Deliciously Rich Temptations

Stunning Zurich is an indulgent feast for the eyes – as much as the taste buds and other senses.

Enjoy being delightfully tempted when traveling to one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. Decadent chocolates, luxurious timepieces, grand banking centers, designer boutiques, a world-class art scene and a fascinating history – the largest city in Switzerland has quite a rich heritage to offer travelers.

Settled even before Roman times, Zurich’s dramatic scenery of snow-capped Swiss Alps, lakes and rivers has always enthralled visitors and locals alike. Take a stroll along the water or any of the fabulous promenades for the perfect way to take in the mountainous city. In the summertime, enjoy a leisurely pace. In the winter, warm yourself up with a sip of mulled wine or hot chocolate – perhaps in one of the lovely cafés dotting the avenues.

Chocolate is king in Switzerland and confectionary powerhouses such as Läderach Chocolatier, Suisse Confiserie Sprüngli, Lindt and Teuscher all offer some of the most heavenly bites a chocolate lover could dream of. Chocolates freshly produced on site, Luxumburgerli Amaretti cookies, pralines, hot cocoa, champagne truffles and original gifts show off the delicious Swiss art.

Bahnhofstrasse is the world-famous street where finance quite literally meets fashion. Particularly at the square known as Paradeplatz. One of the most expensive real estate areas in all Switzerland, it is the headquarters for both UBS and Credit Suisse. Several other affluent corporations, conglomerates and banking giants are also located here. So too is the main hub for chocolatier Suisse Confiserie Sprüngli. And along with it, more than 90 designer boutiques including Tiffany & Co, Hermes, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Chopard, Prada and Dior. It is a shopaholic and fashionista’s dream, rivaling Rodeo Drive, Madison Avenue, Savile Row and the Champs-Elysees. Restaurants and bars line the upscale boulevard. While shopping (or window shopping) take in the magnificent art and architecture also on display.

A walking tour throughout the city will bring you to some of the most popular attractions and historical sites. Old Town is a virtual melting pot of medieval houses, churches and the modern Bahnhofstrasse. Roughly half a million people visit the Fraumünster Abbey annually to admire its vivid stained glass windows by iconic artist Marc Chagall. Installed in 1970, each of the five windows has a dominant color scheme depicting Christian stories of Prophets, Jacob, Christ, Zion and Law. Augusto Giacometti created the thirty-foot-high stained glass window of the North transept.

St. Peter’s Church is the oldest church in Zurich, dating back to before 900 AD. It has a magnificent clock face, the largest in all of Europe! Old Town Grossmünster Abbey (translation: Great Minister) is a medieval church with a history dating back to the days of Charlemagne, when the legendary king built a prior incarnation. Rebuilt around 1100 to 1220, this incarnation is the church which stands today. Along with the stunning views found, this church figures prominently in Swiss history as it is where Huldrych Zwingli and Heinrich Bullinger began the Swiss-German Reformation in the 16th century. The Town Hall (called Rathaus in Zurich) is still used for governing.

Dotted throughout Zurich’s many piazzas, cobbled streets and popular attractions are over 1200 drinking water fountains. Locals take advantage of living in a city with more fountains than any city in the world – and often carry bottles around to fill up. Each fountain is a unique work of art, many with their own storied histories, and almost feature clean, pure spring water safe to drink (note: the few not drinkable will be marked with the words Kein Trinkwasser/Eau non potable/Non potable).

Travel to Zurich during one of our Rhine River sailings and indulge the rich Swiss heritage at every corner.