Zurich, Switzerland

About the destination: Zurich is often misunderstood as just a sterile banking city, but don't buy into that. Yes, Zurich is home to one of the world's largest stock exchanges and is the financial heart of Switzerland, but there's so much more to it. Beyond the markets and stock prices, you'll discover a city that's artistic, trendy, and full of life. Spend some time in Zurich West. Its old warehouses, viaducts, and shipbuilding caverns have been transformed into art centers, cool bars, and unique boutiques. Along Langstrasse, the city's infamous red light district, you're now more likely to find a stylish handbag from an up-and-coming designer than anything else. Zurich's personality is on full display during the annual Street Parade, a massive techno festival that winds through the city with DJs and scantily-clad dancers on floats. You won't see a single banker's tie. If you do in the charming east bank quarter of Niederdorf, it's probably undone. These medieval streets are alive with corner cafes, trendy bars, and top-notch restaurants. It's easy to spend an afternoon just soaking up its relaxed vibe, especially in the summer when the riverside feels like a beach. Winter is special too. Under a blanket of snow, the cobblestone streets, fountains, lakeside walks, and stunning architecture of the Old Town seem like they were made for a painting. This is when one of Europe's best Christmas markets comes to town and the air is filled with the comforting scents of glühwein (mulled wine) stalls. Shoppers will love it here any time of year. Zurich's flashy side is on display in the high-end designer boutiques of Bahnhofstrasse, the city's main shopping street. But this city isn't just for the well-to-do; there are plenty of unique shops tucked away on hidden streets. Located on the River Limmat and the northern end of Lake Zurich, Zurich is blessed with natural beauty. The city's architects have also made respectful additions - just look at the Fraumünster and Grossmünster churches, which face each other across the river. And when you've had your fill of the city's diverse restaurants, top-tier museums, and vibrant nightlife, you can always escape to the nearby Uetliberg mountain or take a boat trip on Lake Zurich – if only to catch your breath before diving back into the city's delights again.

About the destination: With the Alps and Lake Lucerne as its backdrop, the charming and prosperous city of Lucerne is truly spectacular. Its narrow streets and colorful squares are adorned with brightly colored wall paintings, an art form that flourished in the late 16th century. The city is perfect for boat trips and excursions to Mt. Rigi and Mt. Pilatus. A walk along the river offers a great view of the old city, where two ancient bridges cross the river. The Chapel Bridge, decorated with scenes from Swiss history, runs alongside the Water Tower, a symbol of the city. The shorter Spreuerbrücke is adorned with Kaspar Meglinger’s eerie Dance of Death paintings. Stroll by the Altes Rathaus, or City Hall, and through the charming squares of Weinmarkt and Hirschenplatz to experience authentic Swiss wall painting. For a bird’s-eye view of Lucerne’s dozen or so churches and three mountains—Pilatus, Rigi, and Titlis—climb the medieval fortifications with their numerous towers. Don’t miss Das Löwendenkmal, a massive sculpture of a lion carved into the face of a rock, dedicated to the Swiss mercenaries of Versailles. Mark Twain called it “the saddest and most compassionate piece of rock on earth.” In the Am Rhyn Haus, next to the Altes Rathaus, you can see an interesting collection of late Picasso works. The combination of a tranquil lake and breathtaking snow-capped mountains gives Lucerne a special charm, further enhanced by the medieval old town, famous wooden bridges, and beautiful skyline.