Basal -Swizerland

Basel-Swizerland

This northern city (pop. 170,000) on the Rhine River, is situated at
the meeting point of Switzerland, France and Germany. Known as the
centre for fabric-dye production in medieval times; Basel is now the
base for many of the international pharmaceutical companies. It is
also one of the most frequently visited tourist destinations in
Switzerland.

The city's tourist attractions while on Switzerland Tour include the
Munster (9th-century red sandstone cathedral), the 11th-century
cathedral (which holds the tomb of Erasmus), University of Switzerland
(the oldest in the country), Three-Country Corner and Market Square
(with its surrounding medieval-era houses). Drei Konige, or the "Three
Kings on the Rhine," is Europe's oldest hotel.

There are a number of museums: the Kunstmuseum (one of the country's
best fine arts museums), Antikenmuseum (ancient Greek and Roman
artifacts), a small Jewish Museum and the Paper Museum (covers the
history of printing). The Museum Jean Tinguely offers a sampling of
the Swiss sculptor's delightfully whimsical mechanical contraptions.
The Fondation Beyeler contains works by Monet, Cezanne, Van Gogh and
other well-known artists.

If the time permits, you can also enjoy a dinner cruise on the Rhine
in the evening. If the date of your Switzerland Tours is likely to
coincide the city's Carnival, make the accommodation arrangement in
advance in Zurich or Bern from where you can get special morning trains
for Basel.