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

About the destination: The city of Geneva, with a population of 200,000 residents, is one of the largest cities in Switzerland. It serves as the capital of the canton and is located on Lac Leman, also known as Lake Geneva. The city is divided by the Rhône River, which flows from the lake. Geneva is a beautiful and enchanting city with numerous bridges. The Gothic St-Pierre Cathedral towers over the vieille ville, or old town, of Geneva, which is characterized by narrow, winding streets and houses adorned with flowers. For a breathtaking view of the old town, climb the north tower. Most of the city's museums are located in the vieille ville. The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire is known for its diverse exhibits, ranging from ancient Greek vases to Dadaism art. The Petit Palais is home to a wonderful collection of modern art housed in a cozy 19th-century palace. The lakefront of Geneva is stunning, with the daring Jet d'Eau, one of the tallest fountains in the world. Don't miss the well-groomed Jardin Anglais with its famous Horloge Fleurie, a large clock decorated with flowers, built in tribute to Geneva's clock industry. Geneva continues to be an international city, embodying Swiss neutrality that has welcomed diverse visitors like Lenin and Borges. Today, diplomats and executives of countless corporations occupy Geneva's offices, though rarely its immaculate streets. Calm and scenic, Geneva is the most delightful city in Switzerland.

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.