Swiss Alps & Cities in Winter: A Cultural and Natural Odyssey

Milan is Italy’s most forward-looking city. An international center for fashion, fine dining, and design, it seems as though Milanese people breathe style. From the gleam on your wine glass to the twists of its cathedral’s spires, everything in Milan is finished to perfection. Home to the Italian stock exchange, a world-famous fashion industry, and a frantic business district, Milan is fast-paced and commercially minded. The shopping in Milan is second to none. At the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls, a glass-iron ceiling soars over brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Massimo Dutti, and Amani. Along with the fashion, Milan’s cathedral, castle, and canals are also must-sees. But to view the city’s most prized possession - Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, you must make an appointment. Tickets to view this mural sell out weeks in advance. It is truly a bucket-list worthy work of art. After a day taking in all the glamor and culture, take a seat in one of Milan’s well-appointed eateries. The Navigli Quarter is packed with restaurants, bars, and cafes, perfect for a relaxed Aperol spritz or pizza along the city’s canals.

Lucerne’s international name may be French, but this spellbinding little city is actually situated in the heart of Switzerland’s German area. Lucerne was one of the first cities to join the Swiss Confederation and is a microcosm of all the typical Swiss quirks and charm that draw visitors to the country from all over the world. The city’s old town is beautifully preserved and also extremely compact. This is a place that is perfect for walking and looking. You’ll soon start to get an in-depth feel for the Old Town after just a few hours. Stroll across the famous Kapellbrücke bridge or the smaller Spreuerbrücke, or wander to the Löwendenkmal, the wounded lion memorial carved from a rock face. Stunning nature surrounds Lucerne, and the landmark Mount Pilatus towers over the city. It’s possible to climb the mountain, where hikers (and cable-car riders) will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the town below and the Alps beyond. Back at ground level, Lake Lucerne calls out for boat trips, which stop at the many villages and parks around the shores.

Strasbourg, the enchanting capital of Alsace, blends French elegance with German charm in a way that feels utterly unique. This riverside city invites you to stroll through cobblestone streets where half-timbered houses and flower-decked canals paint a storybook scene. At its heart rises the majestic Strasbourg Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece whose spire once made it the tallest building in the world. Nearby, the fairytale district of Petite France beckons with its winding lanes and medieval ambiance. Beyond its old-world beauty, Strasbourg proudly serves as the seat of European unity, home to institutions like the European Parliament. In winter, its world-famous Christmas markets transform the city into a glittering wonderland of lights, aromas, and festive cheer. Whether you’re admiring centuries-old architecture or savoring Alsatian cuisine beside the river, Strasbourg offers an experience that’s both timeless and alive with spirit.

Zurich is Switzerland’s biggest city, located in the center of the country’s German-speaking region. It’s this location, superbly connected to almost everywhere else by train and close to an international airport, that makes Zurich an obvious destination for tourists. Well, that’s one of the reasons. There’s also the city’s bevy of bars and restaurants, the lakeside views, and stunning architecture around every corner.Take a stroll down the Bahnhofstrasse, a street known around the world for its unrivaled shopping. Weave through crowds of shoppers as you pass rows of world-famous and exclusive brands. Zurich is a small city, but that just makes it easier to get around. Lindenhof Hill, a slight rise of land in the center, offers views across all of the town. Among the city’s most striking features are the Grossmünster towers, which can also be climbed. This is a proud, sophisticated, and elegant city.

Located between two bodies of water — Lake Brienz and Lake Thun — Interlaken is the perfect place to explore the serene natural beauty at Switzerland’s heart. Interlaken is a place for those who seek adventure amid spectacular natural surrounds. Rock climbing, canyoning, bungee jumping, and paragliding are just some of the ways to fill a day here, and countless backpackers descend on the town every summer to do all of these and more. Less intense, but no less rewarding, are the many opportunities for hiking, sailing, and swimming. Or, take to the rails. At the nearby Kleine Scheidegg pass, a train runs through the snowy Swiss Alps to the highest train station on the continent. The fun here doesn’t stop at night. After a hard day of adventure, backpackers flock to the town’s many pubs and bars to soothe their aches and pains with steins of beer. Interlaken is a place where fun and excitement reign supreme and somewhere to experience Switzerland’s striking nature in the most thrilling way.

Switzerland’s second-most populous city, Geneva is a place where languages, cultures, and institutions have converged for hundreds of years. Here, diplomacy and sophistication play a central role. Formerly home to the headquarters of the UN, Geneva still hosts the International Red Cross, World Trade Organization, and World Health Organization. Lake Geneva, the largest body of water in Switzerland, dominates the surrounding landscape with its calm waters and brooding presence. By the lakeside, the imposing Jet d’Eau blasts water 140 meters into the air for most of every day. As you stroll through the city’s enchanting old town, you'll find its winding streets dusted with antique shops, ancient architecture, galleries, and world-class restaurants.   Centuries of influence from countless cultures have given Geneva a special, complex identity. Travelers here can spend hours sampling food and drink from across the world. Or, simply sit by the water, and sip an Espresso while you soak up Geneva's unique and cosmopolitan vibe.