tours a switzerland

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

Switzerland Tours & Trips

A vacation adventure in Switzerland should be on everyone's list - from the warm hiking trails of the Swiss Alps to the magical snowy Christmas markets in Zürich. On a tour of Switzerland, you can expect to see unbelievable scenery, pretty mountain villages, and stunning lakes. Travelers often catch the train for a view like no other on Jungfrau, explore the storybook city of Lucerne, admire the many fountains of Bern, or end the day indulging in a classic fondue in Geneva.

134 Switzerland tour packages with 2,543 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Train & Rail

Contrasts of Switzerland (8 Days)

Well coordinated and tour director was fabulous. Wonderful way to see the beauty of Switzerland but would have liked an additional layover day in Lake Geneva.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Christmas & New Year

​First Discovery

Great trip . Great experience and a great guide with us ! We enjoy it ! We recommend it . Thanks Vitali

Best of Switzerland

Good, but there was definitely a lack of information given to folk on the tour. As in what to wear, how strenuous it's going to be ... etc.

• Coach / Bus

Spectacular Switzerland

Great trip! Well organized…would definitely recommend Globus.

Tailor-Made Private Swiss Tour to Golden Pass Line with Daily Departure

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

• Sightseeing

Enchanting Switzerland - Small Group

It was an amazing tour. If you want a more personalized somewhat private tour, this is it! Our tour guide showed us a lot of exciting places, adjusted the tour despite the change in weather. I would recommend this to my family and friends.

Independent Switzerland Tour of Moutain Tops

The planning was great and easy to follow. We had great time. I do hope I could get the itinerary earlier so we can make additinal plan at each stop early on. And it would be great to have more transparency on the pricing also.

Looking for tours beyond just Switzerland?

Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including Switzerland.

Switzerland in a Nutshell - Small Group

5 Days Trip to Switzerland

it is a self guide tour. I am quite impressed with the operator. At all times, the staffs kept checking on us through watapp and always on standby mode to help and assist. They ensure everything goes well and even gave guidance through calls. Excellent.

SWITZERLAND – Geneva to Zurich Highlights

• Hiking & Trekking
• Self Guided Walking Holidays

Classic Swiss Alps Walk

Magical Switzerland (Classic, 7 Days)

it was indeed a magical vacation. The tour company took care of everything ie our luggages, transport, hotels, train, breakfast and 5/7 dinner... so we did not have to worry but just enjoy and relax, Our tour guide was excellent, Helen. She overlooks on everything and very organized. Our driver Crystal was a very good one. I felt safe with the tour and I would not hesitate booking another tour with the company.

Walking and E-biking in the Swiss Alps

8 Days Switzerland Tour (Zermatt, Interlaken, Lucerne and Zurich)

Mountains, Valleys and Lakes of Switzerland

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

What people love about Switzerland Tours

Had an amazing time in Switzerland and met new wonderful friends. Trafalgar did a great job. Everything was organized and safety was top priority. Will travel with Trafalgar again.

Vitalli was a wonderful tour guide and a pleasure to work with.

Good, but there was definitely a lack of information given to folk on the tour. As in what to wear, how strenuous it's going to be ... etc.

Switzerland Destinations

• Swiss Alps (31)

Travel Styles

• Small Group (42)
• Luxury (14)
• Singles and Solo (87)
• For Couples (38)
• Seniors (37)
• Explorer (100)
• Family (89)
• Personalized (73)
• Fully Guided (68)
• Private (60)
• Self-Guided (46)
• In-depth Cultural (29)
• Coach / Bus (18)
• Partially Guided (18)
• Hiking & Trekking (17)
• Bicycle (16)
• Train & Rail (11)
• 7 Day Tours (45)
• 10 Day Tours (40)
• 2 Week Tours (7)
• Spring 2024 (61)
• Summer 2024 (86)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (87)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (45)
• Spring 2025 (57)
• Summer 2025 (35)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 (34)
• Winter 2025 / 2026 (12)
• May 2024 (65)
• June 2024 (78)
• July 2024 (80)
• August 2024 (84)
• September 2024 (80)
• October 2024 (59)
• November 2024 (49)
• December 2024 (44)
• January 2025 (40)
• February 2025 (39)
• March 2025 (44)
• April 2025 (30)
• May 2025 (33)
• June 2025 (32)
• July 2025 (33)
• August 2025 (33)
• September 2025 (32)
• October 2025 (17)
• November 2025 (13)
• December 2025 (12)

Switzerland Tours starting in

• Starting in Zurich (50)
• Starting in Geneva (8)
• Discover the Best Switzerland Vacation Packages 2024/2025
• Switzerland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

Switzerland Tours & Vacations

No other country does the great outdoors quite like Switzerland.

Whether you're walking through scenic alpine meadows, scaling tough mountain passes, taking on the ski slopes, or kayaking on crystalline lakes, Switzerland offers stunning scenery, panoramic views, and the chance to commune with nature in one of its purest forms. With rich chocolate and fine cheese waiting as a reward, Switzerland is the place for the active and the indulgent.

Our Switzerland trips

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

Switzerland tour reviews

Filter by rating

Best of Switzerland

Articles of Switzerland

Travelling without my kids showed me the pain of leaving and the joy of going

5 of the best walks in Europe – The Great Walks of Europe

Feeling the sting of Saturn returns? Here’s how travel will help.

Chocolate, cheese and cogwheel trains: 5 awesome things to do in Switzerland

6 places to tick off your Swiss bucket list

Once upon a time: 5 fairy-tale towns and cities in Europe

Photo proof that Switzerland is the most beautiful country in Europe

Switzerland at a glance

Capital city.

Bern (population 441,000)

8.9 million

German, French, Italian, Romansh

(GMT+01:00) Amsterdam, Berlin, Bern, Rome, Stockholm, Vienna

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type J (Swiss 3-pin)

Learn more about Switzerland

Best time to visit switzerland.

May, June, September, and October are wonderful months for seeing Switzerland, as the weather is typically mild, the mountain passes are still open and the country is less crowded than in the peak holiday months of July and August.

It tends to rain more in the months of March, April, October, and November, and with snowfall usually present from December, this is the perfect time for skiers and snowboarders.

Geography and environment

Landlocked Switzerland shares borders with   Austria , Lichtenstein,   Italy ,   France , and   Germany .

A highly mountainous country, Switzerland's best-known ranges are the Alps in the south, with the mighty Matterhorn and iconic Eiger being the most well-known peaks.

Home to an abundance of rolling hills, lakes, glaciers, rivers, meadows, and fields, Switzerland's landscapes are incredibly picturesque, particularly in spring and summer when the wildflowers are in bloom.

Top 5 culinary classics of Switzerland

While not enjoying the same worldwide popularity that it did in the 1960s and 70s, this Swiss classic is still alive and well in Switzerland. Although not to everyone's taste, travelers should experience sitting around a communal pot of rich, melted cheese at least once.

Who knew that a plate of grated, fried potato could taste so good? Considered to be Switzerland's national dish, Rosti was once relegated to the breakfast plate but is now served as an accompaniment to dinners too.

3. Bircher Muesli

This Swiss-German classic has taken off worldwide as a breakfast food, although it was originally created for hospital patients by a Swiss physician. Commonly eaten in the evening in southern Switzerland, it's a nutritious mix of oats, fruits, and seeds.

This brioche-like, plaited bread is a traditional Sunday morning treat in Switzerland. Dating back to the 15th century, this delicious bread can be found in bakeries all over Switzerland, especially on Sundays.

Making hundreds of varieties of cheese, Switzerland is one of the best places in the world to indulge in a dose of calcium. Whether it's a chunk of hard Gruyere, a slice of Emmental, or a bit of fruity Appenzeller, Switzerland has enough cheese shops to satisfy everyone.

Further reading

Switzerland travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Is tipping customary in Switzerland?

When dining out, service charges and taxes are usually included in the bill. Rounding up the bill or adding 5-10% is customary, although optional.

What is the internet access like in Switzerland?

Internet access is very good in Switzerland, with cyber cafes and Wi-Fi hotspots easily found in most cities and major towns.

Can I use my cell phone while in Switzerland?

Cell phone coverage is generally very good in most cities in Switzerland. Mountainous regions may have patchy coverage, however. Ensure global roaming is activated before you arrive.

What are the toilets like in Switzerland?

Modern, flushable toilets are the standard in Switzerland.

What will it cost for a…?

Cup of coffee in a cafe = 3-4 Fr Beer in a bar or restaurant = 5-7 Fr Simple lunch in a cafe = 10-15 Fr Dinner at a restaurant = 30-50 Fr

Can I drink the water in Switzerland?

Tap water is considered safe to drink unless otherwise marked.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Switzerland?

Major credit cards are widely accepted by stores and hotels in Switzerland. Smaller cafes and shops may not accept credit cards, so ensure you carry enough cash to cover small purchases.

What is ATM access like in Switzerland?

ATMs are very common in Switzerland so finding one won't be a problem in most towns and cities.

What public holidays are celebrated in Switzerland?

• 1 Jan New Year's Day
• 2 Jan Saint Berchtold's Day
• 6 Jan Epiphany
• 1 Mar Republic Day
• 19 Mar Saint Joseph's Day
• 14 Apr Good Friday
• 17 Apr Easter Monday
• 1 May Labour Day
• 25 May Ascension Day
• 4 Jun Pentecost Sunday
• 5 Jun Whit Monday
• 15 Jun Corpus Christi
• 29 Jun St. Peter and St. Pau
• 1 Aug National Day
• 15 Aug Assumption
• 7 Sep Jeûne genevois
• 17 Sep Federal Day of Thanksgiving, Repentance and Prayer
• 18 Sep Day after the Federal Fast
• 25 Sep Saint Nicholas of Flüe Day
• 1 Nov All Saints Day
• 8 Dec Immaculate Conception
• 25 Dec Christmas Day
• 26 Dec St. Stephen's Day
• 31 Dec Restoration of the Republic

*Please note these dates may vary. For a current list of public holidays in Switzerland go to World Travel Guide's website.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

Does my Intrepid trip include airfare?

While our Intrepid trips include many modes of transport, from tuk-tuks to overland vehicles, bullet trains and feluccas, airfare to and from your home country is not included in your tour package.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

This site uses cookies. For more information, please see our cookie policy.

Mon - Fri: 7am - 5pm PST

Closed Sat & Sun

Contact us HERE

• North America
• Central & South America
• South Pacific
• Middle East
• Multi-Country Tours

Today's Top Trips

Best of italy, european whirl, national park wonders.

Manage My Booking

• My GET Tour Log In
• Uniworld Express Check-In
• Travel Restrictions/Guidelines
• South America
• US & Canada
• Australia & New Zealand

Top Destinations

• Great Britain
• Switzerland

Collections

• Edinburgh Military Tattoo Tours
• Europe's Christmas Markets
• Multi-Country European Packages
• CostSaver Tours
• Insight Vacations Tours
• Trafalgar Tours
• Uniworld River Cruises
• Women-Only Tours

For more than 40 years, Grand European Travel has been providing a wonderfully simple, and genuinely personal, way to travel.

Meet Our Team

Our Travel Specialists make planning your trip fun and hassle free

Guided Vacations

Top 10 advantages of taking a guided tour

Guest Reviews

As you plan your trip read our unedited guest reviews

Travel Insurance

Protect your vacation with travel insurance.

Responsible Travel

Powered by our not-for-profit foundation, TreadRight

Switzerland Tours & Packages

The snowcapped summits of the Alps, crystal clear lakes, glamorous ski resorts and cosmopolitan cities await you on our selection of 7-14 day Switzerland tours.

• Europe Tours
• Switzerland Tours
• Searching for Vacations 0" v-cloak>{{vacationCount}} Vacations No Vacations

Filter Vacations

• Search all of Europe
• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Search all of North America
• United States
• Search all of Central & South America
• Search all of South Pacific
• New Zealand
• Search all of Asia
• Search all of Africa
• South Africa
• Search all of Middle East
• Up to $1,500
• $1,500-$3,000
• $3,000-$6,000
• Over $6,000
• Insight Vacations
• Insight - Small Groups
• Luxury Gold
• Highest rated
• Lowest price

{{vacation.name | truncate(85)}}

Switzerland tours by region.

Breathe in crisp mountain air from the rooftop of Europe. Switzerland tours are unforgettable for many reasons, being especially known for experiences in an environment that you can’t get anywhere else.

Here’s a summary of some noteworthy places you will want to add to your list when browsing our Switzerland tours. 

Swiss Alps & Zurich

From the Matterhorn to Stanserhorn, the magnificent Swiss Alps cover 60 percent of the country. A scenic Switzerland tour will take you to Zurich, the world’s capital of banking, on the Limmat River, where you’ll walk the colorful street, Augustinergass and see carved windows of medieval merchant houses.

Lake Geneva

Visit the headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva or the home of the International Red Cross. Chillon Castle began as a Roman outpost on the other side of Lake Geneva and later belonged to Swiss nobility.

The mountain resort town St. Moritz beckons with its chic boutiques and cable cars. 

Visit Ticino, where Italian is the official language, and stroll along the gentle shores of the Swiss side of Lake Maggiore. Take a delightful short on the lake boat trip while enjoying a Ticino tour to see the gorgeous Isola Bella, famous for its gardens and stunning white peacocks. 

Central Switzerland & Lucerne

Central Switzerland is a great place to start your Switzerland vacation, as you can easily get to Lucerne from Zurich. Travelers on Central Switzerland tours want to explore this quaint town, see the melancholic Lion Monument, cross the covered Chapel Bridge, and take a walk nearby Pilatus. If you're looking for a snowy wonderland vacation, travelers love to take Switzerland tours in the winter to experience the magic of Lucerne's Christmas market .

Valais & Zermatt

Board the Glacier Express and continue your Swiss vacation to Zermatt, a southern resort town famous for its skiing and rock-climbing opportunities. Zermatt in the summertime offers many leisure possibilities: try swimming, hiking, or spending a whole day relaxing in the fresh Alpine surroundings. Or take a ride on Europe’s highest cable car to the snow-capped roof of the world for a magnificent panorama of the highest peaks in Switzerland, Italy, and France.

Can't decide which cities and places in Switzerland you want to visit? Make it easier on yourself and start with the Best of Switzerland tour to help narrow your search.

Frequently Asked Questions About Switzerland Tours

When is the best time to tour Switzerland?

The best time to tour Switzerland generally is between April and October. Each season offers a unique visiting experience, however, so it depends heavily on your traveling goals. For example, The winter months focus on sports and talent competitions, while the spring months showcase fresh Alpine buds, green pastures, and peaceful views.

What are the best of Switzerland’s travel offerings?

This is an excellent question. If you are looking for history and landmarks, check out Lucerne or Zurich. Try Montreux, Chillon, St. Moritz, and the Matterhorn Village of Zermatt for culture and hospitality. For nature lovers, there's Mount Stanserhorn, where you can talk to a Swiss ranger to learn about local wildlife and flora. Journey to the shores of Lake Geneva, where the associations with the early European Romantic movement are very strong. If you're looking for the Best of Switzerland , you can't go wrong by adding these places to your list. 

How many days should I spend in Switzerland?

It is recommended to stay for at least five to seven days to experience Switzerland to the fullest. However, if you can only travel for less than a week, you can easily experience many of the country’s highlights in as little as three days.

Is Switzerland affordable to visit?

Switzerland is not the cheapest country to visit. However, our guided tours and river cruises ensure you get the best out of your experience. We'll always talk to you about your travel budget and find the best possible option for exactly how you want to go and what you want to see. 

Why Should You Visit Switzerland?

The reasons to travel to Switzerland are unending. With world-renowned banking and economic prestige, historical landmarks, dreamy scenery, and a nationwide homage to culture and hospitality, you will not go wrong planning to visit Switzerland. If you have questions or when you're ready to book a trip to Switzerland with us, we'll help you find exactly what you're looking for that stays within your budget. 

Order Your Free Brochure

Sign up to order your FREE travel brochure subscription and get exclusive offers only available to our subscribers

Brochures can only be mailed to United States addresses. Please call us for assistance at 1-877-622-9109

Thanks for signing up to receive our latest brochure. As a subscriber, you'll be the first to receive our new brochures as they are released, plus great deals in your inbox.

Download Brochure

View brochure online.

Get $300 per couple Travel Credit toward your first trip when you sign up to our newsletter. *

Plus, receive travel inspiration, news and latest promotions.

You can unsubscribe at any time. Your Travel Credit will be sent by email.

Email Sign-up Travel Credit: Receive a $150 per person ($300 per couple) discount toward your first tour (operated by Trafalgar or Insight Vacations) when you sign up for GET emails; valid for each full-paying adult who signs up with a unique email address. Valid for new bookings only made from 01 January to December 31 2024 for travel from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2025. Discount is not combinable with any other discount or offer, including GETAWAY Deals, Limited Time Offers, AARP member discount, Past Traveler Global Tour Rewards discount, Groups or Multiple Trip discounts. Offer cannot be booked online. GET reserves the right to validate bookings and will remove any additional offers added online that are not combinable. Other conditions may apply.

Change location

• UK / International
• Call toll-free tomorrow from 9am EDT 617-223-4521 617-223-4505 or
• REQUEST A QUOTE

Switzerland tours

These itineraries are designed to give you some suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Switzerland, and they showcase some of the routes that we’ve found work particularly well.

• Price (per person)

Filter by destination Select all destinations

Filter by category reset categories.

• Food and drink
• Outdoor activities
• Train Journeys

Unfortunately no tours matched your search criteria.

Lakes & mountains of Switzerland

Sample Swiss wine on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Watch as the setting sun paints the familiar Matterhorn shades of pink and gold.

Visit the longest glacier in Europe.

Marvel at the power of Geneva’s Jet d’Eau.

Spend time in Switzerland’s most indulgent mountain resorts.

8 days from $4,500pp

• View details
• Request a quote

Highlights of Switzerland

Visit two medieval cities, Zürich and Bern, both laced with history.

Head to the Top of Europe at Jungfraujoch to admire the Bernese Alps.

Visit a traditional cheesemaker to learn how Emmental gets its holes.

Ride the world’s steepest cogwheel train to the top of Pilatus Kulm.

Journey on the GoldenPass Panoramic train through some of Switzerland’s most inspiring scenery.

11 days from $5,895pp

Austria & Switzerland self-drive

Enjoy the freedom of your own car on this self-drive trip. Audley can arrange a rental vehicle for you if you require one.

Experience authentic Austrian fare accompanied by traditional Tyrolean music and dancing.

Take a panoramic boat cruise across Lake Geneva.

Explore the postcard-worthy village of Hallstatt in the Austrian lake district.

16 days from $7,135pp

Grand tour of Switzerland

Take in the endless vistas at Glacier 3000.

Sample traditional Swiss chocolates and cheese.

Explore Zermatt's scenic trails with the backdrop of the Matterhorn.

Cruise Lake Geneva's smooth waters in style.

13 days from $7,655pp

Panoramic Switzerland & Italy

Combine mountains and lakes.

Ride the Glacier Express between Zermatt and St. Moritz.

Learn to cook risotto on the shores of Lake Lugano.

Relax on Lake Como.

11 days from $8,155pp

The Rhône-Alpes in depth

Experience the gastronomic hub of Lyon.

Discover Burgundy and Beaujolais wine regions.

Visit the serene Lac d'Annecy.

Hike the French Alps.

Walk inside an ancient glacier.

11 days from $8,195pp

Cruising the Rhine: vineyards & villages

Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge.

Take a guided bike tour through Strasbourg.

Visit Cologne Cathedral.

Enjoy a gondola ride above Rüdesheim's vineyards.

12 days from $11,495pp

Speak to our Switzerland specialists to plan your tailor-made itinerary

Some of our favorite travel guides.

Switzerland is a small country, but you’ll find much to see and do within its compact borders. Our guide offers a sampling of the country’s charms, from glacier hikes in the Alps to a privately guided tour of Switzerland’s small, storied wine region.

We use cookies that are necessary for running the website and for providing you services. Additional cookies are only used if you consent to it. They serve statistical purposes or for displaying individual offers and ads. For more information, read our data protection statement and cookie policy .

By clicking "Agree" you consent to our use of cookies.

Holidays, Swiss made.

All-inclusive package in 30 seconds

Real-time inventory and booking

Best rates for Switzerland packages

Holidays SWISS Made

Air Inclusive Package

SWISStours Recommended

Swiss Travel Pass

Unlimited travel on train, bus, and boat across Switzerland

From USD 261

Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe

Europe's highest altitude railway station at 3454 metres.

Mount Titlis

World’s first revolving cable car offering you a magical 360° panoramic view.

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Europe’s highest and largest snow sport destination at 3883 metres.

Glacier 3000

Amazing attractions: Alpine Coaster – the highest bobsleigh track, Husky sled rides & the snow bus.

Mount Pilatus

Known as the Mountain of Dragons, Pilatus boasts the world's steepest cogwheel railway.

Save more with your flight tickets

Select your flights and choose your Swiss Chalets

Select your flight and choose your Swiss Travel Pass - one pass for travel by train, boat, and bus

Customize your itinerary with stay, rail pass, attractions, and flights all in one place

• Switzerland

• 1 Zurich City Tour
• 2 Lindt Home of chocolate
• 3 Swiss Transport Museum
• 4 Mt. pilatus
• 5 Mt. titlis
• 7 Harder kulm
• 8 Grindelwald First
• 9 Matterhorn glacier paradise
• 10 Glacier 3000
• 11 Aletsch Arena
• 12 Diavolezza
• 13 Swiss Miniatur
• 14 Charlie Chaplin's World
• 15 Schilthorn
• 16 Sunnegga

Duration: 3 hrs 15 mins

Luzern Interlaken Express

Duration: 1hr 50 mins

Duration: 5hr 30 mins

The slowest express train in the world

Duration: 7 hrs 30 mins

Bernina Express (train):4 h - 4 h 30 min

Bernina Express (Bus): 3 h

Popular Packages

Chalet Style Holiday - Interlaken

7 Nights / 8 Days

Glimpses of Switzerland & Paris

Live it up in Lucerne

Tops of Switzerland

4 nights / 5 days

Swiss Highlights

Popular packages by swiss tours.

4 Nights / 5 Days

Magic of Glacier Express

6 Nights / 7 Days

Guided Day Tours by SWISS tours

Discover the best of Switzerland with guided tour activities.

Take a guided stroll through the Old Town, embark on a pleasant boat trip Lake Zurich, and visit the world's largest Lindt Chocolate museum with unlimited chocolate tasting.

Zurich Tour with Cruise and Chocolate

A super saver package combining Europe’s biggest waterfall along with an afternoon city tour of Zurich

Rhine Falls and Zurich City Tour

Discover the Europe’s biggest waterfall, and the Laufen Castle. Explore the medieval village Stein am Rhein on a guided walk.

Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein

Enjoy this classic combination of Zurich city tour by bus, guided walking tour of the Old Town with a one-hour boat trip on Lake Zurich!

Zurich City Tour with Lake Cruise

Get the Hottest Deals First!

Switzerland: Hidden Trails & Majestic Peaks

About this tour.

From the soaring Alps to the picturesque Swiss Riviera - set your sights on an active journey across Switzerland by train. Walk through centuries-old vineyards and taste unparalleled Swiss wine. Soak in views of the Matterhorn from the mountain town of Zermatt. Admire the landscape from your train window as you journey along the country’s valleys. Receive your personal Swiss Travel Pass, granting you entrance into all of Switzerland’s 500 museums. Nestled between four countries, you’ll discover a world of pastoral splendor, striking mountains, and crystalline lakes.

Your Tour Includes

• 4 Handpicked Accommodations
• 2 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

• Swiss Travel Pass
• Walking Tour of Neuchâtel’s Historic Quarter
• Museum of Vine and Wine

Your Tour at a Glance

10 Breakfasts

4 - Very Active

Travel Style

Explorations

Best Time for travel

Customize your tour.

Optional Excursions

Starting at $150.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Best time for travel switzerland: hidden trails & majestic peaks.

While just about any month is great to visit Switzerland, there are a few prime times of the year for the Switzerland: Hidden Trails & Majestic Peaks tour. Here are some recommendations from our destination experts.

Spring: The spring is a nice time to visit Switzerland. Noting that very few hotels have air conditioning, the naturally cooler temperatures of spring can be the most comfortable.

Summer: Switzerland is at its peak in summer, with verdant landscapes, lush vineyards, and deep blue lakes. Just note that the weather can get hot, and very few European hotels have air conditioning.

Fall: Fall in Switzerland brings wonderful weather. You may still experience some crowds outside Zermatt and Lucerne, but this is a still a great time to visit.

Travel Styles

Highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Visit the charming village of Zermatt and marvel at views of the Matterhorn.

Experience the splendor of the Swiss Riviera in Vevey.

Soak in the best views of the Alps and the Swiss Riviera.

Cultural Experiences:

• Discover Neuchâtel’s historic quarter and the treasures of the Belle Époque period.
• Visit the 13th-century Château de Boudry, where you’ll tour the Museum of Vine and Wine with a tasting.

Use your Swiss Travel Pass as an all-access entry to museums and more.

Culinary Inclusions:

Savor lunch at a family-owned restaurant followed by a wine tasting at a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Dine at the top of Mount Stanserhorn, taking in 360-degree views of the Swiss Alps.

• Lake Geneva
• Lavaux Terraced Vineyards
• Wine Tastings
• Choice on Tour
• Mount Stanserhorn

Book with Confidence

* With Insurance Purchased

• *No Hassle Refunds
• Traveling Well Safety
• No booking fee, *no change fees
• Top Rated Travel Protection

Share This Tour

Looking to add your itinerary for friends and family? Share your Itinerary

Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

• Choice On Tour

Pre and Post Night Stay

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

Today in Veyvey, you have the choice between two activities. First you may choose to consider using your Swiss Travel Pass to explore any one of the city's musuems, among them the Swiss Camera Museum, Charlie Chaplin Musuem, or the Nestle Foundation's Nest Musuem. The city is at your fingertips! Your other options is to visit to Montreux is half -day from 9:30AM - 3:30PM. You will have free time to explore Chateau de Chillon followed by leisure time in Montreux for sightseeing, shopping and lunch. Your entire tour group will depart Montreux by boat and will arrive back to Vevey early afternoon. Remainder of the day will be at leisure until farewell dinner. Tour Manager will accompany you to Montreux.

Hotel-Hotel Astoria Lucerne

Embrace a one-of-a-kind adventure on a hike through the very heart of the Swiss Alps. Breathe in the pure Alpine air while surrounded by one of the most brilliant mountain panoramas in the world, where the pyramid-shaped Matterhorn looms on the horizon. Ascend more than 10,000 feet on board Europe’s highest mountain railway, through tunnels and over snow-capped peaks to Gornergrat Mountain. Step off at Rotenboden, where the Matterhorn reflects against the surface of the lake, and Italy’s mountains tower in the distance. Set out on a leisurely hike over breathtaking terrain in the company of your mountain guide, who points out the varieties of flora and fauna that inhabit the mountain landscape.

Discover Neuchâtel’s historic quarter and the treasures of the Belle Époque period.

Visit the 13th-century Château de Boudry, where you’ll tour the Museum of Vine and Wine with a tasting.

Accommodations

Best western premier hotel beaulac, hotel monte rosa, astra hotel vevey, hotel astoria lucerne.

Nights 9-10

Stay Longer

Post Night: Hotel Astoria Lucerne From $240 per night

Need More Information?

We're here to help

Call us toll free at 800.340.5158

Trip reviews.

Live, Unedited, & Independent Traveler Reviews

Filter Reviews: All

Fellow Travelers on Tour

Related blog content, 5 unforgettable experiences from collette small group tours, shake up your perspective on small group tours, an alpine adventure with collette, my first guided tour with collette (i’m coming back for more), top 10 phrases to know for your next trip to sicily, get a taste of sicilian street food, similar tours.

Peaks of Europe: The Alps to The Dolomites featuring France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, and Italy

Mediterranean Coastal Journey Spain, France & Italy

Netherlands, Belgium & France

Netherlands, belgium & france featuring the keukenhof tulip gardens.

Essence of France Paris, Provence & the French Riviera

Not seeing the date you want? We can help!

Call our Customer Care Team to inquire about dates beyond what's currently listed and to make an advanced reservation. You can find our full terms and conditions here .

Request a Quote

Please fill out the form below, and a Collette Expert will contact you shortly.

• Yes, I'm a Travel Professional
• Yes, I am working with a Travel Professional
• I am traveling with 8 or more travelers

Find a Travel Agency

Once you've found the perfect Collette tour, your local travel agent can assist you in making reservations. To find a preferred travel agent in your area, please enter your 5-digit zip code, then click Search.

Enter a Whole or Partial Zip Code

Please tell us everything, we want it all.

We really value your feedback, please be open an honest. Tell us where we can improve, how we can get better. This feedback is anonymous, but if you would like us to get in touch with you regarding an issue provide your email address as part of your feedback and we will get right back to you.

Talk to an Expert

View or download.

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

866 513 1995

Best of Switzerland

616 reviews

Today's Deal

Save up to $412

Available Dates

Your itinerary

Dates & prices

9 Day Switzerland Tour of Zürich, Zermatt, St. Moritz and Lucerne

9 days, 2 countries and 11 cities

Accommodation

8 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners

View day-by-day trip itinerary

All the Best of Switzerland with a side visit to Italy. What could be better? Your travels will take you to Lake Geneva for local wine, cheese and delicious desserts in Lavaux, Lord Byron’s enchanting Chillon Castle and the pretty town of Brienz for a masterclass in Swiss wood carving.

Looking to book in a group of 9 or more?

Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details

Trip code: 

Low deposit from $200

Deposit protection

Free booking changes

Trip map & itinerary

Day by day itinerary

9 days itinerary trip from Zürich to Zürich visiting 2 countries and 11 cities

Download itinerary

Print itinerary

Expand all days

About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Discover Zürich and Lucerne

Visit Bern, Chillon Castle, Montreux, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Interlaken and Brienz

View the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument in Lucerne, the Jungfrau and Matterhorn mountains (weather permitting), Lake Maggiore and Lake Como

Scenic Train Ride from Tirano to Pontresina

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

Airport Transfers

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Train from Tirano to Pontresina

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

Find out more

Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELER REVIEWS

Best of Switzerland trip reviews

#ttbestofswitzerland.

Real moments from real travelers, creating the greatest travel stories they’ll ever tell

Or search for something else

Help & Info

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Unedited Reviews

Our Destination Management Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Updates

Media & Press Room

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Travel Insurance

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar Tours Limited is a proud member of  The Travel Corporation  family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Travel House, Rue du Manoir St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

Copyright 2024 Trafalgar. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

Emergency Banner Component

Switzerland

Whether you choose a Rhine River cruise, a land journey, or our Bridges Family travel experience the soaring panoramas of the Alps and the serene beauty of her glacial lakes will take center stage as you discover Europe's crown jewel.

• ITINERARIES
• FEATURED TOURS

Welcome to Switzerland

Alpine adventures abound in one of the world's favorite year-round playgrounds. There is nothing better than climbing through the Alps by cogwheel train to the Jungfraujoch or the Matterhorn at "the top of Europe" as the view takes your breath away. Savor cultural delights from velvety chocolate to the gastronomic celebration of gooey cheese ready for dipping... enjoy the urban edge and charming architectural styles of Bern, and other treasured cities with unexpected nods to unique, modern aesthetics.

Visit one of the world's top-ranked cities in which to live... zurich, switzerland.

Switzerland's largest city, Zurich today is a global leader and a world capital of banking (not to mention of chocolate), and consistently ranks high among the world's cities in quality of life. But this modern metropolis on Lake Zurich has a long, rich history that stretches back some 2,000 years, and you'll enjoy experiencing some of it with Tauck – including Bahnhofstrasse, the exclusive shopping boulevard connecting Lake Zurich with the main railway station… Old Town, with its Niederdorf pedestrian area, whose winding streets are lined with shops, artisan studios, and restaurants… and a plethora of interesting architecture, fountains, squares, and churches like the Romanesque Grossmünster.

Join the "beautiful people" at the chic Alpine resort town of St. Moritz

Lovely vistas of sparkling lakes and majestic peaks greet you in the high alpine resort town St. Moritz in Switzerland's Engadine Valley. Set on the southern slopes of the Albula Alps, the town has been a popular winter sports destination for well over a century. St. Moritz has played host to the Winter Olympic Games twice – in 1928 and 1948 – and the world championships of alpine skiing in 1934, 1974, 2003 and 2017. Besides skiing, other winter sports including snowboarding, tobagganing and bobsledding are popular in St. Moritz, home to the world's last remaining natural bobsled run (built up with only snow and water, without artificial means), which opened in 1904. The resort, which enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine every year, ranks among the most famous – and glamorous – ski resort areas in the world, where celebrity spotting is almost as popular as the skiing.

Tauck Exclusive – Reception at the Jungfraujoch Ice Palace

Enjoy cocktails and more at the "top of europe" with an exclusive private reception at the jungfraujoch's ice palace.

As your mountain railway train ascends into the majestic Swiss Alps, you'll arrive at Kleine Scheidegg at the foot of the Eiger, then board a cogwheel train for the scenic climb to Europe's highest railway station, at the Jungfraujoch (perched at 11,333 feet above sea level). Here, at "the top of Europe," you'll find a restaurant, observatory, research station, a gallery of ice sculpture, and breathtaking views of the glacier-clad Bernese Alps, often called Switzerland's "jewel in the crown." And you'll enjoy a Tauck Exclusive... a private cocktail reception at the Ice Palace… taking time. of course, to savor the astounding views of the lofty peaks of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Mönch surrounding you!

Bellevue Palace Bern

More than a century of history in the shadow of the alps.

The only grand hotel in the heart of Switzerland's capital, Bellevue Palace Bern a national institution – the official guest house of the Swiss government for over 150 years, in fact. Whether you arrive for a romantic weekend, an eventful holiday or an official visit, the hotel's stylish and discreetly luxurious rooms and suites leave nothing to be desired. All offer classically elegant furnishings combined with modern-day comforts, harmonious colors and stunning views. Thanks to our hospitality, you are sure to feel at home.

Rhine Falls, Schaffhausen

Experience the largest waterfall in europe – the rhine falls, near schaffhausen in northern switzerland.

Located near the town of Schaffhausen on the Rhine River in northern Switzerland, the Rhine Falls (Rheinfall) is the largest plain waterfall in Europe, Set on the "High Rhine," the falls are 150 meters (490 feet) wide and 23 meters (75 feet) high. They were formed during the last ice age – approximately 14,000 to 17,000 years ago – by erosion-resistant rocks narrowing the riverbed. Travelers, artists and authors have been awed by the Rhine Falls for centuries; in the 19th century, J. M. W. Turner created several paintings of the falls, while "Frankenstein" author Mary Shelley wrote glowingly of it in her "Rambles" in the 1840s. With Tauck, you'll experience the Rhine Falls on a boat excursion from nearby Schaffhausen – with time to explore this historic town with its fine Renaissance-era buildings decorated with exterior frescoes and sculpture, and its circular 16th-century hilltop fortress, the Munot, in the center of town.

Journey Collection

Experience Switzerland

Search Again

{{ title }}

{{shortDescription}}

{{longDescription}}

{{priceFrom}}

From Price, Per Person

Price shown is the lowest price per person, double, on most journeys.

No Tours Match Your Room Configuration

Itinerary Related Content

Take a look below for other tours

Please enter a valid search term

No results found for “ ”.

Make sure your words are spelled correctly or use less or different words.

We can't find any itineraries that match your departure date. Try broadening your search by choosing a different year or month.

The keyword's results do not contain the selected date. Please reset the date filter or choose a different date.

Featured River, Small Ship and Land Journeys

Land Journeys & River Cruises

Explore the Possibilities

{{whitepanel.eyebrow}}

{{whitepanel.title}}

{{whitepanel.copy}}

{{whitepanel.subtitle}}

{{whitepanel.numberoftours.landjourneys}}

LAND JOURNEYS

{{whitepanel.numberoftours.rivercruises}}

RIVER CRUISES

{{whitepanel.numberoftours.familytours}}

FAMILY TOURS

{{whitepanel.numberoftours.smallshipcruises}}

SMALL SHIP CRUISES

{{whitepanel.numberoftours.taucksevents}}

TAUCKS EVENTS

Guest Favorites in Switzerland

From Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe" with its breathtaking views, to the lakeside resort town of Lugano, Switzerland delights on all levels, whether it be by land journey, river cruise or a family adventure with the kids. In Lausanne... Zermatt... St. Moritz... and Bern as you breath in the fresh air, modern and medieval architecture, history and much more.

Switzerland: europe's crown jewel, alpine adventure, the rhine, swiss alps & amsterdam, the rhine and moselle, traveling with tauck, never settle for ordinary.

Travel Experiences that are as memorable as the places...

Leave Your Worries At Home

Tauck takes on all of details of travel – all of the planning, all of the logistics...

One Upfront Price

Get what you pay for and then some; no hidden costs, no options sold...

Travel In Good Company

Our Tauck Directors are the best in the industry, making every moment of your journey count...

Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

• Destinations
• Antarctica & the Arctic
• Australia & New Zealand
• Israel & Jordan
• Latin America
• United States
• Tours & Cruises
• Exclusive Partnership
• Family Journeys
• Guest Favorites
• River Cruises
• Small Groups
• Small Ship Cruises
• Awards and Accolades
• Our History
• Tauck Impact
• The Tauck Difference
• The Taucker Blog
• About Tauck
• Media Center
• Tutorial Video
• Agent Connect
• Register Your Agency
• General Information
• Travel Protection
• Newsletter Sign Up
• Order an eGift Card
• Request a Brochure
• Tauck Forums
• Travel and Health
• Travel Updates

Sign Up to Subscribe to Our Emails

Part of the TTC Family of Brands

GET A QUOTE

DESTINATIONS

WAYS TO TRAVEL

SPECIAL OFFERS

1 888 680 1241

Switzerland

SEE ALL SWITZERLAND TOURS

FEATURED TOURS

Save up to $663

Glorious Switzerland

11 Locations

3 Countries

Experience the Glamour and Glitz of Glorious Switzerland on an 8-Day Guided Tour

Magical Switzerland

9 Locations

All Aboard the Glacier Express for a 1-Week Guided Tour of Switzerland’s Winter Festivities

Winter Wonderland

12 Locations

4 Countries

Splendor Among the Snow: A 9-Day Guided Tour Spanning Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Alpine Christmas Markets

8 Locations

Festive Revelry: A 9-Day Guided Tour of France, Germany and Austria’s Christmas Markets

SHOW ALL EUROPE TOURS

'Business Class' Tours

ALWAYS INCLUDED

Swiss franc (CHF)

Capital City

Time Difference

London GMT +1

German, Italian, French and Romansh

8.42 million

Electricity

European 230V

11 LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT SWITZERLAND’S FAMOUS EMMENTAL CHEESE

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT SWITZERLAND IN THE OFF SEASON, BY THIS TRAVEL DIRECTOR

7 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT SWITZERLAND’S WORLD FAMOUS GLACIER EXPRESS

From our blog, #insightvacations.

Discover inspiring, magical moments captured by our guests in destinations around the world.

ALL EUROPE DESTINATIONS

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

Netherlands

Alps Central and Eastern Europe

Spain and Portugal

Northern Europe

Eastern Mediterranean

Christmas Markets

Central Europe

Scandinavia and Northern Europe

Eastern Europe

Mediterranean and Southern Europe

OTHER REGIONS

UK and Ireland

North Africa

USA and Canada

Latin America

ON TOUR RECOMMENDATIONS

Learn More or Visit Website

Stadtkeller

Stanserhorn

Learn More  or Visit Website

Charles Bucher

EXPLORE WITH INSIGHT

TOUR STYLES

Discovery Journeys

Regional Journeys

Country Roads

Domestic Escapes

Special Interest Tours

Get A Quote

Request A Brochure

Travel Insurance

The Insightful Blog

Privacy Policy

Booking Conditions

Tour Deposit Level

Travel Updates

My Personal Information

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

© Insight Vacations 2024. All Rights Reserved.

Cookie Policy

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Switzerland Airports

Getting Around

Places to Visit in Switzerland

Top Things to Do in Switzerland

Top Things to Do in Geneva

One Week Itinerary

Most Scenic Train Routes

Switzerland's Nature Parks

How to Go Skiing

The Top Hikes

Matterhorn Complete Guide

The Most Beautiful Lakes

Foods to Try

Best Restaurants

Your Trip to Switzerland: The Complete Guide

If you've ever ogled over photos of Switzerland's Alpine peaks, rolling meadows, and pristine lakes, you'll be happy to know that it's even more beautiful in person. The central European country is small compared to its neighbors, but it packs a lot into its 16,000 square miles, including 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites , more than 1,500 glaciers, and at least that many lakes.

All these geologic wonders add up to some of the more stunning scenery in the world. And that's enough to bring travelers—about 12 million of them per year —to Switzerland. When you factor in the countless opportunities for hiking, skiing, and boating; hearty Swiss food; modern, interesting cities; and what is probably Europe's best public transportation system, you're met with an accessible, exciting, and altogether satisfying vacation destination.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit :  The best time to visit Switzerland depends on what you want to do while you're here. Ski slopes are open November through March (though there is year-round skiing in a few places), while hiking and swimming are glorious in the summer months. But to beat the crowds, consider a visit in spring or fall.
• Language:  Switzerland's cantons, or states, are mostly either French- or German-speaking. In the southern Ticino canton, Italian is the first language and in the Graubünden/Grisons canton, Romansh, a form of ancient Latin, is still spoken by about 60,000 people. The good news for travelers is that English is widely spoken, especially in hotels, restaurants, stores, and tourist attractions.
• Currency:  Despite being in the middle of western Europe, Switzerland is not part of the EU, though it participates in the European Common economic market. The official currency here is the Swiss franc (abbreviated CHF). That said, your euros will probably be accepted at most places, though they'll give you change in francs.
• Getting Around :  The clean, convenient, and comprehensive Swiss Travel System is the pride of Switzerland, and rightly so. The system includes trains, buses, lake and river ferries, funiculars, cogwheel trains, ski lifts, and gondolas that permit access to virtually every corner of the country. Because the system is so complete, we recommend touring Switzerland by public transportation, instead of by rental car. From airports and larger train stations, taxis are always available for those who don't feel like schlepping their bags.
• Travel Tip:  If you plan to do a lot of travel within Switzerland, consider purchasing the Swiss Travel Pass , which grants the holder unlimited first- or second-class travel across the country's network of trains, buses, and boats, and most scenic railways. Plus, you'll get admission to more than 500 museums, as well as discounts on mountain excursions. However, if you just plan to visit a couple of places in the country, you can get by with individual train/transit tickets.

TripSavvy / Michela Sieman

Things to Do

While every traveler has their own reasons for visiting Switzerland, the big draws here can more or less be broken down into three categories: scenery, outdoor activities, and Swiss history and culture. Your trip will likely start or end in one of Switzerland's big cities, where that history and culture are on full display. Be sure to plan at least one (or several) excursions into the Swiss countryside, either on an easy or challenging hike, a boat ride across an iconic lake, or a cable car ride up to some of the highest peaks in Europe.

Here are some ideas for planning your Swiss itinerary:

• Explore one of the country's culturally rich cities. If you're flying into Switzerland, you'll most likely arrive in Zürich or Geneva. Zürich , Switzerland's largest city, is a delightful place to spend a few days taking in art and history museums, dining in centuries-old restaurants, and strolling down the River Limmat. Geneva , in French-speaking Switzerland, is the diplomatic center of Europe, with plenty of history and classical appeal, and an idyllic setting on the shores of Lake Geneva.
• Hike, bike, swim, or ski. No matter what time of year you visit, you'll find a huge range of outdoor activities in Switzerland—though admittedly, swimming is a bit brisk from October to June! There are biking and hiking routes for every level of fitness, extensive networks of ski "arenas" across the Alps and the Jura mountains, and rivers and lakes waiting for you to jump in for a swim or a paddle.
• Choose a mountain excursion. In Switzerland, it doesn't matter if you're not a skier or hiker. You can answer the call of the mountains just the same, thanks to dozens of scenic mountain excursions that whisk you—by cogwheel rail, cable car, or ski gondola—for close-up looks at the Matterhorn , the Eiger, the Aletsch Glacier, and more. At most places, you can have lunch on the mountaintop while you enjoy the view. Don't leave Switzerland without partaking in at least one of these thrilling rides.

For more trip-planning ideas, check out our full-length articles on the top things to do in Switzerland , Switzerland's most scenic train rides , and Switzerland's top lakes .

What to Eat and Drink

Swiss cuisine is hearty, to say the least. Cheese, chocolate, potatoes, and meat feature heavily on Swiss menus everywhere, and risotto is popular in the cantons bordering Italy. Swiss wine, from vineyards mostly south of the Alps, is so popular among the Swiss that only 2 percent is exported!

Here are some of the foods and beverages you shouldn't miss in Switzerland:

• Fondue. This classic dish of melted cheese, served with bread and vegetables for dipping, is as iconic as the Matterhorn. Fondue originated in French-speaking Switzerland , but it's pretty much ubiquitous across the country.
• Raclette. Sort of a cousin of fondue, raclette is melted cheese served on a plate with bread, potatoes, and gherkins. Its roots are high in the Alps, where farmers would make meals from their abundant cheese reserves.
• Rösti. Pancakes made of grated, fried potatoes, rösti may be served as a side dish or, when paired with eggs, meat, or cheese, as the main course.
• Chocolate. Thanks to milk from grass-fed Alpine cows, plus a few "secret" recipes, Swiss milk chocolate is among the creamiest in the world. Brands to look for include Toberlone, Lindt, Sprüngli, and Läderach.
• Swiss wine. Largely produced in the more temperant cantons south of the Alps, Swiss wine is equally celebrated in its red and white varieties. Chasselas and pinot noir are among the most common grapes, but across the country's wine-growing region, micro-vineyards specialize in small-batch wines. Be sure to sample the wine while you're here— Swiss wine is hard to find outside Switzerland.

Read more in our guides to the top foods to try in Switzerland and where to eat in Zürich .

Where to Stay

Switzerland's accommodation options range from rustic mountain bunkhouses for hikers to luxurious 5-star hotels with spas, Michelin-star dining, and every imaginable amenity. In between those extremes, there are concept hotels, ski-in/ski-out lodges, and a host of B&Bs, small inns, and vacation rentals.

If you're staying in a city, we usually recommend basing yourself in the historic center so that you're within walking distance of popular tourist attractions, restaurants, and bars. But cities like Zürich also have creative, modern districts outside of the center, which make for interesting bases as well. In an Alpine destination such as Zermatt, Saas-Fee, or Gstaad, we like cozy, traditional hotels that really impart a sense of place.

For a taste of what Zürich has to offer, check out our articles on Zürich's top neighborhoods and best hotels.

Getting to Switzerland

International flights to Switzerland, especially those originating outside of Europe, will likely arrive in Zürich or Geneva. Some intra-Europe flights might land at Basel's airport, which is actually located just over the French border.

You can reach Switzerland by train from the neighboring countries of Austria, Germany, France, and Italy. Note that if you're traveling to Switzerland from an adjacent country, your ticket will likely only cover you until your first stop in Switzerland; for example, if you're traveling from Milan, Italy, your ticket will take you as far as Lugano. After that, you'll need a travel pass or ticket from the Swiss Travel System if you want to change trains.

If you're driving to Switzerland, you need to purchase or make sure your car already has a motorway vignette —a sticker that permits access to Swiss highways.

Learn more by checking out our guides to Zürich airport , traveling to Switzerland from Italy , and Zürich's public transportation .

Culture and Customs

While there are no special "rules" for visiting Switzerland, travelers here might find the Swiss somewhat reserved, especially when compared to Mediterranean cultures to the south. Here are a few basic customs and courtesies to keep in mind:

• Be on time. Trains aren't the only thing that runs on time in Switzerland. Plan to arrive on time, or even a few minutes early, for restaurant reservations or other reserved activities.
• Don't be noisy. In restaurants, on public transportation, and especially in the evenings in residential areas, keep your voices at a conversational level.
• Tip in moderation. While tipping waitstaff is appreciated in Switzerland, it's not expected. Tips for your hotel cleaning staff and bellhops are the norm, however.

Money Saving Tips

Here's something you should know about Switzerland before you start planning your trip: it's expensive. Hotels, dining, trains, and attractions are all costly compared to many other European countries, but there are a few ways you can save money:

• Travel in the shoulder seasons. Visit Switzerland in the spring or fall to save money on airfare and hotels.
• Drink tap water. Unless otherwise posted, tap water in Switzerland is clean and safe to drink. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up at any tap.
• Pack a picnic. Before you head out for a day of adventures, stop at a grocery store and pick up bread, cheese, cold cuts, or whatever else you want for a picnic. Just don't forget to grab a chocolate bar for the road!

https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/ch

https://www.worlddata.info/europe/switzerland/tourism.php

Switzerland Tourism. "Language distribution." Retrieved on November 9, 2021.

Switzerland Tourism. "Currency." Retrieved on November 9, 2021.

BBC. "Tracing fondue’s mysterious origins." February 12, 2013.

Switzerland Travel Guide

The Best 17 Places to Visit in Switzerland

The Top 20 Things to Do in Switzerland

Lake Como Guide: Planning Your Trip

One Week in Switzerland: The Ultimate Itinerary

France Guide: Planning Your Trip

How to Travel From Florence to Paris by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

The 10 Best Restaurants in Switzerland

How to Travel Between Italy and Switzerland by Train

The Complete Guide to Switzerland's Nature Parks

Matterhorn: The Complete Guide

The Best Time to Visit Switzerland

The Most Beautiful Lakes in Switzerland

Your Trip to Zurich: The Complete Guide

France Travel Planner for Every Vacation

How to Use Swiss Trains and the Swiss Travel Pass

Experience a world beyond your expectations. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share.

We know why you travel. You’d rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you.

Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities.

Explore Switzerland Tours

My Favorites

Current Trip: #

Update Account

Travel Protection Plan

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

• Trip Finder
• Create your vacation
• Add a flight
• Destinations

• Keytours Reviews

Current Weather

5 Day Forecast

Description

Useful informations, population:, emergency info:, opening hours:.

0"> Popular Cities and Regions in Related Destinations in

Most Popular Trips With In

Swiss Grand Winter Train Tour Rail Vacation

Zurich Discovery

Geneva Discovery

Grand Tour of Switzerland

Switzerland Winter Wonderland Train Journey

Switzerlands Greatest Train Journey

Promoted trips in

• Special Offers

A Week in Switzerland, Germany & Austria

4.7 out of 5 stars

You have up to 60 days to get a full refund

Feel good about putting a tour on the calendar today: Enroll in AutoPay or pay in full when you book, and if you change your mind,  you’ll get your money back .†

Experience the peaks of Central European culture across a trio of destinations.

Switzerland, Germany, and Austria—all mountainous, all momentous. From Lucerne’s riverside promenades to Bavaria’s natural majesty to Vienna’s cultured cafes, this weeklong itinerary showcases the best of three sensational countries. The castle that inspired Sleeping Beauty’s? You’ll find it here, along with landscapes that spurred some of the world’s finest classical compositions. And if you’re interested in architectural paradise, take up the trip’s extension to Prague and lose yourself among its whimsical spires.

Your tour package includes

• 7 nights in handpicked hotels
• 7 breakfasts
• 3 dinners with beer or wine
• 6 sightseeing tours
• Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

• Kapellbrücke
• Neuschwanstein
• Nymphenburg Palace
• Salzburg Cathedral

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Day-by-day itinerary

Board your overnight flight to Zurich today.

Welcome to Switzerland—or, as they say in the local dialect, grüezi (“GROO-tsee”)! From the Zurich airport, transfer to your hotel in the Swiss Alps, where you’ll meet your Tour Director and the rest of your group. Unwind, then continue getting to know one another over a welcome dinner, served with beer or wine.

Set out into lakeside Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most populated cities, for a guided sightseeing tour and enjoy a taste of Alpine life—complete with clear views of Pilatus, Rigi, and the rugged ridges of other neighboring mountains.

• View the Lion Monument, a tribute to the Swiss Guards who sacrificed their lives in Paris during the French Revolution.
• Pass the hand-painted facades that line the cobbled streets of the Old Town—the traditional core of the city that dates to medieval times.
• Cross the famous Kapellbrücke (say it “ka-PELL-broo-kuh”), the covered wooden “chapel bridge” that spans the Reuss River, and view the adjacent Water Tower. Octagonal in shape and stone in build—with a complicated past as a sentinel’s post, state treasury, and prison—it predates the Kapellbrücke by roughly a century.
• See the Jesuit Church, the first large Baroque building of its kind to be built north of the Alps in Switzerland.

If you’d like, add an afternoon journey to the top of Mount Pilatus and explore Lucerne’s surroundings by ferry, cogwheel railway, and cable car. Alternatively, hang back in town and treat yourself to some rösti. Pronounced “ROO-sty,” this dish centers on grated, fried potatoes—kind of like a Swiss hashbrown. Top it with eggs or sausage to elevate it from a satisfying snack to a hearty meal.

Mount Pilatus

From $135 per person

Cross into Liechtenstein, a tiny Alpine principality that dates to the Holy Roman Empire. (And we mean tiny: With a population of just under 40,000 people, it’s the sixth-smallest nation in the world.) Visit the capital, Vaduz, and pass the royal family’s namesake castle. Perched atop a hill, it has watched over the region since the 12th century and serves as the royal residence to this day.

After getting your passport stamped, continue into the Bavarian Alps, a range of limestone mountains and valleys furrowed by retreating glaciers during the last ice age. Amid this expanse of rocky peaks and alpine forests, you’ll take a slight detour.

• Pause for photos of Neuschwanstein Castle’s unique mix of Gothic, Romanesque, and Byzantine architecture, and marvel at the fairytale retreat of “Mad” King Ludwig II.
• Revel in the trim fields, mirrored lakes, and soaring peaks of the Alps as you relax and explore during your free time, or grab lunch in Schwangau, the town below Neuschwanstein.

Travel on to Munich and sit down to an included dinner, served with beer or wine.

Today, embark on a guided tour of Munich. Founded in the 12th century and boasting traditional and cosmopolitan appeal, the capital of Bavaria is the third-largest city in all of Germany. It’s also home to the original Oktoberfest—a massive Volksfest that, to this day, remains the largest beer festival in the world.

• Travel past the 18th-century Englischer Garten—a gargantuan urban park that counts a Japanese teahouse and an open-air, Greek-style temple among its many monuments—and the fashionable Schwabing district, formerly home to Munich’s bohemian residents.
• Enter Nymphenburg Palace, the Baroque home to past Bavarian royalty, and walk through its elaborately carved halls on a guided tour.
• Walk from Odeonsplatz—Munich’s large central square, named after an adjacent former concert hall—through the well-manicured grounds of the Hofgarten to view the Residenz, once home to the Wittelsbach dukes of Bavaria.
• Explore Marienplatz, Munich’s medieval heart, and see the famed Glockenspiel clock. Maybe you’ll catch it as it chimes!

If you choose, join your group on a visit to Dachau—the former site of a notorious Nazi concentration camp—and gain sobering perspective on one of humanity’s darkest eras. If you’d prefer to stay behind, spend the remainder of your day at your leisure—perhaps sipping a pint of local ale at a biergarten.

From $55 per person

Depart Munich and head to Salzburg, Austria, a city famed for its churches and musical history. Upon arrival, a guide will lead you on a walking tour of its Old Town. Known locally as the Altstadt, Salzburg’s historic core has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, honoring its legacy as the confluence of Italian and German culture.

• Pass by the University of Salzburg—an institution of higher learning first established in 1622—and St. Peter’s Abbey. Operating in some form or another since 696, it’s the oldest continually operating monastery in German-speaking Europe.
• See a trio of famous squares: the Kapitelplatz, former site of the Cathedral Abbey; Residenzplatz, once home of the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg; and Alter Markt, where the city’s weekly market used to set up shop.
• Walk by the dashing yellow facade of the Mozarts Geburtshaus, the birthplace and childhood home of the virtuosic composer himself.
• Enter the richly ornamented Salzburg Cathedral. Although the current Baroque structure was built in the 17th century, the building’s roots go all the way back to 774, when Saint Rupert founded the church atop the remains of an old Roman town.

Want to make plans for the evening? Serenade your senses by opting for tonight’s dinner, served in one of Europe’s oldest restaurants and accompanied by live performances of Mozart’s music. Alternatively, relax in your hotel room and enjoy the sounds of the city.

Mozart Concert & Dinner

From $149 per person

Travel east to the Austrian capital of Vienna, stopping along the way in the little town of Melk for a guided tour of its Benedictine abbey. Built over the centuries following its foundation in 1089, this mammoth monastery typifies the Baroque style and offers immaculate views of the Wachau Valley’s stepped vineyards. Explore its pavilion, library, and chapel, then continue your journey through the Danube River Basin.

Arrive in Vienna and settle into your hotel. To bookend your day with some revelry, relaxation, and a glass or two of wine, take up tonight’s outing to the Prater—a historic amusement park in the heart of the city—before heading to a heuriger (a traditional Austrian tavern). Or, spend your evening strolling Vienna’s beautiful boulevards at your own pace.

Traditional Viennese Heurigen Evening

From $119 per person

Coffeehouse culture. The Age of Empires. Symphonies and orchestras. Vienna has influenced world affairs for centuries; today, you’ll enjoy the best of “The City of Dreams” on a guided sightseeing tour.

• Step inside Belvedere Palace, home to the world’s largest collection of paintings by artist Gustav Klimt, and admire acre upon acre of impressive gardens.
• Travel down the tree-canopied paths of the Ringstrasse—Vienna’s gorgeous Ring Road—passing the Austrian Parliament Building, Vienna State Opera, and Kunsthistorisches Museum as you go.
• See the grand Hofburg Palace. Once the seat of the Habsburg dynasty, it now serves as the official residence and office of the president of Austria.

Celebrate a memorable trip with your group at a farewell dinner this evening and toast your adventures with beer or wine.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home—or head to the Czech Republic, home of the pilsner and birthplace of famed author Franz Kafka, for two more days of history and fun in picturesque Prague.

Head for Prague by way of Bohemia, the Czech Republic’s westernmost region. Oaks and spruces in varying shades of green, along with fertile fields populated by free-roaming livestock, typify this pastoral landscape. Drink it all in as you drive to the Czech capital.

Upon arrival, unwind in your hotel before setting off into the city streets. If you choose, you’ll spend an evening atop the Vltava River, enjoying a dinner cruise. Otherwise, take an evening to yourself and meander through the city, snacking on sweet koláče—pillowy discs of yeast dough loaded with fruity fillings—as you go.

Evening in Prague: River Cruise & Dinner

From $99 per person

Today, develop a deeper understanding of Prague’s history on a guided sightseeing tour, led by a local guide.

• Begin with a visit to Prague Castle. Considered the largest ancient castle on the planet, this 1,150-year-old structure utilizes Gothic, Romanesque, and other architectural styles over its grounds. It isn’t just a relic, either: Once the seat of Bohemian kings, it currently serves as the presidential residence.
• Admire the Gothic vaults of St. Vitus Cathedral, the final resting place of Rudolf II, Charles IV, and other Holy Roman emperors.
• Walk down to the red shingles and Baroque buildings of the Malá Strana district. Originally founded by royal decree in 1257, the “Little Quarter” stands opposite the Old Town, just across the Vltava. Pop into a local cafe for a cup of coffee before continuing down to the riverbank.
• Cross Karluv Most—the elegant Charles Bridge. Hewn from Bohemian sandstone and lined by statues of Catholic saints, it has connected Malá Strana to Prague’s Old Town since the 15th century.
• Stroll through the Old Town Square to the Old Town Hall. There, on its southern wall, you’ll find Prague Orloj—the city’s famous Astronomical Clock. First hung in 1410, it’s the oldest timepiece of its kind still in use, marking each passing hour with a mechanized “Walk of the Apostles.”

Tonight, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Book for just $99 down

That’s all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†

Overall rating 4.7 out of 5

5 out of 5 stars

Scenic, relaxing, and refreshing. Explore or stay with your tour guide no matter what you will have an adventure!

If you're looking to cover a good chunk of Central Europe, at a decent pace, this is the tour for you! Each stop was filled with incredible views, delicious food, and lots of fun. 10/10 tour experience!

EF God Ahead travels didn’t disappoint us, their accommodation was excellent choice. Our tour director Silke exceeded our expectations how she handled 34 people as a family. We learned a lot while we were on this trip. Not only seeing beautiful architecture, artifacts, etc. but also learning the ...

Victor, thank you for your review. We are so happy...

Traveler photos

Hotels, flights & FAQ

This Belle Époque hotel is located near the lake promenade. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and outdoor terrace. Nearby, you’ll find Lake Lucerne, Cha...

This artsy hotel is located in the Obersendling district. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and sauna. Nearby you’ll find the Hellabrunn Zoo, the Theres...

This contemporary hotel is located in Salzburg city center. Guests enjoy the large garden, fitness center, and restaurant. Nearby, you'll find the Sal...

This convenient hotel is located in the city center of Vienna, Austria. Guests enjoy the fitness area, on-site bar and restaurant, and spa. Nearby you...

This modern hotel is located in the Smíchov district of Prague. Guests enjoy a gym and sauna, restaurants with terraces, and a tennis court. Nearby, y...

• Round-trip flight for your tour
• Airport transfers at your destination
• A great price locked in today
• 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
• Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
• Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
• Find out more about flights
• This tour visits Switzerland, Germany, and Austria (plus the Czech Republic on the tour extension). In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
• We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
• Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
• Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center .
• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
• You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code SGA.
• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Zurich and depart from Vienna (or Prague on the tour extension).
• Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost if they are arriving or departing on the standard day.
• When you arrive in Zurich, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.

Physical Activity Level

This is a high physical activity-level tour. You can expect to be on the move on a regular basis throughout the course of the tour.

Tour Pacing

This is a brisk-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:

• One 1-night stay
• Most days full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
• Most transportation by motor coach
• Daily bus time varies and can be lengthy

Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements

• Travelers should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles per day- this includes city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
• Cobblestone streets can become slick when wet.
• During the visit to Neuschwanstein, travelers can expect to walk 25 minutes uphill on a steep incline to view the castle and further walking to get to the castles entrance, if they wish.
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
• Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.

Climate Considerations

• In the summer months from June to September, travelers can expect high temperatures from 70Fs -80Fs and lows from 50Fs-60Fs with occasional extreme heatwaves.

Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions

• Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
• Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
• If you have mobility concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team. We’re here to help!
• Most transportation on this tour is by private motor coach. Private motor coaches have steps required to board and often do not provide access to ramps or lifts.
• Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
• Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout tour as porters are not guaranteed. This includes at hotels and airports.
• We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
• You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
• We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastic waste.
• We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
• We recommend packing your Insurance Card (from your primary insurance provider) in your carry on luggage.
• Go Ahead handpicks every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm.
• Accommodations are typically three and four star hotels.
• All accommodations include a private bathroom.
• Most rooms will include a safe for valuables.
• Your hotels will have Wifi, but it may be limited to common areas.
• Elevators in hotels are not guaranteed.
• Some hotels on this tour require travelers to walk with their luggage a few blocks as buses cannot drop travelers off right out front.
• Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in European hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
• We cannot guarantee that your hotel accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with the hotel once they are confirmed about 30 days prior to departure.
• Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
• Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
• We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
• Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
• Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at cdc.gov .
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
• Most of our itineraries include headsets used during certain sightseeing tours so travelers can hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please visit our Help Center for more information or contact our customer experience team. Please note that at this time not all our destinations offer headsets due to supplier limitations.
• The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.
• This tour includes 3 dinners. Included meals may be plated set menus, buffet or family style depending on the location. Dinners include one glass of beer, wine, or soft drink and water, coffee and tea.
• Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
• Swiss food is varied and sophisticated, and some popular dishes include sausages, breaded veal fillets, freshwater fish, and cheese dishes such as fondue and raclette. Be sure to try Swiss chocolate, which is among the world’s finest.
• German food is hearty and substantial. Among the specialties are dumpling stews, sauerkraut, sausages, smoked cheeses, and dark breads. Bavaria produces some of the world’s purest beers, and white German wines are exceptionally good.
• Austria is known for its savory Wiener schnitzel and excellent wild trout, carp, and crayfish. Save room for dessert—especially the strudels of fruit and nuts and elegant chocolate cakes, such as the world-famous Sachertorte.
• On the tour extension, Czech food is hearty, and you’ll find large portions of veal, beef, and potato dishes. Some of the world’s finest beers are produced here, including the original Budweiser and Pils.
• At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
• We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
• If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.
• If you are traveling to multiple countries with different currencies and the same Tour Director, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip.
• The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
• You will use the Swiss franc in Switzerland and the euro in Germany and Austria (and the Czech koruna in the Czech Republic on the tour extension).
• Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
• Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
• International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
• Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your tour director, local guides, and bus drivers. We also recommend keeping coins in the local currency on hand, as some public bathrooms may charge a fee for use.
• To ensure you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend you download the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. The app is free and provides important deadlines, entry requirements, your detailed itinerary, packing tips and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the chat feature in the app.
• Wifi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There is no Wifi on any of the motor coaches.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
• Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have the same Tour Director throughout your tour.
• The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
• Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
• This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
• As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
• Switzerland, Germany, and Austria (and the Czech Republic on the extension) are 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
• When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.
• When you travel with EF Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit, and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
• Travel, when done responsibly, can make an enormous socio-economic impact to communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at local businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
• Prepare for your trip: be aware of the monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market, learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette, and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
• When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
• EF Go Ahead Tours encourages our travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single use plastics. You can avoid single use plastics by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
• Environment: On this tour, we recommend the use of a reusable water bottle, as the local drinking water is safe for travelers. Your Tour Director can provide additional guidance on local water standards. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastics.

Compare similar tours

4.8 out of 5 stars

How to plan a family summer trip to the Swiss Alps

Switzerland’s Jungfrau Region promises dramatic Alpine scenery, flower-flecked meadows and thrills on every summit. And with an extensive network of cable cars and rail routes, it's ideal for a 10-day stress-free family adventure.

Mother Nature pulled out all the stops in the Jungfrau region of the Bernese Alps. From waterfalls and cloud-capped peaks (including the big three: Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau) to high pastures jangling with cowbells, cliff-hugging villages sprinkled with log chalets and Alpine railways taking you from pine to peak, this is picture-postcard Switzerland at its finest. For families, adventure awaits. Bomb down the mountains on a Trottibike scooter or thunder towards the Eiger on a zip-line. Head up high to play in the summer snow or get close to the water in glacier gorges. From villages to via ferrata, here’s how to plan a 10-day tour that takes it all in.

Days 1-3: Mürren

Begin your trip with one of the area's most spectacular rail and cable journeys, with the town of Interlaken as a starting point. Take the train to Lauterbrunnen and switch onto a gondola to Grütschalp, where a second and arguably more beautiful train ride will whisk you up to Mürren. Perched on a ridge at 1,638 metres, this high-altitude village offers knockout views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, and its flower-strewn pastures, spruce forests and dark-timber chalets are the picture of Swiss Alpine beauty.  

It's the ideal spot to ease into an active holiday. Hiking trails thread from its flanks in all directions, and a funicular glides up to Allmendhubel , where you can enjoy a meal on the mountain-facing sun terrace while kids romp among giant insects and Alpine blooms in the flower-themed adventure park. Budding botanists will love the nearby flower trail, which features 150 species of mountain flowers, from gentian to edelweiss. Alternatively, adults and older children can ramp up the adrenaline on the nearby Mürren-Gimmelwald via ferrata. A guide will help you learn the ropes, and before long you’ll be exploring a series of chalelnging suspension bridges, zip-lines and tightropes, with sky-high views of the Bernese Alps.

Devote a third day to Schilthorn, which begins with a dramatic cable-car ride above great fangs of rock to the eyrie-like summit of Schilthorn — Piz Gloria. Visited by James Bond in the 1969 film adaptation of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service , this dramatic destination enjoys views across 200 peaks all the way to Mont Blanc and the Black Forest on clear days. Enjoy the helicopter and bobsleigh simulators at Spy World , before heading down to middle station Birg for exhilarating, vertigo-inducing moments on the Skyline Walk and cliff-hugging Thrill Walk (crawl through the tunnel if you dare).

Days 3-7: Grindelwald  

With sensational views of the Eiger’s imposing North Face and a lineup of 4,000-metre peaks, it’s no surprise that Grindelwald is one of Switzerland’s most popular destinations for active travellers. The first task is to pick your peak. Swing high above the meadows to 1,391-metre Pfingstegg for a mad downhill dash on the summer toboggan run or zip-line. Or opt for mountain-rimmed Männlichen, where you can enjoy nature-focused fun on the treetop path, explore the vast playground that's home to a giant wooden cow, or head out on the Lieselotte Trail, where children can search for crystals, blow into an alphorn and peek at burrowing marmots through binoculars.  

On day two, make for the 2,184-metre summit of First Mountain, which has the edge for thrill-seekers. Clinging to near-vertical cliffs, the First Cliff Walk is an ideal place to begin your day’s activity, with giddy views of the Bernese Alps. From the top, you can whizz towards the Eiger on the First Flyer zip-line at speeds of up to 50mph, before tearing down the slopes back to Grindelwald by mountain cart or chunky Trottibike. Back in the valley, feel nature’s colossal force in Grindelwald’s Glacier Canyon, as you teeter across a walkable ‘spider’s web’ strung between towering rock faces polished by the waters of the Lütschine River. Daredevils can also enjoy the canyon swing , which involves a 90-metre freefall before you rip across the gorge at speeds of 75mph.

However, all of this is just laying the groundwork for a third-day trip up to 3,454-metre Jungfraujoch. From Grindelwald, hop aboard the tri-cable Eiger Express gondola for a riveting ride with views of the Eiger’s mile-high North Face. From the Eiger Glacier station at its top, switch to the Jungfrau Railway. This red train has been chugging up to the summit since 1912 and will transport you up to Europe’s highest railway station in less than 30 minutes. Here, the Sphinx observation terrace offers out-of-this-world views of the 14-mile Aletsch Glacier and the surrounding sea of 4,000-metre peaks. It’s snowy up top all year round, so dress warmly for sledding, tubing and zip-lining in the snow park, or a subzero wander through the glittering, sculpture-strewn tunnels of the Ice Palace.

Days 7-10: Meiringen (Haslital)

From Grindelwald, take a beautiful train ride via Interlaken, or a panoramic bus ride over the Grosse Scheidegg mountain pass to reach Meiringen, a pretty Alpine town in the Haslital Valley that's surrounded by dramatic activity. Top billing goes to the 120-metre-high Reichenbach Falls, which crash over forested cliffs with a roar. This is where writer Arthur Conan Doyle had fictional detective Sherlock Holmes and villainous Dr Moriarty fall over the edge in the 1893 story The Final Problem . For a less intense experience, take the funicular up and hike back down before stopping in at Patisserie Frutal for a Swiss meringue — Meiringen lays claim to fame as the 18th-century birthplace of this sweet treat.

The next day, continue your exploration of Meiringen’s surrounding cliffs and ravines. A quick train ride from town will see you reach the Aare Gorge, which carves a deep, narrow path through limestone tunnels and galleries and past a turquoise torrent of glacial water. Visit later in the day if you can, as the canyon is at its most entrancing when illuminated by summer-evening rays. Its closest rival is the waterfall-splashed Rosenlaui Gorge, where a circular trail leads through primeval forest and past chalk-slate cliffs pounded smooth by the Weissenbach River.

Finally, head north of Meiringen, to Hasliberg. This area is a family favourite, thanks to the three-mile Muggestutz Dwarf trail that runs from Mägisalp to Bidmi, where kids can dry pine cones, take on the ‘eagle swing’ and find cave treasure. Make a day of it and check out the marble run from Bidmi to Reuti, which offers 12 giant marble runs immersed in nature and a firepit for barbecues (wood is provided).  

Related Topics

• FAMILY TRAVEL
• EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL
• ADVENTURE TRAVEL

You May Also Like

10 best things to do in Switzerland

Take to the waves: how to plan the ultimate family sailing holiday

Where to eat on the Swiss Riviera this winter

How to plan a trip to Bali, Indonesia

All aboard: explore Switzerland by train

AI can help you plan your next trip—if you know how to ask.

5 of the best Swiss city cycling routes

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

How to Get Around Switzerland: A Guide to Swiss Transportation

Wondering how to get around Switzerland? This guide will help you learn how to use the public transportation system and how to get around by car.

Don’t have time to read a bunch of reviews and blog posts? Here are our top picks for visiting Switzerland:

Wanderlust switzerland guide.

Need a quick day-by-day, open-and-go itinerary for Switzerland? Get my guide and let me do the work for you!

Our favorite Hotels in Switzerland

• Zurich : Baur Au Lac
• Lucerne : Burgenstock Alpine Hotel & Spa
• Zermatt: The Omnia
• Interlaken : Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel
• Bern : Hotel Schweiserhof
• Geneva : Swiss Luxury Apartments
• Montreaux : Eurotel Montreaux

Getting Around Switzerland

• Unlimited Train Rides : Swiss Pass
• Renting a Car : Cheap Rental Cars or Expedia Cars

Our favorite activities and tours in Switzerland

• Paragliding
• Lindt Chocolate Tour
• Lake Lucerne Cruise

How do I get around Switzerland?

There are many ways to get around Switzerland , the two main ways are using public transportation and renting a car. I’ll highlight the best way to get to each destination below. This Switzerland itinerary can easily be used with either a car or by train.

If you choose to get a rental car in Switzerland, I always recommend using this site to compare rates and cars.

If you choose to use public transportation in Switzerland, I recommend getting the Swiss Travel Pass to maximize your time and save you money. The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited train rides on most lines, free or discounted gondola rides, and discounts to many attractions though Switzerland.

I find that it’s especially worth buying the Swiss Travel Pass if you are planning to visit Zermatt because the expensive Gornergratt train is quite expensive, and it’s half off with the pass. If you’re comfortable riding trains and buses, I think it’s the best way to travel in Switzerland.

Where do I purchase my Swiss Travel Pass?

You can purchase your Swiss Travel Pass here . Just select the correct number of days for your Switzerland itinerary and check out. The pass begins on your selected date and runs continuously. The Swiss Travel Pass comes in. 3, 4, 6, 8, and 15 day increments.

Swiss Half Fare Card

If you’re unsure of your dates or the amount of time your Switzerland itinerary will be, it might be a good idea to purchase a Swiss Half Fare Card instead. This pass is good for one month and will offer 50% off most trains. There seems to be less of a discount on shorter journeys. I prefer to purchase the more expensive Swiss Travel Pass just for ease of use while I am in the country. But the Swiss Half Fare Card may be a better option if you are only planning on taking several long and expensive rail journeys. You can purchase the Swiss Half Fare Card here .

Renting a Car in Switzerland

If you want a little more freedom during your trip, you may want to consider renting a car in Switzerland . You’ll have the ability to reach some more off-the-beaten-path places that trains can’t reach. Driving in Switzerland is easy, especially if you’re from the US because they drive on the right side of the road. 

Download the SBB App for Switzerland Transportation

SBB App – Public transportation in Switzerland is shockingly punctual, clean, fast, and efficient. The SBB app will tell you when and where to get your trains and buses to take you where you want to go. This is the most important app you’ll need in Switzerland if you’re only traveling by public transportation.

I hope this guide to Switzerland transportation will help you get around the country with ease. Be sure to check out the most beautiful places in Switzerland and our Switzerland Itinerary.

There are lots of pros and cons to renting a car in Switzerland and using public transportation. Here’s a good list

Here is a list of pros and cons for traveling Switzerland by train vs. by rental car:

Traveling by Train in Switzerland

• More scenic views out the window
• Can relax and enjoy the ride
• No need to focus on driving/navigation
• Environmentally friendly
• Arrive directly in city centers
• Less flexibility with schedule/stops
• Can be more expensive
• Limited luggage space
• More flexibility with schedule and route
• Can stop wherever you want
• Usually cheaper than train
• More privacy
• Can carry more luggage
• Less scenic views
• Have to focus on driving
• More planning required for navigation
• Have to find and pay for parking
• More environmental impact

I hope this helps you plan your trip to Switzerland!

The post How to Get Around Switzerland: A Guide to Swiss Transportation appeared first on Wanderlust Crew .

More From Forbes

Swiss bliss: get high on summer tranquility and thrills in switzerland.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Thinking about travel to Europe this summer? I’ll whisper this two-word, game-changing suggestion in your ear: Swiss Bliss . Switzerland is a spectacular vacation escape, promising plentiful pampering, playful diversions, culture (music festivals, art experiences, unique museums—from sports to science, film to food) and stellar gastronomy. Taste Chasselas wine; its white grapes are grown in the terraced Lavaux vineyards along the south-facing northern shores of Lake Geneva, where vintners produce artisanal batches that are rarely exported, so 98 percent of their singular sips can only be savored within the country. Discover abundant natural beauty and peaceful hideaways. Hike Alpine mountains. Swim in glistening lakes. Picnic amid wildflower meadows. For high-speed outings, ample opportunities abound: boating, road cycling, mountain biking, paragliding, skydiving and white-water rafting. Transportation within this tidy nation, especially via its SBB trains , is smooth and swift, accessing scores of destinations. (For itinerary details and surprising delights: My Switzerland Tourism .) Internationally renowned for training extraordinary hoteliers, hospitality is a revered profession, which adds smiles to your stay. Choose from a wide variety of accommodations—campgrounds to chalets to castles. If your vacay preference tends toward one-of-a-kind, five-star hotels, this article shines on three favorites, which are among French entrepreneur and winemaker Michel Reybier ’s impressive collection of wellness-promoting properties.

Interlaken: Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

Mountain sports, such as paragliding, are popular.

In the Bernese Oberland region, which encompasses magnificent pinnacles and turquoise lakes, legendary Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa , with 216 guest rooms and suites, sparkles brighter than ever. This Belle Époque resort, dating from the mid-1800s and distinguished for its who’s who history, faces the community green of Interlaken with the Harder Kulm mountain as backdrop. The hotel is at the base of famous Jungfraujoch, a mountain saddle between Jungfrau and Mönch peaks, called the Top of Europe. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, a James Bond movie, was filmed at the nearby summit of Schilthorn. A new mountain trail that commences in the vicinity amplifies views of formidable Eiger’s North Face, located a funicular jaunt away. Or rise skyward riding a new Jungfrau Railway on a day trip to the heady altitude of 11,332 feet—a stunning uplift that is home to Europe’s highest train station.

Spacious grandeur.

Vibe: Palatial, glamorous, golden. Stroll crystal-chandelier salons with black-and-white checkered marble floors. Elaborate fountains, a roof cupola and expansive terraces dazzle. Eat & Treat Highlights: Executive chef Stefan Beer orchestrates imaginative, artistic fine-dining Radius, which uses the freshest ingredients garnered within approximately 30 miles. Relish, as well, La Terrasse Brasserie (for afternoon tea replete with finger sandwiches and pastries) and the Italian-spirited Ristorante e Pizzeria Sapori (for stone pizzas, seafood and some of Italy’s most flavorful wines). During evenings on Victoria Bar’s terrace, a pianist plays.

Amazon Prime Video s Best New Show Arrives With A Perfect 100 Critic Score

Apple s iphone 16 pro design revealed in new leak, charlotte shooting 4 officers killed while serving warrant.

Indoor pool at Victoria-Jungfrau's Nescens Spa.

Spa & Fitness: The year-round 59,200-square-foot spa wows with an indoor vaulted-ceiling swimming pool and fitness center. During summer, enjoy the hotel’s outdoor saltwater pool, as well as two adjacent glacier lakes, Brienz and Thunersee. There are tennis courts; lessons with a pro coach can be reserved. Pilates, bootcamp, step aerobics, yoga and other classes are offered; free daily group sessions vary. Kid Friendly: Bienehuus (Bee House), the hotel’s two-floor play facility showcases a library of children’s books, music room, creativity studio, relaxation area and multimedia lab.

Bienehuus children's center.

Geneva: La Réserve Geneva Hotel, Spa & Villa

Elegant ease.

At the southern end of Lake Geneva and a few miles from the city of Geneva—which itself is surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains, with views of Mont Blanc— La Réserve Geneva Hotel, Spa and Villa , designed by Jacques Garcia, is ensconced within a landscaped 10-acre park in the suburb of Bellevue. Its 102 guest rooms and suites exude a quiet sophistication.

Gorgeous greens and blues of Swiss summer.

Vibe: Tranquil, modern, rejuvenating, verdant. The contemporary decor includes African art motifs and handcrafted woodwork. Eat & Treat Highlights: Executive chef Benjamin Brial is a master at bringing together innovative flavors and leading highly skilled kitchen teams. Le Loti Restaurant & Bar, with deliciously ambitious French and Mediterranean menus, is dressed with an eye-catching elephant wall sculpture and flourishing ferns. For evening entertainment: Live music and DJ spins. Also in the hotel, Le Tsé-Fung is Switzerland’s only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant—outfitted with red velvet chairs, black lacquer screens, gold accents and silk drapery. It is reminiscent of 1930s Shanghai. Shenzhen-born Frank Xu, one of the world’s top chefs, stirs culinary enchantment in Geneva with the same applauded passion that he created years ago when, in Paris, he launched Shang Palace restaurant at the Shangri-La Hotel, earning it Michelin-star celebrity as well.

Indoor pool at La Réserve Geneva's Nescens Spa.

Spa & Fitness: The 20,000-square-foot Nescens Spa is Geneva’s largest wellness oasis and a significant draw for guests. Its indoor and outdoor pools are enticing. Summer activities headline tennis and wakeboarding lessons with a two-time World Wakesurf champion. Kid Friendly: La Petite Réserve, a children’s club, features an enormous playground—outdoor wood cabin on stilts and obstacle course with suspension bridge, climbable tree stumps, firefighter’s pole and slide. Fun, hands-on classes, such as pastry-making, engage. Instructors run swimming and diving lessons, as well as programs to overcome fear of water, in the outdoor pool.

Sweets for the sweet.

Zurich: La Réserve Eden au Lac

Ideally situated, Zurich's reborn gem.

La Réserve Eden au Lac —a fabled waterside French Empire-style landmark with heritage that spans more than 100 years—was radically re-designed by French industrial architect Philippe Starck, a perhaps surprisingly bold and edgy choice that turned out to be a brilliant one. Closed for a while to assess its much-needed renovations, the thoughtfully transformed hotel, which Starck envisioned as “an imaginary yacht club,” had a soft-opening during the COVID pandemic and wholly welcomed guests by 2022. He revamped it into the halcyon hot spot in cool Zurich, considered one of Europe’s most livable cites. This inviting, boutique-size retreat—with 40 guest rooms and suites—encourages 360-degree, panoramic gazes of Lake Zurich, a manicured park, forested hills and Zurich’s historical center. A leisurely walk takes you to Pavilion Le Corbusier, the Opera House, Kunsthaus Zurich museum (masterpieces by Van Gogh and Monet) and Bahnhofstrasse, the exclusive shopping street. More than 1,300 public art installations thread visual thrills throughout the city.

Let there be light: Comfy guest room.

Vibe: Restful, chic, intimate, flair-forward. Its pleasures are many, as regulars swoon over the hotel’s hushed in-the-know, seize-the-day appeal. Starck’s signature blend—of neutral earth tones, leathers, metals and mirrors—both energizes and comforts. Lovely are the marble and hardwood floors, wood marquetry, exposed brick walls, iconic blue-and-white-striped window awnings on the lake-facing facade and guest rooms’ private balconies and terraces. Graciousness prevails. People-watching—while indulging in Michel Reybier’s winning wines from his Château Cos d'Estournel estate in France—is a time-honored guest pursuit.

Street-level Eden Kitchen & Bar.

Eat & Treat Highlights: Executive chef Marco Ortolani, from Italy, deftly finesses restaurants at Le Réserve Eden au Lac. The green-tiled, bustling open-kitchen of Eden Kitchen & Bar, serves Italian and French dishes, as well as farther-afield global specialties. La Muña—with superb Peruvian-Japanese menus—tucked within the hotel’s domed roof, evokes the interior of a ship’s hull with nautical photographs and memorabilia on sloping walls. Linger outside, too, on La Muña’s tree-lined roof terrace.

La Muña restaurant.

Fitness: Personalized training with a coach or yoga teacher, at the hotel’s fitness hub, can be booked. New in-guest-room massage services use Nescens Spa products. Across the street is Art Nouveau-era Bad Utoquai bathing pavilion, for which the hotel provides its guests with a pass and towels. Stand-up paddle-boards are also available from the hotel, as well as E-bikes. Runners cheer the picturesque shoreline. Kid Friendly: Youths and adults alike are fascinated by Zurich’s charming Medieval neighborhood with its centuries-old houses, churches and fortifications. Join a guided walking tour—through narrow streets, hidden alleys, blooming gardens—to fully appreciate yesteryear’s secrets and lively stories.

A calming outlook.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

Tour of Romandie win is career-best title for Carlos Rodriguez through rain-slicked final stage

The winner of the Tour de Romandie, Carlos Rodriguez, right, from Spain of team Ineos Grenadier, celebrates on the podium after the fifth and final stage, a 150,8 km race between Vernier and Vernier at the 77th Tour de Romandie UCI World Tour Cycling race, in Vernier near Geneva, Switzerland, Sunday, April 28, 2024. (Jean-Christophe Bott/Keystone via AP)

The winner of the Tour de Romandie, Carlos Rodriguez, right, from Spain of team Ineos Grenadier, crosses the finish line of the fifth and final stage, a 150,8 km race between Vernier and Vernier at the 77th Tour de Romandie UCI World Tour Cycling race, in Vernier near Geneva, Switzerland, Sunday, April 28, 2024. (Jean-Christophe Bott/Keystone via AP)

The winner of the stage, Dorian Godon from France of team Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, crosses the finish line to win the fifth and final stage, a 150,8 km race between Vernier and Vernier at the 77th Tour de Romandie UCI World Tour Cycling race, in Vernier near Geneva, Switzerland, Sunday, April 28, 2024. (Jean-Christophe Bott/Keystone via AP)

• Copy Link copied

VERNIER, Switzerland (AP) — Carlos Rodriguez protected his yellow jersey through a rain-soaked final stage Sunday to win the six-day Tour of Romandie for the biggest race victory of his career.

Four previous winners in the French-speaking region of Switzerland went on to win that season’s Tour de France, including Chris Froome in 2013. Rodriguez placed fifth in cycling’s marquee event last year and won a stage.

Rodriguez started Sunday’s flat stage that looped round the suburbs of Geneva — won in a sprint finish by Dorian Godon — with a seven-second lead he took by placing third in a mountain stage Saturday.

The 23-year-old Ineos Grenadiers rider kept that winning margin over runner-up Aleksandr Vlasov, the 2022 Romandie winner. Third-placed Florian Lipowitz was third, trailing Rodriquez by nine seconds.

Godon sealed his second stage win this week, edging Simone Consonni with Dion Smith third.

AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

Tour of Romandie win is career-best title for Carlos Rodriguez through rain-slicked final stage

The winner of the Tour de Romandie, Carlos Rodriguez, right, from Spain of team Ineos Grenadier, celebrates on the podium after the fifth and final stage, a 150,8 km race between Vernier and Vernier at the 77th Tour de Romandie UCI World Tour Cycling race, in Vernier near Geneva, Switzerland, Sunday, April 28, 2024. (Jean-Christophe Bott/Keystone via AP)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jean-Christophe Bott]

VERNIER, Switzerland (AP) — Carlos Rodriguez has protected his yellow jersey through a rain-soaked final stage to win the six-day Tour of Romandie. It’s the 23-year-old Spaniard’s biggest race victory of his career. Four previous winners in the French-speaking region of Switzerland went on to win that season’s Tour de France, including Chris Froome in 2013. Rodriguez placed fifth in cycling’s marquee event last year. Sunday’s final stage was won in a sprint finish by Dorian Godon. Rodriguez started the flat stage looping round the suburbs of Geneva with a seven-second lead that he maintained over Aleksandr Vlasov.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.