Where ever we go I save the best places, hotels and attractions. Just open my public Google Maps list where all the points are saved. Locate yourself through the area and check suggestions.
This is my exercise to memorize the best experiences of my life! Enjoy and if you have any doubt, lets me know! 🙂
- Check my Best Points in Italy:
- Check my Best Points in Swiss:
Itália 🇮🇹🍕
Day 1 - 2/9/2024
- We arrived in Milan early afternoon
- Italy is amazing in fruits much better than Canadá 😕
- Drive to Stresa from Malpensa: Estimated travel time is 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Relaxing walk by the lake of Maggiore
- Visit the historic center of Stresa: Explore charming streets and historic churches.
- Hotel: Hotel Royal, Stresa.
- Dinner in Stresa/ Recommendations:
- Amazing burrata and vine!
- Ristorante Il Borromeo: Traditional Italian dishes with a view of the lake.
- Ristorante Lo Stornello: Piedmontese cuisine with a modern touch.
Day 2 - 3/9/2024
- During the morning we drove through the lake from Stresa to Feriolo, cute town.
- Attend a wedding in Stresa. Location: Hotel Villa e Palazzo Aminta. Amazing 🌟
- Amazing experience by the lake and later night at the hotel.
- Church Saint Joseph and Blaise, beautiful and within an amazing view of the lake! Go by walking.
Day 3 - 4/9/2024
- Travel to Zermat. Via internal roads, Simplon mountains and Briga.
- Passos de Simple
- Dinner in Zermatt at Restaurant Italiano, amazing Lasanha
- Hotel: Hotel Taglia centrum of Zermat. Dont stay in Tarsch just if you have 4 days, 3 to Zermat and 1 to Hike in Tarsch.
Best Recommendations of Milão
- Stay in downtown area, close to the main attractions;
- We went to visit the Piazza Ambrosio Church;
- Duomo;
Must go:
- Best Panini in Milão
Restaurants:
- Casa Lucia
- Coco Pazzo
- Dal Bolognese Milano (5 stars, we didnt go but a friend recommended)
Suiça 🇨🇭🐄
We arrived at nigh
September 5 (Thursday):
- , it was raining
September 6 (Friday):
- Morning:
- Return to Täsch and drive to Lugano:
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
- Recommended stops: Simplon Pass, Brig, Locarno.
- Afternoon:
- Arrival and check-in at Hotel Lugano.
- Evening:
- Explore Lugano:
- Walk around Lugano’s city center or along Lake Lugano.
September 7 (Saturday):
- Morning:
- Hike in Lugano:
- Options: Climb Monte San Giorgio or Monte Brè.
- Duration: Approximately 4-5 hours of hiking.
- Afternoon:
- Visit Villa del Balbianello or Monte San Giorgio:
- Reserve tickets in advance.
- Evening:
- Dinner in Lugano:
- Recommendations: Ristorante Grotto Ticinese.
September 8 (Sunday):
- Morning:
- Visit the Duomo of Milan and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II:
- Arrive by 9:00 AM.
- Purchase tickets in advance.
- Afternoon:
- Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper (if available):
- Reserve tickets in advance here.
- Coffee with Renato Grelle in the Sant'Ambrogio or Cso Magenta area.
- Evening:
- Explore the Navigli canals:
- Dinner: Trattoria Milanese or Al Pont de Ferr.
September 9 (Monday):
- Morning:
- Return flight to Toronto:
- Flight: Lufthansa LH249.
- Departure: Milan/Malpensa (MXP) at 11:05 AM.
- Arrival: Frankfurt (FRA) at 12:20 PM.
- Flight: Condor DE2402.
- Departure: Frankfurt (FRA) at 2:00 PM.
- Arrival: Toronto (YYZ) at 6:00 PM.
1. Start from Zermatt
- Funicular to Sunnegga:
- From Zermatt, head to the Sunnegga valley station and take the underground funicular up to Sunnegga. This takes about 5 minutes.
- Ticket: You can buy a hiking pass that covers the funicular and the cable car ride up to Blauherd.
2. Cable Car to Blauherd
- From Sunnegga, transfer to the cable car that takes you up to Blauherd (2,571 meters). This is the starting point of the Five Lakes Trail.
- Enjoy the panoramic views of the Matterhorn as you ascend.
3. First Lake: Stellisee
- From Blauherd, follow the marked trail in the direction of Stellisee. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the cable car station.
- Highlights: This is the most famous lake of the five, offering iconic reflections of the Matterhorn. A great spot for photos!
- Spend some time at Stellisee before continuing the trail.
4. Second Lake: Grindjisee
- After Stellisee, the trail continues downhill toward Grindjisee, approximately a 30-minute walk.
- Highlights: Grindjisee is surrounded by meadows and alpine flora, offering a peaceful setting. You’ll also get some excellent Matterhorn views here.
5. Third Lake: Grünsee
- From Grindjisee, follow the signs to Grünsee, which is about 20 minutes away.
- Highlights: The landscape around Grünsee is more rugged, with fewer trees. The lake itself is somewhat smaller and less reflective, but the views are still beautiful.
6. Fourth Lake: Moosjisee
- After Grünsee, continue walking toward Moosjisee. It’s about a 20-minute hike from Grünsee.
- Highlights: Moosjisee is an artificial lake, and its turquoise color comes from glacial runoff. While not as natural as the other lakes, it's still quite striking.
7. Fifth Lake: Leisee
- The final lake on the trail is Leisee, about 15-20 minutes from Moosjisee.
- Highlights: Leisee is a popular spot for locals to relax and even swim in the summer. It’s family-friendly and has picnic areas. You also get views of the Matterhorn from here.
8. Return to Sunnegga
- After reaching Leisee, it's a short walk (around 10 minutes) back to Sunnegga station.
- From Sunnegga, take the funicular back down to Zermatt.
Key Tips:
- Trail Markings: The entire Five Lakes Trail is well-marked with signs indicating "5-Seenweg" (Five Lakes Trail). You’ll see signs directing you to each lake along the way.
- Weather: Always check the weather before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
- Packing Essentials: Bring water, snacks, a hat, sunscreen, and possibly a light jacket since it can get windy at higher elevations.
- Footwear: Comfortable hiking shoes or boots with good grip are recommended, as some sections of the trail can be rocky or uneven.
This is a perfect hike to enjoy the best of Zermatt's alpine scenery without too much difficulty!
Overview:
- Distance: Approx. 9.8 km (6.1 miles)
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours (without long stops)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Starting Point: Blauherd (accessible via funicular and cable car)
- End Point: Sunnegga (from where you can take the funicular back to Zermatt)
- Main Highlights: Five beautiful alpine lakes: Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee, with stunning reflections of the Matterhorn in some of them.
If you have only two hours to visit Lugano, here are the top things you can do to make the most of your time:
1. Stroll along the Lugano Lakefront (Lungolago di Lugano)
- Begin your visit by walking along the picturesque Lugano lakefront. The promenade offers breathtaking views of the lake, the surrounding mountains, and beautifully landscaped gardens like Parco Ciani. You can relax, take photos, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
2. Visit Parco Ciani
- Adjacent to the lakefront, this is Lugano’s most famous park and one of the most beautiful green spaces in Switzerland. With its manicured lawns, sculptures, and tree-lined paths, it’s perfect for a quick, peaceful stroll.
3. Piazza della Riforma
- This central square is the heart of Lugano. Surrounded by pastel-colored buildings and bustling cafés, it’s a great spot to grab a coffee and soak in the local atmosphere for a few minutes. It's also a good place to admire the city's architecture.
4. San Lorenzo Cathedral
- Just a short walk from the Piazza della Riforma, you can visit the San Lorenzo Cathedral, which offers panoramic views over the city and lake. It’s a quick but enriching stop, as the cathedral boasts both historic and artistic significance.
1. Glacier Express:
- Conhecido como o trem mais lento do mundo, o Glacier Express faz uma viagem entre Zermatt e St. Moritz.
- O percurso atravessa os Alpes suíços, passando por 291 pontes, 91 túneis e algumas das paisagens mais deslumbrantes do país, como o Desfiladeiro do Ródano e a passagem de Oberalp.
- É uma rota panorâmica famosa por oferecer vistas incríveis dos Alpes, florestas densas, rios e vilas alpinas pitorescas.
2. Bernina Express:
- Ligando Chur a Tirano (na Itália), o Bernina Express é outra rota icônica da Suíça.
- Essa rota oferece vistas de lagos alpinos, geleiras e montanhas, e é conhecida pela sua travessia pelo viaduto de Landwasser e a impressionante Passagem de Bernina.
- O Bernina Express é considerado Patrimônio Mundial da UNESCO, e combina a beleza dos Alpes com o charme dos vilarejos italianos.
Ambas as rotas oferecem vagões panorâmicos com janelas amplas, permitindo uma experiência visual incrível.
Sites úteis:
O Swiss Travel Pass é um passe muito popular entre turistas na Suíça, oferecendo acesso ilimitado ao transporte público e outras atrações do país. Ele permite viajar de trem, ônibus e barco em praticamente toda a rede de transportes suíça, além de dar acesso gratuito ou com desconto a muitas das principais atrações turísticas, como montanhas, museus, e até passeios de teleférico.
Benefícios do Swiss Travel Pass:
- Transporte ilimitado:
- Acesso ilimitado a trens, ônibus e barcos em toda a Suíça.
- Inclui trens panorâmicos famosos, como o Glacier Express, Bernina Express, e outros.
- Teleféricos e bondinhos:
- Descontos de até 50% em vários teleféricos, funiculares e bondinhos que levam às montanhas (alguns até são incluídos de forma gratuita).
- Entrada gratuita em museus:
- O passe inclui entrada gratuita em mais de 500 museus e exposições, além de atrações turísticas espalhadas pelo país.
- Passe para crianças:
- Crianças até 16 anos que estão viajando com os pais viajam gratuitamente, desde que possuam o Swiss Family Card.
Tipos de Swiss Travel Pass:
Você pode escolher entre passes de 3, 4, 8 ou 15 dias consecutivos. Também existe o Swiss Travel Pass Flex, que oferece a flexibilidade de usar os dias de viagem em datas não consecutivas dentro de um mês.
Preços (aproximados) para 2024:
- 3 dias: 232 CHF (aprox. 1.250 BRL)
- 4 dias: 281 CHF (aprox. 1.500 BRL)
- 8 dias: 418 CHF (aprox. 2.230 BRL)
- 15 dias: 513 CHF (aprox. 2.740 BRL)
Esses valores são para segunda classe. Existe a opção de comprar em primeira classe, que é mais cara. Os preços podem variar ligeiramente dependendo da época.
Como adquirir o Swiss Travel Pass:
Você pode comprar o Swiss Travel Pass diretamente no site oficial da Swiss Travel System ou em pontos de venda de bilhetes de transporte na Suíça (nas estações de trem, por exemplo). Além disso, pode ser comprado online, o que facilita para ter o passe digital no seu celular ou impresso antes de chegar.
Dicas:
- Planeje bem os dias: O Swiss Travel Pass vale mais a pena quando você planeja fazer várias viagens longas ou visitar muitas atrações.
- Verifique os horários dos trens panorâmicos: Esses trens populares costumam exigir reserva, então vale a pena fazer isso com antecedência.
- Museus e montanhas: Para quem deseja ver o máximo de atrações possíveis (como o Monte Titlis, Jungfraujoch ou o Museu Nacional Suíço), o passe oferece uma economia considerável.
Tempo para obter:
Se você comprar online, o processo é imediato, e você recebe o Swiss Travel Pass digital instantaneamente. Nas estações de trem, o processo também é rápido, levando apenas alguns minutos.
Mammut is a renowned Swiss outdoor brand that originated in 1862 when Kaspar Tanner, a ropemaker, founded his rope-making business in Dintikon, Switzerland. Initially focused on producing ropes for agriculture, Mammut soon expanded its expertise to mountaineering, especially after introducing its first glacier rope in the 1950s. By 1952, the company began operating under the name Mammut and shifted its focus to ropes for mountain sports and sailing.
Over time, Mammut diversified its product line to include not just ropes but also climbing hardware, footwear, sleeping bags, apparel, and other outdoor equipment. One of its most notable innovations was the development of the Barryvox® avalanche transceiver in 1969, which greatly improved avalanche safety and became a hallmark of Mammut’s dedication to safety in alpine environments.
The company’s growth continued into the 1980s when it expanded into high-performance outdoor apparel, launching its Eiger Extreme collection in 1995, designed with the input of professional athletes for extreme alpine conditions. Mammut remains closely connected with athletes and experts in climbing, skiing, and mountaineering, constantly improving its products to meet the needs of adventurers.
Today, Mammut is a global leader in the outdoor industry, operating in over 35 countries and employing more than 850 people. The brand is known for its commitment to sustainability, having joined the Fair Wear Foundation to ensure fair working conditions in its supply chain and pledging to reduce its carbon footprint. It aims for net-zero emissions by 2050.
Mammut's success is grounded in its focus on innovation, safety, and sustainability, as well as its continuous collaboration with professional athletes to improve the performance and durability of its products oai_citation:3,Mammut Sports Group - Wikipedia oai_citation:2,160 YEARS OF MAMMUT - FROM ROPE MAKER TO OUTDOOR BRAND oai_citation:1,160 years of Mammut – from ropemaking to outdoor brand | Switzerland Tourism.
Switzerland is home to many historic brands, some of which have been operating for centuries. Here are some of the oldest and most iconic Swiss brands:
1. Vacheron Constantin (1755)
- Industry: Watchmaking
- Founded: 1755 in Geneva
- Founder: Jean-Marc Vacheron
- Overview: Vacheron Constantin is one of the oldest continuously operating watchmakers in the world. Known for its intricate craftsmanship and luxury timepieces, the brand has set high standards in the world of horology.
- Significance: A symbol of Swiss precision, it’s highly regarded for luxury and craftsmanship in watches.
2. Favre-Leuba (1737)
- Industry: Watchmaking
- Founded: 1737 in Le Locle
- Founder: Abraham Favre
- Overview: Favre-Leuba is one of the earliest Swiss watch brands, playing a significant role in establishing Switzerland as a watchmaking hub.
- Significance: A pioneer in watch innovation, it helped shape Swiss watchmaking traditions.
3. H. Moser & Cie (1828)
- Industry: Watchmaking
- Founded: 1828 in St. Petersburg (later moved to Schaffhausen, Switzerland)
- Founder: Heinrich Moser
- Overview: Known for its elegant timepieces and precise engineering, H. Moser & Cie quickly became a significant name in luxury watches.
- Significance: The brand reflects Swiss watchmaking expertise, especially in fine mechanical movements.
4. Toblerone (1908)
- Industry: Confectionery
- Founded: 1908 in Bern
- Founders: Theodor Tobler and Emil Baumann
- Overview: Famous for its triangular chocolate, Toblerone is one of Switzerland’s most iconic chocolate brands.
- Significance: The unique shape and quality of Toblerone make it a symbol of Swiss chocolate-making excellence.
5. Mammut (1862)
- Industry: Outdoor Equipment
- Founded: 1862 in Dintikon
- Founder: Kaspar Tanner
- Overview: Starting as a rope-making company, Mammut evolved into a leading outdoor and mountaineering brand, known for ropes, apparel, and safety equipment.
- Significance: A symbol of innovation and Swiss craftsmanship in the mountaineering world oai_citation:2,Mammut Sports Group - Wikipedia oai_citation:1,160 YEARS OF MAMMUT - FROM ROPE MAKER TO OUTDOOR BRAND.
6. Lindt & Sprüngli (1845)
- Industry: Chocolate
- Founded: 1845 in Zurich
- Founders: David Sprüngli-Schwarz and his son, Rudolf Sprüngli-Ammann
- Overview: Lindt is globally famous for its premium chocolate products, especially its smooth and creamy texture.
- Significance: One of the world’s leading chocolate makers, Lindt is synonymous with high-quality Swiss chocolate.
7. Patek Philippe (1839)
- Industry: Watchmaking
- Founded: 1839 in Geneva
- Founders: Antoni Patek and Adrien Philippe
- Overview: A name revered in the world of luxury watches, Patek Philippe is known for its highly complex and artistic timepieces.
- Significance: Known for creating some of the most valuable and intricate watches in the world.
8. Victorinox (1884)
- Industry: Multi-tools, knives
- Founded: 1884 in Ibach, Schwyz
- Founder: Karl Elsener
- Overview: Famous for the Swiss Army Knife, Victorinox is a global symbol of Swiss quality and utility.
- Significance: The Swiss Army Knife has become an iconic product representing Swiss ingenuity and craftsmanship.
9. Bally (1851)
- Industry: Fashion, Footwear
- Founded: 1851 in Schönenwerd
- Founder: Carl Franz Bally
- Overview: Bally is a luxury fashion brand known for its high-quality leather shoes and accessories.
- Significance: A leader in Swiss fashion, Bally is known for its premium craftsmanship and style.
10. Nestlé (1867)
- Industry: Food and Beverages
- Founded: 1867 in Vevey
- Founder: Henri Nestlé
- Overview: Nestlé began as a producer of baby formula and has since grown into the world’s largest food and beverage company.
- Significance: With a global presence, Nestlé is a major player in the food industry, representing Swiss excellence in nutrition and innovation.
Conclusion
Switzerland has a long history of producing globally recognized brands, especially in the areas of watchmaking, chocolate, and outdoor equipment. These brands are known not just for their longevity, but also for their commitment to quality, innovation, and craftsmanship.
Here’s the list of oldest Swiss brands, organized by their founding date:
- Favre-Leuba (1737)
- Industry: Watchmaking
- Founder: Abraham Favre
- Overview: One of the first watchmakers in Switzerland, Favre-Leuba played a major role in establishing Swiss watchmaking traditions oai_citation:12,Since 1862 | Mammut.
- Vacheron Constantin (1755)
- Industry: Watchmaking
- Founder: Jean-Marc Vacheron
- Overview: The oldest watchmaking brand in continuous operation, renowned for its luxury timepieces oai_citation:11,Since 1862 | Mammut.
- Mammut (1862)
- Industry: Outdoor Equipment
- Founder: Kaspar Tanner
- Overview: Started as a rope-making company, Mammut evolved into a leading outdoor brand oai_citation:10,160 YEARS OF MAMMUT - FROM ROPE MAKER TO OUTDOOR BRAND oai_citation:9,Since 1862 | Mammut.
- Patek Philippe (1839)
- Industry: Watchmaking
- Founders: Antoni Patek and Adrien Philippe
- Overview: Known for producing some of the most valuable and intricate watches in the world oai_citation:8,Mammut | Brand Profile - Rock+Run.
- Lindt & Sprüngli (1845)
- Industry: Chocolate
- Founders: David Sprüngli-Schwarz and his son, Rudolf Sprüngli-Ammann
- Overview: One of the leading Swiss chocolate brands oai_citation:7,Since 1862 | Mammut.
- Bally (1851)
- Industry: Fashion, Footwear
- Founder: Carl Franz Bally
- Overview: A luxury leather goods brand known for high-quality shoes oai_citation:6,Since 1862 | Mammut.
- Nestlé (1867)
- Industry: Food and Beverages
- Founder: Henri Nestlé
- Overview: The largest food company in the world, with a massive global presence oai_citation:5,Since 1862 | Mammut oai_citation:4,Mammut | Brand Profile - Rock+Run.
- Victorinox (1884)
- Industry: Multi-tools, Knives
- Founder: Karl Elsener
- Overview: The iconic maker of the Swiss Army Knife oai_citation:3,Since 1862 | Mammut oai_citation:2,Mammut | Brand Profile - Rock+Run.
- Toblerone (1908)
- Industry: Confectionery
- Founders: Theodor Tobler and Emil Baumann
- Overview: Known for its triangular chocolate, a symbol of Swiss chocolate oai_citation:1,Since 1862 | Mammut.
These Swiss brands have long and storied histories, playing major roles in shaping Switzerland's reputation for quality, precision, and craftsmanship across various industries.