Zurich Excursions, P.O.B. 6029, Ch-8023 Switzerland 462-7739, has a variety of tours, or you can strike out on your own with a map from your hotel or the Tourist Office. Their guided tours begin at 2 hours for Old Town, Lindenhof Square, St. Peter’s Church, the Town Hall, the guild houses. Tour rates begin at Sfr 29 for a 2-hour tour; they offer 3-hour tours, half-day and full-day trips.

Zurich Tourimus, Bahnhofbruecke 1, CH-8023, Zurich, phone 211-1360, also covers Old Town, Lake Zurich, the Bahnhofstrasse and guild house tours. From Sfr 29 for a two-hour tour to all day tours. There are many boat trips available to scenic lakeside towns, including Rapperswil. Rhine Falls is at Schaffhausen, about 30 miles north of Zurich. The town is noted for picturesque architecture, a 12th-century monastery and a 400 year-old fort. Zurich Excursions has a 7-hour round trip, costing about Sf40.

The train will take you there, as well. The falls are the largest in Europe. A well maintained express train will also take you to Stein-am-Rhein, about 14 miles from Schafthausen, offering quaint old houses, a lively marketplace and an 800 year-old fort. The magnificent painted facades are impressive. The view here is magnificent. My favorite excursion is to Einsiedeln, about 25 miles southeast of Zurich. It is an easy drive to the home of the Benedictine Monastery of Einsiedeln. The abbey here is an excellent example of the baroque era of architecture. The site dates back about 1,000 years and the abbey houses the Black Madonna Shrine. The beautiful gold statue, in jeweled robes, is called The Black Madonna because over the centuries, smoke from candles has covered her face in black. Even today, pilgrimages are made to look upon the Madonna, said to cause miracle cures. A few saints are buried here and anyone is welcome to pray or join frequent services. Ladies should have head coverings. If you arrive at the right time, you can absorb the beauty of the monks chanting.

A good family outing is to Alpamare, at Pfaffikon, about 35 minutes by car on Autoroute N3, by train or excursion. Water activities here include thermal and whirlpool baths, wave pool, five canyon and bob slides; a sauna, solaria, cafe and snack bar are also available. Open year round 10am-10pm. Adults around Sfr 29 for four hours, kids 6-16 approximately Sfr 24 for four hours; costs more on weekends. Children under 3, however, not permitted in the water. Information (in French) at 055-415-1515.

Bahnhofstrasse: Built along what was once the Froschengraben (Frogs’ Moat), it leads from the Hauptbahnhof, (main train station,) to the shore of the lake. Home of world-renowned, prestigious boutiques Cartier, Bally, Gucci and the like. There are department stores, specialty shops, leather goods shops, and a wonderful selection of accessories, porcelain, jewelry and of course, Swiss watches.

Several banks line the streets, outdoor cafes, confectioners and some smaller boutiques. It is, perhaps, the most important business center in Switzerland and probably one of the most expensive streets for shopping in the world. This area is open only to pedestrians and trams.

Fraumunster church: The modernistic stained-glass windows of Marc Chagall are here. During the 13th Century, this church replaced a convent for noblewomen. It was founded in 853 by Ludwig the German, who appointed his daughter Hildegard as its first abbess. The church has been modernized. Augusto Giacometti also designed some of the stained-glass windows. Protestant Mass in German, Sunday at 10am. Open to public Mon-Sat 9am-12:30 pm; 2-6pm, Sunday after Mass until 4pm in winter, 6pm in summer. Guided tours available; Fraumunsterplatz, phone 261-5311 (German only).

Grossmunster Cathedral: Built between AD 1100 and AD 1250 on the site of a 9th- century church. With its unique dual towers, it is the city’s most famous landmark. Its oldest parts date back to the late 11th century, and there are sculptures dating back to the 12th century. First a canonic educational establishment, it became the first school for girls, (Wegmann) in 1853. Today, it houses the theological faculty of the University of Zurich. Stained-glass windows by Augusto Giacometti. Mon-Sat 10am-4pm and after Sunday services, until 4pm. Free; Zwingliplatz & Munsterplatz, Old Town off the Niederdorstrasse; phone 261-5311.||

St. Peter Church: This is the oldest church in Zurich. The basement of its tower is Romanesque and the largest clock face in Europe, in working condition, was added in 1534.

Opera House: Famous the world over, the Opera House was built in 1890/91 by Viennese architects, Fellner and Helmer. The Neobaroque auditorium has 1100 seats and is completely preserved. The stage is modern and the acoustics are amazing. Operas, ballet and symphony concerts are regularly performed from the end of August through the beginning of July. A repertoire theater offers year-round exceptional programming. Falkenstrasse 1, phone 251 69 20.

Schauspielhaus: Zurich’s largest and most famous theater. During World War II, it was the only free German-speaking stage. Actors, writers and other artists have spent time here, including Peter Lorre, Therese Giehse and the writer, Bertolt Brecht. On Raemistrasse 34, phone 265 57 57.

Swiss National Museum: Art & culture of Switzerland; diversified, interesting, details history of Switzerland from prehistoric & Roman times thru the Confederation. The historical displays are worth at least a couple of hours. It is housed in a castle built in 1892. Of significance is a display of arms and armor, with Swiss-made weapons from medieval times, including impressive crossbows and swords. There is also a model of the Battle of Morat. Tu-Su 10am -5pm. Free. Museumstrasse 2; (behind the Hauptbahnhof), phone 218-6565.

Kunsthaus (Fine Arts Museum): Houses paintings, sculptures and graphic arts of mostly Swiss artists of the 19th and 20th centuries. It includes a Dada collection and Photography Foundation collection. Open Tu-Th 10am-9pm; Fri-Sun. 10am-5pm. Around Sfr 8 for adults; Sfr 4.50 for kids. On Heimplatz 1. Phone 251-6765.

Swiss Craft Center: Popular arts & crafts. M-W and Fr 9am-6:30pm; thurs 9am-8pm; sat 8:30 am-4pm. Free. Located at the Rudolf-Brun Brucke, phone 211-5720.

Belvoir Park The city’s largest, it contains spectacular floral displays and pleasant walks. Take Tram no.7 to Billoweg or walk from Bellevueplatz along the west side of the lake.