Liguria & Cinque Terre
The Italian Riviera, full of charm
Following our trip to Rimini in the last newsletter, this time we’re heading to the stunning Ligurian coast. Stretching between the French border and Tuscany lies the famous ‘Italian Riviera’ with its pastel-coloured villages, steep cliffs and turquoise bays. The Riviera di Levante in particular, with the Cinque Terre, Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure, captivates visitors with its Mediterranean flair. In summer, there are direct train services from Zurich to Genoa – ideal for a relaxed journey.
Discover Genoa
The port city of Genoa is an excellent base from which to explore the region. Highlights include the impressive Acquario di Genova, one of Europe’s largest aquariums, the magnificent Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the opulent Royal Palace. The Palazzo Spinola National Gallery, a 16th-century noble residence featuring frescoes and paintings from that period, is also well worth a visit. Our tip: Take the historic Art Nouveau lift up to the Spianata Castelletto and enjoy the panoramic view over the old town. The Galata Museo del Mare, with its walk-in submarine, is also fascinating.
Cinque Terre – a picture-postcard idyll by the sea
The five villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are among Italy’s most beautiful coastal resorts. Whether by train, ferry or along the famous Sentiero Azzurro walking trail, these colourful fishing villages delight visitors with spectacular views. Keen walkers can explore the entire coastline in four stages; we recommend sturdy footwear and, of course, plenty of sun protection.
Portofino & Ligurian hidden gems
A boat trip to Portofino is one of the region’s classic experiences. This elegant coastal resort was already a meeting place for international high society in the 1950s and 60s. Also well worth a visit are the charming fishing village of Camogli with its pastel-coloured houses, and Sestri Levante, the ‘town of the two seas’, which delights visitors with its beautiful bays and relaxed atmosphere.
Savour Ligurian cuisine
Liguria is considered the birthplace of pesto. Specialities include pesto alla genovese, lasagne al pesto, focaccia di Recco, ravioli di pesce, Ligurian anchovies and farinata. Whether it’s vegetables or seafood – basil and good olive oil are an absolute must. And, of course, a glass of wine is a must. Recommended restaurants include the one-star Ristorante Sarri and Salvo Cacciatori in Imperia, Da U Titti in Lingueglietta, and Il Gallo della Checca in Ranzo.
Staying on the Ligurian coast
Sestri Levante is ideally situated between Genoa and the Cinque Terre. The elegant Hotel Miramare, with sea views, is right on the beach. Also popular are the Vis-à-Vis Hotel, with its stunning views across the bay, and the Hotel Helvetia, just a few steps from the sea. For a stay in Genoa, we recommend L’Ancora Luxury Apartment.
Manaus & the Amazon
The gateway to the Amazon
Manaus, the capital of the state of Amazonas, is the starting point for unforgettable adventures in the world’s largest rainforest. The city lies at the confluence of the dark Rio Negro and the light-coloured Rio Solimões – a fascinating natural phenomenon known as the ‘Meeting of the Waters’. You can travel comfortably to Manaus or Belém with Swiss via São Paulo and a connecting flight. On Hapag-Lloyd’s expedition ship, the Hanseatic Inspiration, you can cruise down the Amazon from Belém in Brazil to Iquitos in Peru, or set off from Manaus on one of the many river expedition ships or stylish Fitzcarraldo hotel ships.
Manaus: a blend of history and the tropics
During the rubber boom, Manaus was one of the richest cities in South America. Its landmark is the magnificent Teatro Amazonas, built in 1896, which still hosts international concerts today. Also worth visiting are the MUSA Museum with its observation tower overlooking the rainforest canopy, the Galeria do Largo and the lively Manaus Moderna market.
Natural wonders on the water
An Amazon cruise is one of the most impressive travel experiences in South America. With a bit of luck, you can spot dolphins, sloths, monkeys or exotic birds in the wild. Particularly fascinating are trips through flooded forests, kayaking tours on tributaries or sunsets on the Rio Negro.
Experience the Amazon up close
Our tip: A trip to the beaches of Ponta Negra, Praia da Lua or Praia Dourada offers a welcome chance to cool off. In Janauari Park, huge Amazon water lilies are a sight to behold, whilst floating restaurants serve regional specialities. With professional guidance, visitors can even spot the famous pink Amazon river dolphins.
Cuisine by the river
Amazonian cuisine is characterised by freshwater fish, tropical fruits and Brazilian classics. Particularly popular are churrasco, feijoada (bean stew), tacacá soup and the fish known as tambaqui. Recommended venues include Coco Bambu, Tambaqui de Banda, Amazônico Peixaria Regional, Bistro FITZ Carraldo and Alentejo Cozinha Portuguesa. Abaré SUP and Food – a floating bar and restaurant on the Rio Negro – is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset on the water. Casarão de Ideias offers coffee and entertainment, whilst Bar do Armando serves a cold beer.
Our hotel recommendations
The elegant Hotel Villa Amazônia in the centre of Manaus combines colonial charm with modern comfort and boasts a natural stone swimming pool and a tropical garden. Also worth recommending are the Loft Vista Ponta Negra aparthotel or a multi-day Amazon cruise on a floating hotel in the heart of the rainforest.
Buenos Aires
South America’s elegant metropolis
Buenos Aires is known as the ‘Paris of South America’ and combines European elegance with Argentine passion. The capital captivates visitors with its magnificent boulevards, impressive architecture, excellent cuisine and vibrant culture. The centrepiece and landmark of the city is the Obelisk of Buenos Aires, which was erected in 1936. Swiss flies directly from Zurich to Buenos Aires, with a stopover in São Paulo, making the metropolis an ideal springboard for travelling around Argentina.
Culture, History & Architecture
At the heart of the city lies the Plaza de Mayo. Here stands the famous Casa Rosada, the pink-coloured presidential palace, which is also open for guided tours. The Teatro Colón is one of the world’s most renowned opera houses. Also worth seeing are the Palacio Barolo, inspired by Dante’s *Divine Comedy*, the MALBA Museum of Latin American Art, and the impressive El Ateneo Grand Splendid – one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops, housed in a former theatre.
Tango & joie de vivre
Buenos Aires is the home of the tango. The city’s passion is particularly palpable in the historic La Boca district, with its colourful Caminito street. Palermo attracts visitors with its stylish bars, restaurants and tango shows. Football fans can experience the unforgettable atmosphere of an Argentine stadium at a Boca Juniors match.
Neighbourhoods full of character
The elegant Recoleta district captivates visitors with its magnificent buildings and the famous cemetery, where national legends such as Eva Perón are laid to rest. San Telmo draws crowds on Sundays with its traditional antiques market. Puerto Madero has evolved from a former harbour district into a modern lifestyle quarter with restaurants, hotels and a promenade.
Asado & Malbec
Argentina is world-famous for its steaks and wines. Specialities such as asado, empanadas, choripán, milanesa or medialunas – a type of croissant – are an absolute must-try. In between meals, enjoy a traditional cup of mate tea; in the evening, a glass of Malbec with your meal. Particularly recommended are El Mercado at the Faena Hotel, followed by a tango show at ‘El Cabaret’, and Francis Mallmann’s ‘Patagonia Sur’ in La Boca.
Buenas noches
Among the city’s finest hotels are the elegant Four Seasons Buenos Aires in the exclusive La Recoleta district, with its luxurious spa, and the legendary Alvear Palace in classic French style, renowned for its afternoon tea. Also highly recommended are the stylish Faena Hotel, the Park Tower with its city views, and the luxurious Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires.
