Zurich, Switzerland

ORIENTATION:     Tourism Office is located in the train station.  

TRANSPORTATION:

• Airport - "Flughaven".  Catch trains from the Hauptbahnhof.
• Trains - very easy to catch at the Hauptbahnhof.  
• Trams - 7.80chf for an all day pass, 3.90 for a long fare, 2.40 for a short fare 
• Taxi - very expensive and often not as quick as trams/trains. 

LODGING:

• Hotel Seehof - just south of Bellevue - nice small hotel, with wireless access.  Nice staff

RESTAURANTS: for a list of restaurants you can click here or the links below.

• Liguria Ristorante - decent Italian despite the price
• Ishi - good Sushi near bars/clubs
• Uni Point - Universitatstrasse 43 - take away restaurant open late, near ETH University
• Griechische Taverne Le Beaujolais - Greek food worth a visit - south of Bellevue
• Al Forno - Universitatstrasse 40 - outdoor padio on nice days - Italian near ETH
• Ristorante Frascati - south of Bellevue, on the water - good Italian with views
• Brasserie Lipp Restaurant - just off the Bahnhofstrasse - share the mussels!
• Juan Costa - tapas or traditional Spanish with entertainment upstairs
• Hotel Villete - fondue and a great staff
• Pizza Delivery - Pizza Kurier La Candida 

CAFES: 

• Bederhof - cool decor and comfortable seats - can be smoky.

BARS:

• Lobby Bar & Bistro - Spitalgasse 3 - serving Eichoff (Lucern)

SHOPPING: stores are typically closed on Sunday.  Check out a monthly Zurich Guide from your hotel or the Tourism Office

• Bahnhofstrasse - fancy street just south of train station
• Sihl City - new mall SW of centrum - take the 5 or 13 lines 
• Buchi - leather goods in Sihl City
  
• The Wine Shop - extensive collection of international wines - friendly staff - tastings at times.
• Sibler - cool, funky design of kitchen gear and housewares 
• Orell Fussli - English bookstore - expect to pay a lot for guidebooks here.  Head to the Bahnhofstrasse location for larger English selection.
• Bobo L'Escargot - high end baby boutique
• Vitra - great design here, just west of Bahnhofstrasse
• Stahlin - wide assortment of lamp selections (near ETH)
• Check out this site for other recommendations for Zurich.  Click on Zurich and follow the prompts.
• Burkliplatz - markets during warm weather months 2 times a week

ACTIVITIES/ATTRACTIONS:

• Grossmunster Cathedral - twin towers offer great views of the Alps and Zurich on a clear day
• St. Peter's - largest clockface in Switzerland
• Fraumunster Church - 
• Bahnhofstrasse - even for a non-shopper this is worth a stroll
• Hauptbahnhof - large train station, worth looking at artwork outside
• ETH/Univeristy of Zurich - climb the top of the east hill for a great overlook of Zurich night or day.
• Lindenhof - great views of Lake Zurich, Zurich overlook.  Look for men playing chess in the far corner.  
• Opera House - just south of Bellevue.  
• Swiss National Museum - just north of the Hbf
• Kunsthaus - local art museum, north east of Bellevue (take 9 or 5)

HOLIDAYS:

• Christmas Markets - inside the Hauptbahnhof are markets and great food options
• Singing Christmas Tree - at Weihnachts-Nasch-Markt of the Bahnhofstrase

St. Gallen, Switzerland

GETTING HERE: this is about an hour long trip from Zurich HB. Just look for a direct train.

ATTRACTIONS:

• Convent of St. Gall - a World Heritage sight, complete with library. Church grounds can be entered free to see the baroque architecture. The library requires an admission ticket.
  

RESTAURANTS:

• Ristorante Facincani - Gallusstrasse 39 - 071/222 27 46 - great (expensive) local Italian restaurant.  Reservations recommended.

Cairo, Egypt

GETTING THERE: For simplicity, plan on hiring a car from your hotel.  They'll likely have some one meet you before you hit customs.  A visa will cost $15 USD and you can purchase just outside of immigration - they seem to take all currency.  The process can be confusing and happen very quickly, so be patient.  Driving is chaotic in Cairo, so leave this to a local.  You are best of having your hotel/destination arrange for cabs and agree on prices beforehand.  Plan on at least an hour to get to or from the center of Cairo to the airport (no matter what day or time).  Traffic is constant.  

LODGING:

• Conrad Hilton - set on the East bank of the Nile, about 2km from the center of town adjacent to the World Trade Center.  If touring visit the travel agency downstairs from the lobby rather then deal with the Concierge.  Pool and gym on 3rd floor.
• Four Seasons - highly recommended hotel in Cairo

RESTAURANTS:

• Sangria - highly recommended from locals 
• Locals als0 recommended the top floor of the Sofitel.  Egyptian food with beautiful views
• Maxim - dinner cruise on the Nile.  Leaves in front of the Marriott hotel
• Villa d'Este - 2nd floor of the Conrad hotel - good seafood in this Italian spot (pricey)
• Sultana - 2nd floor of Conrad hotel - price was typical of a hotel, but the food was very good Egyptian fare.  Live local Egyptian entertainment some nights.

ATTRACTIONS:

• Pyramids & Sphinx - about a 7-10km trip that will taken an hour to get there.  You are best off hiring a guide and telling them exactly what you want (tours, camel/horse rides, etc) - otherwise risk constant harassment from locals who make a living on tourists.  
• Egyptian Museum - largest collection in the world from Old, Middle and New Kingdoms. Large wing for Tutankhamoun.  No cameras inside, but you can check cameras/bags outside.   Approx 50 Eyptian Pounds.
• Cairo Citadel - contains Mosque of Mohamed Ali, built in the 12th century.  
• Khan El Khalily - oldest market in Cairo
• Ibn Toloun Mosque - 3rd largest in the world and considered the oldest in Cairo
• El Azhar Mosque - 1st mosque in modern Cairo and contains oldest university in the world.
• El Ghouria Mosque
• Suspended Church - located in Old Cairo
• Ben Ezzra Synagogue - oldest in Egypt
• Coptic Museum - remains of Babylon
• El Muayed Mosque
• Sultan Hussan Mosque 
• El Rifai Mosque 
• Nile River Cruise - try near the Four Seasons for better options.
• Cairo Tower - rotating restaurant probably only worth the views on a very clear day (rare) or to see the city at night.  You can get views atop the Citadel that are good on a clear day.

SHOPPING:

• Egypt Papyrus Museum - 98 Pyramids Road - Egypt: this is in striking distance of the Pyramids.  The "museum" will give you a neat 10 minute demo of how Papyrus was discovered and created.  From there you will be encouraged to purchase one of the art exhibits on the wall.  This is worth a 20-30 minute stop if you have the time.  If you don't intend on buying anything, just stick to your plan and walk out...  Don't worry about which museum you hit - they are relatively the same (content and price).  
• Markets: Khan El Khalily

JOURNALISM:

• Egypt Today - monthly magazine in many of the hotels
• Egypt Gazette - daily English paper

Laax, Switzerland

The Laax/Flims/Falera area might be one of the more underappreciated Swiss ski resorts. As a tourist you hear of famous resorts like Zermatt, Verbier, Davos and St. Moritz but a day skiing here will not leave you disappointed.

Catch Snow N Rail from Zurich and you'll be there in less then 2 hours. You'll take a train to Chur and transfer to a bus. A direct bus will take you to Flims first and then Laax, with several stops at each spot. When connecting at Chur get ready to move quickly the connection can be tight. Look both ways as you come off the train and look for an escalator going up - catch this for the bus station. Two buses will say Laax, just ask the driver which one to get on (or follow all of the skiers). From here it will be about 30 minutes until you are on the slopes. As you leave the bus, take a quick look at the bus schedule for when your return to Chur leaves.

If you do some close studying of the map you can ski or bus to all three mountains, but for some of the best stuff stay on Laax. Work your way to the top for outstanding views and glacier skiing. You'll access a t-bar atop the glacier to get you up to 10,000 feet. You'll find more options for food and apres ski options in the town of Flims, which is probably where you want to stay overnight.

The cafeteria type food at the Crap SB Restaurant is fine and there are plenty of options on the Laax gastronomy map. The overlook gives great views of the Alps, Falera, Laax and the outdoor bar below.

Laax seems to get some of the best snow and from what reviews say, if there is snow in Switzerland you'll find it here. Many of the resorts in 2008 seemed to really need snow, but Laax proved to have some of the best snow in the region.

Munich, Germany

ORIENTATION:  Plan on using the S or U bahn through most of your stay.  It is very easy, can get you anywhere in town and is very reliable.  You'll be able to pick this up from the main train station or the airport.  

LODGING:

• Hilton City - good location (15 minute walk from the center of town or 4 U bahn stops). Rooms were large and good American buffet breakfast.

ATTRACTIONS:

• Glockenspiel
• Hofbrauhaus
• BMW Plant - reserve in advance, but this is a great tour!
• Mike's Bike Tour - check hours of operations depending on the season
• Frauenkirche
• St. Peter Church 
• Michaelskirche - double towers scene from all over town.

FOOD/DRINKS:

• Hofbrauhaus - this is a Munich must!  Beer hall/garden with liter sized beers, German food and umpah-pah bands.
• San Francisco Coffee Company - if you are in need of American coffee sizes, try here they are all over the center of the city.

SHOPPING:

• Mobel und Keramik - local crafts and souvenirs, located near Marienplatz (see website)
• Karlsplatz - somewhat touristy, but there are many markets and stores
• Outdoor markets near Marienplatz and St. Peter church

Davos, Switzerland

Known famously for the World Economic Forum, Davos offers a lot of different terrain for snowboarders and skiers. If you are counting on Snow N Rail you will pay less then 85chf coming from Zurich (assuming you have a halbtax card). Plan on transferring at Landquart and your voucher will be good at the three Davos mountains as well as all three at Klosters.

For a description of the variety at Davos click here, but you'll want to spend most of your time on Jakobshorn or Parsenn (access from Davos Dorf). On Jakobshorn you can't help but notice all of the paragliders heading off the mountain. You'll see paragliders, paraglide skiers and even hang gliders launching right next to a restaurants. Jakobshorn two mid mountain restaurants have decent food, but really make up for it with unreal scenery and comfy seating to watch the skiing and surroundings.

You can find rental equipment at any of the train stations very easily, look for a Swiss Sport or Intersport.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt is a great ski town in the southern part of Switzerland. About 3 hours away by train from Geneva and Zurich - this is absolutely a great experience for skiing.

GETTING THERE: Use the Swiss Travel System Snow N Rail which will cost you about 140chf (with halbtax) from Zurich. To check timing try the SBB website and you'll want to switch at Brig. If your timing is right you'll only have to switch once at Brig. Otherwise plan on an additional transfer at Bern.

LODGING: book early. Many of the hotels require a 2 night minimum in high season.

• Alouttte - apartment flats available for weekly rental. 2 night minimum is imposed. Location is in town about a 10-15 minute walk from the main train station. You can access the ski slopes within 5-10 minute walk. If you are in need of a cheap spot and can stay two nights this is your spot. Don't expect any frills (lobby, breakfast, etc) just a really comfy bed to sleep in after skiing.
  
• If you want something more high end, try the Seiler hotel chain as they have several properties in the area that have good reviews.

SKIING: You'll have an opportunity to ski just about anything you want here, there is plenty of terrain. The part people really seem to enjoy is skiing in Switzerland (Zermatt) and Italy (Cervinia) on the same day. Like many of the bigger Swiss resorts you'll come across an assortment of options to get you up the mountain - chairlifts, gondolas, funiculars, trains, cable cars and even t-bars. On almost every run you'll be able to spot the Matterhorn, which makes for an incredible sight in person. If you are staying on the Zermatt side, catch an early bus toward Matterhorn and start up the gondola. Beat the crowds and head up the gondolas toward Testa Grigia to get to the Italian side. Make sure to catch the cable car to the top of the glacier (above 12,000 feet) and well worth the views. After you get a few runs in Italy make your way back to the Zermatt side and enjoy less crowded runs on the far side of the mountain.

FOOD:

• try the mid-mountain restaurant at Riffelberg. If you don't like the food, lift your head up and take a look at Matterhorn. For optimal resting grab a lounge chair just off the restaurant.
  
• If you are looking for some fondue, get a table downstairs at the Stadel. You may not be able to handle the cheese fondue smell, but the food was well worth it.
• Molino Pizzeria - off the main street Bahnhofstrasse 52
  

London, UK

TRANSPORTATION:

• Via plane: Heathrow - avoid if possible, constant delays. However, the train service from Heathrow to Paddington Station is very easy via Heathrow Express. Tickets can be purchased through automated terminals all the way to your final destination. If you have the option, fly to London City (LCY). Transportation into downtown isn't the easiest (cabs can take a long time), but you'll increase your chances for on time arrival/departure...
• Tube/Underground - look into an Oyster Visitor card, you can likely save on each fare if you ask for these. Otherwise check into an all day fare card for discounts.
• Taxis - pretty easy to get around for short rides.

HOTELS:

• Rubens Hotel - near Victoria Train/Tube Station and Buckingham Palace. Small rooms and in Jan 2008 they were renovating some of their rooms.
• Victoria Park Plaza Hotel - near Victoria Train/Tube Station and Buckingham Palace. Large lobby and many tech amentities. Service is not what you'd expect in London.

RESTAURANTS:

• Automat - great upscale diner with homefood. Some local expats explained that the restaurant here flies in USDA beef. Go with the burger or macaroni & cheese. 33 Dover StLondon, W1S 4NF, UK+44 20 74993033 - Near the Green Park Tube stop.
• La Poule au Pot - about a 5 min. walk from Victoria. French cuisine with a rustic country look to it. Located in the middle of square - 231 Ebury St 0207 730 7763
• Boisdale - also in the Victoria/Belgravia neighborhood. Good spot with English fare.
• Giovanni's - tricky to find, but worth the persistence. Closest tube stop is Leicester Square, but the restaurant is actually off of St. Martins Ct. (on Goodwin's Ct). You'll see the quaint restaurant from St. Martins, but you have to access the front through an alley. Its worth it!
• Kulu Kulu Sushi - locations in Soho (76 Brewer St.), South Kensington (39 Thurloe Place) and Covent Garden (51-53 Shelton Street). Bar/diner style seating. At top of bar sushi selections will come by on small plates via conveyerbelt. Grab your plate and eat. The restaurant has a sister restaurant - Ten Ten Tei Restarant in Soho (56 Brewer St).
• Cafe Panini - 20 Buckingham Palace Rd. - quick, cheap sandwich spot. Try the BLT.
  

PUBS:

• Ye Grapes - located in Shepard's Market. Flooded with bankers/hedge fund managers but makes for a solid happy hour pub with plenty of room outside. 16 Shepherd Market, Mayfair, London, W1J 7QQ. Green Park Tube stop.

NEIGHBORHOODS:

• City - Financial/business center of London
• Soho
• West End
  
• Belgravia
• Westminster
• Covent Garden
• South Kensington
  

ATTRACTIONS:

• Westminster Abbey - a must do in London.
• Cabinent War Rooms - one of the better WW2 museums you can come across. This was Churchill's bunker at one point, not turned into an excellent exhibit. Westminster Tube Stop...

GOLF DAY TRIPS:

• Royal St. George CC - take East trains from London to Sandwich. Journey time by taxi of about 8 minutes from Sandwich (they will not be waiting). Should you wish to try and organise transport in advance call Sandwich Taxis 01304 617424. The walk is long even if you don't have clubs. They just announced the 2011 Open Championship will be here. The wind will be brutal here, so no matter what time of year bring extra layers and extra golf balls. Caddy hire is highly recommended for first-timers. This is a haul from London for a day trip, but well worth it!
• Sunningdale CC - take the SW Trains towards Reading. Reading train from Waterloo Station, which comes thru Sunningdale, its approx 60 mins from London. The station is at the bottom of the hill, about 800 meters, a gentle walk. If you are coming straight from the airport, it will be easier to catch a taxi from Heathrow, about 30mins from the airport. Contact proshop directly via email several weeks in advance to see if there are any openings. The course is very easy to get around and is a great inland course. Caddy is not necessary here, but would be helpful to navigate the intricacies of HS Colt.
• Walton Heath GC - take the SW trains towards Reading. The nearest station is Tadworth - but you have to change at East Croydon. You can go to Epsom direct from London and then is a 15 minute cab ride. Contact proshop in advance for times.