Romania and Switzerland are both blessed with nature’s bounty.

About a third of Romania comprises the Carpathian Mountains and the other third encompassing hills and plateaus rich with orchards and vineyards. The Danube River also flows through the country, further adding to its charm.

The natural beauty of the majestic Alps is unmatched. Switzerland is bestowed with placid lakes, historical castles and museums, quaint villages and cosmopolitan cities. Its serenity is seductive and the reason why the country ranks high amongst tourists. 

Similar in many ways and unique in others, a holiday in Romania and Switzerland uncovers many treasures for all kinds of travellers. 

Romania
 

Bucharest
With its wide tree-line boulevards and Belle Époque architecture, the capital city of Romania came to be known as Little Paris in the 1900s. In spite of being ravaged by wars, the city is home to several educational institutes, cultural venues and recreational areas. While in the city, visit Arcul de Triumf built to honor the bravery of Romanian soldiers who fought in World War I, stroll down Calea Victoriei, a charming street with architectural and historical masterpieces like the Cantacuzino Palace, Revolution Square and the National History Museum. Don’t miss a trip to University Square, the city’s most popular meeting place and where the University of Bucharest's School of Architecture, the Bucharest National Theatre, the neoclassical Coltea Hospital and the Sutu Palace, now home to the Bucharest History Museum are to be found.

Alba Lulia​

Situated on the Mureș River in the Transylvania region of Romania, Alba Lulia had great significance in ancient Romanian history. Rediscover its gems on your trip by visiting  Alba Iulia citadel built using he Vauban military architectural system where ramparts made of brick and quarry stones form a seven-point star shape with seven bastions guarded by six monumental gates. Also visit the 16th century Princely Palace and the Roman Catholic Cathedral with its Gothic style architecture and early Renaissance interiors.

How To Get There

Major international airlines including Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa and Air France operate flights from India to Bucharest. Check for available flights from your city here.

Switzerland

Zurich
The largest city in Switzerland, Zurich,  is often mistaken to be its capital. However, the city of Bern holds that title. Zurich has plenty to see and do starting with the Old Town where you can stroll down the pedestrian promenade Niederdorf with its row of shops, cafes and bars. Cultural travellers can visit Schweizerisches Landesmuseum or the Swiss National Museum, which houses collections from prehistory through the 20th century, the 13th century Fraumünster church and Museum Rietberg with its collection of non-European art. Also enjoy some time at the world-renowned shopping boulevard Bahnhofstrasse and at the riverside shopping street Limmatquai.

Geneva
On Lake Geneva’s western shore, the city of Geneva is ensconced by snowcapped Alpine peaks from all directions. Geneva is best explored on foot but if you’re in the mood to burn some extra calories, rent a bicycle and make your way to the city’s famous landmarks. These include the iconic Jet d'Eau, a large waterjet fountain shooting up to the skies, L'horloge Fleurie, a flower clock spanning 5 metres in diameter, the historic Cathédrale St-Pierre and the 19th century Grand Théâtre de Genève. Geneva is also where several international organisations are headquartered like the United Nations, the International Labour Organization and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Lucerne
The most populated city in Central Switzerland, Lucerne lies on the shores of Lake Lucerne within sight of Mount Pilatus and Rigi in the Swiss Alps. The town’s landmark is the famous Chapel Bridge, constructed in first half of the 14th century and one of Europe’s oldest wooden bridges. Other monuments that warrant a visit in Lucerne are the octagonal shaped Water Tower standing over 34 metres high and the Dying Lion Monument, which is carved out of natural rock in memory of the heroic deaths of the Swiss mercenaries at the Tuileries in 1792. Other historical attractions in Lucerne are Spreuer Bridge, Musegg Wall, Town Hall and Ritterscher Palace.

How To Get There
Major international airlines including Swiss Air, Air India, Jet Airways Emirates operate flights from India to Zurich. Check for available flights from your city here.

 

Destination	Zurich Switzerland	Bucharest, Romania
Hotels (centrally located)	Rs. 7,825 per night (Standard room at Arte Swiss Quality Spreitenbach Hotel ) Rs. 9,078 per night (Superior room at Moevenpick Hotel Zurich-Regensdorf ) Rs. 14,183 (Classic room at Hilton Zurich Airport)	Rs. 4,613 (Standard room at Capital Plaza Hotel Bucharest) Rs. 6,637 (Standard room at Marshal Garden Hotel) Rs. 8,472 (Standard room at Radisson Blu Hotel Bucharest on Calea Victoriei)
Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner without alcohol)	Rs. 4,500 per day	Rs. 2,000 per day
Local Transportation (public bus)	Rs. 295 per ticket	Rs. 25 per ticket
Miscellaneous	Rs. 3,500 per day	Rs. 800 per day

*All prices are approximate and subject to change.

While Switzerland is a much sought after destination, Romania is throwing open its doors to tourism with a big welcome sign. An opportunist would tell you to make the most of it before commercialization hits with full force! If you’re on a budget, Romania offers a lot more for a lot less than Switzerland.