Jordan
Cultural wealth
Jordan fascinates with deserts, the Red Sea and the Dead Sea and a lot of cultural richness. The capital Amman is one of the oldest cities in the world, while Jerash is considered the best example of Roman architecture outside of Rome. Besides its more than 100’000 historical sites, it is Jordan’s rugged nature that particularly captivates travelers. The landscape has served as the location for several world-famous films, including Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian. Despite the fame it has achieved, the Middle Eastern country is still an exotic-looking destination for many Swiss people, which makes a visit soon even more attractive. There are two Edelweiss flights a week from Zurich to Amman and Aqaba.
The legendary desert city of Petra
Not far from Aqaba, deep inland, is one of the most spectacular cultural sites in the world: the ancient rock city of Petra. Its temples were carved directly into the rock of the Siq Gorge by the Nabataean people over 2,000 years ago. Petra is one of the most famous travel destinations on the Arabian Peninsula and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. The heart of the city is the «Al Khazneh »treasury house, whose 40-metre-high façade is carved into the red rock like a giant work of art. It is best to visit Petra at nightfall with a guide, who will lead you through the Siq to the protective chamber, accompanied by flickering lights and dramatic music.
Jerash
In the north of Jordan lies Jerash, also known as «Gerasa». Although originally founded by the Greek people, the city only experienced its boom under Roman rule. Even today, numerous unique architectural monuments adorn the cityscape and make Jerash one of the best preserved testimonies to Roman architecture outside of Rome. Re-enactments of gladiator fights and chariot races take you back to times long past and guarantee a unique experience.
Wadi Rum Desert
In the world-famous Wadi Rum nature reserve, red sand dunes meet bizarrely shaped rocks of all sizes. To soak up the sheer size of this lovingly christened «Mondlandschaft», we recommend getting into a hot air balloon. From above, you can enjoy the magnificent view of canyons and desert from a completely new perspective. For those who prefer to stay on solid ground, there are plenty of jeep or quad tours leading to the highlights of the desert.
Spend the night under the stars
Known for their starry nights, several hotels in the desert entice you with camps. One of them is Suncity, which effortlessly blends into the scenery of the Wadi Rum Desert with its Martian domes as well as traditional Bedouin tents and surrounded by majestic sand mountain rocks. If you want to learn more about the starry sky, join an evening excursion with one of RumSky’s astrologers. In the Wadi Feynan Desert, the universe can be viewed particularly beautifully by candlelight through the rooftop telescope of the Feynan Eco Lodge. It was named one of the 25 best eco-lodges in the world by National Geographic Traveler Magazine.
Relaxing hours at the Dead Sea
At 430.5 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point in the world. At the same time, its water is ten times saltier than normal seawater, making the lake a natural spa. On its shores, therefore, there are numerous spas offering a wide variety of treatments and mud baths. The Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, for example, is a true oasis of well-being. In addition to the natural pool, its spa offers beautifully designed treatment rooms, hydro facilities, heated tepidarium lounges and the largest hydro pool in the Dead Sea.
Diving in the Red Sea
Jordan also has a lot to offer underwater. Particularly popular is Jordan’s southernmost tip, where the tropical waters of the Red Sea are home to some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world. Here stretches the Aqaba Marine Park, home to a wide variety of soft and hard corals and countless reef fish. Most of the 19 dive sites are easily accessible from the shore; others require a short boat ride.
Athens
Modern big city
If you stand on the Acropolis today and look out over Athens, you will see a modern metropolis with a jumble of busy streets, bars and clubs, boutiques, museums, traditional coffee houses and tavernas. In between, there are quiet squares and small parks. Athens is considered the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy and intellectual ideas. Even today, it is bursting with history. Whether as a change of pace on a beach holiday or a city break on its own, Athens is always worthwhile thanks to its diverse offerings.
Staying in Athens
An absolute favourite among hotels is the multiple award-winning 5-star Hotel Grand Bretagne in the heart of Athens. It is located in a lavishly renovated historic building, giving it a unique, luxurious glow. The rooftop terrace offers a breathtaking view of the Acropolis and the Parliament, the green Lykavittos and the original Olympic Stadium. In addition, you can enjoy a mix of culinary tradition and the most modern techniques of haute cuisine. About an hour away, another highlight opens its doors this summer: the new One & Only Aesthesis is located on the Athens Riviera and is meant to embody the timeless glamour of the Aegean Sea, surrounded by endless blue and glittering islands on the horizon. Guests can expect a combination of nostalgic glamour and natural charm.
Journey into antiquity
In the city of Athens alone, there are countless sights to admire. First and foremost, of course, the Acropolis. Originally built as a fortification, today it is probably the most famous building of ancient Greece and rises on a 156-metre-high rock above the city. The Acropolis Museum is located directly at the foot of the rock. This is one of the most important museums in the world and houses impressive original finds and parts of the Acropolis. No less impressive is a visit to the Olympieions, once the largest ancient temple in mainland Greece. The Panathenaic Stadium was already the venue for sporting and cultural events in ancient times. In 1896, the first Olympic Games of modern times were held here.
Strolling in the old town
If you are looking for an authentic Greek feeling, you should visit Anafiotika. The rocky city quarter of Athens was built in the style of a Cycladic village, as can be seen from the white terrace roofs and the paths, some of which are paved with marble. Directly adjacent and at the foot of the Acropolis is the historic district of Plaka, one of the oldest parts of Athens and a counterpoint to the modern city center. Over time, Plaka has changed from a residential area to a taverna district to the political and literary hotspot of the city.
Culinary temptations
Although Athens, as a large city, is able to cover almost all national cuisines, the cityscape is still characterised by traditional Greek restaurants. The tavern Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani, which serves mainly local dishes, is particularly popular with the locals. As in many of the tavernas, guests enjoy their meal here accompanied by traditional Greek live music. Succulent sausages and Greek cheeses are served at the wine bar Drupes and Drips in the Koukaki district, opposite the popular Takis bakery, and strong Greek coffee at Cherchez la Femme. Traditional eateries are joined by two dozen Michelin restaurants, such as The Zillers, whose chef offers two creative contemporary tasting menus every night.
Channel Islands
A British Crown dependency for over 800 years
Although the Channel Islands are closer to the French coast than the British, at 22.5km, they have been a British Crown dependency for over 800 years. However, apart from a brief period of occupation by Germany during the Second World War, they have always been self-governing. The archipelago includes Jersey, Guernsey, Herm, Alderney and Sark, in addition to many small uninhabited islands. They all have a very different character. What they have in common, however, is the combination of French ambience and British tradition. As a travel destination, the Channel Islands are recommended to all those who like to spend their time actively in the fresh air and discover the colorful nature – ideally in the form of island hopping. From May to August, Blue Island Airline flies every Saturday from Zurich to Jersey and Guernsey.
Jersey
The southernmost and largest of the Channel Islands is Jersey. The nature here is full of contrasts, from green landscapes and rugged cliffs to sandy beaches and turquoise waters. The island’s small towns invite you to stroll and explore. A short distance off the coast is the majestic Elizabeth Castel, an island fortress built from the 16th century onwards and covering some 24 hectares. From Jersey, the island fortress is practically navigable by amphibious vehicle, a craft that can travel on both land and water. Also off Jersey and accessible on foot at low tide are Britain’s largest oyster beds. If possible, we recommend joining one of the many champagne and oyster tours. Further west you will also find the oldest building in the world, La Cotte cave, where evidence of Neanderthal life has been discovered. A particularly beautiful place to stay is Longueville Manor, an idyllic 14th century country house with majestic fountains and small wooden bridges in its own park.
Guernsey
Guernsey is known for its thriving art and music scene. Pierre-Auguste Renoir came to Guernsey in 1883 and was inspired by the island’s light and landscape. Art lovers can follow in his footsteps on the art walk put together by the Art for Guernsey initiative. The heart of the island beats in St. Peter Port. This is a pleasant place to stroll and dine. Christies Brasserie serves unusual combinations such as scallops with black pudding in a beautifully decorated Art Deco style. Delicious, fresh seafood is served at Octopus on Havelet Bay, with a clear view of the Castle Cornet fortification in Guernsey harbour. For accommodation, we recommend the Old Government House Hotel & Spa, an elegant and traditional first-class hotel in the city center. In the more than 150 years of the hotel’s history, some famous people have already been guests here, for example Queen Elizabeth II.
Herm
Only 20 minutes by boat from Guernsey’s St. Peter Port lies Herm, an island completely without cars. It’s mainly a place to linger and relax. Walks lead past cliffs to viewpoints or directly to Bevoir Bay and Shell Beach. Not far from the jetty is the romantic White House Hotel, which rewards guests with breathtaking views, flowering gardens and wholly idyllic interiors.
Sark und Alderney
The islands of Alderney and Sark are also full of natural treasures worth exploring. Alderney is home to a close-knit community of around 2,000 people living on eight square kilometres. Green hills, white sandy beaches, sharp cliffs as well as Roman fortifications and numerous bunkers characterise the island’s image. It is an insider’s tip, especially among ornithology enthusiasts, as whole colonies of puffins and gannets can be observed here. The second smallest of the Channel Islands, Sark, also has a breathtaking coastline with spectacular scenery, pebble and wind-protected sandy bays. The so-called Venus Pool, a natural swimming pool in the rocks, is particularly beautiful. There is a total ban on cars on the island, so visitors travel around by bicycle or a wonderfully nostalgic horse-drawn carriage.
