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European Vacations -
Switzerland Vacation Packages &
Travel Information |
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Overview |
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Geneva is situated in the center of
central Europe, making it very easy
for travelers to work the city into
their itinerary. Often the location
of international treaty conventions,
it is very cozy thanks to a low
population of 180,000 people.
The city is divided by the River
Rhône into the rive gauche and rive
droite. The rive gauche holds most
of the sights with visitor interest,
including the Jet d'Eau, a 400-foot
geyser. It would be difficult for a
city to be more alpine than Geneva.
Set on the banks of Lake Léman, the
city looks out onto the snow-capped
peaks of the Alps and Jura mountains
jutting out of the deep forests and
mystical countryside.
Jet-set style seeps from the shores
of the lake thanks to the romantic
walk lined numerous shops,
restaurants, and hotels vying for
the best storefronts. In fact,
Geneva offers over 1,100 restaurants
to set your taste buds into
overdrive.
Of course, Geneva is also a terrific
cultural destination with over 30
museums, theaters, galleries, and
even an opera house.
For those looking to add a little
adventure to their vacation, Geneva
offers nearby slopes for
world-famous skiing and numerous
golf clubs in and around the Lake
Geneva Region.
The city's proximity to France and
Italy add to its appeal for
travelers trying to make the most of
their European vacation. |
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Facts |
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Country:
Swiss Confederation
Capital:
Bern
Time:
Switzerland uses Central European
Time (CET). Hence, clocks are one
hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time
(GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern
Standard Time (EST).
Currency:
Switzerland uses the Swiss franc.
Money can be exchanged at post
offices and train stations, which
offer similar rates to that of
banks. Being one of the banking
capitals of the world, ATMs are very
common.
Weather:
For such a small country,
Switzerland is marked by sudden and
dramatic climatic conditions. In the
North the weather is mild and
refreshing. Towards the South, in
the Alp area, the weather is warmer
thanks to its proximity to the
Mediterranean. Summers are normally
warm and sunny, but the Atlantic and
Mediterranean air currents make long
range forecasts impossible.
Travelers should bring good clothes
and a jacket during the spring,
summer, and fall in case of a sudden
shift in weather. Year-round snow on
the mountain peaks is something to
consider if your plans include a
trip into the wilderness. Winters
are cold and require the appropriate
coats, pants, and shoes.
Custom Regulations:
Everyone entering Switzerland must
have a valid passport. Americans can
stay for up to 90 days. Non-EU
citizens are allowed to bring 400
cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of
tobacco, 2 liters of alcohol (up to
15%), 1 liter of alcohol (over 15%),
and a gift allowance of 100sfr.
Banking Hours:
Banks are open Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but some
banks outside of major cities may
close during lunch. Sometimes its
possible to find some branches open
on Saturday in the resort areas.
Electricity:
Switzerland uses 220 volts AC and
the continental-style plug. If your
appliance has a 110/220-volt switch,
all you will need is a plug adapter.
Otherwise a current converter is
required. Pay attention to sockets
in bathrooms and on trains marked
"Shavers Only!" While these put out
110 volts, they will burn out with a
more powerful appliance.
Tipping:
Tips are generally included in the
service. Be sure to check your bill
or ask, if necessary. Feel free to
leave something extra if it seems
appropriate.
Getting Around:
Train:
The Swiss railway is one of the best
in the world. Every car is
immaculate, often with fully
automated features. Second class
rivals most other European
first-class trains. Fares work out
to around 30sfr per 100k (60 miles).
If you are traveling with a rail
pass, remember that supplements are
required on the private lines
(mostly in the mountains).
Bus:
Buses take over from where trains
stop. The bus and train schedules
are well integrated, making it easy
to catch connections into the
villages.
Ferries:
Ferries cross Switzerland's lakes,
but most are restricted to the
summer season and are mainly for
tourist use. While they provide
beautiful scenery, people intending
to get someplace in a hurry should
look elsewhere.
Car:
Switzerland's road network is just
as well planed as that of its
trains. Driving in the mountains can
be an invigorating (and
hair-raising) experience. If you
plan to drive in Switzerland, it is
necessary to pay a 40sfr tax. A tax
disc (vignette) can be purchased at
gas stations, the border, and Swiss
tourist agents abroad. Speed limits
are 50k/h (30mph) in built-up areas,
80p/h (48mph) on main roads, and
120k/h (72 mph) on highways.
Walking:
Within cities, the best form of
transportation is a good pair of
walking shoes. Most all sights are
within or near the old towns. For
any longer trips, Swiss cities have
safe, efficient municipal
transportation services via buses,
boats, and trams. Purchase single
trip and day passes from machines or
booths in the stations.
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Attractions |
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Horloge Fleurie
This world-famous floral clock is
located in the Jardin Anglais. The
20-foot face requires over 6,500
plants and features the
worlds-largest second hand. This
tribute to the perfection of Swiss
timepieces changes its appearance as
the seasons change.
Jet d'Eau
This fountain stems from when
craftsmen used hydraulic pressure in
their workshops. The original geyser
occurred every night when they
switched off their machines. Now the
460-foot monument is one of the most
recognized symbols of Geneva.
Rousseau Island
This quiet garden area is a
beautiful spot to relax after a long
day of sightseeing and
window-shopping. A statue of
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, forerunner of
the Romantic Movement, sits on the
island.
Maison Tavel
rue Puits-St. Pierre 6
1204 Geneva (Old Town)
+41-022-310-29-00
This former private residence of the
Tavel family and current location of
the town museum was originally
constructed in the 12th century.
After several conservations and
reconstructions, the museum now
displays the urban history of Geneva
and includes a giant model of the
city as it was in 1850. Open Tuesday
through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Guided tours can be arranged.
Admission is free.
Saint Peter's Cathedral
This Romanesque cathedral was built
between 1160 and 1232, thereby
winning it the distinction of the
oldest building in Geneva. The
floral frescos and angels are
actually modern reproductions of the
originals housed in Geneva's main
museum. Most of the religious
artifacts were destroyed our stolen
during the Reformation, but
"Calvin's chair" remains. Be sure to
visit the crypt lying below
Site Archéologique
Cour Saint-Pierre
1204 Geneva
+41-022-310-29-29 and 311-75-75
This is the crypt under Saint
Peter's Cathedral. Explore this huge
excavation and see how the church
grew to its current size. Among
other things, the crypt offers a
peak a 4th century baptistery and
5th century mosaics. Open Tuesday-
Sunday 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. 2- 6 p.m.
Admission is 5 Swiss Francs.
Musée de L'Art et d'Histoire
rue Charles Galland 2
1206 Geneva
+41-022-418-46-00
This museum covers all of western
culture, from Greek vases to
medieval art to modern sculpture.
Being an encyclopedic museum, it
also displays applied arts, such as
furniture, silverwork, and weapons.
Rooms are also set aside for prints
and stained glass. The highlight is
the altarpiece built by Konrad Witz
in 1444. Open Tuesday through
Sunday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Admission is
free.
The United Nations Building
The title tells all. This gigantic
building covers the same amount of
surface area as that of Versailles.
It was completed in 1936, originally
to house the League of Nations, but
has been home to the UN since its
inception in 1946. Guided tours
allow tourists into this attraction
that was until recently closed to
the public.
Petit Palais
Terrasse Saint-Victor 2
1206 Geneva
+41-022-346-14-33 / 34
This art museum displays over 300
paintings including Renoir and
Picasso. Open Monday- Friday 10 a.m.
- 6 p.m., plus Saturday and Sunday
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is free.
La place du Bourg de Four
Since Roman times this square has
been the heart of the old town. Once
the location of medieval fairs, it
is now a favorite place to spend
some time in at a sidewalk café and
enjoy the atmosphere.
The Town Hall
La Place du Bourg du Four
One of the important buildings
lining this square and currently the
main offices of the local
government. Concerts are held in the
courtyard during the summer months.
Be sure to get a look at the
"Alabama" plaque commemorating the
fact that the Anglo-American
conflict was the first international
dispute settled here in Geneva.
Reformation Monument
promenade des Bastions
This menacing wall, built in 1917,
is dedicated to the leaders of the
international Reformation movement.
Golf
Route de la Capite 70
1223 Cologny
+41-022-735-7540
With so many politicians and
businessmen filing in and out of
Geneva, it's no surprise that the
city offers a large selection of
golf courses. Roughly 10 miles from
downtown Geneva is Golf Club de
Genève offering 18 holes between
March and December. Closed on
Mondays.
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