tmhm-switzerland

SWITZERLAND Honeymoon Packages

Switzerland is a landlocked country in Western Europe bordered by Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein. Switzerland is a holiday paradise, which never ends in surprising most of its travelers. Switzerland is all about snow-capped mountains offering fun and frolic activities for tourists / honeymoon couples, wonderful views of glaciers, lakes and Alpine meadows. Switzerland is a paradise on this earth. Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world. The country's Alpine landscapes have enough zing to reinvigorate the most jaded traveller. Popular places in Switzerland are Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, Mt. Titlis, Interlaken Berne and Gruyeres. Visit Switzerland for an unforgettable honeymoon vacation.

Factoids - Switzerland

Starting from 2007, Switzerland banned all GPS appliances with built-in speed cameras databases as they are equipped with Radar Detectors. If you are self driving and get fined but not stopped (e.g. caught by a Speed Camera) the police will send you the fine even if you live abroad. In Switzerland, speeding is not a violation of a traffic code but a Legal Offence, if you fail to comply there is a good chance that an international Rogatory (a request by one court of another, often foreign court for aid in obtaining desired information) will be issued and you have to go to court in your home country.

INFORMATION OF SWITZERLAND

SWITZERLAND TOURS

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Switzerland Tour Package for 5 Days

TINERARY

Day01: Interlaken

Arrive into any of the Swiss Cities (Zurich or Geneva). On arrival, transfer by Swiss rail to Interlaken (approx. 2.5 hrs). On arrival, Check-in Hotel. Rest of the day, free to explore the beautiful scenery or to go shopping. Overnight stay at Interlaken.

Day 02:Interlaken - Jungfraujoch

After breakfast, board the train to Kleine Scheidegg via Lauterbrunnen (approx. 1.5 hrs). The famous Jungfrau railway takes you to the highest station in Europe (approx. 1 hrs). A day of fun and excitement is awaiting you in the captivating snow peaks of Jungfraujoch– Top of Europe (3’454 m/11’333 ft). Film star Sunny Deol jumped from here into the depth in his award winning Film “The Hero”. Visit the Ice Cave with its ice formations or else explore the snow on the glacier. You find a range of international restaurants on the Jungfraujoch. Return to Interlaken (approx. 2.5 hrs) by train with an optional stopover in Grindelwald. Overnight stay at Interlaken.

Day 03:Interlaken - Luzern (Lucern)

After breakfast, day free for own activities.. Suggested Trip: Take a boat trip on Lake Thun or visit the Ballenberg open air museum, just above Brienz. Later proceed to the station to take train connection to Luzern (approx. 2.5 hrs). Arrive Lucerne. On arrival, Check-in Hotel. Evening on own. Overnight stay at Luzern.

Day 04:Luzern - Mount Pilatus

After breakfast, enjoy a cruise on Lake Luzern, departing from Luzern and terminating in Alpnachstad (approx. 1.5 hrs). Travel up the Pilatus (2’132 m/7’000 ft) by boarding the steepest cogwheel railway in the world (From May/June to the end of September. In wintertime take the bus from Luzern to Kriens (approx. 10 mins.) and continue with the panoramic gondola from Kriens to the Pilatus). Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views over the lakes of Central Switzerland and no fewer than 73 peaks. On the top of Mount Pilatus there are many restaurants. In the afternoon, take the cable car back to the base. Return to Luzern by coach. (approx. 10 mins.). Overnight stay at Luzern.

Day 05:Zürich/Geneva - Depart

After breakfast, you either depart to the airport for your onward flight or else continue your stay in Switzerland.

For more details, call :+91 9632694971/72

Mail us your requirements to tours@trawelmart.com !!!

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Switzerland Tour Package for 6 Days

ITINERARY

Day 01:Swiss - Interlaken

Day 02:Interlaken - Jungfraujoch

Day 03:Interlaken - Luzern (Lucern)

Day 04:Luzern - Mount Pilatus

Day 05:Luzern - Zürich/Geneva

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and travel by train to Zürich (approx. 1 hrs). Rest of the day free for shopping. Suggested Places: Street Bahnhofstrasse, which is situated on the shores of Lake Zürich. Later in the evening, explore the nightlife in Switzerland’s biggest city. Overnight stay at Zürich/Geneva.

Day 06:Zürich/Geneva - Depart

After breakfast, you either depart to the airport for your onward flight or else continue your stay in Switzerland.

For more details, call :+91 9632694971/72

Mail us your requirements to tours@trawelmart.com !!!

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Switzerland Tour Package for 7 Days

ITINERARY

Day 01:Swiss Border - Interlaken

Arrive at any city of Switzerland. On arrival, take a train to Interlaken (approx. 2.5 hrs), leaving from the Swiss border or any Swiss airport. On arrival, Check-in Hotel. Evening free on own. Overnight stay at Interlaken.

Day 02:Interlaken - Jungfraujoch

After breakfast, you board the train to Kleine Scheidegg via Lauterbrunnen (approx. 1.5 hrs). The famous Jungfrau railway takes you to the highest station in Europe (approx. 1 hrs). A day of fun and excitement is awaiting you in the captivating snow peaks of Jungfraujoch– Top of Europe (3’454 m/11’333 ft). Visit the Ice Cave with its ice formations or else explore the snow on the glacier. You find a range of international restaurants on the Jungfraujoch. Return to Interlaken (approx. 2.5 hrs) by train with an optional stopover in Grindelwald. Overnight stay at Interlaken.

Day 03:Interlaken - Luzern

After breakfast, the scenic-train takes you to Luzern via the Brünig Pass (approx. 2 hrs). Enjoy Luzern with its beautiful view to the mountains. Walk along the Lake Luzern or go shopping in the old part of the city. Overnight stay at Luzern.

Day 04:Luzern - Mount Titlis

Breakfast. Day for visit to Mt. Titlis and back. Travel by train to Engelberg (approx. 1 hrs). Experience the world’s first revolving cable car that takes you to the top of Switzerland’s highest vantage point with a breathtaking 360-degree view (approx. 45 mins). Spend some time in the snow with your snow disc. In the evening you return to Luzern (approx. 2 hrs). Overnight stay at Luzern.

Day 05:Luzern - Mount Pilatus

After breakfast, take a boat to Alpnachstad (approx. ½ hrs). Travel up the Pilatus (2’132 m/7’000 ft) by boarding the steepest cogwheel railway in the world (From May/June to the end of September. In wintertime take the bus from Luzern to Kriens (approx. 10 mins.) and continue with the panoramic gondola from Kriens to the Pilatus). In the afternoon, a cable car takes you back to the base. A coach takes you back to Luzern (approx. 10 mins.). We also offer this excursion in reverse order. Overnight stay at Luzern.

Day 06:Luzern - Zürich/Geneva

After breakfast, you are free to explore Luzern on your own. Visit the 700 years-old wooden Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the malls. Buy some of the famous souvenirs like Swiss watches, Swiss cheese or Swiss chocolates. Proceed to Zürich by train (approx. 1 hrs). Overnight stay at Zürich/Geneva.

Day 07:Zürich/Geneva

After breakfast, you either proceed to the airport for your onward flight or else continue your stay in Switzerland.

For more details, call :+91 9632694971/72

Mail us your requirements to tours@trawelmart.com !!!

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Switzerland Tour Package for 8 Days

ITINERARY

Day 01:Swiss Border - Interlaken

Day 02:Interlaken - Jungfraujoch

Day 03:Interlaken - Schilthorn

After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to the Schilthorn (3’000 m/ 10’000 ft/). It takes you just 32 minutes by cable car to reach the summit of the Schilthorn. Enjoy the beautiful view of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau (UNESCO World Heritage) and on more than 200 other summits. On the Schilthorn you will find the world’s first revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria, where you can follow the tracks of James Bond: the 007 movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” was filmed here. Otherwise simply enjoy the spectacular view from the big terrace! Overnight stay at Interlaken.

Day 04:Interlaken - Luzern

Day 05:Luzern - Mount Titlis

Day 06:Luzern - Mount Pilatus

Day 07:Luzern - Zürich/Geneva

Day 08:Zürich/Geneva

After breakfast, you either proceed to the airport for your onward flight or else continue your stay in Switzerland.

For more details, call :+91 9632694971/72

Mail us your requirements to tours@trawelmart.com !!!

Honeymoon Budget Package : Port Blair and Havelock Island
Tour Cost Includes:		Tour Cost does not include:
Return Economy Class Air Fare by Air Mauritius inclusive of Airport Taxes 06 Nights Accommodation with the above mentioned Hotel or similar in Mauritius 06 Breakfast, 06 Dinners 1 Full day tour to North Island with Pamplemousses Garden 1 Full day tour south Island with Chameral 1 Full day tour to ILE AUX Cerf by Speed Boat All Airport Transfers on Seat-In-Coach * Conditions Apply		All kind of personal expenses such as tips, laundry, telephone bills and beverages. It also does not include any meals unless and otherwise specifically mentioned. Domestic and International airfare. Guide, Jolly ride and Snorkeling charges. Optional, suggested or unspecified activities. Sight seeing expenses and Camera fee (still or movie)

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History

In pre-Roman times the territory now known as Switzerland was inhabited by the Helvetii in the west and the Rhaetians, a people believed to have been related to the Etruscans, in the east. Julius Caesar and the Romans conquered the region, which they named Helvetia, in the 1st century BC, and it became thoroughly Romanized. During the Germanic invasions that swept over the Western Roman Empire in the 4th century AD, the Burgundians and the Alamanni conquered Helvetia.

The Middle Ages

The Franks in turn conquered the Alamanni in the 5th century AD, and the Burgundians in the early 6th century. The Franks introduced a new civilization based largely on Christianity. On the dissolution of the Frankish Carolingian Empire in the 9th century, most of Switzerland became part of the duchy of Alemannia, or Swabia, one of the great feudal states of the German Kingdom; the southwestern part was incorporated into the kingdom of Transjurane Burgundy. In 1033 the Burgundian portion was acquired by Holy Roman Emperor Conrad II, and Switzerland became a part of his empire. It consisted of a collection of petty states, ruled by dukes, counts, bishops, and abbots, and of a number of small city-states, independent by imperial charter, which later became cantonal commonwealths.

Struggle for Independence

In 1276 Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf I of the Habsburg dynasty attempted to assert feudal rights in Switzerland, making his power a threat to the traditional liberties of the Swiss. To resist Rudolf's aggression, the three so-called forest cantons—Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden—around the Lake of Lucerne, entered a league for mutual defense in 1291. During the 14th century Zürich, Glarus, Bern, Lucerne, and Zug joined the league, and in the 15th century Fribourg and Solothurn joined. In 1474 the Habsburgs, unable to cope with the militant Swiss mountaineers, abandoned their attempts to acquire the region as a family appanage, and the Swiss confederation became directly dependent on the empire.

In 1499 Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I attempted to abrogate various Swiss governmental rights; in the ensuing war he was defeated, and by the Treaty of Basel on September 22, 1499, he was compelled to recognize the virtual independence of the Swiss. By 1513 Appenzell, Schaffhausen, and Basel had entered the confederation, each independent as a canton and sending two delegates to a federal assembly. Because of their skill and bravery in war, Swiss mercenaries became famous throughout Europe. In the course of the wars between Italy and France in the early 16th century, Swiss troops, fighting with the French as mercenaries, were able to annex the Italian districts and towns that later formed the canton of Ticino. The Swiss troops then fought against the French, and were defeated in 1515. This led to the introduction of Switzerland's neutrality policy. In 1536 the Bernese Swiss took Lausanne and various territories from the duchy of Savoy.

Reformation

The Protestant Reformation in Switzerland started in 1518, when a country pastor named Huldreich Zwingli began to denounce the sale of indulgences by the Roman Catholic church. Subsequently, under Zwingli's leadership, the city of Zürich revolted against church dogma by burning relics, banning the adoration of saints, and releasing clerics from their vows of celibacy. Vigorously backed by the merchant class, such innovations further asserted the city's independence from both the Roman Catholic church and the Holy Roman Empire. Other Swiss towns, such as Basel and Bern, quickly adopted similar reforms. In 1536 Geneva, where the French theologian John Calvin had just settled, revolted against the duchy of Savoy and refused to acknowledge the authority of its Roman Catholic bishop. Calvin organized his church democratically, incorporating ideas of representative government. From 1541 to 1564 Geneva became the stronghold of the Calvinist brand of Protestantism. Although the cantons preserved their neutrality in the Thirty Years' War of 1618 to 1648, Swiss diplomacy was able to maneuver formal recognition of Switzerland as a completely independent state by the Peace of Westphalia in 1648.

Unification

During the 1790s the French Revolution spread to Switzerland; the French continually intervened in support of Swiss revolutionaries, a group that sought to promote political reforms and the establishment of a strong national government, and in 1798 the revolutionaries occupied all Swiss territory. The Swiss confederation had until that time been a loose defensive alliance, but Napoleon Bonaparte, the future emperor of France, unified the country under the name Helvetic Republic and imposed a written constitution, which, like the French military occupation, was bitterly resented by most of the Swiss. In 1803, when it was in his interest to have Switzerland friendly, Napoleon withdrew the occupation troops and by the Act of Mediation granted a new constitution with Swiss approval. The Congress of Vienna, in 1815, recognized the perpetual neutrality of Switzerland, and Swiss territory was expanded to include 22 cantons; since that time the country's boundaries have remained virtually unchanged.

The period following the integration of Switzerland was one of attempted adjustment to the newly won unity. Conflict existed between autocratic and democratic elements and between Roman Catholic and Protestant areas. In 1847 the Roman Catholic cantons formed a league, the Sonderbund. The federal government declared the formation of such a league a violation of the constitution. Civil war resulted when the league refused to disband. The Sonderbund was defeated by the federal government, and the ensuing constitution of 1848 greatly increased the federal power. It was followed by the constitution of 1874, which, with modifications, is still in force; the 1874 constitution completed the development of Switzerland from a group of cantons to a unified federal state. However, Switzerland is unusual regarding the power vested within the cantons and individual communes. For example, it is the communes that grant individuals Swiss citizenship.

A Neutral Nation

Because of the traditional neutrality of the country, Switzerland became the favored site of international conferences and the headquarters of many organizations. The main office of the International Red Cross was established there in 1863, as was that of the League of Nations following World War I (1914-1918). Switzerland was a league member but, after maintaining neutrality and harboring political refugees during World War II (1939-1945), the country refused to join the United Nations (UN) on the grounds that certain obligations of membership were incompatible with Swiss neutrality. It did, however, become a member of many agencies affiliated with the United Nations, and it maintains a permanent observer at UN headquarters. It also served on the neutral nations' commission supervising the 1953 truce agreement in Korea; contributed money to UN peacekeeping efforts in Cyprus; and became a member of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, an international trade organization that will eventually be replaced by the World Trade Organization.In 1948 Switzerland joined the Organization for European Economic Cooperation. It became a founding member of the European Free Trade Association in 1959 and in 1963 joined the Council of Europe.

Domestic Issues

In February 1971, Switzerland for the first time granted women the right to vote in federal elections and to hold federal office; by 1979 more than 10 percent of the seats in the Nationalrat were held by women. Although most cantons also extended suffrage to women, the process was not completed until 1990. An equal rights amendment to the constitution was approved in a 1981 referendum; another referendum in 1985 guaranteed women legal equality with men in marriage. Other referenda in the 1980s upheld Switzerland's system of military conscription (1984), rejected restrictions on abortion and some forms of contraception (1985), barred Switzerland from joining the UN (1986), tightened constraints on immigration and the granting of political asylum (1987), and defeated a proposal to abolish the military (1989). Responding to international pressures, in recent years Switzerland has relaxed its traditional insistence on banking secrecy and allowed foreign investigators access to bank records in cases where illegal acquisition or use of funds was suspected. In November 1986, 30 tons of chemicals were released into the Rhine River after a fire at a factory near Basel; the Swiss government agreed to compensate the affected countries along the Rhine.

In 1992 Switzerland moved to end decades of fierce independence by joining the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Monetary Fund. However, in December of that year Swiss voters soundly rejected joining the European Economic Area, a free-trade zone linking many Western European countries. The vote was a significant blow to Switzerland's application, filed earlier that year, to join the European Community (now the European Union). Hopes for the success of this application increased in November 1993, when the voters approved a national value-added tax more in line with the tax structure of other European Union members. The tax had been rejected three times in previous votes. In early 1994, however, the Swiss voted to curtail heavy truck traffic through their country by the year 2004, as an environmental preservation measure. The vote may have the side effect of hampering future relations with the other European nations.

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Fact File

Country:	Conventional long form: Swiss Confederation Conventional short form: Switzerland Local long form: Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft (German); Confederation Suisse (French); Confederazione Svizzera (Italian); Confederaziun Svizra (Romansh) Local short form: Schweiz (German); Suisse (French); Svizzera (Italian); Svizra (Romansh)
Location:	Central Europe, east of France, north of Italy.
Geography: Religion:	Landlocked; crossroads of northern and southern Europe; along with southeastern France, northern Italy, and southwestern Austria, has the highest elevations in the Alps
Area:	Stotal: 41,290 sq km land: 39,770 sq km water: 1,520 sq km
Ethnic groups: Language:	German 65%, French 18%, Italian 10%, Romansch 1%, other 6% German (official) 63.7%, French (official) 20.4%, Italian (official) 6.5%, Serbo-Croatian 1.5%, Albanian 1.3%, Portuguese 1.2%, Spanish 1.1%, English 1%, Romansch (official) 0.5%, other 2.8% (2000 census) Note:German, French, Italian, and Romansch are all national and official languages
Religion:	Roman Catholic 41.8%, Protestant 35.3%, Muslim 4.3%, Orthodox 1.8%, other Christian 0.4%, other 1%, unspecified 4.3%, none 11.1% (2000 census)
Climate:	Temperate, but varies with altitude; cold, cloudy, rainy/snowy winters; cool to warm, cloudy, humid summers with occasional showers
Terrain:	Mostly mountains (Alps in south, Jura in northwest) with a central plateau of rolling hills, plains, and large lakes.
Highest Peaks:	Dufourspitze (Valais): 4,634 m / 15,203 ft Dom (Valais): 4,545 m / 14,911 ft Weisshorn (Valais): 4,506 m / 14,793 ft Matterhorn (Valais): 4,478 m / 14,691 ft
Largest Glacier (Surface):	Aletsch (Valais): 117 sq km / 73 sq ml. Length 24 km / 15 mi. Glaciers in total 140
Largest Lakes:	Lake Geneva: 582 sq km / 223 sq mi. Lake Constance: 539 sq km / 208 sq mi. Lake Neuchâtel: 218 sq km / 83 sq mi. Lake Maggiore: 212 sq km / 82 sq mi. Lake Lucerne: 114 sq km / 44 sq mi. Lake Zurich: 88 sq km / 35 sq mi. Lakes in total 1,484
Currency:	Swiss Franc (CHF) Click here to find out Current Exchange Rate

What to Pack

When to go

The climate is moderate without excessive heat, cold or humidity. From July to August the daytime temperature range is 18 to 28 °C (65° - 82° F) and from January to February the temperature range is -2 to 7 °C (28° - 45° F). In spring and autumn, the daytime temperature range is 8 to 15 °C (46° - 59° F). Depending on the altitude the temperatures may vary. It is highly recommended for visitors to pack a

Sweater
Walking Shoes
Sunscreen with high SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
Sunglasses
A Compact Umbrella
Light Rain coat
Hat or Cap for shade from the sun
Light cotton clothing
Insect Repellent
Bathing Suits
Credit Card (Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Diners Club, and Eurocard are accepted)

Switzerland any time throughout the year. Summer lasts roughly from June to September You'll find much better deals and fewer crowds in the shoulder seasons of April-May and late-September-October. At any time, as you travel around the country you will hit many different climatic conditions. The continental climate in the Alps tends to show the greatest extremes between summer and winter. Summer temperatures are typically in the low-to-mid 20°Cs (60-70°F) and between 2°C (36°F) and 6°C (42°F) in winter. Travellers need to be prepared for a range of temperatures dependent on altitude. There is perennial snow cover at altitudes above 3000m (9842ft). Summer is the most pleasant time for outdoor pursuits (with the exception of skiing).

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Entry Formalities

Foreign nationals who wish to enter Switzerland must observe the entry and customs regulations. In any case, they must be in possession of a valid travel document recognized by the Swiss authorities. In addition, a visa is required in certain cases.

Visa fees: The Visa fees w.e.f Dec 12, 2008 for all categories i.e. single, double, multiple entries or transit visa are up to 1 year: INR3,900.00 + VFS Fee 510 + SC 1,000.

The visa fee is payable in CASH only, is non-refundable and is the same amount for adult as well as children.
The applicable visa fee in Indian Rupees is as per the current exchange rate. It is subject to change without notice.
The optional courier facility is available at Rs.200/- (inclusive of service tax) per application.
All fees are non-refundable.

Important Notice: Switzerland has joined Schengen Territory effective December 12, 08. Current valid Swiss visa will only allow entry into Switzerland even after they join the Schengen States!.

Required Documents for a Honeymoon Couple

Visa application (completed and signed by the holder of the passport submitted)
National passport valid at least 3 months beyond the date of return, with available pages for visa sticker and of ”standard” quality (not damaged, torn, faded, etc.)
Your previous passport if available
Clear photocopy of the first and last page of the passport
2 photos required. One photograph to be pasted (please do not staple) on the visa application form. The second one to be attached with a paper clip to the form (should not be pasted or stapled). Scanned and color photocopies will not be accepted.
Not more than 6-months old
35-44 mm in width; close-up 70-80% of the photograph
The required visa fee
Confirmed return ticket to India or confirmation of reservation and one photocopy
Evidence of sufficient financial means and proof of accommodation in Switzerland (e.g. hotel confirmation, bookings of the entire stay, receipt of paid package tour)
If you have been refused a visa by an Embassy or High Commission in the last 5 years: Written explanation about reason for trip and refusal
Invitation card as well as wedding album or at least 10 photographs (will be returned)
Evidence of your (or husband/sponsor) financial status:
If you are employed
letter from the employer (non-objection certificate)
pay slips, recent Income Tax Return, bank books -statements for the last 3 month. The bank statement should be till date, statements older than 3 month will not be accepted (A4 size only)
provide your company documentation: company registration, partnership deed, tax registration and certificates
bank books, statements for the last 3 month. The bank statements should be till date, statements older than 3 month will not be accepted (A4 size only)

Required documents for a Tourist Visa:

Documents briefed under Honeymoon Couple from No 1 - 9
A covering letter on a business letterhead from your employer/company stating your position and the length of your service.
If an applicant is submitting the applications of his/her family, then all applications must have a copy of the covering letter.
Students above the age of 16 years (beyond secondary school certificate either travelling alone or with parents) should attach copies of their college ID cards
Visas for Schengen-Countries, UK and U.S.A to be obtained first in case the applicant visits any of these countries before Switzerland
Income Tax and bank statements and Personal Interview (for first time travellers)
For children (under 18 years of age) travelling alone, an authorisation letter signed by both parents with their passports or a notarised affidavit signed by both parents is required
Original marriage certificate issued by the Registrar of Marriages of the concerned State, duly legalised by the competent State Home Ministry or names of spouses endorsed on the passports
Overseas Medical Insurance policy for people older than 60 years
Any additional documents as requested by the Consulate

Important:

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. If necessary, you may be requested to bring additional documentation or to appear for a personal interview. Photocopies of all relevant documents must be provided for the Consulates General. Please carry along all original documents, consular general may need to see them. Do not submit originals; once submitted, no document will be returned.

Time required to issue Swiss Visa:

From 2 working days to 2 weeks. It is advisable to allow plenty of time.

WARNING:

Visitors are also reminded that it is a punishable offence to overstay in Switzerland beyond the number of days given.

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Painting and sculpture

Well-known artists of the 19th and the start of 20th centuries include Albert Anker, Arnold Boecklin and Ferdinand Hodler. Some of the important figures in 20th century art were Swiss/Swiss-born, respectively: Alberto Giacometti (1901-66), famous for his sculptures of elongated figures, and Paul Klee (1879-1940).

Switzerland also boasts Jean Tinguely (1925-1991) with his creative and colourful installations, whose philosophy was that though machines made of scrap metal have no purpose they can have a meaning. Bernhard Luginbühl (1929-), a friend of Tinguely's, also used scrap iron to create huge sculptures. In the 1950s, Swiss artist Max Bill (1908-94) further developed and popularized the style Concrete Art (as opposed to abstract). Its principles: economic use of materials and rationality. Bill defined Concrete Art as the pure expression of harmonic measurement and law. Perhaps one could argue it was no coincidence that Concrete Art should have appeared in a country which appreciates practicality and order.

On the other hand, Zürich was the birthplace of the nihilistic Dada movement, which grew out of the disgust and disillusionment produced by World War I and was the forerunner of surrealism. One of its exponents in Zürich was Hans Arp, several of whose works can be seen at New York's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Many Swiss artists have made their names with absurd and playful works of art. Surrealist Meret Oppenheim's most famous work, Fur Breakfast, is on display at MoMA.

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Spring festivals

Spring officially gets underway in Zurich with the traditional Sechseläuten festival, which is normally held on the third Sunday and Monday in April. The celebrations include colourful processions and culminate in the burning of an effigy known as the Böögg. The festival goes back to 1818, when one of the city's traditional guilds held a night time parade complete with musicians and horseback-riders. The idea caught on, other guilds followed suit and in 1839 the first coordinated Sechseläuten parade of all the guilds took place.

The name Sechseläuten, meaning chiming six o'clock, goes back much further in history than the parades: it derives from the fact that in winter the working day was limited by the lack of light, but once spring had come work could be carried on until 6 p.m.

The festivities open on the Sunday with a parade of children, mostly dressed in historical costumes. Unlike the adult parade, children from other communes, cantons or even countries are allowed to take part. This is followed the next day by the parade of the guilds. In mediaeval times the guilds were organisations grouping members of one craft or profession, but today very few of their members are still engaged in the work represented by their guild. However, they must all belong to old Zürich families and have a close connection with the city. Each year the guilds also invite a guest canton and a limited number of other guests of honour to join them in the parade.

The culmination of Monday's festivities is the burning of the winter effigy, the Böögg. The Böögg, looking like a snowman and stuffed with firecrackers, stands on a huge woodpile which is lit when the cathedral bells ring out 6 o'clock. As the pyre burns, members of the guild gallop round it on horses. The moment when the Böögg's head explodes marks the official end of winter. And the faster this happens, the longer and hotter the summer is meant to be.

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SWITZERLAND Honeymoon Packages

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Honeymoon Budget Package : Port Blair and Havelock Island