Switzerland

Lands of unparalleled beauty, Switzerland's cities ooze charm and are great for exploring on foot. Culture, gastronomic delights, entertainment, romance and outdoor activities galore, there's something to suit any taste. From romantic boutique accommodation to luxury accomodation, it's all here, and the people are friendly and welcoming - they are known for their warm heartedness and love of life. Single travelers, couples and families will love it. Swiss cities also offer plenty in the way of festivals fairs, markets and sporting events.

Think of Switzerland and snow-capped mountains spring to mind. So it stands to reason that skiing is one of the top activities here. Countless resorts cater to all walks of life. St Moritz is a winter playground and one of the best-known ski centres. Visp is a diverse holiday region comprising five traditional ski areas. It is not overrun with tourists and therefore is a great place to get away from it all. It offers beautiful surroundings and panoramic views. Adelboden-Lenk, in the centre of the Bernese Oberland that connects Lenk-Simmental and Adelboden-Frutigen, is a highly popular ski destination. Each winter, snow transforms the region into a spectacular winter arena. Ski in the big resort or enjoy walking in the wintry sunshine. The Aletsch region, comprising Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp, also offers a unique setting for skiing, snowboarding and winter walking and Braunwald, in the southern corner of Glarnerland, is sunny, free of cars and family-friendly. Ski lessons are available for beginners.

But there's much more to Switzerland than skiing. Try walking, mountain biking, cycling or skating. The country is the ultimate hiking destination, with spectacular Alps, flower-filled meadows and quaint villages. The best time for hiking is July, when the weather is warm and dry. August and September are also good. There are many great towns for hiking, such as Grindelwald and Zermatt. Grindelwalk is at the base of the Eiger and Zermatt is nestled at the foot of the Matterhorn. These mountain towns offer hikes for all levels, from easy walks to difficult climbs. The tourist office in Grindelwald sells useful maps. Always take plenty of water, food and warm clothing, and ensure you let someone know where you're headed. There are 32,000km of streams and rivers in Switzerland and 839sq km of lakes, providing fishing fans with plenty of choice. Europe's biggest rivers start here. The most common fish are trout, char, pike and perch. Fly-fishing, spinning, and ground fishing, with natural or artificial bait, are permitted in most waters. Fishing permits are required and vary in price according to area.

Switzerland is great for golfing. Whether in the Alps, Romandie, and the Midlands or in the south, golf hotels adjacent to courses provide comfortable accommodation. There are more than 90 golf courses, all set in stunning surroundings. Various companies offer golfing packages. Courses such as Crans-sur-Sierre give visitors the chance to golf in the mountains. Geneva and its surrounds have a high concentration of courses so this is a popular spot. Swiss winters are cold and snowy, forcing the closure of courses from November to March.

For a short break, it's worth paying a visit to any of Switzerland's cities. Geneva, the third-largest city, is multicultural and on the shore of stunning Lake Geneva. Nicknamed the culinary capital of Switzerland, it has an amazing array of restaurants and cafes. Zurich, despite its reputation as a banking town, is jam-packed with bars, restaurants and clubs. Travel back in time with an historical tour covering Zürich's churches, or drink in the works of famous artists. Lucerne features 15th-century buildings with painted facades and medieval bridges covered in rooftop art. It also boasts the Picasso Museum and IMAX underwater adventure. Each of these main cities also has plenty of cultural offerings for the taking, such as churches and museums. With such stunning scenery, Switzerland is a dream destination for romantic and family holidays alike; there are many fantastic holiday accommodation types to choose from depending on your needs. Some at the luxury end have pools and BBQ areas to for relaxing around after a great day out.

Check out our selection off accommodation and book a holiday of your dreams today.