Montenegro
Directly on the coast is the country of Montenegro
Directly on the coast, surrounded by Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and a small part of Croatia, lies the small, beautiful country of Montenegro. Literally, Montenegro means «black mountain», which can be explained by the architecture of the landscape: Half of the country is mountainous and covered with dense black forest. In addition, there is a 293-kilometre-long coastal region with 117 beaches, from pebble beaches to those of wonderfully fine sand. The climate on the coast is pleasantly Mediterranean, while temperatures inland tend to fluctuate, being relatively hot in summer and very cold in winter. The vast landscapes invite you to go hiking, canyoning, white-water rafting and much more. Edelweiss offers direct flights to and from Tivat on Mondays and Thursdays from May to the end of August.
Breathtaking landscapes
Montenegro fascinates with a breathtaking variety of landscapes: mountains and forests, glacial lakes, the elegant seaside resorts of the Budva Riviera and, above all, the Bay of Kotor, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Biogradska gora National Park, part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves and the last untouched rainforests in Europe, is also recommended. Lake Skadar, the largest freshwater body on the Balkan Peninsula, stretches from the south of the country to northern Alabama. Here you can explore pristine beaches all year round, cycle to old fishing villages, look for hidden caves while hiking or paddle a kayak to the island monasteries of Beska, Gorica and Moracnik.
Nature calls
With all the natural spectacles, it would be a shame not to spend most of your time outdoors. Whether on the beautiful hiking trail from Kotar to the north or canyoning in the deepest gorge in Europe in the crystal-clear waters of the river Tara – here you can let off steam. For a boat trip, we recommend visiting Our Lady of the Rocks from Kotor. This is a legendary artificial island that was created in the 15th century. On the rest days in between, the sandy beaches Velika Plaza, Mala Plaza or Ada Bojana are particularly good for lazing in the sun.
Perast and other cities in Montenegro
In addition to stunning landscapes, Montenegro also has countless idyllic towns and cities to discover. The medieval town of Kotor, for example, is nestled between high mountains on a fjord-like bay and boasts a labyrinthine old town and elegant natural stone buildings. Right next to Kotor is the pretty coastal town of Perast, one of the most beautiful baroque towns in Montenegro. Its history dates back to the 13th century, when it grew steadily as a centre for navigators, captains and seafarers, eventually achieving wealth from the 16th century onwards. Walking through the old town, you can still admire the many magnificent villas and buildings. Party people should visit Tivat – there are numerous beach clubs here that sometimes remind one of Cannes or Miami. Budva, Sveti Stefan, Petrovac, Bar and Ulcinj are also worth a visit.
Visit the capital Podgorica
Podgorica, the capital and also the largest city in the country, conveys an image of the true Montenegro with its history dating back to Roman times and the modern Millennium Bridge over the Moraca River. The beauty of the city does not reveal itself at first glance, but it is worth taking a closer look: Podgorica reinvented itself after the Second World War and is increasingly becoming an insider tip in the Balkans. The centre of the city is formed by the centuries-old clock tower and the Cathedral of the Resurrection. It was only built in 1933, but with its stone façade made to look old, it has since been regarded as the town’s landmark.
Hotel Chedi Luštica Bay
On the Luštica peninsula, directly on the beautiful Montenegrin coast just 16 km from Tivat, lies the luxurious 5-star Hotel Chedi Luštica Bay. As a member of The Leading Hotels of The World – and with the same concept as the exceptional The Chedi Andermatt in Switzerland – the hotel invites its guests to relax in authentic, casual luxury between azure sea and majestic mountains. Among other things, guests can expect a unique 3+3 beach concept, which includes three beaches for hotel guests and a free boat transfer to three other beaches in Luštica Bay. The offer is complemented by an Asian spa and in-house restaurants that blend traditional flair with modern culinary technologies and local ingredients. The hotel is also the perfect starting point for a boat expedition to the Blue Grotto. Considered a natural jewel of the Mediterranean, it is one of the most beautiful natural phenomena on the Montenegrin coast thanks to its clear, bright turquoise waters.
Culinary temptations
There are many excellent restaurants in Montenegro, offering mainly Mediterranean cuisine. Near the beach of Kotor, Konoba Cesarica and Konoba Trpeza are tempting. We recommend trying your way through the local specialities: Brav u Mlijeku (lamb in milk), Kacamak with Kajmak (Balkan porridge), Njegusi Prosciutto, Njeguski Steak, Buzara (seafood), Crni Rizot (black risotto), Cevapi (sausage-like pies), Burek (breakfast snack) and finally Palacinke (pancakes). You should also always try the wine from local winegrowers. You can get a whole selection of them at the Savina winery in Herceg Novi or Plantaže in Podgorica, the largest contiguous vineyard in Europe.
Las Vegas, Utah and Arizona
Las Vegas – the city in the Mojave Desert
Hardly any other metropolis in the world enjoys such a unique image as Las Vegas. The city in the Mojave Desert in the US state of Nevada is internationally known for gambling, entertainment, good food and its dazzling nightlife. Like no other place, the desert metropolis often referred to as «Sin City» attracts life-lovers from all over the world. A stark contrast to the glittering and fast-paced city are the surrounding states of Utah and Arizona – where nature rules. For a balanced trip, it is recommended to combine the destinations and thus enjoy the best of both worlds.
A night in Vegas
Everywhere you look, huge, grand hotels shine in Las Vegas. Some of our favourites: The NoMad Las Vegas, the Bellagio as well as The Cosmopolitan Autograph Collection with the Marquee Nightclub. Another tip is the MGM with the Cirque du Soleil show. One of the most justifiably famous addresses is Caesers Palace with its spectacular shows. The hotel also houses another one inside: The boutique hotel Nobu is located in a separate tower of Caesars Palace and impresses with its Japanese-inspired décor with a modern twist.
Strolling in Las Vegas
Nowhere else is there so much to discover and experience as in Las Vegas. But the true face of the city only emerges when the sun slowly sets. From upscale restaurants and lively bars to the infamous shows and casinos, you’ll find everything your heart desires here. We recommend ringing in the evening with a stroll along the Las Vegas Strip. Who knows, maybe it will lead you to the Bellagio Hotel, where the Fountain Show, the biggest free show in town, takes place. Or start with a drink at the Velveteen Rabbit Bar in the Arts District and watch Las Vegas life slowly unfold.
Active time out
If you’re in the mood for some exercise after all-nighters, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area beckons. Here you can hike 30 miles of trails, mountain bike or climb the deep red Aztec sandstone cliffs. For golf enthusiasts, there is a choice of 50 courses in the region, including the famous Angel Park Mountain Course by Arnold Palmer, Bears Best by Jack Nicklaus, as well as courses right in town like Bali Hai and the Wynn Course. The Grand Canyon Skywalk, 120 miles east of Las Vegas, is an all-glass platform suspended more than 400 metres above the Grand Canyon – though not for the faint-hearted, it offers unparalleled views of one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Utah – From Salt Lake City to the Boneville Salt Flats
While Vegas is full of man-made excitement, the neighbouring states of Utah and Arizona beckon with natural wonders. Utah is especially popular with outdoor enthusiasts: whether it’s year-round skiing around Salt Lake City, the site of the Winter Olympics, mountain biking on the 8.7-kilometre Slickrock Bike Trail or river rafting on the Colorado River – everything is possible in Utah. In between, parks like Bryce Canyon, Arches National Park and Zion National Park invite you to hike in beautiful landscapes. Particularly impressive are also the Bonneville Salt Flats, part of the remains of Lake Bonneville, which covered the entire northern Utah during the last ice age. Thanks to its flat surface, the salt crust provides an optimal terrain for high-speed racing, resulting in new speed records being set here year after year. Something very special is the Amangiri, a luxury hotel in a class of its own among untouched red rocks on the majestic Colorado Plateau, or the exciting Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale, where desert romance meets outdoor adventure.
Arizona – Red rocks, deep canyons and endless space
As its nickname «The Grand Canyon State» suggests, Arizona is best known for the Grand Canyon. It is an absolute must for travellers. It is about 450 kilometres long, up to 26 kilometres wide and reaches down to 1800 metres in places. To appreciate its full splendour, it is worth changing perspective and flying over the Hoover Dam and the Mojavi Desert in a helicopter at an altitude of 3,000 metres. Besides the Grand Canyon and the fascinating desert landscapes, Arizona’s cities are quite exciting to discover, such as the capital Phoenix with its famous art scene and the second largest city Tucson. For fans of the Wild West, Tombstone is interesting, the place where Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp once stayed. If possible, spend at least one night at the Ambiente a Landscape Hotel in Sedona – nestled among the iconic red rock monoliths – and enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape from the Leading Hotel room.
Cyprus
Aphrodite birthplace
The Mediterranean island of Cyprus is known to be the birthplace of Aphrodite. The goddess of love must have liked it here: The third largest island in the Mediterranean is rich in historical sites and beautiful beaches. The interior is covered with forests where orchids, dark red Cyprus tulips, rare crocuses and pretty pink thistles grow at different times of the year. They are joined by charming mountain villages and beautiful Byzantine monasteries with frescoes, while the coast with its beautiful beaches invites you to relax in the sun. There are daily direct flights from Zurich to Larnaca.
In the Footsteps of Aphrodite
The legends of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, are omnipresent in Cyprus. Young couples hike the Adonis Trail or swim around the Aphrodite Rock at Petra to Romiou beach. This is where Aphrodite is said to have risen from the waves of the turquoise sea. Anyone who circles the rock three times is said to be rewarded with eternal love. In the northwest of the country, on the Akamas peninsula, is the bath of Aphrodite. According to mythology, she took her daily bath here and met the beau Adonis. An enchanting place.
The Southwest, steeped in history
The south-west of Cyprus around Paphos is particularly popular with history buffs. It not only offers beautiful beaches for swimming, but also has many scenic and cultural highlights. These include the famous royal tombs, the monastery of Neophytos, the archaeological park of Kato Paphos and the Frankish Church with the Paulus Column. It gets green and lush in the nearby Troodos Mountains, home to Cyprus’ highest peak, Mount Olympus. A hike through the mountains reveals not only panoramic views but also an idyllic world of Cypriot mountain villages and rippling waters such as the Millomeris waterfall.
Bathing in the Mediterranean
For those who mainly want to splash around in the warm Mediterranean Sea in Cyprus, Larnaka is recommended. Fine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters make the city in the south-east of the country one of the most popular seaside resorts. Another highlight of the area is the Larnaka Salt Lake, which is home to wild flamingos. Limassol, the second largest city on the island, is about an hour’s drive to the west. The university town, steeped in history, was long considered an insider tip among backpackers, but thanks to its authentic mix of modernity and antiquity, it has increasingly gained in popularity in recent years. Today, nowhere else in Cyprus is it as easy to dance the night away as here.
Cape Greco and Nissi Beach
At the easternmost point of Cyprus, Cape Greco, the raging waves crash unchecked against the rocks during strong swells. Over millions of years, the rock formations of the Bridge of Love and several sea caves have been washed out of the rock. After the impressive spectacle of raw nature, the nearby Nissi Beach invites you to relax – one of the most popular beaches on the island.
Relaxing nights
Directly on the coast of Paphos, the Hotel Annabelle invites you to stay. Here, harmonious interiors meet warm hospitality and good entertainment. Seasonal delicacies and local wines are served in traditional Cypriot charm in four restaurants and five bars. Just a 40-minute drive away, on Chrysou Bay, is the Anassa Latchi Thalasso Spa, which was named one of the best hotels in Europe in 2022. Situated high on a hill, its gardens flow down to its own secluded beach and large turquoise sea. Other fine addresses include the Elysium, the Amara Hotel in Limassol and a little further east, the Four Seasons. Lovers make themselves at home at Amavi, Made for Two – the first hotel in Cyprus designed especially for couples.
Halloumi and Commandaria
With its hearty cuisine, Cyprus invites you to linger. Typical Cypriot food is served at the Farmer Traditional Tavern in Ayia Napa. Here, well-known dishes such as maganna bulli, which consists of bucatini noodles and chicken, souvlaki and shaftalia are served. This is accompanied by halloumi stuffed courgette flowers, olives, pita bread and root vegetables. The menu is rounded off with the popular sweet wine of the region, Commandaria. In addition to the local tavernas, many international cuisines can be enjoyed in Cyprus: A touch of France is served at Brasserie Bin Plaisir in Nicosia, fresh seafood is served at Sage Restaurant in Ayia Napa.
