Croatia
A Mediterranean dream on the Adriatic
Croatia impresses with its long coastline on the Adriatic Sea. The picturesque old towns, countless islands and sun-drenched bays make the country the perfect summer destination. The historic cities of Split, Zadar and Dubrovnik are particularly worth seeing, as are the natural wonders of the country’s interior. Edelweiss flies from Zurich to Split, Pula and Zadar, Swiss flies to Dubrovnik.
Island hopping made easy
More than 1,000 islands and islets await travellers – ideal for an individual discovery tour by ferry, sailing boat or catamaran. Hvar attracts visitors with its vibrant nightlife, Korčula with its medieval charm. The island of Brač is famous for the “Golden Horn”, one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Those looking for peace and quiet will find real insider tips on Cres or Lošinj.
National parks to marvel at
Plitvice Lakes, Krka Waterfalls or the Kornati archipelago: Croatia’s national parks are a paradise for nature lovers. Hiking trails lead to emerald green lakes, spectacular waterfalls or through Mediterranean forests. The Kornati islands – the largest island group in the Croatian Adriatic – offer an impressive natural spectacle with idyllic bays. Also worth seeing is Mljet, the greenest Croatian island with its salt lake and an old Benedictine monastery.
Dubrovnik – the pearl of the Adriatic
The historic centre of Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and served as the backdrop for the series “Game of Thrones”. Stroll along the imposing city walls, visit the Lovrijenac fortress or enjoy the panoramic view of the sea of red roofs from the Dubrovnik cable car. In the evening, the Buža 1 and 2 bars invite you to enjoy a sundowner with spectacular sea views – a perfect end to an eventful day.
Cultural highlights
Zagreb attracts visitors with its baroque façades, hip cafés and the famous “Museum of Broken Relationships”, which was honoured with the “European Museum of the Year” award in 2011. The botanical garden with around 10,000 plant species also invites you to linger. Split is home to the Diocletian’s Palace, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Zadar, the Sea Organ – an architectural object and experimental musical instrument – will delight you with its sound. Small museums, galleries and lively markets make many cities a cultural experience.
Culinary delights between land and sea
Croatia’s cuisine combines Mediterranean freshness with Balkan savouriness. Highlights include cevapčići, scampi from Kvarner Bay, oysters, the Gregada fish stew from the island of Hvar and “Ispod Peke” – slowly braised meat under a metal bell. Truffles from Istria and the flavoursome Pag cheese are special delicacies. The 360 restaurant in Dubrovnik and the two Michelin-starred Agli Amici in Rovinj offer culinary delights of the highest calibre. A glass of Dalmatian red wine rounds off every meal.
Stay overnight in style
In Rovinj, the Grand Park Hotel delights with spectacular sea views and provides relaxation with luxurious spa treatments. The adults-only Hotel Monte Mulini is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet. Those who like something special will find what they are looking for in the designer Villa Nai 3.3 – the accommodation impresses with five deluxe rooms and three deluxe suites, all individually furnished. Each unit has a spacious terrace with direct access to the olive grove and a marvellous seawater pool.
New Zealand’s South Island
Wild, beautiful and vast
Majestic mountain landscapes, deep blue fjords, sparkling lakes and glaciers: New Zealand’s South Island is a natural wonder. The region offers breathtaking diversity – ideal for road trips, hikes and outdoor adventures. If you want to experience the island to the full, you should plan at least 14 days, ideally in a hire car.
Fjords, glaciers and glowing caves
An almost magical place that is best discovered on a boat trip is the famous Milford Sound fjord – known for the towering Mitre Peak, rainforests and waterfalls that cascade spectacularly over steep cliffs. The fjord is home to colonies of fur seals, penguins and dolphins. The 40 kilometre long Doubtful Sound – also known as the “Sound of Silence” – impresses with its untouched silence. In the small town of Te Anau, thousands of glowworms glow in mysterious caves. The Franz Josef and Fox glaciers enchant with their mighty ice landscapes and deep blue crevasses.
Hiking with a view
Whether it’s the Hooker Valley Track with views of New Zealand’s highest peak Aoraki/Mount Cook or coastal hikes in the Abel Tasman National Park: the South Island is a paradise for active travellers. Lake Tekapo shimmers turquoise blue, fed by glacial meltwater and nestled in an imposing mountain landscape. The small “Church of the Good Shepherd” is located on the shore – not only a popular photo motif, but also the most popular wedding church in the country. And between the Franz Josef Glacier and Greymouth lies the Hokitika Gorge with suspension bridges and spectacular views of the intensely turquoise-coloured river.
Adrenalin and adventure
Queenstown is a mecca for adventure seekers: bungee jumping, paragliding, jet boating or the skyline gondola – all with spectacular views. In Kiwi Park, you can marvel at New Zealand’s national bird up close. Stewart Island is also perfect for birdwatchers and is home to many of New Zealand’s native and endangered bird species. Another highlight awaits in Christchurch: the “Lord of the Rings” tour or a trip on the TranzAlpine train.
Relax and enjoy
At Lake Tekapo, the Tekapo Springs Spa invites you to swim with a view: Thermal pools, sauna rooms and views of Mount John and the turquoise-blue lake ensure pure relaxation. Those who prefer active relaxation can paddle a kayak through the idyllic Marlborough Sounds. The Central Otago wine region is just a short drive away – ideal for a cosy wine tasting with regional wines in the midst of picturesque scenery.
Culinary delights
New Zealand cuisine is characterised by freshness and variety: try freshly caught crayfish, tender lamb and pavlova with fruit for dessert. A traditional cooking method in New Zealand is Hāngī – cooking food on hot stones in an earth oven. In Queenstown, Sundays for pizza, the steakhouse Botswana Butchery or the Public Kitchen & Bar are well worth a visit. In Wanaka, we recommend Kika for modern tapas and The Better Batter NZ on Lake Tekapo for classic fish and chips. In Havelock, The Mussel Pot serves the famous Green Lip Mussels.
Spend the night in the middle of nature
Whether luxurious or close to nature – there is a wide choice of special accommodation: the SkyScape delights with private cottages and a futuristic glass roof for nights under the stars. The Rainforest Retreat and the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier are located in the middle of the greenery near the Franz Josef Glacier. Directly on the shores of Lake Tekapo, the Peppers Bluewater Resort welcomes guests with romantic rooms and villas in a marvellous natural setting. In Canterbury, the Fable Terrace Downs Resort offers 25 luxurious villas and an 18-hole championship golf course.
Tunisia
Oriental flair
A fascinating mix of history, sunshine and hospitality awaits you in Tunisia. The capital Tunis is surrounded by fine sandy beaches and is rich in historical sights. Edelweiss flies directly to Djerba in the south, Tunisair to the capital – perfect for beach holidays or a round trip between the Mediterranean and the Sahara.
Ancient treasures and world history
In Tunis, the ruins of Carthage and the ancient Punic harbours invite you to travel back in time. The archaeological excavation site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a sign of the domination of trade in the entire Mediterranean region. Another must-see is the Roman amphitheatre of El Djem, one of the best preserved in the world, where the film Gladiator was shot.
Experience art and culture
The Djerbahood open-air museum displays street art by artists from all over the world on the walls of houses. The project was a street art event that resulted in 250 mural paintings , which can be discovered on a walk through the village. The lively medinas are more traditional – ideal for browsing and haggling. Handmade ceramics, leather goods and oriental lamps can be found in the souks. Zoos such as Friguia Park or the Djerba Crocodile Farm provide variety for families.
From the coast to the desert
The Tunisian Mediterranean coast attracts visitors with its white sandy beaches, ideal for sunbathing and water sports such as kitesurfing and diving. Camel rides along Hammamet beach offer an unforgettable experience. If you want to discover the vastness of the Sahara, you can go on jeep or camel trekking tours and experience the endless dune landscapes up close. After an adventurous day, a relaxing thalassotherapy session, which utilises the healing power of seawater, ensures pure relaxation.
Discover Tunisian cuisine
Tunisian cuisine delights with a variety of flavours and colours. Couscous, often with seafood, is a must. Brik, crispy dumplings, are typical street food. Slata mechouia, a salad of grilled vegetables, and shakshouka with tomatoes, peppers and egg are just as delicious as kafteji, a savoury dish with peppers, aubergines, fresh herbs and eggs. Sweet makroudh with dates or deep-fried bambalouni are perfect snacks. Mloukhiya, a traditional dish with jute leaves and meat, and spicy tajines round off the culinary experience.
Stay overnight in style
Tunisia offers a wide selection of accommodation, ranging from modern luxury to traditional hotels. Popular resorts can be found in Hammamet, Bou Jaafar or at the Plage de Sidi Mahrez. The picturesque Sidi Bou Saïd seduces with its blue and white charm. Located directly on the beach, the Four Seasons in Tunis is particularly family-friendly. On Djerba, the Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso is located in the north-east of the island, right on the sandy beach. Golf enthusiasts are in good hands at the Seabel Alhambra Beach Golf & Spa.
