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Switzerland Holidays
Our Switzerland holidays will get you on track for adventure. Picture perfect alpine scenery, precision timing and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate all spring to mind as an image of Switzerland.
This land-locked European country sandwiched between Italy, France and Germany, has a reputation for reliability - excellent transport links and spectacular beauty - the majestic Swiss alps. Add in vast lakes, medieval towns, modern cities, hiking trails, scenic rail journeys, indulgent food and wine and you have the ingredients for a memorable holiday in Switzerland.
Holidays in Switzerland
If you’d prefer a custom-made Switzerland holiday suited to your timeframe, our Travel Specialists will weave together every detail including iconic experiences, trains, a famous resort or two and tasty treats. From Lucerne to St Moritz, Zermatt to Lake Geneva, a classic alpine adventure awaits.
Scenic Rail Journeys
It’s hard to consider a Switzerland holiday without train travel featuring on some level. There are so many great railway journeys. It is also one of the best ways to reach the high altitude vistas for which this country is famed. The big three are a must for any visit.
Jungfrau Mountain Railway – this mountain track railway offers a completely different rail experience taking passengers to the highest railway station in Europe. A truly iconic train.
Glacier Express – choose the full route from Zermatt to St Moritz or an abridged version from Brig to Chur. This is the slowest express train in the world with high levels of comfort from standard class through to excellence class. Sit back and relax as it meanders past wonderful alpine scenery.
Bernina Express – take a trip from Chur or St Moritz to the Italian town of Tirano for lunch before returning in the afternoon. Covering a multitude of bridges, tunnels and viaducts, soak up breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and tumbling waterfalls.
You can easily include of these in a 6-night itinerary making use of flights between the UK and Switzerland or add an extra night or two for slow travel by rail from London. However, you’d like your Swiss odyssey to look, we’re here to help.
Where to Go in Switzerland
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Interlaken
Located between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun and surrounded by three mountain peaks - Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau, Interlaken is quintessentially Swiss. An ideal base for exploring the Bernese Alps, hike numerous trails, ride the rails or take a cable car to a summit viewpoint. Opt for a gentle lake cruise on Thun, or perhaps kayak on Lake Brienz. Visit Europe's highest railway station sitting at a 3,454m above sea level along the Jungfrau railway and venture to the Schilthorn summit, which played a starring role in the Bond movie "On Her Majesty’s Secret Service".
Lake Geneva
Central Europe's largest lake has long held an allure for travellers looking for an invigorating retreat. Sailing boats, traditional paddle steamers and ferries ply the waters offering cruise opportunities aplenty. Sharing borders with France and Italy, the city of Geneva sits on the western edge of the lake and is the most cosmopolitan of the countries cities. WHO, the Red Cross and the United Nations have their headquarters here. It is also the home of CERN.
Lucerne
Step back in time into Lucerne's old town with its preserved medieval architecture and cobblestone streets. 14th century Chapel Bridge is Europe’s oldest covered bridge and is a central landmark among the colourful buildings. Set beside Lake Lucerne against a backdrop of mountains, this is considered one of the most beautiful towns in the world. Sample rich gruyere fondue and visit the extraordinary Glacier Gardens and moving dying lion monument carved in the rock face. Venturing beyond town, head out on excursions to explore nearby Mt Pilatus, Mt Titlis or Mt Rigi.
Lugano
Big city amenities with a small-town feel is Lugano in a nutshell. In a picturesque lakeside setting on the border between Italy and Switzerland, it has a typical Mediterranean climate. Funicular rail journeys are a must here to reach the quaint village of Bré and surrounding hiking trails. Another funicular completes the 600 metre ascent to the summit of Monte San Salvatore for outstanding views over Lake Lugano and the alpine scenery. In the city, culture vultures will love the frescoes and Baroque decorations of San Lorenzo Cathedral and the artworks of Museo d’arte della Svizzera italiana. While you can soak up local life and eat at Piazza della Reforma.
Montreux
The resort town of Montreux sits on the eastern side of Lake Geneva and is a sumptuous place to spend a few days. With an ambient microclimate, the area boasts a comfortable Mediterranean feel that has inspired artists and musicians from Charlie Chaplin to Freddie Mercury to take up residence. A 2-mile long promenade along the Lake Geneva's shoreline makes for a leisurely walk between Clarens and Château de Chillon, a 13th century fortress. This is a place for trekking along wooded paths and narcissus-lined alpine trails, watersports and wine tasting in the Lavaux Vineyards, a UNESCO World heritage Site.
St Moritz
Perhaps the most famous alpine resort in the world, St Moritz epitomises a luxury retreat in the Upper Engadine valley. Its slopes have played host to the Winter Olympics twice. Exceptional skiing in winter and hiking in summer, blend with stunning scenery, gourmet cuisine, topflight hotels and plenty of sunshine. Activities range from mountain biking to horse riding, tennis to golf or slow the pace at a relaxing spa.
Zermatt
Sitting at the foot of the legendary Matterhorn, Zermatt is a car-free zone a couple of hours train ride from Montreux. A famed ski area in winter, the 400 kms of hiking trails make it a walking mecca in summer. You can go to extremes along the Haute Route - a multi-day mountaineering trail from Mont Blanc, though the lower altitude alpine paths will suit most visitors. The cog railway takes passengers from town directly to the summit of the Gornergrat along 9.4 km of dramatic scenery. The head-spinning views from top take in Monte Rosa massif, Gorner Glacier and of course, the Matterhorn.
Zurich
From shopping to river cruises to gastronomy, Zurich is Switzerland's most vibrant city. Take a leisurely stroll through the old town with its compelling architecture and landmark Grossmunster. Take in views of the city on a cruise along River Limmat and delve into the past at the Swiss National Museum. Amble down Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most famous shopping streets where you might pick up a gem or two (literally)! Then chill out at a waterfront bar.
Hotels in Switzerland
As you would expect, there is a wide choice of accommodation. We’ll tailor make your Switzerland holiday to fit your budget and preference. From comfortable hotels that are a place to rest your head for the night to luxury properties with a real ‘wow’ factor such as Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa or Kulm Hotel St. Moritz.
You may like to include a stay at a typically Swiss hotel for an authentic taste of local life. Or perhaps boutique properties are more to your liking. A room with a mountain view is likely to be on your wish list.
Food Experiences
Switzerland may boast UNESCO listed vineyards, but for something ironically Swiss, chocolate and cheese need to feature. We’d recommend a couple of tasty tours that are combine the Swiss love of trains with indulgent flavours. Learn the secrets of world-famous gruyères production, overdose at the famous Cailler Chocolate Factory and dive into delicious fondue in a rustic setting. For food lovers, the Chocolate Train and Cheese Train are not to be missed!
Switzerland Weather
Swiss weather falls into a moderate range. The high-altitude locations of the Swiss alps are naturally cooler, so on a touring holiday in Switzerland expect a variation. Excepting the winter ski season, spring through summer and into early autumn is the most popular time to visit. Daytime temperatures in July and August range between 18 and 28°C, dipping to around 8 to 15°C in spring and autumn.
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