Palm Express from St. Mortiz to Lugano

Where else but Switzerland can you find yourself transported from crisp, cool Alpine peaks to sultry Mediterranean heat and palm trees in a matter of several hours? I marveled over this several times as a shiny yellow Postbus took me from St. Moritz to Lugano, Switzerland one day this past summer.

The Palm Express scenic route was not high on my list of routes to travel on while in this tiny country - as diverse in landscapes as in possibilities for the traveler. I preferred to try the fabled train travel, yet convenience had me on a traditional postal route where the only thing traditional besides a portion of the route (only part of it is actually to deliver mail) is the three-note horn that sounds as the bus rounds the hairpin turns.

As the bus left the lakes of the Upper Engadine, traveling past forests and mountains, the driver managed to hug the road over the Maloja Pass and during the descent into the villages along the Swiss/Italian border. As the bus temporarily traveled into Italy we were greeted with madcap driving and a cacophony of horns, and the smooth roads and even smoother Swiss driving were doubly appreciated. When I could tear my eyes off the road to glance out at Lake Como, and then at Lake Lugano, we returned to Switzerland and arrived in the shopping mecca of Lugano, and I knew the trip had been worth the ride. The other routes would still be there for another time.

There are so many possibilities for the traveler in Switzerland, it almost seems a shame to rent a car, although that too is made simple. Driving is on the right, and distances are marked in kilometers. Speed limits translate to 75 mph on freeways, 50 mph on highways and 31 mph in cities and towns. Maps and signs are clearly marked and roads are clear - even over mountain passes - or they are closed and traffic is rerouted.

Still, while driving you miss lingering over the incredible scenery. If you choose to drive, elect to experience the other modes of travel as well. There are more than 13,000 miles of train, bus and boat routes across the country. These make up the Swiss Travel System - STS. The system has special offers available to make traveling through Switzerland economical and efficient. These offers include passes of different durations that allow travel on a variety of transportation. The passes are available at travel agencies, railway stations and at Switzerland Tourism Offices. For information call 011-800-100-200-30 toll free or visit www.rail.ch or www.MySwitzerland.com. (CONTINUED...)