There are few more idyllic ways to spend an afternoon than taking a boat cruise on Lake Zurich. While the city of Zurich has world class shopping (imagine an immaculately clean Madison Avenue) and endless restaurants offering deliciously gooey fondue, the view of the town from the water is perhaps the most impressive of all. Cruises leave the main dock throughout the day and vary in duration, but if you have the time, a visit to the small village of Rapperswil will not disappoint.
Also known locally as "Rosenstadt," or the "town of roses," Rapperswil features no less than three rose-filled gardens, one of which is only a five-minute walk from the pier. Visitors during the summer months can expect to see 15,000 roses in bloom! Everywhere you walk through this quaint small town, it seems that blossom-covered vines are crawling up the stone walls.
The town also has a charming castle, dating back to 1220. For over 130 years, the castle has housed the Polish National Museum, which was founded by emigrants from Poland during Communist times to give a vision of freedom for the country.
Getting to Rapperswil can be a luxurious, peaceful way to spend the afternoon, and seeing the lights of Zurich on the return trip in the evening is a sublime treat. Whether you opt to enjoy a glass of wine on the standard cruise or choose one of the themed cruises featuring schnitzel, fondue, brunch, or even dancing and German music, the journey is never dull.
Flights from Atlanta to Zurich are currently approximately $950 round trip, either on Delta (nonstop) or US Airways (through Philadelphia).
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