What is the best time to go to Switzerland?

With its warm Mediterranean climate, Italy is best enjoyed from March to May and then September to early November. June, July, and August can get very hot, especially in the south and in the big cities like Rome and Florence. It’s also summer vacation for schools across Europe, so places can get very crowded and prices are also a lot higher. Outside these months, Italy can still be enjoyed, but really only in the cities. More rural destinations like Tuscany, Umbria, and Puglia all but close down. However, on a cold sunny day in Rome or Milan, there’s nothing more quintessentially Italian than throwing on your sunglasses and a big coat and taking a coffee outside in a pretty pavement cafe!

How much is an average vacation to Switzerland?

This obviously depends on how long you plan to go for and what standard of accommodation you want, but you should expect to pay around $550 per day. This includes all accommodation in a 4 or 5* hotel, meals in good quality restaurants, and private tours.

What is the best way to vacation in Switzerland?

Even though quite large by European standards, Italy is still relatively small, and getting around is very easy, especially by train, with a network of high-speed lines connecting all the major urban centers within a few hours. This makes the country perfect for a multi centre vacation. We recommend trying to mix a couple of cities like Venice and Florence with a rural location like the Lakes, the Cinque Terre coast, or the rolling hills of Tuscany. It should be noted that there are almost no domestic flights within Italy, as the government tries to discourage Italians from taking short-haul flights, but trains are usually the only option - but are often quicker than a flight and of course, take you from city center to city center.

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Europe
Switzerland

Luxury Switzerland Vacations & Tours

No matter where you go in Switzerland, you’ll be awed by its stunning beauty. This small country tucked between Italy, France, and Austria, is filled with soaring mountains and snow-dusted peaks, sparkling lakes, and charming villages with a good dose of chocolate and the sound of cowbells mixed in. Here you can hike through some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery, paraglide off a cliff, go whitewater rafting on a roaring river, or join a cheesemaker in a lush valley to learn how cheese is made.

Winter brings the opportunity for world-class snow sports like skiing and boarding in the Bernese Oberland, Graubunden among many other top picks. Enjoy deeply rooted Alpine traditions and folkloric fairs, as well as a wealth of cosmopolitan delights. In the capital of Bern, you can discover impressive modern art and bold architecture along with a spectacular medieval Old Town, while chic Geneva, which sits alongside the largest lake in Europe, is a cultural melting pot with a thriving food scene.

Speak to the Expert

Switzerland offers stunning beauty in every corner, with soaring snow-dusted peaks, sparkling lakes, and charming chalet-filled villages while lots of chocolate and the sounds of cowbells are mixed in. Enjoy everything from hiking through breathtaking scenery, paragliding off a cliff, and whitewater rafting to joining a cheesemaker to learn how cheese is made.

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Chelsea

European Specialist

Curated Switzerland Tours, Exquisitely Crafted for Your Exploration

Switzerland, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and pristine alpine beauty, offers a wide array of captivating tours that cater to every traveler’s interest. Among the best tours in Switzerland, the Glacier Express and Bernina Express stand out as iconic railway journeys that showcase the country’s majestic scenery.

The Glacier Express traverses 180 miles of picturesque terrain, allowing passengers to marvel at towering peaks, deep gorges, and charming villages as they traverse across the Alps from Zermatt to St. Moritz. While the Bernina Express, a UNESCO World Heritage site, takes travelers on a thrilling adventure from Chur or St. Moritz to Tirano in northern Italy, passing dazzling glacial lakes, and stunning mountain panoramas.

When to go: Apr - Oct

Glacier Express: Across the Roof of Europe

Zermatt, St. Moritz, Zurich
3 Nights
From $2,888 PP
Discover one of the greatest rail journeys in the world, traveling across the Swiss Alps on the magnificent Glacier Express. Starting in the town of Zermatt, in the shadows of the Matterhorn, you will travel for almost 8 hours, through a stunning array of landscapes to the luxurious resort town of St. Moritz. Highlights along the route include the Oberalp Pass, Rhine Gorge and the Landwasser Viaduct, a vast and curving limestone structure of six arches that spans the Landwasser River 213 feet below.

Our itinerary includes Excellence Class as standard, which offers a windows seat as standards, panoramic views, and a refined regional 5-course menu with accompanying wines. This 4-day itinerary starts and ends in Zurich, but can be modified to begin anywhere in Switzerland, or even northern Italy. All the time taking advantage of Switzerland’s efficient, world-class, and easy-to-navigate rail network.

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When to go: Apr - Oct

Bernina Express: From Glaciers to Palms

St Moritz, Tirano, Lugano, Zurich
3 Nights
From $1,913 PP
Starting in the luxurious resort town of St. Moritz, the Bernina Express is a true feat of engineering, taking a journey across the Alps and down into the small Italian town of Tirano. The route is the highest railway track in Europe and the steepest in the world, taking passengers through 55 tunnels and 196 bridges! Along the way, you will marvel at the dramatic changes in landscape from pine forests, up to the Eastern Alps’ highest mountain, Piz Bernina, at over 13,120 feet, along sparkling glaciers, frozen lakes (even in summer), deep gorges, and down into palm-filled streets. From Tirano, you will travel by luxury coach to Lugano, Switzerland’s largest Italian-speaking city.

Our 4-day package includes 1st class rail throughout, including the transfers from Zurich to St Moritz, and back from Lugano. However, this can easily be altered to any city in Switzerland at no extra charge. Many guests also chose to do the Bernina Express in reverse, starting in Milan or Venice which can also easily be arranged.

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When to go: Apr - Oct

The Very Best of Switzerland

Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zurich
4 Nights
From $2,203 PP
Explore the beauty of Switzerland’s lakes and mountains in the lovely 4-night break, with two nights’ stays in both Lucerne and Interlaken. Highlights include the 14th-century Chapel Bridge, Brünig Pass, and the majestic Jungfraujoch which is reached via the highest railway station in Europe at an altitude of 11,332ft. Interlaken is famous for its outdoor activities from gentle walking about the lake to skydiving. This is a relatively easy itinerary, so you are free to do as much or as little as you like.

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When to go: Apr - Oct

Panoramic Rail Routes of Switzerland

Geneva, Montreux, Interlaken, St. Moritz, Tirano, Zurich
7 Nights
From $4,556 PP
In Switzerland the train is king, almost any journey from one town or city to another can easily be done and usually involves stunning views of mountains, lush green pastures and pretty wooden farmhouses. That stereotypical view of Switzerland really does exist - everywhere! This week-long tour takes in three of the most iconic routes in the country, the Goldenpass, Glacier Express and Bernina Express, with comfortable 4-star accommodation along the way. For those wanting to see as much of Switzerland in a short period of time as possible, this itinerary is a must.

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When to go: Apr - Oct

Culinary Tour through Switzerland

Montreux, Gruyeres, Lugano, Lucerne, Bern
6 Nights
From $5,878 PP
Embark on an enchanting food tour through Switzerland, where culinary delights await at every turn. The tour is all done via the country’s fast and effective railway network and includes stops in Montreux for wine tasting, cheese tasting in Gruyeres, and of course a tour of a chocolate factory. Journey further to Lugano for a risotto cooking class, immersing yourself in the art of crafting this delectable Italian dish. Finally, conclude your gastronomic adventure with a beer tour in Bern, the Swiss capital, where you'll discover the hidden gems of local microbreweries, experiencing the unique flavors and craftsmanship of Swiss beer.

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When to go: Apr - Oct

France & Switzerland Explorer

Paris, Lyon, Geneva, Interlaken, Jungfraujoch, St Moritz, Zurich
13 Nights
From $9,438 PP
Experience the quintessential European journey on a breathtaking tour through France and Switzerland. Start in Paris, the City of Love, exploring iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louve, and the stunning Palace of Versailles. France’s third city, Lyon, beckons next with its culinary delights and UNESCO-listed old town.
Crossing the border into Switzerland, Geneva is nestled on a vast lake, and offers the stunning Jet d'Eau and a vibrant cultural scene. In Lavaux, you will relish wine tasting amid UNESCO-listed vineyard terraces with lunch overlooking the lake. Board the GoldenPass panoramic train for a scenic ride through the Swiss Alps to Interlaken, and continue on the Glacier Express, traversing alpine villages and lush valleys. Your adventure ends in Zurich, where a walking tour through the old town blends history and modernity.
This tour seamlessly weaves together the rich tapestry of these two enchanting countries in just one unforgettable journey.

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When to go: April - Oct

Europe: The Grand Tour

France, Switzerland, Italy
25 Nights
From $21,384 PP
This modern Grand Tour starts in Paris, before heading south to the glamorous Cote d’Azur, through the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps, and south, into the historic Italian cities of Venice, Florence, and Rome. Follow in the footsteps of Georgian high society and discover the art, culture, and nature of some of Europe’s most captivating destinations.

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Why we love private tours of Switzerland

Chelsea

European Specialist

We love private tours of Switzerland, home to some of the world’s most majestic landscapes. Its pristine alpine beauty includes famous dramatic peaks and countless waterfalls while bringing the opportunity for a wealth of active and relaxing pursuits.

A wide array of captivating tours can be enjoyed, catering to every traveler’s interest. For a more relaxed adventure, you might take a ride on the Glacier Express or Bernina Express, two of the standouts for iconic railway journeys that showcase the country’s incredible scenery, including the country’s towering mountains, glacial lakes, and picturesque villages. The daring can get a bird’s-eye view with an epic paragliding adventure.

Our private tours in Switzerland encompass a wide range of experiences that can also include gastronomic journeys for indulging in everything from traditional Swiss delicacies like creamy cheeses and chocolates. You might delive into the country’s rich heritage and history by exploring its charming Old Towns too.

Best places to go in Switzerland

There are many beautiful places to go in Switzerland. Explore everything from postcard-perfect villages with chalets, mountains laced with waterfalls, and lush greenery dotted with bell-wearing cows to glamorous cities like Zurich and St. Moritz with endless upscale shops and fine dining eateries.

Zurich
Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich is a favorite among culture vultures and art enthusiasts with such a long list of museums and galleries, it would be nearly impossible to see them in one trip.
Lucerne
A quintessential Swiss City, Lucerne is known for its lovely town squares, narrow cobbled lanes, and painted veneers, with its well-preserved Old Town the perfect place to get lost in.
Interlaken
A city between two alpine lakes, Interlaken is a great base for exploring the Bernese Alps while boasting magical views that include all three of Switzerland’s most famous mountains: Eiger, Jungfrau, and Monch.
Zermatt
Zermatt is overlooked by the iconic Matterhorn, towering over the border of Switzerland and Italy at nearly 15,000 feet high. A cable car travels to the summit, Europe’s highest scenic outlook.
Montreux
Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Riviera along the shores of Lake Geneva, Montreux is famous for 11th-century Chillon Castle, Switzerland’s most visited historical building, featuring towers, courtyards, and dungeons.
St. Moritz
Glitzy St. Moritz is a playground for the wealthy year-round but it’s especially famous as Switzerland’s top destination for skiing, with its apres scene including fine restaurants for savoring truffles and caviar.

Best time to visit Switzerland

The best time to visit Switzerland depends on the type of activities you want to enjoy, with hiking and paragliding popular in the winter months, and skiing and snowboarding favorites in the winter. The best time for sightseers who want to enjoy the outdoors in pleasant weather is in the late spring and early summer, April through June, or the early fall, mid-September through October. Temperatures during these periods are typically in the 60s, while the crowds are thinner than in the peak summer months of July and August. For the best skiing and boarding, come anytime from December through March.

What to do in Switzerland

In Switzerland, you can do everything from immersing yourself in nature by hiking in the Alps and savoring Swiss cheeses and chocolates in Gruyères, to wine tasting among stunning landscapes in Vaud, and embarking on one of the world’s greatest train journeys, the Glacier Express.

Go on an Alpine adventure
One of the world’s best places for an alpine adventure, in the Swiss Alps you’ll find a vast network of trails for hiking and biking that wind by turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, towering peaks, and flower-filled meadows with sun-bleached barns and cows.
Retreat to the tranquil lakes
Switzerland is home to some 1,500 lakes, many of which are popular for swimming, boating, and other watersports. Lake Geneva is the largest, overlooked by the Alps with castles, vineyards, resort towns, spas, and museums along its shores. Lake Lucerne offers boat cruises on historic paddlewheelers that glide through the fjord-like landscape.
Embark on iconic train rides
Switzerland boasts some iconic railway journeys, including the Glacier Express that travels between Zermatt and St. Moritz from December through October for one of the world’s most breathtaking rail adventures. The Bernina Express from Chur features snow-capped mountains, dramatic gorges, and glaciers, while rolling through over 50 tunnels and more than 200 bridges.

Switzerland advice from the experts

Best Time to Visit Switzerland
Switzerland has long been one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Offering stunning mountain scenery and a wealth of outdoor adventure. The famous Alps offer endless activities. Hiking and paragliding in the summer to skiing and boarding in the winter. Well known for its cheese and chocolate, it’s also a great place to relax with a hot cocoa or indulge in mouthwatering fondue. Found out here the best time to visit Switzerland. Generally, the best time to visit Switzerland is in the spring/early summer and in the early fall, April through June or September and October. This is when you’re unlikely to battle thick tourist crowds and enjoy some of the most pleasant weather. While it’s a country that can be visited year-round, the best time for your trip really depends on what you hope to do. We’ll break it down by seasons to help you make the best decision for an experience of a lifetime.
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