Founded by Maurice Bejart, the Bejart Ballet School is renowned worldwide as one of the best dance programs in Europe. Young dancers flock from around the world to enroll in the hopes of being picked up by a professional dance company upon graduation. Representing 18 nationalities, with approximately 40 students at a time, this eclectic group practices all forms of dance, from classical ballet to modern interpretations. The level of talent of the students is extraordinary, and tickets to a performance or rehearsal are highly recommended.

Jean-Louis Poirous, founder of Cinq Mondes Spa, spent over ten years traveling the world to seek out the best treatments and massages. Bringing back extensive knowledge and experience, he opened Le Cinq Mondes to rave reviews. The spa offers six massage and beauty rooms, as well as water treatment areas such as the Tropical Rain Walk, the Turkish bath, sauna, and Jacuzzi. There is also a small, but fully equipped gym.

Secret, Silence, Solitude, Suffering. Is this what defines art? This is the question that Jean Dubuffet, painter and founder of the Art Brut concept asked while he was studying at the Academie Julian School in Paris. He came to reject the classical concepts and restrictions that were used to define art and began pursuing alternative ideas. L’Art Brut is outlined by four main concepts that the artist must follow in order to be considered for an exhibition. Secret: the artist creates only for themselves; Silence: the artist is outside of the mainstream culture; Solitude: the artist cannot promote or contribute their art; Suffering: all of the artists featured at the museum suffer from some kind of mental illness, isolation or trauma.

The museum was opened to the public in 1976 with the donation of Dubuffet’s collection of 4,000 pieces by 133 creators. Uncommon in its concept, L’Art Brut is unique to Lausanne and should be toured with a private guide. Tours last 50 minutes and are led by knowledgeable English speaking staff.

Set in an 18^th century villa with views of Lake Geneva, this photography museum displays inspiring bodies of work from photographers around the globe. This was one of the first museums in Europe dedicated solely to photography and today exhibits works ranging from the early 20^th century through today.

Surrounded by a park, this museum housed in a 19th century residence shows two or three major exhibitions each year.

Situated at the top of a hill, Lausanne's main cathedral—Switzerland's largest—offers magnificent views of the city. Built in Gothic style, the interior has high-pitched ceilings and a unique rose window with stained glass depicting the months of the year, seasons, human activities, and zodiac signs. The cathedral continues the tradition of the ‘Nights Watch’; initiated in 1405, the tower is manned nightly from 10:00pm until 2:00am. The person on duty is responsible for shouting out the time every hour, from all four sides of the tower.

Unbeknownst to most non-Swiss, Switzerland has an abundance of thriving vineyards that produce wonderful wine. Forty vines are indigenous to the region, all of them practically unknown anywhere else in the world. Unfortunately for foreigners, the Swiss do not export any of their wines as they do not produce enough to make a profit, but visitors can enjoy them during a stay.

The small city of Neuchâtel is a 45-minute drive north of Lausanne. Surrounded by villages, the drive takes you up a windy dirt road to where the Caves de Chambleau vineyard and winery (Avenue DuPeyrou 5; 41-32-717-7695; www.chambleau.ch) is nestled on a hill overlooking Lake Neuchâtel. The owner Louis-Philippe Burgat grew up in the region, and after honing his winemaking skills in California's Napa Valley, he returned to live and make wine on his family’s vineyard. Beautifully situated and without any modern frills, the vineyards make one envy this seemingly simpler and authentic way of life. Creating fifteen different types of wine on approximately 17 acres of land, the vineyard is open to the public on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings for tastings.

Arranging a private wine tasting on the property is an absolute must. Visitors are provided with fresh bread and aged Gruyere cheese from the town of Gruyere across the lake to pair with their wine. Guests are invited to sit and enjoy the breathtaking views while tasting wine and, for the lucky few, chat with Bergat, who loves to talk about his wines and vineyard and give a tour of his wine cellar filled with oak barrels. Indagare members can contact the Bookings Team to arrange a private tasting and transportation to the vineyard.

For those who would like to spend the night in the region, the modern Hotel Palafitte is located just east of downtown. Enjoy dinner on the deck overlooking Lake Neuchâtel before settling into one of the glowing cabins that hover over the lake.

Located on the edges of the Beau-Rivage Palace, the famed Olympic Museum integrate the latest interactive multimedia technology and boasts permanent exhibitions, temporary galleries, learning zones for younger groups and meeting rooms.

Place Saint-Francois is one of the main squares in Lausanne and is typically busy with locals and visitors wandering the cobblestone streets. Many French style restaurants and cafés reminds visitors of the city's proximity to France.

The bar at the Beau-Rivage Palace has a staff that has thought of every detail. The bar even has a high-tech ice machine from Japan that creates perfectly spherical ice cubes.

During the cocktail class you will watch the bartender in action as he works his magic. The bar’s classic drink is the Charlie Chaplin, named after the famed actor who often stayed at the hotel. Once the professional bartenders show you the ropes, you will have the opportunity to get behind the bar and shake up your own concoction.