Switzerland is dramatic mountain scapes, idyllic villages and formidable natural beauty. Made up of 26 different cantons (administrative regions) and speaking four official languages, the country is a stunning landlocked nation sandwiched between three European giants: France, Italy and Germany. Its cities exude class, with clean streets and historic architecture at every turn, while its small towns are so picturesque they resemble photographs.
Explore the iconic Fraumünster church on the Zürich waterfront, eat Fondue Moitié-Moitié (half Gruyère cheese, half Vacherin cheese) in alpine St. Moritz, stay in a romantic châteaux tucked into the mountains or go paragliding in Interlaken. Switzerland is ideal for adventurers and leisure travellers alike.
We offer several Switzerland tours to match your preferred travel style:
Classic tours: Fully escorted tours with expert guides, pre-arranged accommodations, most meals, and transportation. Ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive, worry-free experience with expert commentary.
Small Group tours: Intimate tours with a maximum of 12 travelers, offering personalized attention and access to unique local experiences. Perfect for those seeking deeper cultural immersion in a social setting.
Independent tours: We arrange your accommodations, rail passes, and key experiences, but you travel without a guide at your own pace. Perfect for confident travelers who value flexibility but appreciate having logistics pre-arranged.
Private tours: Exclusive experiences customized for your party only, with a dedicated guide and vehicle. It offers maximum flexibility to adjust your pace and activities as you travel.
Tailor-Made tours: Custom-designed itineraries created with our Switzerland specialists to match your specific interests and preferences. Ideal for groups of 4 or more with particular passions or celebrating special occasions.
Switzerland captivates visitors with its dramatic Alpine landscapes, pristine lakes, and charming villages. This compact country offers incredible diversity: explore medieval old towns, ride panoramic trains through mountain passes, and experience four distinct cultural regions influenced by neighboring France, Italy, and Germany. Switzerland's exceptional rail network connects even remote mountain areas, making it easy to experience cosmopolitan cities and peaceful Alpine retreats on our guided tours of Switzerland.
The country is renowned for its impeccable cleanliness, punctuality, and hospitality, ensuring a hassle-free Switzerland travel experience where natural beauty and efficiency blend perfectly.
The best time to visit Switzerland depends on your personal preferences:
Summer (June-August): Ideal for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying crystal-clear lakes and lush greenery. Temperatures typically range from 68-86°F. This period offers longer daylight hours, perfect for maximizing outdoor activities.
Winter (December-February): Perfect for experiencing a true winter wonderland with snow-covered landscapes from mountaintops to lakes. Winter is ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and visiting Christmas markets. Daylight hours are shorter during this season.
Spring/Autumn (March-May/October-November): These shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures, though some high-altitude attractions may have limited operations.
Switzerland has four official languages:
English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and on public transport, so there's generally no language barrier for English-speaking visitors on our Switzerland group tours.
Switzerland is considered an expensive destination compared to its neighboring countries, but the quality of services and experiences justifies the cost. Here's a general breakdown:
Accommodation: 3-star hotels typically range from CHF 150-250 (USD 165–275) per night
Meals: Budget around CHF 25-50 (USD 28-55) per person for a decent meal
Transportation: While your rail pass will cover most transportation, budget extra for any additional transport needs
Activities: Mountain excursions can cost CHF 50-100+ (USD 55 to 110+) per person
Remember that the Swiss Franc (CHF) is a strong currency, so check current exchange rates when budgeting.
On our tours of Switzerland, we recommend you pack according to the season but always include layers regardless of when you visit:
Summer: Lightweight clothing, but bring a light jacket or sweater for evenings and higher elevations
Winter: Warm clothing, waterproof jacket, gloves, hat, scarf, and sturdy footwear
All seasons: Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, adapter plugs (Type J, though Type C and F often work)
For mountain excursions: Hiking boots (if planning serious hikes), day pack, water bottle
Switzerland is famous for its scenic train journeys, which offer spectacular views of the country's landscapes through panoramic windows. The most renowned routes include:
Glacier Express: Often called the slowest express train in the world, it takes around 8 hours to travel between St. Moritz and Zermatt, crossing 291 bridges and passing through 91 tunnels.
Bernina Express: This journey takes you from Lugano through the Alps, briefly into Italy and back to St. Moritz, offering views of glaciers and mountain passes.
Golden Pass: Connecting Montreux with Interlaken, this train offers beautiful views of lakes and mountains in central Switzerland.
Gotthard Panorama Express: Combines a boat journey across Lake Lucerne with a train ride to Lugano along the historic Gotthard route.
These trains typically offer different class options (2nd class, 1st class, and premium options like Excellence Class or Prestige Class) with varying levels of comfort and service.
Train journeys can be upgraded from the standard 2nd class to 1st class or premium options like Excellence Class (on Glacier Express) or Prestige Class (on Golden Pass). These upgrades offer:
Upgrades can be arranged at the time of booking your main Switzerland travel package.
Switzerland has one of the world's best public transportation systems. It's punctual, efficient, and comprehensive. Your rail pass typically covers:
Most cities and towns provide guest cards that offer free local public transportation and discounts on attractions.
Major Swiss airports (Zurich, Geneva, Basel) are well-connected to the rail network. It's just a 10-minute train ride from Zurich Airport to the main city. Your rail pass typically covers airport transfers, making the journey seamless.
Most hotels offer laundry services. Some have on-site facilities, while others work with external services. If you plan to do laundry during your trip, it's best to schedule it for locations where you'll stay at least two nights to ensure your clothes will be ready before you depart.
While Switzerland has countless beautiful locations, these are considered essential experiences:
A low to moderate fitness level is sufficient for most Switzerland experiences. While there is walking involved in city exploration, most major attractions are accessible via excellent public transportation. For mountain excursions, cable cars and cogwheel trains take you to viewing platforms without requiring hiking. You should be able to:
Tours can be as active or relaxed as you prefer, as you set your own pace on independent journeys.
Switzerland offers delicious culinary experiences:
For a deep dive into Swiss food, read our guide, How to eat your way through Switzerland.
Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Switzerland, including in remote areas and mountain villages. Visa and Mastercard are most commonly accepted. While you can generally pay for everything with cards, it's advisable to carry a small amount of Swiss Francs for small purchases at local shops or markets.
Tipping is not expected in Switzerland as service charges are typically included in bills. However, it's common to round up the bill or leave around 5-10% for exceptional service at restaurants. For taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides, small tips are appreciated but not mandatory.
Switzerland uses Type J electrical outlets (three round pins), though many establishments also accept European plugs (Types C and F). The standard voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. Travelers from countries with different systems should bring an appropriate adapter and check if their devices are compatible with this voltage.
Switzerland offers world-class outdoor activities:
Many Switzerland tour packages include mountain excursions and scenic journeys that showcase Switzerland's natural beauty without requiring advanced fitness or technical skills.
Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, allowing tourists from many visa-exempt countries to visit for up to 90 days without a visa. Travelers from other regions will need to apply for a Schengen visa before their trip.
We recommend checking our Visa Entry Requirements page immediately after booking for more information.
Planning your Swiss alpine adventure with Inspiring Vacations is simple and straightforward. Browse our comprehensive range of Switzerland tour packages on our website, where you'll find detailed day-by-day itineraries and transparent pricing.
Ready to book your Switzerland tour from the United States? Book online or speak with our dedicated travel team at 1 888 356 2021. Our consultants are available 24/7 and take pride in matching you with Swiss experiences that align with your interests, preferred pace, and travel style. They can address practical considerations from mobility requirements to dietary needs and often provide valuable insights about Switzerland's scenic rail journeys, mountain excursions, and cultural experiences that you won't find in standard travel guides.
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