Prague, Vienna, & Budapest by Train (Hotels & Sightseeing)

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: Zermatt is a picturesque ski resort, situated at the northern base of the powerful Matterhorn. Skiing, hiking, and mountaineering are the primary attractions at this resort, but there's so much more to explore in this flower-adorned village. Hinterdorf, the oldest part of Zermatt, still has a few traditional Swiss wooden houses from the 16th and 17th centuries. The St. Mauritius Church is a prominent feature of Zermatt's skyline, located in the bustling city center at Church Square, or Kirchplatz. Adjacent to the Catholic Church, the Matterhorn Museum preserves Zermatt's history and houses various artifacts. Near St. Mauritius Church is the town's cemetery, the Mountaineers' Cemetery, where the headstones narrate the incredible stories of climbers who met their fate while attempting to ascend the Matterhorn. The main street is a hub of activity, with restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, gift stores, and numerous shops selling Swiss watches. Beautiful Swiss-style buildings line both sides of the street. The English Church, a charming little church perched high on a hill overlooking Zermatt, is a heavily timbered structure that, while not as large or ornate as the Catholic Church, has its own unique charm. It's definitely worth the uphill walk. Zermatt, bustling, crowded, busy, and beautiful all at once, epitomizes the Swiss atmosphere. Despite being filled with tourists and vacationers, the town has managed to maintain its delightful Swiss ambiance.