CENTRAL SWITZERLAND

Bern is the capital of Switzerland and has retained so much of its character from the past, so much so that the city’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you’re visiting the city, be sure to stop by the Clock Tower which was Bern’s first city gate in the 12th and 13th Centuries; House of Parliament; the beautiful and impressive Cathedral of Bern – a fantastic example of Late Gothic architecture; the Bernisches Historisches Museum which contains around 500,000 objects; Einstein House – which was home to Albert Einstein when he developed the Theory of Relativity; the Granary – one of Bern’s best examples of High Baroque architecture; and the Prison Tower – which as once both a prison and the second city gate.

When it comes to shopping, Bern is something else. Home to one of the longest weather-sheltered shopping promenades in Europe, which stretches 6 kilometres, you can shop in rain, hail or shine. The arcade’s history dates back almost 1000 years.

Bern is also the gateway to the alps so if you’re headed to the mountains, be sure to stop by for a few days on the way.

Located on the beautiful Lake Lucerne, the city of Lucerne is filled with picturesque town squares and breathtaking churches.

The world-famous Chapel Bridge, built in 1333, is one of the oldest, wooden bridges in Europe and is the central landscape of the city; while the Jesuit church is believed to be Switzerland’s first sacral Baroque building.

While in this beautiful city, be sure to also visit the Old Town with its medieval towers, the Water Tower, the Musegg Wall, the Jesuit Church, the Mill Bridge, the Lion Monument, the KKL culture and convention centre. A trip to one of the region’s mountains, such as the Rigi or Pilatus mountains; is a must.

BaselSwitzerland’s third busiest city, Basel is a city that is filled with culture, beautiful scenery and an interesting history. It is home to 40 museums, the Rhine River and it has a very popular and beautiful Old Town that is certainly worth visiting.Top tourist attractions include the Muenster Cathedral, built between 1019 and 1500 in a roman/ gothic style; Rathaus; the Tinguely Fountain; Spalentor City Gate which was built in the 1400s; the art collection at Fondation Beyeler or that at the Kunstmuseum; the Swiss Paper Museum for something a little different; and of course the Rhine River where you can enjoy fantastic views.And you must also visit Drielandereck – the point where Switzerland, Germany and France meet.

The Top of Europe, Jungfraujoch, is the highest point in Europe accessible to transported people, with a railway station at an elevation of 3454 metres. It is also home to an atmospheric research station. The high altitude, clear air and easy access are ideal conditions for scientific research by astronomers, geologists, physicists, meteorologists and hydrologists. Jungfraujoch is also a small village with an Ice Palace, Ice Gateway, Sphinx observation terrace, plateau for hiking, as well as a restaurant, ski and snowboard park, husky-drawn sled rides, and Europe's highest post office.