corner of the globe. Starting on the third Wednesday of June every year, this mega event always adds up to a grand affair.

Event: Zurich Festival
Venue: Zurich
Date: June 16 - July 9, 2006
This famous yearly event is a grand combination of theatre, opera, dance and classical music that attracts many big names from across the world.

Event: Montreux Jazz Festival
Venue: Montreux
Dates: June 30 - July 15, 2006
This 16-day long event promises a whole lot of musical surprises for its visitors. Be it jazz, blues, rock or reggae and soul, there is something for every music lover to look out for at the famed Montreux Jazz Festival.

Event: Locarno International Film Festival
Venue: Locarno
Dates: August 3 - 13, 2006
Event: Davos International Music Festival
Venue: Davos
Dates: July 30 - August 13, 2006
Event: St Bernard Festival
Venue: Geneva
Dates: September 2 - 4, 2006
Event: Omega European Masters
Venue: Crans-sur-Sierre
Dates: September 7 - 10, 2006

Event: Fantoche Animation Festival
Venue: Baden
Dates: September 6 - 11, 2006
This annual event adds up as the largest animation festivals in Switzerland and draws many enthusiasts across the globe.

Event: Lucerne International Music Festival
Venue: Lucerne
Dates: August 11 - September 16, 2006
As one of the biggest musical extravaganzas in the world, the festival attracts many top performers from the international and national arena.

Event: Images' 06 Festival
Venue: Vevey
Dates: September 14 - 19, 2006
This annual event takes place on the banks of Lake Geneva and is an excellent showcase of cutting-edge cinema and contemporary photography.

Event: International Snowboard, Skateboard & BMX Event
Venue: Zurich
Dates: September 24 - 26, 2006
One of the biggest snowboarding and freestyle extravaganzas in Europe, the International Snowboard, Skateboard & BMX Event draws many top athletes across the world.

Event: Autumn Festival
Venue: Lugano
Dates: September 30 - October 2, 2006
Celebrating the onset of autumn, this festival is a grand combination of food, wine, music and a big fair.

Event: Vernier Sur Rock Festival
Venue: Geneva
Dates: November 3 - 5, 2006
One of the biggest rock events in Switzerland, the Vernier Sur Rock Festival takes place at the Salle des Fetes du Lignon in Geneva.

Event: Escalade
Venue: Geneva
Dates: December 9 - 11, 2006
This grand event harks back Geneva's glorious history and is characterized by demonstrations, tours, re-enactments and music.

Event: Arosa Humour Festival
Venue: Arosa
Dates: December 9 - 18, 2006
Join the laughter and merry making at the Arosa Humour Festival that is billed as one of the best annual comedy events in Switzerland.

Event: FIS Ski-Jumping World Cup - Engelberg
Venue: Engelberg
Dates: December 17 - 18, 2006
Watch some of the best ski jumpers in the world battle it out for the coveted title at the Titlis Glacier in the Alpine resort of Engelberg.

Event: New Year's Eve Concert
Venue: Zurich
Dates: December 31, 2006
Be a part of the grand celebrations at the Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra's traditional New Year's Eve concert.

Event: Harder-Potschete
Venue: Interlaken
Dates: January 2007
The young population of Interlaken mark this occasion by parading through the streets in carved masks accompanied by loud music and festivity. This annual event also showcases many pre-Christian pagan customs besides adding up as a very colorful affair.

Event: Vacances, Sports & Loisirs
Venue: Geneva
Dates: Jan 2007 (annual)
Held at the Palexpo Hall in Geneva, this leisure fair draws around 40,000 visitors every year. From scuba diving to information on international travel, the fair promises something for every visitor to look forward to.

Event: Engandin Snow
Venue: Silvaplana
Dates: Jan 2007 (annual)
This ski and snowboard event is a major attraction for adventure sports enthusiasts all over the world. A number of colorful parties and live performances add more variety to this popular event.

Event: NOKIAN-X-TREME Snowbike Festival
Venue: Bergun
Dates: Jan 2007 (annual)
Get your adrenaline flowing as you watch some of the best cycling and extreme sports enthusiasts battle it out for the top honors.

Event: International Lauberhorn Ski World
Venue: Wengen
Dates: Jan 2007 (annual)
Skiing races cannot get bigger than the ones at this mega event that draws thousands of spectators and sporting enthusiasts all across the globe.

Event: World Snow Festival
Venue: Grindelwald
Dates: Jan 2007 (annual)
Be a part of this 6-day event held at the foot of the Eiger glacier in Grindelwald. This event draws artists from all across the world besides giving them the excellent opportunity to express themselves through their creations on ice.

Event: Prix de Lausanne
Venue: Lausanne
Dates: Jan 2007
This event serves as a wonderful platform for young dancers to showcase their talents and make it big in the world of performing arts.

Event: Cartier Polo World Cup
Venue: St. Moritz
Dates: 25 Jan 2007 - 28 Jan 2007
This mega event brings together some of the best polo teams across the world who compete for the coveted title on the frozen lake of St Moritz. Endorsed by Cartier and hosted by the famed St. Moritz Polo Club, this event is one of the grandest polo events to be held anywhere in the world.

Event: High-Fly
Venue: Gstaad
Dates: Feb 2007 (annual)
Enjoy two full days of fun and excitement at this mega event that is a must for skateboarding and snowboarding enthusiasts.

Event: Children's Carnival
Venue: Crans-Montana
Dates: Feb 2007 (annual)
This carnival promises plenty of fun in the snow with a number of games and colorful processions to be a part of.

Event: Peaks of Classical Music
Venue: Gstaad
Dates: Feb - Mar 2007 (annual)
Enjoy a week full of classical concerts and performances amidst the picturesque surroundings of Gstaad. This event is a major draw for music lovers all across the region.

Event: Basel Carnival
Venue: Basel
Dates: Mar 2007 (annual)
Have the time of your life at this colorful event that is considered to be one of the grandest affairs of its kind to be held in Switzerland.

Event: International Motor Show
Venue: Geneva
Dates: Mar 2007 (annual)
Held at the Palexpo Exhibition Center, this event is a grand showcase of the newest cars and accessories. Around 700,000 people visit this yearly affair that is a must visit for everyone.

Event: Caprices Music Festival
Venue: Crans-Montana
Dates: Mar 2007 (annual)
Rated as one of the grandest winter music events in the world, the Caprices Music Festival draws music lovers from all over.

Event: Snow and Symphony
Venue: St Moritz
Dates: Mar - Apr 2007 (annual)
This is a classical music series that comprises of around 20 concerts and performances by some of the biggest names in the world of music.

Winters in Switzerland

Onion MarketWinter in Switzerland is a joyous time of fun, feasting, local festivals, Christmas, snow and skiing. There's a lot you can do in winter in Switzerland from shopping at Christmas markets, to international competitive winter sports events, to participating in the various cultural festivals, Ice sculpture competitions, and musical events, held across the country. Some of the main events you can witness on Switzerland Flexi Tours are:

Onion Market

Berne the capital of Switzerland, celebrates an Onion festival at its Zibelmarit or Onion Market. The center of the town is taken over by Onion traders and various events are held to celebrate the humble Onion. This is one of the popular local festivals and tourist attractions that you can see on tours to Switzerland.

Swiss Christmas Markets

Christmas markets are very popular events in Switzerland in the winter. The largest Christmas Markets are held in Basel, Zurich, Geneva, Bern, and Montreux. In Zurich the Christmas Market or Christkindli Market is held indoors in the main railway station in Zurich. Goods sold at these markets include Christmas decorations, local food including Swiss chocolates, Swiss cheese and other dairy products, meats products including sausages and pies and various kinds of confectionery. Enjoy shopping at the Christmas Festivals in Switzerland with Switzerland Flexi Tours.

Escalade

This annual festival is celebrated in Geneva before Christmas. It is celebrated on a weekend near December 11. Citizens celebrate the victory of the city over the invading Duke of Savoy and his troops on December 11 1602. The troops used ladders to scale the city's walls and the word "Escalade" refers to this act of aggression. The city of Geneva was defended by the brave Swiss who were armed with artillery, small hand weapons and according to legend, marmite or vegetable soup! The story of Mère Royaume, a Swiss woman who threw her cauldron of hot vegetable soup at a group of attacking soldiers and made them fall back, is re-enacted on Escalade. Troops also sip cups of vegetable soup while watching the reenactment of the attack and its defeat. Chocolate versions of vegetable soup pots are also sold as a popular confection. A colorful parade proceeds through Geneva, passing through the heritage sites of the old town. Groups of children, wearing colorful costumes, wander through the streets and sing on the happy occasion of Escalade. Christmas

Christmas

Christmas Day is celebrated with great joy and feasting across Switzerland. Markets, houses, hotels and ice skating rinks are decorated with lights. Christmas trees and Santa Clauses are seen everywhere. People visit each other and exchange gifts. Carol singing, musical and cultural events are held in villages and towns. Christmas brings out the best of Switzerland, as you'll see on tours of Switzerland with Switzerland Flexi Tours.

Swissminiatur, Lugano


Swissminiatur, LuganoSprawled over 14,000 square meters of rippling greens the exotic Swissminiatur in Lugano, Switzerland offers you everything from restaurants, children's park, boutique shops and magical activities.

Refreshing greens peppered generously with bright blossoms form the base for an exotic theme park that exhibits Swiss architectural heritage and showcases the developments in Swiss transportation in a delightfully enchanting manner at the Swissminiatur open-air museum in Lugano, Switzerland.

Tours to Swissminiatur in Lugano inspires the romantic in you. Feel completely bewildered and pleasure-struck as you see artistically executed miniatures of famous Swiss buildings, the exotic Swiss Alps and famous mountain lakes apart from the miniature presentations of the rail transportation system that forms the lifeline of tourism in Switzerland, Europe.

The sheer pleasure of experiencing the wonders of Mount San Salvatore, scale models of famous Swiss trains, mountain cableways and funiculars are beyond description. You enjoy all this in the lap of nature cosseted with more than 15,000 varieties of fragrant flowers.

See perfect miniatures of the Madonna del Sasso, Locarno, Chillon Castle near Montreux, Saint Pierre Cathedral in Geneva, ICRC Headquarters in Geneva, Main Street and Arcades in Murten, Burgdorf Castle and other important Swiss architectural wonders at the Swissminiatur museum in Lugano, Switzerland.

Swissminiatur was inaugurated in 1959 in Lugano on the scenic shores of Lake Ceresio, Switzerland. Swissminiatur is well connected by trains, cars and boat from Lugano that is well connected to different parts of Switzerland.

Swissminiatur in Lugano, Switzerland is open from 19 March to 30 October daily, from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m in a year.


Mystery Park, Interlaken


Mystery Park, InterlakenEnjoy the most enchanting riddles and piquing multimedia presentations that excite and educate you during your tours to Mystery Park in Interlaken, Switzerland. Mystery Park Tours with Switzerland Flexi Tours will transport you into a wonder world where you delve deep into the unsolved mysteries of the Earth.

Mystery Park was designed by Erich von Daniken and features seven pavilions that explore possible explanations and solutions to some of the major secrets of the world.

The seven pavilions are:

Challenge - that delves into the concept of outer space and visits to Mars
Vimana - tries to figure out the reality behind the "flying vehicles" mentioned in the great Indian epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Nazca - delves into the secret of Nazca lines close to Peru
Orient - discusses the mysteries related to the Pyramid at Giza
Mega Stones - tries to solve the mysteries related to the Stone Age.
Contact - explores the concept of cargo cults.
Maya - is an effort at finding out more about the Mayan calendar.

There are fun activities for all age groups at the Mystery Park in Interlaken, Switzerland. The perfect holiday diversion for those on tours to the exotic Swiss Bernese Oberland, the Mystery Park is an exclusive theme park with massive theme pavilions and buildings connected to each other by glass corridors that offer you a warm cocoon as you see snowing vistas outside.

The Nazca Pavilion at the Mystery Park Interlaken is an interesting haunt to frequent in the late evenings as screening of educative yet entertaining films take place here. There are 7 massive pavilions that feature some special theme that magnetize you into wondering about the mysteries shrouding Mother Earth. Glean information on the Pyramids of Egypt, the Maya civilization and temples of India as you tour the Mystery Park in Interlaken, Switzerland.


Castles in SwitzerlandMore Castles in Switzerland

Stockalper's Castle

The Stockalper's Castle in Brig is one of the finest castles you can come across during your Switzerland tour. Also known as the Stockalper Schloss, it was built between 1658 and 1678 by Kaspar Jodok von Stockalper. As one of the most important descendants of an old family, he was a man of great talents. After he built the castle, Kaspar Jodok put it under the protection of the Three Wise Men and called the towers Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar. Complete with an outstanding baroque garden with rosaries, vineyards and dancing fountains, the Stockalper's Castle of today is indeed a sight to behold.

Lenzburg (Schweizer Mittelland) Castle Lenzburg

The castle of Lenzburg is situated on top of a hill between Aarau and Baden. The oldest part of the Lenzburg Castle consists of a spacious High Medieval complex, which was the seat of the ruling Counts of Lenzburg. The castle later passed on to the Kyburg dynasty and subsequently of the Counts of Habsburg. Around 1415, the Lenzburg Castle became a Bernese bailiff's residence as Lenzburg fell to a Bernese seize.
Today, the castle houses the famed museum Canton Aargau besides a cultural and conference center.

Hilterfingen (Bernese Oberland) Castle Hünegg Hilterfingen

The Hünegg Hilterfingen castle is set in a beautiful park near Lake Thun in Switzerland. It was commissioned by Baron von Parpart-von Bonstetten and built during 1861 to 1863. Since the Hünegg Hilterfingen was built around the turn of the century, it is partly modern in its appearance and architecture. The castle also houses a museum that displays interiors from the 2nd half of the 19th century (historicism movement and Jugendstil).

Château de Grandson (Lake Geneva Region)

This medieval fortress was built somewhere during the 11th and 14th century. One of the most well maintained relics of Switzerland's glorious past, the Château de Grandson is a must visit site. Besides, the castle also boasts of a permanent exhibition that displays old weapons and details of the famous battle of Grandson in 1476. A popular automobile museum is another attraction that draws many. Greta Garbo's Rolls Royce is one of the most prized possessions displayed by the museum.

Castelgrande Bellinzona (Ticino)

Bellinzona was once the gateway to the Alps from the south and Italy from the north. As the present capital of Canton Ticino, Bellinzona is a bustling city that prides itself in its rich heritage. An important cultural crossroad between the Latin and Teutonic world, Bellinzona is indeed a charming place to visit. Everything about the place reflects an old worldly charm that is hard to ignore. Three majestic castles dating back to the Middle Ages depict Bellinzona's rich history at its best. They are the Castelgrande, Castello di Montebello and the Castello di Sasso Corbaro.

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Vaduz, LiechtensteinVaduz, Liechtenstein

The Vaduz Castle is one of the most impressive castles you can ever come across during your Switzerland tour. It is situated in Liechtenstein that lies to the east of the Rhine, in the mountains between Switzerland and Austria. It is one of the smaller states of Europe and derives its name from Hugo of Liechtenstein who is the first known ancestor of Prince Hans. He was first mentioned in 1133 in connection with Liechtenstein Castle situated about 30 km south of Vienna.

Around 1608, his descendant named Karl I became a prince of the Holy Roman Empire and thus the family acquired the counties of Schellenberg in northern Liechtenstein and Vaduz in the center. The lords united in 1719 to form the modern Principality.

The private residence of the Princes of Liechtenstein is situated above the Liechtenstein capital of Vaduz. Its construction began somewhere in the 12th century and was one of the grandest palaces ever beheld. However, the Vaduz residence in Liechtenstein was badly damaged by the Confederate in 1499 AD.

In the years to follow, a number of modifications were made to the structure to bring back its old glory. For instance, the massive round bastions that decorate the Vaduz Castle in Liechtenstein were added in the 16th century. However, the period from 1901 - 1910 saw some elaborate modifications being made to the place. The Vaduz Castle in Liechtenstein is indeed a marvel in itself. Unfortunately, it is not open for public viewing.


Chillion CastleChillion Castle

The Chillion Castle is considered to be one of the most impressive relics of Switzerland's past. Located between Montreux and Villeneuve, the castle is indeed an interesting sight to behold. If we try to delve into the castle's history, we get to know that it stands in place of small fortress that used to guard an important trade route to Italy through the St Bernard's pass. The fortress originally belonged to Princes - Bishops of the medieval era. Around 1150 AD, the fortress came under the Princes of Savoy who wielded a lot of power during those times.

In the 13th century, the fortress acquired its present appearance that continues to fascinate many across the globe. As it towers over a small rocky island, it is wonderfully reflected in the clear water of Geneva Lake. The Chillion Castle has inspired many poets, writers and artists till date with its sheer majesty and gothic beauty.

The Chillion Castle has witnessed a number of intrigues and other political events that shook it from time to time. For instance Bonivard, a strong supporter of Church Reformation was imprisoned at the order of the Duke of Savoy who was a jealous supporter of Catholicism. Bonivard spent the whole four years in the castle chained to a post, until he was released by Bern Protestants in 1536.

The Chillion Castle undergrounds that were cut out inside the rock, served as an arsenal for Bern Canton troops. One of the most important attractions of the castle is the Grand hall that is decorated with the emblems of Dukes of Savoy. The hall has also retained its gorgeous painted ceilings and the massive fireplace. It is really interesting to take note of the columns cut out of oak-trees, the antique furniture and the collection of tin goods. You can also explore the Knight's hall, Duke's bedroom and the Judgment Hall as you unravel the delights of the Chillion Castle. Besides, the in house chapel showcases some wonderful wall-paintings fragments.

As you explore the Chillion Castle you will come across a remarkable museum located in the ancient square tower. Dedicated to the ancient glories of the castle and the region, it is indeed a place to visit. A number of valuable archeological findings occupy the pride of place at the museum. The she-wolf sculpture, fed Romulus and Remus, wall paintings, copy of Mark Aurelius bust (original version is displayed at the Lausanne museum), bronze statues of Mineura, Juno, Bacchus, coins, stamped in Aventiqum.

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