Episode 59: The many advantages of taking a private tour in Switzerland

Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast episode 59

On numerous previous episodes of the podcast we’ve discussed travelling around Switzerland by train, and we’ve had episodes where we’ve talked about renting a car and driving yourself, too.  

These are both excellent – and popular – ways to get around Switzerland but they may not suit every traveller.

You may have limited time to spend in Switzerland and want to make the most of every possible moment. Perhaps you have mobility issues and don’t want to have to negotiate train stations with your luggage. 

Or maybe you’d just like to have more influence over your day-to-day itinerary but without the need to follow set timetables or drive yourself.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Catharina De Sa, who has the perfect solution for you!

Catharina is the founder and owner of Swiss Epic Tours, a tour company based in Zurich who offer private tours and experiences.  Catharina works directly with her clients to design a personalised itinerary that suits their exact requirements.

Whether it’s a private day tour or a multi-day tour, to popular tourist locations or off-the-grid destinations, Catharina can tailor make your dream Swiss vacation.

There are many benefits to private tours, not the least being that they offer flexibility to travel whenever you wish, and they provide accessibility to out of the way places that would otherwise be hard to reach.

In this episode, Catharina is going to share the many advantages of taking a private tour, and she is also going to tell us about some of the many wonderful places in Switzerland she has had the privilege of sharing with her guests.

Make sure you keep listening to the end of this episode as Catharina is going to share a fantastic bonus offer exclusively for Holidays to Switzerland podcast listeners.

[This post may contain compensated links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.]

As always, I’d like to say thank you to the folks from Switzerland Tourism, the sponsors of the podcast. Be sure to check out their website myswitzerland.com for inspiration to help you plan your Swiss vacation.

If you need to go on a tour, you need Switzerland.

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Show Notes

In this episode we discuss:

  • 5 reasons to book a private tour in Switzerland
  • Swiss Epic Tours’ private driver/guides
  • Tour options – day and multi-day private tours
  • Popular private tour itineraries
  • Tailor made tours to suit your exact requirements
  • A special bonus offer for Holidays to Switzerland podcast listeners

Places and Experiences mentioned in this episode

Below are just some of the wonderful destinations you can visit on a private day or multi-day tour with Swiss Epic Tours.

>> Jungfraujoch – one of the most popular mountain excursions in Switzerland is to Jungfraujoch, nicknamed the Top of Europe. Here you’ll find Europe’s highest railway station, incredible views and numerous activities to enjoy.

>> Mt. Rigi – with 360° views from its summit and opportunities for hiking or soaking in a thermal spa, a visit to Mt. Rigi one you won’t forget.

>> Brunnen – this small town on the shores of Lake Lucerne is home to one of Switzerland’s most famous brands, Victorinox, where you can make your own Swiss Army knife.

>> Mt. Pilatus – Lucerne’s ‘home’ mountain is another that offers exceptional views. It can easily be combined with a visit to Lucerne.

>> Bernese Oberland – some of the popular places to include in a tailor made private tour of the Bernese Oberland in central Switzerland are: Aare Gorge, Lake Brienz, Giessbach Falls, Iseltwald, Interlaken, Sulwald, Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald.

Giessbach Falls on Lake Brienz Switzerland
Giessbach Falls at Lake Brienz
Glacier Express crossing a bridge in winter
Glacier Express
Lavaux vineyards, Montreux Riviera.
Lavaux vineyards

>> Kambly – you can watch Switzerland’s famous biscuits being produced – and try the different varieties – at the Kambly factory in Trubschachen.

>> Lungernsee – the turquoise waters of Lake Lungern are very photogenic making the lake a popular photo stop when travelling between Lucerne and the Bernese Oberland.

Some of the experiences that Swiss Epic Tours can arrange on your behalf include:

>> Private dinners – unique experiences such as a romantic meal in a panoramic glass elevator at the Rhine Falls or in a centuries-old castle can be arranged.

>> Panoramic train rides – taking a private tour doesn’t mean you have to miss out on Switzerland’s panoramic trains. Your tour can include a ride on one of these special trains (the Glacier Express and GoldenPass Line are very popular). Best of all, your private driver/guide drops you right at the station and will meet you on arrival (with your luggage) at your destination.

Your choice of tour:

>> Private day and multi-day tours – Choose from either day tours or multi-day tours, recommended itineraries or tailor made itineraries designed to your exact requirements.

Further reading: 7 reasons to book a private tour in Switzerland

Jungfrau train in the Bernese Oberland
Jungfrau train
View of Lake Lungern Switzerland
Lake Lungern
View over Lake Lucerne from Pilatus Kulm
Mt Pilatus

Special offer for Holidays to Switzerland podcast listeners

This offer has been updated since the podcast episode was recorded. The new discount is shown below.

Mention code HTSWISS when you contact Swiss Epic Tours and you’ll receive a special bonus as part of your tour.

  • Receive a 5% discount off the total price of your private tour.

Terms and conditions apply – see full details here.

Contact Swiss Epic Tours by email or via their website. Don’t forget to mention code HTSWISS in your first contact to receive your discount.

You can also read more about Swiss Epic Tours > here.


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This episode is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism

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