Badenweiler lies on the southern side of the Black Forest. Mediterranean air flows from the Rhone valley through the Belfort Gap into this noble margrave area, once home to princes of the Holy Roman Empire. To the north and east, the Black Forest shields Badenweiler from cold winds and extremes of temperature. Badenweiler's many attractions include the Cassiopeia spa waters. The town has been known since Roman times for the relaxing, healing qualities of its warm springs. Today, Badenweiler is one of southern Germany's most beautiful spa resorts immersed in enchanting countryside. Vassals of the Roman emperor Vespasian (69 to 79 AD) discovered the healing springs and named the place "Aquae Villae", literally "water town". Alternatively, you could enjoy an exquisite drop of something equally intoxicating. For hundreds of years many a fine wine has been pressed in southern spa towns. The regional speciality is Gutedel. A light, mild, palatable wine. Experts say the young wine is best. You might, however, prefer something with a little more body. Why not try a full-bodied Spätburgunder? The noblest wine in the world pressed from the grape of that same name.

The capital city of Switzerland was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1983. With its historic old town, which has more than 100 fountains, its cathedral, its arcades and its cellars, Berne is worth visiting at any time of year. A large number of museums, the city theatre as well as many varied restaurants, bars and clubs are an invitation to linger there enjoying oneself. The Aare river and the Gurten mountain park offer many opportunities to rest and recuperate from the stresses of day to day living. Berne is an ideal base for trips around the region. Berne is situated in the heart of Switzerland and can be reached in about an hour from Basel, Zurich and Lucerne.

Freiburg in southwest Germany lies between the Black Forest, Switzerland and Alsace. Germany's southernmost and sunniest city welcomes you for an unforgettable stay. The local area is renowned for its beauty. The climate is mild. A rich palette of cultural events is on hand for your entertainment. France and Switzerland are nearby. This is a university town and attracts many international visitors and students. These are things which give Freiburg a special multi-cultural flair and flavour. Succumb to the very special charms of this small city. Explore the "Gässle", the small back streets. Follow the "Bächle", the small streams running through gullies in the heart of the town. Alternatively you could wander through the old city centre, packed with culture and local history. Or relax in one of the many cafes or cosy pubs. The local cuisine is worth trying, and the city is renowned for its hospitality. To get a first impression of this historic city it is a good idea to go sightseeing in the historic town centre and learn about the city's history.

Lucerne lies at the very heart of Switzerland. The city is one of Switzerland's best known world-wide. There are many things to make your stay in Lucerne unforgettable. The Kapellbrücke - Chapel Bridge with its amazing gable paintings, the cosy old city streets, a multitude of museums and churches packed with interest. The charms of Lucerne include Lake Lucerne with its inviting promenade and the surrounding alpine landscape with the breathtaking peaks of Titlis (3000 m) and Pilatus. The city of Lucerne was once the stopover for emperors, kings, princes and famous artists on their way south. You can see this in the magnificent facades of the city's biggest hotels. Today, all guests are treated like royalty in Lucerne.

Mulhouse is in southern Alsace, France. The town hall is a Renaissance jewel set in the heart of the town's historic centre. It marks a charming contrast to the modern architecture of the Europa tower. Mulhouse is the European centre for scientific and industrial museums such as France's National Automobile Museum, the French Railway Museum and the EDF Electricity Museum. The zoological and botanical gardens are well worth a visit - the zoo is home to over a thousand animals.

Zurich is Switzerland's largest city. A population of 360,000 makes it relatively small by international standards. Visitors to Zurich are impressed by the mix of international metropolis and attractive country town. Zurich charms with its beautiful lake and breathtaking views of the alpine landscape. Why not try a shopping trip in the exclusive boutiques on the Bahnhofstrasse or in the trendy stores on the Limmatquai. Discover the sights of Zurich city. Wander through the old town and while away the time admiring the views from the Lindenhof. The city dates back to Roman times and offers the visitor numerous historical buildings and highlights. The city is dominated by three famous churches, the Grossmünster cathedral, the St. Peters Kirche church with the largest clock face (8.7 metres) and the Fraumünster with fine stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. Culinary specialities include "Zürcher Gschnätzletes" and, of course, fish dishes with fish caught from the city's own lake. If you want to take a break, why not try a cake or a snack in one of the many coffee shops and bistros. Zurich offers plenty of opportunities for lovers of art. The famous Kunsthaus gallery presents a broad palette of exhibitions featuring European classics. The Kunsthalle gallery, on the other hand, shows modern art. There are 50 museums to keep art lovers of all tastes spoilt for choice. If music or theatre is your choice, the opera house (Opernhaus), concert hall (Tonhalle) and theatre (Schauspielhaus) have plenty of world-class productions on offer.