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Luxury Trips to Switzerland: Vacation and Travel Guide
Experience an unforgettable European adventure with our custom-designed Switzerland vacations and insightful travel guide.
Why Visit Switzerland: Majestic Mountains, Cultural Harmony
Home to the Alps and the land of lakes, Switzerland boasts a landscape that is nothing short of spectacular. Breathe in the crisp mountain air at famous peaks like Matterhorn and Jungfrau, and immerse yourself in the country’s crystal-clear waters, miles of terraced vineyards, and sophisticated cities.
From Geneva, Lucerne, Basel, and Zurich, as a base, it is easy to take exciting day trips to Zermatt, Montreux, Lausanne, and Interlaken.
Visiting Switzerland is like visiting a mini-Europe all in one. With French, German, and Italian regions you can experience all three cultures in one country!
Visit the Lavaux region wineries and Gruyère cheese farms and embark on exceptional hikes, followed by relaxing spa stays. With Switzerland’s extensive rail network, it’s easy to pack as much in as you have time or inclination for, and a scenic train ride through the awe-inspiring panoramas aboard the Glacier Express is a must.
Switzerland also hosts festivals year-round celebrating everything from music and film to food and traditional customs. Art is also an important part of Swiss culture with renowned museums and galleries such as The Kunsthaus Zürich, Fondation Beyeler, and the Museum of Art Lucerne.
Culinary excellence is never far in a country with over 500 restaurants recommended by MICHLIN inspectors, you’ll never be far from exceptional dining.
Come to Switzerland for its stunning beauty, and stay for the rich cultural experiences, divine food, and innovative spirit.
A world-class destination that truly has something for every traveler.
Ways to Travel
Switzerland Fun Facts at a Glance
The Swiss are major wine producers
Switzerland has a rich wine-growing heritage that dates to the Roman Empire. With each of its 26 cantons producing wine, including Europe’s highest vineyard in Visperterminen, and the world’s smallest vineyard in Saillon owned by the Dalai Lama,
Swiss wine is a treasure to be savored. With a production of 99 million bottles and only 1% exported, wine aficionados, who want to explore Swiss wines must plan a trip to Switzerland to enjoy!
Europe’s highest peaks are accessible
Switzerland, known for its picturesque landscapes and towering mountains, is home to some of Europe’s highest and most renowned peaks. Both the Matterhorn and Jungfrau offer experiences that are accessible to visitors of all activity levels, with the comforts of modern infrastructures and unparalleled views of the Swiss Alps’ natural grandeur.
Whether you prefer to explore museums, take scenic train rides, walk through ice palaces, or simply enjoy the view over a cup of hot cocoa, these giants of the Swiss Alps are sure to impress!
Switzerland has some of the best Christmas Markets in Europe
Switzerland is a magical wonderland in the wintertime. Imagine snow-capped mountains, cozy wooden chalets, and vivid towns creating a marvelous festive atmosphere – the perfect pre-Christmas scene!
There are so many Christmas markets to choose from in Switzerland, so you can be forgiven for being confused. Each city has multiple markets, check out our guide to the best here.
Switzerland Vacation Experiences
Get a taste of the sophisticated lifestyle Switzerland has to offer. Take a scenic train, taste your way through cheese and chocolate, and work it all off later on a hike! Hit a spa with alpine views, discover Heidi Land or take a private cruise on a crystal – clear lake. The options are endless for your Swiss Vacation!
Personalize Your Switzerland Itinerary
Unlock the extraordinary experiences Switzerland has to offer with our custom itineraries tailored to your unique preferences, desired pace, and interests. Below are some samples, designed to inspire your Switzerland vacation. Custom private itineraries start at $1,300 per person per day.
Essential Swiss Countryside
- Learn about the process of creating chocolate in Lucerne.
- Take a train to the “Top of Europe” in Grindelwald.
- Visit Glacier 3000, one of the highlights of Gstaad.
Essential Switzerland
- Tour Lucerne and cross the medieval Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge).
- Explore the charming capital of Switzerland, Bern.
- Taste wine at the beautiful Lavaux wine region.
Ultimate Switzerland
- Go on a wine-exploring bike tour!
- Enjoy breathtaking views while riding the Glacier Express.
- Taste chocolate while enjoying a wooden boat ride.
Contact us to plan your personalized Switzerland trip today.
What our Happy Travelers Say
The Founder's Trip to Turkey this month was amazing in every respect. From start to finish, just perfection! Greg's personally curated outstanding itinerary set the stage for the best small group trip we have ever taken. From our greeting at the Istanbul Airport to our goodbye in Bodrum, everything was seamless ---first class hotel accommodations; fabulous guide; excellent drivers/vehicles; and wonderful dining venues. Every day was filled with history, joy and new friends. We cannot wait to travel with Exeter International again! Kris & Chris
All my trips with Exeter have been amazing. I worked with Ala and Gwen for different trips and they go above and beyond to make the trip exceptional. They have access to places others don’t, they plan everything from the perfect hotel, experiences and even incredible restaurants. Even better, they communicate within so Ala was able to get with Gwen and tell her my likes and dislikes. You work with the person with the most knowledge of the area you are going and they genuinely know it inside and out. I totally trust Exeter with my travel planning. They are the best.
This trip was as close to perfection as one can get.Ala and her team created the most perfect Croatian vacation trip for me, my husband and the other couple that we were traveling with this month. I've had the good fortune to have travelled all around the world and never have I experienced such an incredible team to ensure that literally every detail, every activity, every hotel we stayed at was top-notch.If you are even considering a vacation to this incredible country, I would highly recommend speaking with Ala and her team first. I know I will be recommending Ala friends and family that want to visit Croatia and I can do it with complete peace of mind knowing I am referring them to the best!Nikki Davidson
We just returned from a fabulous trip that included Stockholm Sweden, Helsinki Finland and Amsterdam Netherlands, all arranged by Leigh Landis at Exeter International. Leigh was amazing. She put together individual excursions in each country, arranged hotels, assisted with restaurant suggestions and reservations, purchased train tickets and the tickets for the Silja Line ship to cross the Baltic Sea. Leigh gave us the phone number of an Exeter contact in each city in case of a problem but we did not have to contact them. Still, it was reassuring knowing that we had someone to contact if needed. Each of them reached out to us when we arrived to let us know they were available. The itinerary, guides and tickets were all arranged in advance by Leigh. She spent a lot of time with us before booking anything. We communicated by emails or phone. It was clear to us from our first contact with Leigh that she wanted to make sure the trip had exactly what we wanted.The guides in each city were so fantastic. They each had a wealth of experience as guides, planned the routes well and asked about our interests when we first met so they knew what we wanted to see and do. They were all spot on time! The guides made the trip a truly special experience. They helped us to understand each city, its history, special characteristics and helped us with questions about how to navigate the city and use public transportation. The guides expedited getting into busy museums or other venues because our guides had passes to jump queues. They maximized our time so that it was spent enjoying the sights and venues instead of standing in lines and figuring out how to purchase tickets. They knew where to go and when to go there. Some venues required advance tickets and Leigh took care of that. Leigh arranged our very own private saloon boat tour of the canals of Amsterdam. Leigh checked in on us along the way on our trip and sent us special notes. She arranged to have a gift sent to my hotel room in Helsinki on my birthday.Leigh arranged really great hotel rooms with the best views possible. And our stateroom on the Silja line cruise from Stockholm to Helsinki had an amazing view so we saw the sunset and sunrise over the Baltic from our room and that was stunning. With Exeter involved in making the hotel reservations we were treated like special guests at each hotel by the staff.The drivers were all outstanding. They were polite, helpful, on-time and made all our connections and excursions seamless and stress free. We actually started our trip in Gothenburg Sweden at the Volvo factory. After that Exeter took over and we proceeded on our dream trip to Stockholm, Helsinki and Amsterdam. We did no driving. We used trains and boats all arranged by Leigh at Exeter. And in each city we used drivers arranged by Exeter for excursions outside the city centers, such as when we went to the delightful town of Porvoo, Finland.When we took the train from Gothenburg to Stockholm our train was over an hour delayed and it was late evening when we arrived in Stockholm. The driver who met us in Stockholm, arranged by Exeter, had waited for us. While waiting she arranged for the hotel to have food for us upon arrival. Also when we arrived at our room at the hotel Leigh had arranged for a lovely charcuterie tray to be sent to our room. So although we arrived late and were worried about being hungry, everyone involved made sure that was taken care of without having to ask.I can't say enough positive about Leigh Landis and Exeter International. I feel we got more than our money's worth. Without Exeter we would have wasted so much time trying to figure out what could be seen each day in each city, how to get tickets, how to find a good restaurant and figure out how to make reservations etc. We did not have to worry about any of that. All the details were taken care of in advance and all we had to do was enjoy it!We will be forever grateful for Leigh and Exeter!
My wife and I completed our second trip with Gwen's team at Exeter last month. Our first trip a few years back included Vienna, Prague, Budapest. This trip was Amsterdam, Berlin and Munich. Gwen is absolutely terrific and does a fabulous job of listening to client interests and preferences ex ante and then presenting options and framing the trips. Gwen's advice on hotels and specific rooms in hotels and the Exeter private touring options was consistently spot on. And ALL the guides she uses are terrific which really makes the trip. I was very pleased with both itineraries before the trips started and like any travel experience, circumstances and weather changed during the trip. Gwen and her team were always on top of quickly making changes. They possess the unique combination of pliancy about the route taken coupled with an adamantine resolve to give the client the experience they want and get them to see the things they wish to see. The team also has access to private experiences that were amazing. A tour of a tulip farm, a visit to a closed museum and medieval library, a wine and cheese tasting with a local expert. Not only did we have two good trips, on the second trip, Gwen started with all her notes and preferences from our first trip which made things even easier. I have used many operators in my travels and my experience with Exeter and Gwen Kozlowski in particular was truly top notch.
Our Favorite Switzerland Hotels
Best Time to Visit Switzerland
Switzerland has a continental European climate and four distinct seasons. The best time to fully enjoy the lakes and waterways is in the summer. This is also the best season to visit for the multitude of festivals.
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What to Do in Switzerland
Take a Scenic Train
Switzerland has an array of luxury train journeys showcasing its natural beauty, complete with first-class service and gourmet dining.
The Glacier Express, known as the world’s slowest express train, offers an eight-hour trip from Zermatt to St. Moritz, passing over bridges and through tunnels.
The Bernina Express presents Switzerland’s contrasting landscapes, from glaciers to palm trees.
Lastly, the Golden Pass Line provides a fairy-tale-like travel experience from Lucerne to the Swiss Riviera, with both vintage and modern coaches for travelers.
Enjoy the crystal-clear lakes
Switzerland is a country blessed with stunning natural beauty, and its lakes are no exception. These pristine bodies of water are surrounded by dramatic mountain backdrops a cruise offers panoramic views of the countryside and a chance to unwind on the water.
In Zurich, stay at La Reserve and make the very most of the extraordinary location right on Lake Zurich to do some stand-up paddleboarding! It’s a gentle way to explore and enjoy the serenity of the surroundings.
Taste your way through Switzerland
Switzerland is a place where the culinary traditions of its neighbors – France, Germany, and Italy – are beautifully intertwined with its own, creating a rich tapestry of flavors waiting to be explored.
From indulgent chocolates and cheeses to unique dishes found only here, at Exeter International, we show you the best of Swiss gastronomy.
Take a Hike that is for everyone
Switzerland offers ‘Inclusive Hikes’ designed for accessibility, allowing hikers of any age or ability to enjoy the country’s natural beauty. Well-maintained paths with smooth surfaces, handrails, and benches make hiking a comfortable experience for families, seniors, and those requiring walking aids. With easily accessible lookouts, picnic spots, interactive stations, and clear signage, these trails ensure a secure and educational environment.
Switzerland invites everyone to explore its picturesque landscape through these welcoming hikes, promising a memorable adventure that can be shared across generations.
Make time for Zurich
Zurich’s authenticity is one of its greatest draws. Amidst its historic charm lie the hallmarks of a modern city, with all the comforts and advancements you’d expect. Visitors can enjoy cultural experiences, from world-class museums to avant-garde galleries, fantastic Michelin-starred restaurants, a vibrant social scene, and the beauty of Lake Zurich.
What truly sets Zurich apart from the typical European metropolis is its ability to retain an authentic lifestyle that isn’t crafted for tourism but for the pleasure of its inhabitants.
Switzerland Travel FAQs
Switzerland is in the very heart of Europe, bordering France, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein.
Switzerland is known for its spectacular landscapes, exceptional food, luxury goods, and its political neutrality.
Switzerland is a mini-Europe all in one! There are four official languages, German, French, Italian, and Romansh, and English is widely spoken.
The Swiss Franc is the currency and legal tender of Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Switzerland is one of the safest places to travel in the world.
We recommend a minimum of 7 to 10 days in Switzerland.
Trains in Switzerland are renowned for their punctuality and quality and are an excellent way to travel. You do need to consider handling your luggage or ask about our VIP luggage service that takes care of it for you. For those who prefer a completely seamless way to travel, we would recommend private car and driver.
Exeter International can save you hours of research by listening to your needs and wishes and creating a personalized trip.
Keep Exploring Switzerland
Why Travel with Exeter?
Europe awaits. From hidden gems to classic cities, our experts have firsthand knowledge of the places you’ve been longing to go. For us, Europe is about experiences, not just ticking off boxes on a sightseeing “best of” list. We work with our in-the-know local experts to open doors to adventures that are often closed to the general public. For you – the discerning traveler – this means customized, impeccably planned vacations that go beyond the ordinary. Let’s start crafting your ideal Europe vacation today.
See Our Adventures Yourself!
Highly Personalized
Trips are planned around your specific interests, travel style and wishlists.
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From booking and reservations to arranging activities and transportation, let us handle it all.
Extraordinary Experiences
We go beyond the ordinary to immerse you in authentic, "pinch-me" Europe experiences.
Unmatched Guides
Our hand-selected guides aren't simply hand-selected - they're our trusted confidantes in Europe.