Custom travel to Switzerland

Switzerland is alpine Europe's most iconic country — 41,285 km², 8.8 million inhabitants, 4 official languages (German, French, Italian, Romansh), 26 cantons, and 13 UNESCO sites. Neutral since 1815, outside the European Union but a member of the Schengen area, it invented precision watchmaking, milk chocolate, the Swiss knife, the Red Cross — and alpine tourism itself. Its rail network is the world's densest (5,196 km of tracks), with legendary panoramic trains: Glacier Express (Zermatt-Saint-Moritz, 8 h across 291 bridges and 91 tunnels), Bernina Express (UNESCO 2008), GoldenPass Line. The Alps peak at the Matterhorn (4,478 m, the world's most photographed summit) and the Jungfraujoch (3,454 m, the « top of Europe »). The lakes Geneva, Lucerne, Lugano, Constance. The cities: Geneva UN seat, Zurich financial, UNESCO Bern, artistic Basel. A cuisine of sharing: fondue, raclette, rösti, chocolate — and the terraced wines of Lavaux (UNESCO 2007).

Highlights

• Zermatt and the Matterhorn (4,478 m)
• Glacier Express: the world's most beautiful panoramic train
• Jungfraujoch: the « top of Europe » at 3,454 m
• Lake Geneva, UNESCO Lavaux vineyards
• Saint-Moritz and the upper Grisons Engadine
• UNESCO Bern and Italian-speaking Ticino (Lugano, Locarno)

Sample itineraries

When to go

Switzerland is visited year-round, but the seasons offer very different experiences. Summer (June to September) is ideal for hiking in the Alps (all lifts open, refuges accessible), swimmable lakes (Lake Geneva at 22 °C in July-August), Lavaux harvests. Winter (December to March) is the great ski season (Verbier, Zermatt, Saint-Moritz, Davos, Crans-Montana) and alpine palaces. May and October are magnificent intermediate seasons (autumn colors in the Alps in October, flowering meadows in May, low crowds). Italian-speaking Ticino offers 300 days of sunshine a year and remains pleasant even in the off-season. Avoid November (grey, fog on the plateau).

• Summer (June – August) — Matterhorn, Jungfraujoch, Lavaux, Lake Geneva, Lugano
• Autumn (September – October) — Lavaux harvests, Glacier Express, Grisons, Ticino
• Winter (December – March) — Zermatt, Saint-Moritz, Verbier, Davos, Gstaad
• Spring (April – May) — Lake Geneva, Ticino, Bern, Glacier Express (May opening)

Practical information

In Switzerland, ID card suffices for Europeans (Schengen since 2008 even if outside EU). Currency is Swiss franc (CHF, €1 ≈ 0.95 CHF), but euro is accepted in many places (change given in CHF). Cards accepted everywhere, contactless reigns. Tipping: already included, optional rounding up (5%). Excellent tap water everywhere, even the fountains of Bern and Zurich. Excellent mobile network (Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt — eSIM recommended). European emergency number: 112. Among the world's safest. Mandatory highway vignette (CHF 40/year, valid for the calendar year). Right-hand driving. On-time trains: to the minute.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for a Switzerland trip?

Summer (June-September) for hiking and lakes. Winter (December-March) for skiing and alpine palaces. May and October offer magnificent intermediate seasons (flowering meadows in May, autumn colors in October, low crowds).

How long for a Switzerland trip?

Minimum 8 days for Geneva + Bern + Zermatt. 11-12 days for the grand panoramic tour with Saint-Moritz and Lugano. 14 days to combine with neighboring Italy or France.

What budget for a custom Switzerland trip?

As a guideline, €3,500-4,500 per person for 8 days in comfort (excluding flights). Premium (Glacier Express Excellence + Beau-Rivage + Mont Cervin): €5,500-7,500. Excellence (Badrutt's Palace in suite): €9,500+. Paris-Geneva flights: €200-400.

Do I need a visa for Switzerland?

No for Europeans (Schengen since 2008 even though Switzerland is not in the EU). For Europeans, ID card sufficient. No visa for British, Americans, and Canadians (≤ 90 days).

How does the Swiss Travel Pass work?

The Swiss Travel Pass is an unlimited package that includes all trains (except some panoramic ones with supplement), buses, boats on the lakes, cable cars, and entry to 500 museums. Available in 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days. Given the network's efficiency, it's by far the best solution for visiting Switzerland.

Glacier Express in Excellence Class or standard 1st class?

Excellence Class is an exclusive experience (39 seats max, private panoramic car, club armchairs, 5-course gourmet menu, dedicated concierge — CHF 470/person). Standard 1st panoramic class already offers an exceptional experience (CHF 170/person with Swiss Travel Pass). For a special occasion, Excellence absolutely justifies the investment.

Is Switzerland suitable for a family trip?

Absolutely. Excellent safety, family infrastructure everywhere, trains adapted to children (free up to age 6, half-price up to age 16), spectacular Jungfraujoch and Matterhorn for children, swimming in the lakes, skiing for all levels. Warm hospitality.

Is Switzerland really expensive?

Yes, it's one of Europe's and the world's most expensive countries. Meal at a decent restaurant: €35-60. 4★ hotel: €250-450/night. Palaces: €800-2,000/night. Starred dinner at Anne-Sophie Pic: €350/person. Glacier Express Excellence: CHF 470. But the quality-experience ratio is exceptional, and the Swiss Travel Pass amortizes transport costs a lot.

Can you combine Switzerland with other countries?

Yes: Switzerland + France (Annecy, Mont Blanc, Alsace), + Italy (Lake Como, Milan, Cinque Terre from Ticino), + Germany (Black Forest, Constance), + Austria (Vorarlberg, Innsbruck), + Liechtenstein. Central position in Europe.

How do I get around in Switzerland?

Train, train, and more train — the Swiss network is the world's densest and one of the most efficient (to the minute). All-inclusive Swiss Travel Pass. Car only useful for remote Grisons or to visit individuals. Zermatt is car-free.