Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast - Plan Your Swiss Vacation

Episódios

• Basel in Two Days: Top Attractions, Local Eats, and Easy Day Trips 01.07.2026 40min

  Wondering if Basel is worth visiting, or how best to spend two days in Basel before or after your Rhine River cruise? You’re not alone! Many travelers overlook Basel, but this charming Swiss city on the banks of the Rhine River is packed with history, culture, and surprises - making it well worth including in your Swiss itinerary. In this episode, I chat with Basel resident, Melinda Schoutens. Melinda shares her suggested Basel itinerary for two days, covering what to do in Basel for a day or...
• Your Guide to the Glacier Express: Route, Tickets, Highlights and Essential Information for Travelers 24.06.2026 21min

  If a panoramic train journey through Switzerland is on your bucket list, the legendary Glacier Express is a must. But questions abound: How do you get Glacier Express tickets? When should you book to ensure you secure seats - especially in the coveted Glacier Express Excellence Class? Is the eight-hour Glacier Express route between St. Moritz and Zermatt really worth it? In this episode, I chat with Gabi Aberle, Manager Overseas Markets for the Glacier Express, to get her insider tips on trav...
• Discover Ticino - Where Swiss Alpine Charm Meets Italian Flair 17.06.2026 25min

  Dreaming of discovering a side of Switzerland where palm trees sway, gelato replaces fondue, and the mountains meet the Mediterranean? Then Ticino, Switzerland’s sunniest region, is calling your name! With so many amazing things to do in Ticino, planning your visit can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming. Should you wander the UNESCO-listed castles of Bellinzona, Switzerland’s castle capital or stroll the elegant lakefront promenades of Lugano or Locarno on Lake Lugano and Lake...
• How the Berner Oberland Pass Can Save You Money in the Jungfrau Region and Beyond 10.06.2026 24min

  Planning your Switzerland vacation can feel overwhelming - especially when you’re faced with choices like the Berner Oberland Pass vs Swiss Travel Pass, or trying to decide which Switzerland travel pass is the best value for your trip. In this episode, I chat with Fabienne Harnisch, Manager of the Berner Oberland Pass, about all the essentials: What does the Berner Oberland Pass include? Is the Berner Oberland Pass worth it? How does it compare with other Swiss rail pass options, especially f...
• 7 Unforgettable Small Group Day Tours from Zurich You Won’t Want to Skip 03.06.2026 34min

  If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland and want to make the most of your limited time in Zurich without feeling overwhelmed with logistics, a small group tour could be your answer. In this episode, I’m joined by Catharina De Sa from Swiss Epic Tours to learn more about their guided small group day tours from Zurich. We chat through the full range of Zurich day trips they offer, including memorable journeys to Mt Titlis (with a private lakeside fondue experience!), the spectacular Rhin...
• Things to Do in Bern, Switzerland: A Two Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 27.05.2026 31min

  If Bern, Switzerland’s capital city is on your must-visit list but you’re not sure where to start, you’re in the right spot! In this episode, I’m sitting down with Bern native Kathrin Spinnler to spill all our favourite secrets about how to make the most of 2 days in Bern - from the best things to do in Bern, Switzerland to can’t-miss local highlights. We’ll take you on a stroll through the gorgeous Bern Old Town with its fountains, covered arcades and the impressive Bern Minster, show ...
• Which Lucerne Mountain Should You Visit? Comparing the Region’s Six Must-See Peaks 20.05.2026 34min

  Trying to pick the best mountain excursion near Lucerne can be a real challenge - especially with so many amazing options right on your doorstep! If you’ve ever wondered which Lucerne mountain excursion you should do, or you’re busy searching for things to do in Lucerne beyond the city, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Lucerne local, Celine Deplazes, and together we break down everything you need to know about Lucerne’s six big peaks - Mount Pilatus (well-known for the Pilatus cog...
• How to Design a Tailor-Made Switzerland Itinerary (Without Hours of Research and Planning) 13.05.2026 26min

  Planning your first trip to Switzerland can feel exciting… but also completely overwhelming, particularly if you don’t want to follow a generic Switzerland itinerary. Between choosing destinations, booking hotels, deciding on scenic train rides, and trying to include both the famous highlights and lesser-known gems, it’s easy to spend hours researching and still feel unsure. The solution is to use a specialist Switzerland trip planner. In this episode, I’m joined by Cédric Simon from Watch &a...
• How to Explore the Switzerland Most Tourists Miss 06.05.2026 46min

  Curious about Switzerland’s hidden gems and ready to venture off the beaten path? In this episode, I team up with Swiss travel expert James to reveal secret Switzerland—those unique places to visit in Switzerland that most travelers never find. Together, we share an inspiring week-long Switzerland itinerary packed with unforgettable stops: the car-free paradise of Braunwald, the authentic alpine village of Savognin Switzerland in the heart of Graubünden, the underrated city buzz of Winterthur...
• What to do in Montreux: Two Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 29.04.2026 28min

  Planning your dream Swiss vacation and wondering, Is Montreux worth visiting? Absolutely it is! In this episode, I’m joined by Martina Fuhrer from Montreux Riviera Tourism for your ultimate Montreux travel guide, packed with expert insights for an unforgettable visit to this stunning lakeside gem. We dive deep into the best things to do in Montreux, and share a perfect 2-day Montreux itinerary that balances iconic sights, foodie delights, and hidden gems you definitely don’t want to mis...
• Summer in Switzerland: Top Activities, Weather Tips, and How to Beat the Crowds 22.04.2026 40min

  Thinking about a Switzerland summer vacation but not sure exactly when or where to go? You’re in the right place! In this fun and info-packed episode, I’m catching up with fellow Swiss fanatic Christen Fleming to talk about all things summer in Switzerland - and, honestly, it might just be the best time to visit Switzerland. We swap stories, favorite spots, and essential tips for making the most of those long sunny days in the Swiss Alps. We’re covering the absolute best places to visit in Sw...
• These Rail Tours in Switzerland are the Perfect Solution for a Hassle-Free Swiss Vacation 15.04.2026 36min

  Planning to take a Swiss rail vacation? Join me in this episode to learn more about Echo Rails who offer some of the best Switzerland tours by train. I'm joined by Andrea Caspani, owner of Echo Rails, to chat about their small group guided tours of Switzerland that have earned over 500 five-star reviews. You'll learn about the different Switzerland itinerary options offered by Echo Rails, which include rides on the famous panoramic trains Switzerland is so famous for. Tour g...
• Switzerland Day Trips By Train: The Secret to a More Relaxed Swiss Itinerary 08.04.2026 39min

  Are you dreaming of exploring Switzerland by train, bus, or boat but want to do it at your own relaxed pace? In this episode, we explore the fantastic Swiss public transportation network and discover how to embrace slow travel in Switzerland for a relaxing, stress-free adventure. I’m joined by Andy Nef, market manager for Swiss Travel System, to uncover how the legendary Swiss train network makes it effortless to enjoy Switzerland day trips without the stress of packing and unpacking each day...
• What to Do in Lucerne: Two Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 01.04.2026 22min

  Is Lucerne one of the destinations you’ll visit on your trip to Switzerland? If you’re short on time and are wondering what to do in Lucerne in just a couple of days, this episode is for you! I’m joined by local expert Sabine Föhn who shares her insider tips for how to spend 2 days in Lucerne. Whether you want to stroll across the iconic Old Town Lucerne bridges, relax on a scenic Lake Lucerne cruise, taste location specialties at one of the many restaurants in Lucerne, or marvel at bre...
• Switzerland Beyond the Tourist Hotspots: Must-Visit Villages and Historic Towns 25.03.2026 32min

  Searching for some of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland that aren’t popular tourist hotspots? Tune in as I chat with Christian Guerra from The Most Beautiful Villages in Switzerland Association to uncover Switzerland’s hidden gems. Christian shares expert insights on why the association exists, what makes a village worthy of inclusion, and how these destinations offer something truly unique. We spotlight must-see villages like Urnäsch in the Appenzell region, Champery in ...
• Planning your Excursion from Zermatt to Gornergrat: Tickets, Activities and Where to Get the Best Matterhorn Views 18.03.2026 25min

  Are you dreaming of seeing the Matterhorn up close, riding one of Switzerland’s most iconic mountain railways, or discovering breathtaking views without the crowds? Then this episode is for you! Join me as I chat with Gabi Aberle, Head of Overseas Markets at Matterhorn Gotthard Railway, for an insider’s guide to the classic Zermatt to Gornergrat cogwheel train journey. We answer everything you need to know about the famous Gornergrat train, including tips for getting the best Matterhorn views...
• Exploring Switzerland by Train or Car: Pros and Cons for First-Time Visitors 11.03.2026 13min

  Thinking about your dream trip and not sure whether to travel by train or car in Switzerland? You’re definitely not alone! In this episode, I break down the ultimate travel dilemma for Switzerland: car vs train. If you’ve been wondering if you should hire a car in Switzerland to explore those tiny villages and winding mountain roads, or if hopping on one of Switzerland’s trains is the way to go, this episode is for you. You’ll learn the pros and cons of both, what it’s really like drivi...
• Discover Gstaad: Authentic Swiss Villages, Local Traditions and Alpine Scenery 04.03.2026 30min

  Is Gstaad worth visiting? It may have a reputation for glamour and luxury but beyond that, Gstaad is an authentic Swiss village in the Bernese Oberland with charming traditions and stunning scenery. In this episode, I’m joined by Selina Riegert from Gstaad Saanenland Tourism to reveal the true character of Gstaad and its surrounding villages. We bust the myth of exclusivity and dive into what really awaits visitors: down-to-earth locals, beautiful wooden chalets, farmers alongside luxur...
• Spring in Switzerland: What to Expect, Packing Tips, and Best Activities 25.02.2026 44min

  Are you considering a trip to Switzerland and wondering if spring is the right season for your visit? In this episode, Swiss local Tanya Deans returns to answer the big question: Is spring a good time to visit Switzerland? We cover everything you need to know about Switzerland in spring, including what to expect from Switzerland spring weather, which flowers are in bloom, and why planning around Switzerland public holidays and cable car closures is essential. Tanya shares her favo...
• Things to Do in Zermatt: Local Tips for Hiking, Village Walks and the Best Matterhorn Views 18.02.2026 23min

  Are you planning your Swiss itinerary and wondering “Is Zermatt worth visiting?” This episode will answer that question - with a resounding ‘yes’. I'm joined by local expert, Viviane Zellweger, for a winter walk in Zermatt to get a local’s perspective on the best things to do in Zermatt. Viviane answers the questions most first-time visitors ask, from “Where is Zermatt in Switzerland?” to the best ways to experience its world-famous mountains, how to get to Zermatt and what to do there....