Discover the breathtaking Swiss Lakes…
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Lake Lucerne
A super Swiss lake with an intriguingly intricate shape, Lake Lucerne’s tantalising tentacles spread into four different cantons and are just begging to be explored – and you can do just that on a fleet of restored paddle steamers which plies back and forth against a background of snow-capped mountains such as Rigi and Pilatus. Lake Lucerne holidays offer it all – pretty lakeside villages, historical sites and a mild climate which allows palm trees, grapes and orchids to grow.
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Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is an immense lake enjoying an unusually mild climate, and surrounded by gentle hillsides covered in vineyards & gardens. Montreux has a beautiful lakeside promenade lined with palm trees and flowers. and is a wonderful base from which to explore the region, either by boat, train, bus or on foot. There is plenty to see and do, all ready to be explored at your own pace. A visit to the charming ‘Château de Chillon’ is a must, whilst visitors can spend many relaxing days visiting other places of interest along the shores of the lake, such as the city of Geneva, or Evian-Les-Bains on the French side of the lake. Be sure to take the mountain train up to Rochers de Naye, one of Switzerland’s favourite viewpoints. Various festivals and events take place throughout the summer, including the famous Montreux Jazz Festival approx. 3-18 July.
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Ticino, Lake Maggiore
Although Ticino was annexed from the Dukes of Milan by the Swiss Confederation as long ago as the 15th century, over 500 years later this most southerly of the Swiss cantons still has a strong Latin flavour to it – Italian culture and language intermingles with Swiss quality and efficiency, making it a fascinating location for a holiday in Switzerland. Situated in the foothills of the Swiss Alps, and on the border with Italy, the region of Ticino enjoys a wonderfully warm climate and offers guests all the efficiency of Switzerland but with an added ‘Italian-style’ flair. The area is dominated by Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano, both of which extend into present day Italy, and some marvellous mountains such as the UNESCO World Heritage site of Monte San Giorgo.
The dramatic scenery is not just natural but also man-made – for instance, the 220m high hydro-electric Contra Dam near Locarno where the dramatic opening sequence in the James Bond film ‘Goldeneye’ was filmed. From Locarno you can also visit beautiful Ascona 10 minutes by bus or 20 minutes by boat. The area enjoys a sunny climate and is rich in history and culture. The Castles of Bellinzona are another UNESCO World Heritage site, there is plenty of classic architecture, and you’ll find quite a few museums and markets, and even a music festival or two on your holiday in Ticino. The region is also a paradise for garden lovers with exotic, colourful flora and several botanical gardens in close proximity. Guests can relax in the sun on a lake cruise, enjoy a delicious ‘panini unch or cappucino on one of the ‘Piazzas’ or cool off in the outdoor pool at one of our hotels.
