Lake Geneva travel tips

Any ideas for a snow-free Alps vacation? 

Switzerland has been waiting for you. The country is a charming blend of everything you would ever want from a holiday break. Great efficiency, genteel calm, pretty Alpine views, silky smooth snow, rewarding museums, incredible Gothic architecture and much more. Both its alluring outdoors and its compelling cities are all here to be enjoyed. A mix of these two elements are always at your fingertips in the fascinating world of the Swiss cantons – there are 26 incredible cantons to explore in the country. The beauty of the cantons is that you never have to choose between a city break or a stay savouring Mother Nature, they can be had together – it’s all available for you in one single trip. This makes Switzerland an ideal all-year-round holiday destination as you get the very best of everything here.

Rough Guides writer Lucy Pierce travels around Switzerland sustainably by rail, visiting thermal spas, alpine villages and world-renowned ski resorts.

The first thing you might think of doing in Switzerland is skiing, but a summer holiday there can be just as much fun — after all it is high among the most beautiful countries in the world voted by our readers. Here are ten things to do in Switzerland during the summer months in the land of peaks, lakes and chocolate — and the best things to do in Switzerland aren't only hiking and outdoor activities. For more on what — and what not— to do in Switzerland read up on Switzerland etiquette. You might also want to read more widely around the best time to visit Switzerland and read up on festivals in Switzerland.