Episode 135: Grand Tour of Switzerland: The Ultimate Switzerland Road Trip
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If you’ve ever dreamed of taking the perfect Switzerland road trip, this episode will help you turn those dreams into reality! Join me as I chat with Sandra Babey from Switzerland Tourism about one of the best scenic drives in Switzerland—the iconic Grand Tour of Switzerland.
In this episode, you’ll discover everything you need to know about embarking on this epic 1,600-kilometre circular route, designed to showcase the most picturesque landscapes, famous landmarks, and hidden gems Switzerland has to offer.
From sparkling lakes and dramatic mountain passes to charming villages and UNESCO World Heritage sites, Sandra reveals what makes the Grand Tour of Switzerland by car a must for every traveler who loves independent adventures.
Whether you’re looking to do the full Grand Tour of Switzerland or just add a few scenic drives in Switzerland to your itinerary, this episode is your go-to resource for expert advice, sustainability tips, and itinerary inspiration. Plus, find out how to book self-drive packages and the most convenient places to stay along the way.
Ready for the road trip of a lifetime? Tune in and get ready to plan your unforgettable Switzerland self-drive vacation.
Click the green button below to listen:
Show Notes
In this episode you’ll learn:
- What the Grand Tour of Switzerland is and why it’s a must-do
- Highlights along the route, including postcard-worthy photo spots, charming villages, and off-the-beaten-track experiences
- Authentic Swiss food and culture experiences along the way—such as local markets, cheese tastings, and even unique places to stay like mountain huts or wine barrels!
- The best season to travel and how the scenery changes throughout the year
- Practical info on electric vehicles, road signs, apps, the Grand Tour of Switzerland map, and why you should drive clockwise
- How many days you’ll need to cover the Grand Tour of Switzerland route—and why giving yourself extra time to explore is highly recommended
Our Guest
Sandra Babey has been the Market Manger Australia/New Zealand for Switzerland Tourism since October 2023. Sandra graduated with a degree in hotel and restaurant management from the Swiss Hotel Management School Lucerne and is therefore a tourism expert from the ground up.
Immediately after her training, she worked as a Marketing & Sales Manager at the Hotel Wilden Mann in Lucerne. Sandra then became Marketing Manager for Switzerland Tourism Spain in Barcelona, before taking over the management of the Switzerland Tourism branch there in 2013.
Useful tools to help you plan your Grand Tour of Switzerland
Visit the official Grand Tour of Switzerland website for everything you need to know about planning your Swiss road trip, including:
>> Grand Tour app -a must-have for anyone driving the Grand Tour of Switzerland, the app features interactive maps, route planners, tips and much more.
>> The Grand Tour of Switzerland stage by stage – discover all the highlights and hidden gems along each leg of the route before you set off. All eight stages are covered in detail on the Grand Tour website.
>> Recommended hotels along the route – you can choose to stay wherever you wish on your Grand Tour of Switzerland. To make choosing your accommodation simpler, Switzerland Tourism have created a list of 115 recommended accommodations along the route.
>> Information about driving the Grand Tour of Switzerland in an EV – with more than 400 charging stations along the Grand Tour of Switzerland route, planning an enviromentally-friendly Swiss road trip is easy.
>> Grand Tour of Switzerland guide book – the official guide book is available for purchase at book stores and newspaper shops in Switzerland. It can also be purchased online.
Grand Tour of Switzerland theme song
Watch the video clip of “Jackpot” by Swiss singer-songwriter Bastian Baker.
Planning a trip to Switzerland?
At Holidays to Switzerland we are passionate about sharing our love of Switzerland and helping you to plan the perfect trip. Read our guide to planning a trip to Switzerland to kick start your travel plans and join our free Switzerland Travel Planning group on Facebook to chat with other past and future travellers.
Want monthly news and podcast updates, helpful travel tips and special deals sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to Holidays to Switzerland and we’ll send you a bonus copy of our Switzerland Travel Planning Starter Kit and Guide.
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Other useful resources
On our website you can read our guide to the Grand Tour of Switzerland and see more Switzerland by car itinerary ideas.
Listen to more episodes of the podcast about driving in Switzerland: Episode 45 The Grand Tour of Switzerland, Episode 49 Exploring Switzerland by car (a trip report), Episode 120 Should you rent a car in Switzerland: Pros, Cons and Essential tips.
Learn more about the self-drive packages offered by Switzerland Travel Centre and get our discount code so you can save 5%.
👉 Free guide 21 useful things to know before you visit Switzerland.
> You can read a full transcript of this episode here.
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Where to listen
SWITZERLAND TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
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