Janet Stanczak
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My Switzerland Journey
My journey began in the cosmopolitan city of Zurich. It was here that I discovered a haven of indulgence - the Lindt Chocolate Museum. This wasn't just a visit, it was an immersion into the heritage of Swiss chocolate, where the air is rich with cocoa and the secrets of Lindt's master chocolatiers unfold before your eyes. I dove into the world of chocolate, tasting the richness of the secret recipe, making my visit to Zurich extra sweet! Just think....unlimited chocolate while visiting the museum!!
After jumping on the train, using my 8 Day Swiss Travel Pass, I made my way to Lugano. Located in the southern part of Switzerland, Lugano is nestled by it's gorgeous lake and offers a slice of Mediterranean flair mixed with Swiss tranquility. The backdrop of the towering Monte Bre was magnificent. Traveling to the top via a Funicular, the views were breathtaking! The ancient rural village of Bre, located on the slopes of Monte Bre was equally fascinating with mostly cobblestone walk areas.
Our hotel while in Lugano was the luxurious Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola, A true testament to Swiss elegance and comfort. We also visited a fabulous wine tasting experience just outside of Ascona, in a local vineyard with fine local wines including the delicious White Merlot, only available in the Ticino region. An interesting fact about the southern region of Switzerland, the people are mostly Italian speaking.
My exploration continued with a stroll through the charming town of Ascona, with Mediterranean-style architecture and a cafe-lined promenade located on Lake Maggiore, followed by a scenic boat cruise to Gandria, encapsulating the tranquil beauty of Swiss lakes.
On the way to Lucerne, a notable highlight was the journey to Mt. Rigi. Traveling to the summit via a cogwheel train, amid a picturesque snowfall, added an enchanting winter wonderland vibe. Lunch at Lok 7, right at the mountain's peak was delightful!
I continued by train to Lucerne. First up, a walking tour unraveling the historical and architectural marvels of the city. A visit to Hergiswil to explore the Glass Factory stood out as a unique experience, where I had the opportunity to blow my own glass bulb. The afternoon of day 2 brought a delightful cruise around Lake Lucerne, coupled with lunch, which provided serene moments of relaxation.
A visit to the Transportation Museum in Lucerne offered insights into the evolution of travel and transport.
Lastly, a trip to Mt. Pilatus was a dramatic highlight with a snowstorm creating a mesmerizing "white out" at the summit. Even more magical was adding a lunch of traditional Cheese Fondue and wine, which is the essence of Swiss culinary heritage.
My journey through Switzerland was a blend of cultural immersion, scenic exploration and luxurious relaxation. From indulging in chocolate to savoring cheese fondue amid snowfall, each moment was a testament to Switzerland's allure. This trip showcased the diversity of experiences Switzerland offers. Itineraries to Switzerland can include not only unique activities but breathtaking sights as well!