traveller1959

swandav2000,

you have just posted the link of an extremist organization.

I suggest the editors remove that link.

azh111

As this is not the forum for a political debate, I don't feel it is appropriate to get too into depth. However, I will say that I would not stay in a hotel that cancelled an Israeli tourism fair for the sole reason that the particiapnts were Israelis. I have researched it and I am not comfortable with the policies and practices of the management of that hotel chain and from that I have decided not to stay at any of their hotels. I suggest that people research exactly who it is that owns the Intercontinental Grand in Paris before deciding to stay there and then I say -to each his own. . .

gruezi

Dear azh111,

I live in Zurich with 2 teens. They quite love it here. They also really like Luzern. July should be wonderful in Zurich with the lake filled with sailboats and swimmers etc.

We don't find it at all like Cleveland or Pittsburgh. Not that there is anything wrong with those cities.

BTW, Prague is another city my teens loved but not as much as Salzburg. You are in for a really wonderful trip that your kids will enjoy very much. Make them do the SOM tour - they will act like they are too cool, but then will love it. Also, see if you can get the 40th anniversary copy of the movie and watch the documentaries at the end. My daughter loved this.

In Prague you must see the Jewish cemetery and the adjacent Synagogue that is a memorial to the Bohemian holocaust victims.

I agree that getting up into the mountains would be nice while you are in Switzerland. I would try to take a day trip from Luzern to Mt. Pilatus or Rigi. You don't have to love the outdoors to like the views. True, teens are less in awe of such things, but one day wouldn't hurt.

Also, in Luzern there is a small but fascinating Glacier museum. Check it out for an amazing education and some cool exhibits. Don't miss the crying lion either...

I vote for Zurich over Geneva but I must confess I've not been to Geneva. Every time I plan to go someone talks me out of it...

gruezi

scrb

A couple of years ago, I flew into Zurich and out of Geneva but on the advice of forum members here, spent the bulk of my time in the mountains, Grindlewald and Zermatt.

I used a Swiss rail pass and as I went from East to West, I saw a distinct difference. Not just language but more ethnic variations in the French-influenced regions.

Architecture differed too. Cities like Lausanne and Geneva looked more like Paris (there were a lot of falaffel/schwarma places) whereas Zurich seemed more German/Austrian -- especially all the street trolleys and lights suspended on wires above the streets. I remember pastel colored buildings and the streets were very clean.

I've seen Zurich dismissed as little more than a business center. Still would have liked to have spent another day or two there.

Peop

Cries_Van_Notebook

The Intercontinental Hotels are a world-class hotel chain. I am sure that thousands upon thousands of Jews have stayed at an Intercontinental Hotel somewhere in the world.

My husband has. We stayed at the Intercontinental Athens last year.

My mother and step-father stayed at the Intercontinental Grand Paris, by the way. They liked it very much.

Thin

azh111

Thin, I am glad that your in-laws enjoyed their stay in Paris, and I am sure it is a beautiful hotel, but that alone is not a reason to go there. Normally I never research who owns a hotel before I stay there, but in light of what I have recently learned, that is exactly what I shall do from now on.

Thank you again to everyone who offered advice on Switzerland. I am really looking forward to trying out all your tips in Lucerne and Zurich!

soogies

saving for me

sharona

It sounds like you've decided on Zurich but I wanted to respond for others who might be looking for information.

My husband and I spent a few days in Geneva a few years ago. I agree that there's nothing really outstanding about Geneva itself but the surrounding area is certainly worthwhile. The drive along Lake Geneva is beautiful and the prize at the other end, Chateau de Chillon, is most definitely worth a visit. It might be my favorite castle of all that I've visited. It was also a must to stop and stroll through Montreux. How fun it was to be in Montreux for someone who, in her youth, memorized all the words to "Smoke on the Water!"

I also took a day trip to the top of Mont Blanc in France. Since I'm not a skier I doubt I'll ever have that opportunity again and the view was breathtaking. I'm so glad I had that chance and I'm glad I spent a few days in and around Geneva.

suze

sounds like I'm too late chiming in, but as above, my suggestion would have been to fly out of Geneva but spend the two days in Vevey or Montreux (on Lac Leman about 1 hour outside of Geneva, easily connecting by train).

Those are two beautiful towns with lots to see and do, Chateux de Chillon, Roche de Nayes tram ride, boats on the lake, open air weekly farmers markets, etc.