Basel's cathedral is a wonderful place to enjoy a moment of peace and quiet. It was built between 1019 and 1500 in late Romanesque and Gothic styles and the interior is full of curious architectural details. Afterwards, head to the Pfalz viewpoint behind the Minster for fantastic views across the Rhine to the old town.

Spend some time exploring Basel's Kunstmuseum, a fine art museum which houses the oldest public art collection in the world. Pieces ranging from the early 15th to 21st centuries are grouped in three different buildings (Hauptbau, Neubau and Gegenwart), and the permanent collection includes works by Monet, van Gogh and Picasso.

Grab your towel and go for a swim in the Rhine. You can put your clothes in a “Wickelfisch” swim bag and simply float down the river as the gentle current takes you through the picturesque Old Town. Relax afterwards at one of the bathing houses, overlooking the river.

Take a gentle wander along the Olive Tree Grove Trail which passes through the remains of ancient olive trees as well as newly planted trees have been reintroduced.

The best way to experience Monte Bré is to take the funicular to the top. From here you can choose between a range of hikes around the summit and in the surrounding woodlands.

From Cassarate on the edge of the city, board the funicular up to the peak, changing at Suvigliana. Once you've reached the top, enjoy the views over a drink and bite to eat from the roof terrace of the Osteria Funicolare restaurant. If you're feeling adventurous, you could hire mountain bikes from one of the many rental shops at the summit before heading back down on the funicular.

The walk back down to Lugano is around 5km.

For a relaxing way to take in the spectacular mountain scenery, take a boat trip out onto Lake Lugano. Choose between gastronomic tours, a multi-stop daytrip or a fully electric scenic ride.

The thousand-year-old Castello di Vezio is perched high on the hill above Varenna. You can visit the castle's gardens and dungeons as well as climb the tower for a panoramic view of the lake.

Discover the magical Villa Monastero and its botanical gardens, located on the shore of Lake Como. Make sure to visit the citrus grove, and stop at the garden café for a lakeside cup of coffee.

Explore Lake Como by boat. Numerous ferries shuttle between the various villages and towns along its banks. Head over to nearby Bellagio for spectacular, panoramic views.

Hike to St Luzikapelle, or St Luzi’s Chapel, built into a cave about 45 minutes' walk from Chur's old town. It's a scenic spot, ideal for some peaceful reflection.

Wander around the Altstadt with its web of alleys and historic architecture. You'll find everything you need in this central hub including restaurants, bars, shops and art galleries.

Visit the Roman remains in Chur, open to the public (get the key from the tourism office) and covered by a shelter.

Climb Zürich's mountain, Uetliberg, which towers an impressive 850m high and offers great views of the city and its lake. There are hiking and biking trails here, and you can also book tobogganing and paragliding. 

Pay a visit to a football-lover's heaven, the FIFA World Football Museum. Even those who are less than mad about the beautiful game will find plenty to keep them entertained among the interactive exhibits and events.

Spend some time wandering round Zürich's old town, along the historic streets of Rennweg and Augustinergasse, home to pretty buildings, shops and cafés, or walk to Lindenhof for views over the river and city. Visit the Fraumünster, a former abbey famous for its stained glass windows, then finish off with a visit to Café & Conditorei 1842 for a hot chocolate (or tipple) and cake in elegant surroundings. 

Take a trip out to the Jardin Albert Kahn and immerse yourself in orchards, rose gardens and forests that combine French, Japanese and English garden design. They were originally created by banker Albert Kahn before the Wall Street Crash, after which he lost his bank and his fortunes – including this garden.

Stroll along the Canal Saint-Martin, for boutique shopping by day and buzzing bars and restaurants by night.

Head to Paris' Marais quarter for indie boutiques and some of the city's coolest bars.