What to expect on a Small Group Tour of Switzerland
If you want to experience the best of Switzerland and don’t have the time – or inclination – to do all the planning yourself, then a small group tour of Switzerland could be the answer.
Many travelers yearn for a more in-depth immersive experience when they travel, and joining a small group of like-minded folks is the perfect way to enjoy those deeper connections.
There are many advantages to taking a small group tour, and this article outlines the main benefits. You can take a small group tour of Switzerland from Zurich, for example, so you can simply book a flight and let the tour company organise the rest.
As well as meeting new friends, a small group tour is a great way to budget for your trip as your accommodation, travel, activities and some meals will be included with the tour cost.
Whether you want to find a small group tour of Switzerland for seniors, a family, a couple or are traveling solo, there is a small group tour of Switzerland itinerary just for you.
Read on so you can discover the best small group tour of Switzerland for you. We cover the many benefits of small group travel and why it may be the perfect way for you to explore Switzerland.
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Why join a small group tour of Switzerland?
A stress-free way to travel
Join a small group tour of Switzerland and you’ll find it’s truly a hassle free way to travel.
You don’t have to think about buying tickets or which form of transport to take to your next destination. Just sit back and unwind, admiring the beautiful scenery, while someone else takes care of the driving, whether that be by car or train.
A local guide
Even though Switzerland is an incredibly safe country to visit, the security of travelling with a local guide is definitely one reason to opt for an organised tour.
They can break down language barriers, smooth the way if things get tricky and share with you their insider local knowledge too.
A more personal experience
Travelling as part of a smaller group makes for a more personalised experience. Taking small group trips means there’s more of your guide to go around, so you’ll get to know them and Switzerland better.
You’re far more likely to have all of your questions answered when your guide has more time to spend with you.
A chance to meet other people
Whether you’re a couple, a family or are travelling alone, the chance to meet other like-minded people is almost always welcome. Sometimes lifelong friendships are formed during the course of such tours.
If you’re a solo traveller, you might enjoy having some company while seeing the sights each day, too.
Benefits of a small group tour
Transport is included
Whether it’s a luxury air-conditioned minibus or a seat on a panoramic Swiss train, all your travel is included when you book a small group tour.
This means you don’t need to worry about car rental, vehicle insurance, road rules, where to refuel or directions.
No driving
Many people find driving stressful – especially when visiting an unfamiliar country. If that describes you, then why not let someone else take the wheel while you tour Switzerland in style?
No train timetable concerns
Stressing about making your train connection on time or whether you’ll be able to interpret the signs at the station is something you can do without.
When a small group tour includes travel by public transport, your guide will be there to lead the way.
Luggage is taken care of
One huge advantage of travelling on a small group tour is that your luggage will be taken care of. Why lift or wheel around heavy suitcases if you don’t have to?
With a small group tour, your luggage will be moved seamlessly from one destination to the next, without you worrying about where to store it or having to lift it on and off public transport.
More accessible
A smaller vehicle, such as a minibus, is more accessible than a large coach. This means that small group tours tend to be better suited to passengers with mobility difficulties, than bigger group trips.
Hotel rooms are reserved
You don’t need to work out where to stay, nor think about how far you should book your room in advance. A hotel room will be reserved for you at each stop, so you can simply get on with enjoying your stay in each destination.
All-inclusive prices
Your small group tour of Switzerland cost includes accommodation, some meals, travel, admission fees and mountain excursion tickets, so the majority of your expenses will be prepaid.
This makes it far easier to budget effectively for your trip.
Local knowledge
Your tour guide will have local knowledge. This means they can share stories with you throughout the trip, so you can get to know each destination better.
They can also advise you regarding matters such as where’s the best place to have lunch in the local area or where to buy locally made souvenirs.
Free time to explore
When you stop in each destination, you’ll be given some free time so you can do your own thing there. You don’t need to spend every waking moment with your tour group – unless of course you want to!
Panoramic train seat reservations
When travelling on Switzerland’s premium panoramic trains, first class seat reservations are included in the price of the small group tours we’ve mentioned below.
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.
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Our recommended small group tours of Switzerland
Below you will find the details of two of our favourite small group tours of Switzerland. The first includes travel in a luxury small coach – with some panoramic train rides included – whilst the second tour utilises the fantastic Swiss public transport system for all travel.
Grand Tour of Switzerland Explorer small group tour
Tour operator: Switzerland Travel Centre
- 9 days / 8 nights
- Starts in Zurich, ends in Zurich
- Maximum of 12 passengers accompanied by driver/guide
- Transport by luxury small coach with a retractable glass roof and 3 panoramic trains
- 4* hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast included
- 2 mountain excursions included
- June to October departures
- Holidays to Switzerland exclusive discount offer
Click here to see the full itinerary
🇨🇭 Holidays to Switzerland reader bonus – 5% discount when you quote our promo code HTSWISS when booking online here.
Swiss Alps Grand Rail Tour small group tour
Tour operator: Echo Rails and Trails
- 12 days / 11 nights
- Starts in Zurich, ends in Zurich
- Maximum of 18 passengers accompanied by tour guide
- Transport by trains and buses including 5 panoramic trains
- Top quality hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast and dinner included
- 3 mountain excursions and Furka steam railway included
- June to September departures
- Optional post-tour Taste of Italy available
- Holidays to Switzerland exclusive discount offer
Click here to see the full itinerary
If you’d prefer a shorter tour, Echo Rails and Trails also offer an 8 day / 7 night Swiss Alps Rail Tour. Starting and finishing in Zurich, this tour includes two-night stays in Zermatt, Grindelwald and Lugano and one night in Zurich.
🇨🇭 Holidays to Switzerland reader bonus – 5% discount when you quote our promo code HTSWISS when booking online here.
Small group tour of Switzerland FAQs
How many days do you need to see Switzerland?
At least a week is best if you want to experience all the main sights of Switzerland. Longer is preferable, such as ten days or a fortnight. It’s possible to see some of the highlights in just a few days, but your trip may be rushed and you might miss out on places you wanted to visit.
How big is a small group tour?
Tour sizes vary depending on the operator. The tours we recommend have a maximum of 12 or 18 passengers . The definition of a small group does vary, though, so do check with the tour operator before you book. Some may class 24 passengers as a small group, for example.
How much does a small group tour of Switzerland cost?
How much you’ll spend on your Switzerland tour depends on the duration of the trip and what’s included. As an example, the 9 day Grand Tour of Switzerland Explorer mentioned above costs from CHF 3795 per person twin/double share. Flights are additional.
Final Thoughts about Small Group Tours in Switzerland
If your holiday to Switzerland is a once-in-a-lifetime deal, then booking a small group tour could be the best way to make the most of your time in this incredible country.
Once you’ve paid for your tour and flight tickets, all the major costs are taken care of, making this a good way to budget too.
There are so many benefits to booking a small group tour of Switzerland. You don’t need to stress over where to go, when to travel or how to get there, as all your accommodation and travel is taken care of.
You’ll also have the services of a tour guide throughout.
Whether you want a more personal experience, the chance to meet other travellers or the added flexibility offered by a small group tour, this really is an awesome way to make the most of every minute you spend in Switzerland.
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🇨🇭 Book the 9 day tour by coach
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