It is hard to define Switzerland in just a few words. Although one of the smallest countries in Europe, it is also one of the most diverse, with its wide variety of climate and terrain, four national languages, and lifestyles that range from agricultural to the young, hip, and urban.

The Swiss are also world-renowned for their hospitality, which shows itself in many different ways. If you're looking for some personal pampering, Switzerland is the perfect destination.

Famous spa towns, such as Bad Ragaz and St. Moritz, offer a variety of treatments, from exercise and weight loss to mud baths, thermal springs, and massages. While I did not get to experience any spas this trip, I hope that a future trip will allow me the opportunity!

To go with the spas, there are wonderfully luxurious hotels all over the country, ranging from cozy bed-and-breakfasts to four-star palaces - and although Switzerland has a reputation for being expensive, it is in fact possible to find hotels to suit a wide range of budgets.

Beyond the spas, there are a wide variety of chances to indulge your senses and pamper yourself, especially if you are a gourmand or an art lover.

If art is your forte, Switzerland has hundreds of museums, showcasing everything from national history to modern art, local handicrafts, to cutting-edge design. Use the ZurichCARD or Swiss Museum Pass to explore the marvellous visual diversity available. Music lovers delight too - Switzerland hosts one of the most respected opera/ballet companies in the world, as well as being the site for many major music festivals, including the star-studded Montreux Jazz Festival.

Naturally, one must refuel after a long day in the spas, exploring the art, architecture, and history, or exploring the variety of shops here. And what better way to indulge than in a selection of famous Swiss chocolates? Milk chocolate originated here, and Swiss chocolatiers are regarded as some of the finest in the world. Today's chefs artfully blend traditional favorites with modern styles to create outstanding cuisine for every palette.

No matter what your indulgence is - Switzerland can fufill your desires.

Quick Tips:

- ZurichCARD gives you free access to 40 museums around Zürich in addition to unlimited use of public transport including ferries and funiclars, for CHF15 () for 24 hours or CHF30 () for 72 hours.

- If you're travelling country-wide, and intend to visit a lot of museums, the Swiss Museum Pass gives you access to over 400 museums for 1 full year for only CHF111 () single adult; CHF122 () single adult + up to 5 kids; CHF202 () family.

- Zurich Opernhaus is home to the world-reknown Zurich opera and ballet; and participates in the annual summer Festspiele, a festival of opera, music, theater and art.

HOTELS & CUISINE

- Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne has been the recognized world leader for educating hoteliers for over a century. They also have a restaurant, Le Berceau des Sens.

- Leading culinary schools include the European Culinary Center in Vitznau-Lucerne.

SPAS

-The spa page highlights information on Swiss spas packages.

CHOCOLATE

-Leading Swiss brands include Frey, Sprüngli, Lindt, and Teuscher.

Best Way To Get Around:

The Swiss national railway - SBB - covers over 18,000 km of rail line. The SBB offers a variety of passes and discount cards, including:

- the Swiss Pass - your best deal – which gives you unlimited travel on your choice of 4, 8, 15, or 22 days or 1 month, as well as discounts on some private railways, guided tours and shopping; choose between 1st or 2nd class travel, with fares ranging from .00 (4 days/2nd class) to (1st class/1 month). Discounted passes also available for groups and youth travelers.

- the Junior Card, which gives unlimited rail travel for children 6-16 when accompanied by their parent with a valid ticket, for only CHF20 ().

- the Half-Fare card, worth the investment if you will be spending a substantial amount of time in the country.