Zurich is top for leisure and pleasure. Gentle hills, peaceful woods, the unpolluted lakes and rivers, picturesque villages - and all just a stone's throw from the Alps. Zurich is the ideal starting point for all kinds of varied excursions.
Welcome Reception
Sunday 12 SeptemberSwiss Re Clubhouse
Alfred-Escher-Strasse 85
8022 Zurich
Timetable
| 06.00 pm | Transfer |
| 06.30 pm | Welcome Reception |
| 08.00 pm | Dinner |
| 11.30 pm | Transfer back |
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Swiss Evening
Wednesday 15 SeptemberJucker Farmart
Dorfstrasse 23
8607 Seegräben
| Timetable | Dress Code |
| 06.00 pm | Transfer |
| 07.00 pm | Welcome Reception |
| 08.00 pm | Dinner |
| 11.30 pm | Transfer back |
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Optional Tour (included in the conference fee)
Monday 13th September 2010You can choose either the Zurich City Tour on foot (you will get more impressions of Zurich and its secrets on foot) or the Zurich City Bus-tour. All guided Zurich tours are presented in 3 languages (English, German and French).
On both tours walking and bus, a quick and light lunch in Restaurant Hiltl will be served:
Restaurant Hiltl - First and leading vegetarian house in Europe (since 1898)
Long-time guests will continue to feel at home at the new Hiltl and may even discover new desires in order to take advantage of the ever-growing diversity. The new broad approach is also increasingly tailored to a new, younger clientele who are accessing healthy indulgences at the café, the bar and the take away. Everyone shall find something they like at a reasonable price and shall be able to take as much time for a meal as they can spare - whether it is a quick vegetarian snack, the traditional Hiltl buffet or a culinary highlight in a sophisticated atmosphere. For more information please visit: http://www.hiltl.ch/en/index.php
Guided Zurich City Tour (A walk through Zurich's City Center)
Discover Zurich - on a city tour. The stories you will hear whilst strolling down winding alleys to discover hidden treasures will bring to life the people and times that have made Zurich what it is today. This historic district is home to many highlights and legendary stories. A stroll through the Old Town is meanwhile a real insider tip, particularly among local residents: more than just a few have stood on the cobblestones and stared in amazement at places they didn't even know existed. The route leads visitors to the remains of Roman thermal spas, to medieval guild houses, churches with unmistakable towers, world famous windows and Europe's largest clock face - over the Schipfe and Lindenhof to the Niederdorf.
Some important sites on the walking tour:
1. Bürkliplatz - On the shore of Lake Zurich, this is the point where the the lake empties into Limmat River. This square overlooks Quaibrücke, a bridge across the Limmat that connects the left bank with the right bank. After stopping to admire the lake, you may also consider a boat excursion.
2. Bahnhofstrasse - Bahnhofstrasse, is lined with linden trees and expensive shops, selling such luxury merchandise as Swiss watches and jewelry.
3. Paradeplatz - This is the hub of Zurich and a central tram interchange. In the 18th century, it was a cattle market. The square is dominated by the 1876 mansion of Credit Suisse. East of the plaza is the Savoy Baur en Ville hotel. Confiserie Sprüngli is the most elegant and fashionable place on this chic shopping street to meet for tea and pastries (which are the best in the city). You can also enjoy daily lunch specials.
5. Bahnhofplatz - The site of the Hauptbahnhof, the central railroad station, this is the beginning of Bahnhofstrasse. The square itself is rather drab, but the scenery improves as you go along (the street extends almost a mile to the lake). The Hauptbahnhof was built in 1871.
6. Münsterhof - This square, on the left bank, is near such landmarks as Fraumünster and the Rathaus. You can reach it by walking along Schlüsselgasse. At Münsterhof 8 is the guildhall Zunfthaus zur Waag, erected in 1637, with late Gothic windows and a gabled facade.
7. Fraumünster - The entrance is on Fraumünsterstrasse. A church has stood on this site since 853, when it was a convent for noblewomen. It contains artwork by Chagall and Giacometti, among others.
8. Lindenhof - To get here, you must climb narrow medieval alleyways from Fraumünster. Continue north along Schlüsselgasse, heading in the direction of the railroad station. Shaded by trees, the belvedere square of Lindenhof is one of the most scenic spots in Zurich, especially romantic at twilight. Once the site of a Celtic and later a Roman fort, Lindenhof is a good place from which to view the Limmat River; the lookout point has a fountain. There's also a good view of the medieval old quarter, which rises in layers on the right bank.
9. Weinplatz - The site of the Corn Exchange until 1620, this is presumably the oldest market square in Zurich. It's named for its 1909 Weinbauer fountain, which depicts a Swiss winegrower with a basket of grapes in hand. Most visitors pause to photograph the Flemish-roofed burghers' houses on the opposite bank.
10. Rathausbrücke - The present City Hall Bridge spanning the Limmat was built in 1878, at the site of the first span in Zurich.
11. Rathaus - Here you'll find the late Renaissance town hall of Zurich, which opens onto Limmatquai. Built in the late 17th century, it has darkly paneled rooms and antique porcelain stoves. Canton councils still meet here in a setting of rich sculptural adornment. The town hall is open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10.00 to 11.30 am. Admission is free, but you should tip your guide a couple francs.
12. Wasserkirche - Also called Water Church, this church got its unusual name because it was surrounded by water when it was built in 1479. There's a statue of Zwingli, the famous Swiss reformer, here.
13. Helmhaus - Built in 1794, the Helmhaus has a fountain hall and a gallery on the second and third floors, where the city shows changing exhibitions of Swiss art. The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10.00 am to 06.00 pm and also on Thursday from 08.00 to 10.00 pm.
Zurich City Bustour
Discover this unique city in a comfortable air-conditioned bus! See the castle-like National Museum, the shopping and business centre on Bahnhofstrasse, the Limmatquai with its medieval Old Town and view to the Lindenhof, where the brave women of Zurich saved the city from the invaders, the largest church clock-face of Europe on St. Peter, the patriarchal Guild Houses, the Opera house with its famous June-Festivals, the lake (picture stop). Enjoy the great experience travelling uphill on the cog-wheel railway (Dolderbahn) into the "Zürichberg" district with its recently renovated noble five-star Grand Hotel Dolder and many superb mansions of glorious past times. Additional highlights are the University and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich). Its most famous student and professor was Albert Einstein. Finally there will be a stop in the Old Town at Fraumünster Church, where you will admire the world-famous CHAGALL-Windows with detailed explanations.
Timetable
| 10.30 am | Meet & greet at Kongresshaus entrance hall Coffee & Croissant will be served |
| 11.15 am | Classification of groups in 3 languages |
| 11.30 am | Departure and sightseeing Zurich (2 hours) A walk through Zurich's City centre or Zurich City Bus-tour |
| 01.30 pm | Lunch at Restaurant Hiltl |
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Excursion 1 (charge upon registration CHF 210.-)
Tuesday 14th September 2010LUCERNE OLD TOWN / GLASI HERGISWIL (Only in English)
The world-famous, historical city of Lucerne lies in Switzerland in the heart of Europe. Because of its central location right on Lake Lucerne, which is surrounded by grand mountains like Mount Titlis at 3000 meters high or the impressive Mount Pilatus, Lucerne is considered to be the "Switzerland in Switzerland".
Because Lucerne is a city for pedestrians we call our guided city tour a walk around Lucerne. You will learn important, humorous and interesting facts about Lucerne's history, churches, bridges, narrow streets, towers, squares, and of course, Lucerne's trademarks, the KKL (Culture and Convention Center Lucerne), the Chapel Bridge with Water Tower. Discovering Lucerne on foot is much more than "just" a tour!
Lucerne is such a beautiful place to shop. While strolling down the narrow streets that feed the city's airy squares, enjoy the sheer multiplicity of shops and boutiques displaying all manner of exquisite wares - there's surely something to suit everyone. Something typically Swiss? Exclusive watches and jewellery of world renown, attractive fashions and stylish accessories? No problem. Not forgetting Swiss chocolate!
Lake Lucerne (434 m above sea level) is fascinating due to its picturesque landscape and historical sites. Lunch will be served on board during our transfer from Lucerne to Hergiswil.
This small village on the lakeside has a long tradition in the art of glass blowing and still has a manufactory where glass is blown by mouth and real work of art is created - like in the old times! Time to blow your own glass, tour the museum "formed by fire" or visit the "phenomenal glass"- exhibition for souvenir shopping, before heading back to Zurich..
Timetable
| 08.00 am | Meet & Greet at Kongresshaus entrance hall |
| 08.15 am | Transfer by Bus to Lucerne (approx. 1 hour 10 min) |
| 09.30 am |
Arrival in Lucerne at KKL (Culture and Convention Center Lucerne) Participants will be informed, that the boat featuring lunch with transfer to Hergiswil will depart from here at 01.15 pm |
| 09.30 am | Departure City Tour Lucerne in groups with local guides |
| 10.45 am |
Arrival at Restaurant / Hotel Schiff Lucerne Break with Coffee & Croissant Time at your disposal for shopping |
| 01.15 pm | Meeting in front of KKL (Culture and Convention Center Lucerne) |
| 01.30 pm | Departure with boat to Hergiswil with lunch on board |
| 03.00 pm | Arrival in Hergiswil |
| 03.10 pm |
Visit of Glass blowing manufactory Hergiswil Time for shopping, glass blowing, museum |
| 04.30 pm | Departure to Zurich |
| 06.00 pm | Arrival in Zurich at Hotel |
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Excursion 2 (charge upon registration CHF 290.-)
Tuesday 14th September 2010MOUNT PILATUS / GLASI HERGISWIL (Only in English)
Imposing Mount Pilatus, woven in myth and in a unique scenic setting, has inspired the imagination of its admirers ever since. Form Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm, the world's steepest cogwheel railway winds up through lush meadows carpeted with Alpine flowers, past sparkling mountain streams and fascinating rock faces.
A uniquely impressive panorama of 73 Alpine summits and countless lakes awaits you, some 2132 metres above sea level. Enjoy splendid views of Lucerne, Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Mittelland from the restaurant Taverne while we pamper your palate with traditional regional specialities.
Before a spectacular aerial cableway and panorama gondolas take you back to Lucerne you may explore the mountain top on the many hiking trails to suck in the fresh Alpine air and the magnificent scenery.
Lake Lucerne (434 m above sea level) is fascinating due to its picturesque landscape and historical sites. Lunch will be served on board during our transfer from Lucerne to Hergiswil.
This small village on the lakeside has a long tradition in the art of glass blowing and still has a manufactory where glass is blown by mouth and real work of art is created - like in the old times! Time to blow your own glass, tour the museum "formed by fire" or visit the "phenomenal glass"- exhibition for souvenir shopping, before heading back to Zurich..
Timetable
| 08.00 am | Meet & Greet at Kongresshaus entrance hall |
| 08.15 am | Transfer by Bus to Kriens (approx. 1 hour 10 min) |
| 09.30 am |
Arrival in Kriens Station Pilatus Transfer to top of Mount Pilatus (approx. 40 min) |
| 10.30 am | All guests arrive on Mount Pilatus Break with Coffee & Croissant Time to explore Mount Pilatus (short round walk of approx. 20 min) |
| 12.00 pm | Meeting in front of cog railway station on Mount Pilatus |
| 12.10 pm | Transfer with cog railway down to Alpnachstad |
| 01.00 pm | Transfer to Lucerne (15 min) |
| 01.15 pm | Meeting in front of KKL (Culture and Convention Center Lucerne) |
| 01.30 pm | Departure with boat to Hergiswil with lunch on board |
| 03.00 pm | Arrival in Hergiswil |
| 03.10 pm |
Visit of Glass blowing manufactory Hergiswil Time for shopping, glass blowing, museum |
| 04.30 pm | Departure to Zurich |
| 06.00 pm | Arrival in Zurich at Hotel |
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Excursion 3 (charge upon registration CHF 190.-)
Wednesday 15th September 2010ST. GALLEN (Only in English)
The compact metropolis of eastern Switzerland St. Gallen situated between Lake Constance and Appenzellerland has a charming, traffic-free old town. Colourfully-painted oriel windows are a town feature. The Abbey precinct with the cathedral and Abbey Library has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage listing.
St. Gallen’s most famous landmark is its Baroque cathedral with the Abbey Library, which houses some 140,000 documents – in part hand-written and over a thousand years old. The library probably also has Switzerland’s most beautiful Rococo hall.
| 08.00 am | Gathering at Kongresshaus entrance hall |
| 08.15 am | Departure to St. Gallen (ca. 1 hour 30 min) |
| 09.45 am | Arrival in St. Gallen |
| 09.45 am | Sightseeing St. Gallen in small groups with local guides on foot Visit to Textile Museum, Abbey Library, Old Town |
| 11.45 am | Lunch at Restaurant Schlössli |
| 12.45 pm | Time at your disposal For shopping and visit of other highlights |
| 01.45 pm | Organ concert in Abbey St. Gallen |
| 02.00 pm | Transfer to Zurich |
| 03.45 pm | Arrival in Zurich at your hotel |
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