From Lakes to Alps: Italy, France, and Switzerland

About the destination: The city of Bergamo is the capital of the province of the same name, in the Lombardy region, about 40 km from Milan. The foothills of the Alps begin to the North of the city. By this fact the city presents a great tourist activity during the ski season and in summer also found activity tourism but not as strong with activities focused on the mountain such as climbing, abseiling...

About the destination: Como is a city and comune in Lombardy, Italy. It is the administrative capital of the Province of Como. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Volta Lighthouse. Boasting some of the best views on the lake, this very high building will allow you to look down on the lake some 2000 feet below. • Cathedral. • Tempio Voltiano. A nice stop on your stroll along the waterfront, the temple to Volta is designed in neoclassical style • War Memorial. • City Walls. The ruins of the 12th century city walls, which encircle the narrow, winding streets of the old town. • Isola Comacina. A small island with ruins of several byzantine churches.

About the destination: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a commune in the Haute-Savoie département in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. Situated near the massive peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges and most notably the Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix is one of the oldest ski resorts in France and is known as the ""gateway to the European Cascades."" The north side of the summit of Mont Blanc, and therefore the summit itself are part of the village of Chamonix. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Mer de Glace. One of the biggest glaciers in continental Europe, accessible by the Montenvers rack railway. • Aiguille du Midi cable car. One of the highest cable cars in the world. • Brevent cable car. • Musée des cristaux. A museum exhibiting an impressive collection of crystals, mostly from Chamonix, but also from the rest of the Alps and worldwide.

About the destination: On the shores of Lac Léman at the foot of towering Alpine peaks, Lausanne is the seat of the International Olympic Committee. In summer, the Quai d’Ouchy becomes the equivalent of a Mediterranean resort with sailing, swimming, and waterskiing. But Lausanne was once the seat of bishops, and its old sections retain an ecclesiastic, medieval air. The rue Cité Devant and rue Cité Derrière comprise the heart of the old city. These medieval streets lead to the beautiful Gothic Cathédrale. Famed for its rose windows, it’s one of the outstanding monuments of Switzerland. The Château Saint-Maire is a short walk up from the cathedral and has a large and sunny terrace, which offers a good view of Lac Léman. Place de la Palud, nearby, has a large fountain where young people congregate. Place St-François, a small, quaint shopping district, is also a good spot for people-watching. The church of St-François has brilliantly coloured stained glass windows and a 15th century steeple. The Olympic Museum presents the philosophy of the Olympics and recounts their history. The quai de Belgique is a lakeside promenade flanked by flowers, immaculate gardens, small fountains and benches. Nature-lovers will also enjoy the statues and placid ponds of the Parc du Denantou at the end of quai d’Ouchy. Home to two highly regarded universities, Lausanne is a happening and dynamic city offering many attractions and activities. Lausanne is, as well, a city for active night owls, over the past decade Lausanne has transformed itself into the nightlife capital of French-speaking Switzerland: bars, nightclubs, pubs, discos, jazz clubs, theatres, etc. The city offers a wide range of establishments. If you happen to be in Lausanne in July, make sure you don't miss the Festival de la Cite. In the streets of the old town, this festival presents all types of performing arts, from dancing to theatre to rock concerts

About the destination: With something almost Northern European in the air, yet exuding Italian style, Milan is Italy's most cosmopolitan city. The capital of Lombardy is both hardworking and glamorous - powerful in businesses from finance to fashion and, of course, football. But what gives Milan its certain something is its status as the epicentre of Italian fashion and interior design. International fashionistas, designers, supermodels and paparazzi descend upon the city twice a year for its spring and autumn fairs: Milan, which has carefully guarded its reputation for flair, drama and creativity, is Italy's natural stage. This is certainly one of the best places in Italy to shop, or windowshop. Milan is the main industrial, commercial and financial centre of Italy and as such, is unsurprisingly business-like in appearance. At first glance, it lacks the wow factor, but if you take time and are determined to explore Milan’s streets, you’ll access its aesthetically appealing gems – and they do exist. Cut through the modern metropolitan bustle, and you will stumble across impressive churches and palaces, the pretty Navigli area, the chic Brera district and lively university quarter, and no need to mention a landmark such as the Duomo, or that the city is impressively home to Leonardo da Vinci's 15th century masterpiece The Last Supper. Milan cannot be faulted when it comes to having a good time. The Milanese know how to party – and they don’t waste time getting started. Nightlife tends to kick off at 6pm; enjoying an aperitivo in which locals unwind with post-work drinks and nibbles before heading home is the rule rather than exception. So whether you’re looking for cut-price fashion, an alternative city break or a chance to paint the town red, Milan has undoubtedly got it covered.