Switzerland Travel Guide

With hallucinatory vistas everywhere you look, refined Alpine villages brimming with chic chalets, and national past times that include devouring pots of bubbling cheese and the smoothest of chocolate, Switzerland is a luxury travel destination deserving of one term: Epic. Winter-lovers: prepare to shred powder in the Alps, snowshoe through glittering valleys, mountaineer glacier-bound rifts and up serious rock, and hunker down fireside to your heart’s content. The Swiss know best when it comes to supreme pampering—take our word for it. Leave restored from oxygen-rich forest air, enzyme-packed meals, energizing treatments (sculpting massages, Turkish scrubs, and organic body wraps are par for the field), and detoxifying therapies. For sophisticates and the Michelin-star savvy, a Switzerland luxury tour will balance rural beauty with cutting-edge, modern art collections, rooftop bars, chateaux dining, world-class shopping, and anything but typical accommodations (grand chalets, surrealist hotels, and cozy igloos are all on offer).

Luxury Travel In Switzerland
There are things Switzerland is known for—yodeling, chocolate, and notorious wealth; and then there are things Switzerland is remembered for—life-altering skiing, dreamscape scenery, and storybook villages. Landlocked between Italy, France, Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein, the Swiss territory is divided between the plateau—where the majority of cities are located—and the mountainous terrain of the Alps. Within these two regions, the list of “must-dos” are seemingly endless. In the mountains, visitors will experience picture-perfect views from the cable cars that sail to the peaks of Matterhorn and Zermatt; relish private runs through powder bowls and off-piste skiing in Verbier; and savor champagne dinners and chalet massages. While exploring the plateau, there are balloon rides over emerald forests and up-market shopping forays in Geneva; craft cocktails, cutting-edge restaurants, and Paul Klee exhibits in Zurich; and hiking pastoral valleys, dining on fondue warmed over the fire, and stumbling-upon medieval ruins in Gimmelwald. From uber-luxe resort towns and hip city centers to romantic river-side villages, luxury travel in Switzerland is ideal for families, adventurers, and honeymooners.

Switzerland Tours
The Alps alone have beguiled travelers for centuries, evolving into an haute destination that weds adrenaline-rushes with no-holds-luxury. Amongst the bucolic peaks there are plentiful opportunities to experience award-winning runs, pick your way up iconic climbing routes, trek world-famous ridges, and snow-tube, après-ski, and then unwind from high-altitude thrills with hot chocolate and heated-pool sessions.

If you’re in it for the scenery, Switzerland’s stilted granaries, lush agricultural regions, charming red trains, and riverside towns (where folkloric traditions are alive and well), are sure to satisfy your wanderlust cravings.

And if adventure takes a backseat to relaxation and soul-soothing, Switzerland caters to the slow and mindful as well. You’ll find forward-thinking spas offering novel treatments in conjunction with age-old remedies, state-of-the-art properties with savory menus orchestrated by renowned chefs, and authentic hideaways stacked with Gruyere reserves and outfitted with stone saunas.

Highlighted Experiences:

• Track wild Alpine Ibex through the Alps.
• Indulge with rooftop cocktails and fondue in Zurich.
• Ski fresh, off-piste routes outside Verbier.

Travel Experiences:

Switzerland is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, pristine alpine villages, and a wealth of outdoor activities. Here are some of the types of travel experiences that Switzerland is best known for:

1. Alpine Adventures: Switzerland is famous for its stunning mountain scenery, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can engage in activities like hiking, mountain biking, and mountaineering in the Swiss Alps. Skiing and snowboarding in popular resorts such as Zermatt, Verbier, and St. Moritz are also a major draw during winter.
2. Scenic Train Journeys: Switzerland is known for its exceptional railway system, offering some of the world's most scenic train rides. The Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and GoldenPass Line provide breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, picturesque valleys, and charming Swiss villages.
3. Lake Exploration: Switzerland is home to numerous stunning lakes, such as Lake Geneva, Lake Lucerne, and Lake Zurich. Visitors can enjoy boat cruises, swimming, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing on the shores while enjoying majestic scenery.
4. Historic Cities: Swiss cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel blend rich history with modern amenities. Visitors can explore well-preserved medieval old towns, visit museums, and indulge in world-class shopping and dining experiences.
5. Wellness and Spa Retreats: Switzerland has a long-standing tradition of wellness and rejuvenation. The country boasts luxurious spa resorts and wellness retreats, where visitors can relax in thermal baths, enjoy therapeutic treatments, and immerse themselves in tranquil surroundings.
6. Swiss Cuisine and Chocolate: Switzerland is renowned for its delicious cuisine and, of course, its chocolate. Visitors can savor traditional Swiss dishes like fondue and raclette, explore local farmers' markets, and indulge in the finest Swiss chocolates and pastries.
7. Cultural Festivals: Switzerland hosts a variety of vibrant cultural festivals throughout the year. From colorful carnivals in Basel and Lucerne to music festivals like Montreux Jazz Festival, visitors can immerse themselves in Swiss traditions and celebrations.
8. Outdoor Spas and Thermal Baths: Switzerland is home to a range of outdoor spas and thermal baths, particularly in the Swiss Alps. These natural hot springs provide relaxation and healing in stunning natural surroundings.

Important Things to Know:

Passport Requirement: Yes
Visa Requirement: No. Visa not required with stays up to 90 days
Best Time To Travel to This Destination: April to June, and September to October
This Destination is Best For: Culture, Cuisine, History
Is This a Family-Friendly Destination: Yes
Recommended Vaccinations: Chickenpox (Varicella), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Flu (influenza), Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), and Polio Shingles.