The BEN's Chris Sudlow went to Zurich for the launch of a new twice-daily air link from Manchester with British Airways CitiExpress. This is his report . . .

Click HERE for more pictures of Zurich and the surrounding area

MENTION European City Breaks and where do you think of travelling to? Barcelona, Paris, Madrid, Berlin, Prague . . . Zurich.

Zurich? The home of bankers, pharmaceutical firms, insurance agents, and secret investment files?

Zurich? The home of chocolates, Gnomes and precision timing?

Boring, boring Zurich?

Well, think again, there is a lot more to this vibrant city on the banks of a lake and within clear sight of the Alps, than many a pre-conceived image.

On a recent introductory tour of Switzerland's largest city (pop: 360,000) tourism executive Thomas Pfyffer explained the cosmopolitan attitude to visitors.

He said: "I speak French, Spanish, English, of course (of, course!) and Swiss-German. But my German is not very good!"

Less than two hours flying time from Manchester, Zurich can offer a city break destination with a difference.

Zurich city and the surrounding area is ideal to explore.

Vastly pedestrianised, tickets for the excellent public transport network of trains, buses, trams and boats cost about £4 for 24 hours unlimited travel from the moment they are stamped.

Accommodation is easy to find, even if you arrive without a reservation. With more than 100 hotels and 12,000 beds it is unlikely you will be left to wander the streets.

A unique reservation system is in operation as you descend from the airport train link. Fixed on a wall facing the arrival platform is a board containing pictures, and prices, of hotels from one star to the luxurious.

Simply make your choice and note the corresponding number on the photograph. Pick up the free phone alongside and you are instantly connected to the reservation desk of the hotel of your choice.

Within minutes either walking, or by taxi, you will be in your room, and ready to roam the city.

Centred on the Limmat river on the northern end of Lake Zurich, the old town is a lively area of bars, restaurants, art galleries and antique shops, found among winding streets.

The modern city skyline is dominated by the striking towers and spires of three churches: the Grossmunster, St Peter's which boasts Europe's largest clock face and the Fraumunster, with precious stained windows by Marc Chagall.

The main shopping area - the Bahnoffstrasse - has enough shopping variety to please everybody from elegant boutiques to relatively cheap and friendly department stores.

And who says everything in Switzerland is expensive? There are more than 120 fountains dotted around the streets, all providing free drinkable water!

Travelfacts

FLIGHT TIMES: BA CitiExpress has Manchester take off 7.05am and 2.55pm with services arriving back at at 11.40am and 8pm. Saturday departures: 9.30am returning to Manchester at 2.10pm. Sunday: 2.55pm departure arriving back in Manchester at 8pm.

FARES: Club Euro and Eurotraveller classes are available. A special promotional fare of £85 return (including all taxes, fees and charges) is on sale until November 9, but is valid for travel until March 31, 2002. The next lead in fare after that is £149 return, including all taxes, fees and charges, and is on sale all year. A Saturday night stay is required on both fares.

PHONE: BA: 0845 77 333 77

Zurich tourism: 41 1 215 40 00

WEBLINKS:

For British Airways click HERE

For Zurich tourism info click HERE