With four renowned hotels, three sustainably managed estates, a restaurant and a Rustico, the still young Swiss hotel group, The Living Circle, has already made a name for itself. In their three luxury hotels in Zurich - Storchen, Widder and Alex - guests enjoy a culinary voyage of discovery in a class of its own. On hot summer days, they now also have the opportunity to explore the beautiful Swiss city on the water in a very special way: With the Alex houseboat, one calmly heads for one Zurich culinary hotspot after the other.

Summer in Zurich is best spent by the water. © The Living Circle

A culinary tour

Why only explore on foot when the waterway is so much nicer in summer and you can cruise through Zurich on a houseboat? With a pedalo and a picnic basket on board, visitors head for the city's most unusual spots, the lakeside or the meadows next to the Buech for an extensive picnic. The snacks come from the products of the three sustainably managed estates of the hotel group. But the sunshine also tempts guests to take a boat trip to Zurich's "Badis" - the best swimming spots along the Limmat and Lake Zurich - and jump into the cool water.

Picnicking on the lakeshore with sustainable snacks? Sounds like a perfect summer day, doesn't it? © The Living Circle

The agony of choice

Next stop: Aries Garden. The open-air oasis in Rennweg inspires not only with a new design, but also with a new concept: Modernly interpreted bar snacks such as a Meat Platter and a Caesar Salad, veal loin with green asparagus or the "Catch of the Day" from the charcoal grill, accompanied by Campari, yuzu liqueur or grappa, round off the afternoon.

Sophisticated drinks in a charming urban garden: the newly designed Aries Garden is perfect for a refreshing detour. © The Living Circle

If you'd rather go higher, toast at the The Nest, the rooftop bar of the Stork, to a successful summer day. But also the terrace of the Alex invites you to linger in the summer with Spritz and lake view.

The stylish rooftop bar The Nest serves guests cool drinks on hot days. © The Living Circle

From the city to the countryside

Then the boat brings guests to the Restaurant Buech between high, shady beech trees above Herrliberg. Whether for dinner or lunch - in the midst of an old vineyard, vacationers experience a culinary highlight in the greenery here. And those who like to take the oar in their own hands after much enjoyment can paddle to the other shore on the hotel's own stand-up paddle or explore the alpine landscape on an e-bike.

After an afternoon at the urban rooftop bar, the rustic restaurant provides a country atmosphere. © The Living Circle

More City Trips: 4 city breaks for fashion lovers, from vintage to couture