Switzerland

Cuckoo clocks, chocolate and watches may spring immediately to mind when you think of Switzerland, but once you’ve visited, they’ll be replaced by images of crystal-clear lakes, thrilling mountain adventure and sparkling waterfalls. With plenty of quirky places to rest your head (and your skis!), an action and scenery-packed break is assured.

Thrill-seekers may look no further than Interlaken, the country’s adventure capital, situated between two beautiful lakes at the heart of the Bernese Alps. There are no end of exhilarating activities to try here, from hiking and skydiving over the Alps, to canyoning and white water rafting on the shimmering lakes.

Head for the iconic Matterhorn for some of the best skiing – and the best views – in the world. If you prefer a touch of refinement with your après-ski, the upmarket resorts of Saint Moritz and Davos should see you right, while Lucerne’s Mount Pilatus offers challenging hiking trails that reward you with Alpine views you’ll want to capture forever.

(Of course, you can always take the romantic cogwheel train up to the top instead, if you’re feeling lazy!)

Not into outdoor adventure? Don’t worry, you can still enjoy Switzerland to the full.  Stay in Lucerne, and admire the painted buildings of Weinmarkt (the city is also home to the world’s oldest surviving truss bridge), or take yourself off to Zürich and stroll through its historic city centre, complete with street art, lively bars and bustling nightlife.

Enjoy award-winning international cuisine in Geneva (you can give your thanks to the many UN buildings for this) – and fuel yourself with the energy needed to explore the city’s 40 museums!

Lake Geneva, meanwhile, is the perfect backdrop to a well-deserved beer and a cheesy fondue. In fact, Switzerland is teeming with watery wonders, from the German-bordered Lake Constance, to the windsurfers’ paradise of Lake Maggiore.  Oh, and there’s also the Rhine Falls, otherwise known as Europe’s largest waterfall – a sparkling joy to behold and the perfect spot for a picnic.

The Swiss capital city of Bern is full of medieval treasures, from ancient churches and clock towers (including the famous Zytglogge) to romantic cobbled streets. Continue the historic theme with a trip to the Graubünden area, where you’ll discover traditional Alpine villages with houses that date all the way back to the 13th century.

You’ll be doing as the locals do in no time at all…and by that, we mean gathering around crackling woodburning fires for a plate of crisp potato rösti and gorgeously gooey raclette, all washed down with a glass of schnapps.

Well, after all that energy-expending skiing and sightseeing, you’ve more than earned it!