During a recent trip to Switzerland, I observed what to an American seemed a strange phenomenon. When taking a call on their ubiquitous cell phones, the Swiss are in the habit of answering in one language, continuing their conversation in another, and parting with a rapid-fire litany that runs something like: "Ciao! Tchüss! À bientôt! Bye bye!" This practice attests to the country's location in the heart of Europe, and it is possible here to get a sort of continental tour without crossing any border other than the natural impediment of the Alps. Perhaps more importantly, while most countries in the Euro zone remain prohibitively expensive, the dollar is still strong against the Swiss franc. Many travelers are familiar with the business centers of Zurich and Geneva, but a look beyond to the country's smaller cities rewards with a charming diversity of experience.
A half hour's drive from Milan, the small city of Lugano is northern Italian in spirit, from its ambiance and cuisine to the preponderance of high-quality leather footwear. One exception is its very Swiss fondness for funiculars—Lugano boasts three such cable railways. The best known of these takes visitors up Monte San Salvatore in two steep stages. At the summit, meeting facilities are available for up to 100 people, and the small restaurant and terrace can be taken over for a coffee break or cocktail reception while attendees enjoy the panoramic view (weather permitting) of the Italian and Swiss Alps.
Lugano has several five-star hotels, but the room stock at each is limited, making the destination a better fit for groups under 100 or for attendees who have earned an extension. The destination pairs well with the Lake Como region in Italy or with the Swiss town of Montreux. Those that do secure adequate room space will have no trouble lining up activities in the region to fill their schedule. One option is to take a cruise on Lake Lugano and enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the traditional grottos that are built into the hills surrounding the lake. Groups can also host themed receptions or team-building activities in the medieval atmosphere of Bellinzona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with three castles.
Lugano is the capital of Ticino canton, which is Switzerland's wine-producing region, and 2006 marks its centennial of Merlot production. Organizing a wine tasting is a must, especially because the country's excellent wines are not exported. Food in the region is also first-rate, with menus featuring risotto and polenta as well as freshwater fish.
Though just a few hours north of Lugano by train or car, Lucerne feels a world away. Located on the northern shore of Lake Lucerne, the city is a central location from which to explore the rest of Switzerland. Residents speak German, or the closely related Swiss-German, and cuisine tends more to sauerkraut, schnitzel and fondue. Architecture is a mix of the medieval, the baroque and the contemporary. Small groups whose members aren't daunted by steep staircases can rent out a water tower attached to the city's most noted landmark, the 14th-century Chapel Bridge, or host a meal at the restored Pfistern guildhall. Large groups can be accommodated for all manner of events at the impressive KKL Luzern culture and convention center, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel.
Outdoor activities around Lake Lucerne include hiking, mountain biking and paragliding, or just taking a leisurely cruise. Those who enjoy heights should opt for the 20-minute funicular and cable car ride to the top of Mount Stanserhorn. The three-year-old, rotating restaurant at the summit can be booked for private evening events.
For a little fun, set up a session teaching attendees to play the alpenhorn, a long wooden wind instrument once used for communication between remote peaks. Those who succeed in sounding the horn will be declared "True Swiss."