Embark on a journey through breathtaking landscapes, savory cuisine, and immersive cultural experiences with our self-drive tour of Switzerland! Nestled in the heart of Europe, this stunning country boasts a rich history and vibrant traditions that will leave you enchanted. You’ll discover the quaint charm of picturesque villages and experience authentic Swiss culture firsthand as you travel along winding roads through mountains, forests, and lakes. So come along for an adventure filled with cheese fondue parties, scenic train rides, alpine skiing adventures – all while getting behind the wheel on your own customized trip to remember forever!
What is a self-drive tour?
If you’re looking for a self-drive tour that will take you to some of Switzerland’s most iconic sights, consider a self-drive tour of the country. With centuries of history and cultural traditions to explore, this type of tour will give you a unique perspective on Switzerland. Here are four great options for self-drive Swiss tours:
1. The Valais Route: This self-drive tour takes you along the canton of Valais, which is known for its rugged mountain scenery and attractive villages. Highlights include trips to breathtaking alpine lakes and Glacier National Park.
2. The Bernina Route: This self-drive Swiss tour takes you through one of the most scenic areas in Switzerland – the Bernina area highlands. Highlights include visits to world renowned ski resorts like Zermatt and Breitnau, as well as picturesque villages like Stresa.
3. The Ticino/Lake Maggiore Area: If you’re looking for a relaxing trip with plenty of scenic views, consider a self-drive tour through the Ticino/Lake Maggiore area. Highlights include trips down spectacular river valleys, picturesque lakeside towns, and smog-free Alpine mountainsides.
How to choose a tour company in Switzerland
When you’re planning your trip to Switzerland, it’s important to choose the right tour company. Here are a few tips to help you make an informed decision:
1. Ask lot of questions. When you’re looking into tour companies, be sure to ask as many questions as possible. Request information about their services, what types of tours they offer, and how much they cost. It’s also helpful to read reviews online before making a decision.
2. Compare prices and features. Once you have all the information you need, compare prices and features of different tour companies to see which meets your needs the best. For example, some companies offer self-drive tours while others provide guided tours with drivers from the company accompanying you on the entire journey. It’s important to find a company that offers what you’re interested in, whether that’s exclusively self-drive or includes some guided stops along the way.
3. Consider travel dates and availability. Tours can sell out quickly – so make sure to plan your trip well in advance! also consider travel dates and availability; some popular destinations like Geneva or Lake Geneva may be more crowded during peak tourist season than others (like Bardonecchia or Interlaken).
4. Get quotes from multiple companies. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, get quotes from multiple companies so that you can get an idea of how much each option will cost (and so that you can compare apples-to-apples).
Planning a Self-Drive Swiss Tour
Planning a self-drive Swiss tour is the perfect way to explore this beautiful country while enjoying plenty of freedom. This type of tour allows you to see the best of Geneva, Lausanne, Berne, Basel and Zurich without having to spend a lot of time on the bus or train. To plan your perfect self-drive Swiss tour, here are some things you’ll want to consider:
1. Time Frame: When planning your trip, keep in mind that there is quite a bit of traffic on Swiss roads during the summer months. If you’re hoping to see as much as possible in a short amount of time, choose a spring or fall departure date.
2. Vehicle: A vehicle is definitely not required for this type of tour; however, if you have access to one, it will make touring more enjoyable. In Switzerland’s vast countryside, small cars can be challenging to handle on narrow mountain roads and long distances can be covered quickly with an SUV or larger car. If you’re staying in cities most of the time and only using public transportation or walking tours when visiting outlying villages or vineyards, choosing a compact car or motorcycle may be all that’s necessary.
3. Accommodation: Despite its name (Switzerland has six official languages), Switzerland is not particularly mountainous and travels easily by car even from one end of the country to the other; however, because tourism is such an important part of Swiss culture , there are plenty of hotels and bed-and-breakfast establishments in the larger cities. In addition, camping is available in many areas and can be a great way to experience Swiss culture without spending a fortune.
4. Traveling With Children: If you have children, it’s important to remember that not all Swiss attractions appeal to young children. Many attractions in Switzerland are geared towards adults and some specific age restrictions may apply. For example, swimming beaches are generally not available until children are much older and the Swiss Alps can be a bit too cold for small children. However, Switzerland has plenty of playgrounds, museums with interactive exhibits and other attractions that will keep small ones amused while parents explore the country’s more adult-focused sights.
Driving in Switzerland
Switzerland is a great place to explore by car. With its picturesque mountain scenery, lakes, and small towns, Switzerland is perfect for a self-drive tour. Here are five tips to make the most of your driving experience in Switzerland:
1. Keep an open mind – Despite its modern infrastructure and well-maintained roads, Switzerland retains much of its traditional character, which can be seen on country lanes and in the architecture of small towns and villages.
2. Opt for scenic routes – The best way to experience Switzerland’s natural beauty is to take scenic routes instead of the main highways. This will allow you to see stunning panoramic vistas and stop at picturesque villages along the way.
3. Avoid rush hour – Traffic in Switzerland can be intense during the morning and afternoon rush hours, so it’s best to avoid these times if possible. Alternatively, plan your trip so that you arrive in Swiss cities in the evenings or early mornings when traffic is lighter.
4. Pay attention to road signs – Not all Swiss roads follow international driving conventions and road signs may be bilingual (both German and French), so it’s important to pay close attention when driving in Switzerland.
5. Get a rental car – If you want to explore as much of Switzerland as possible while on your self-drive tour, renting a car will give you more freedom than using public transportation. There are several reputable providers available throughout Switzerland, so it’s easy to find the right car for your needs.
Visiting Swiss Cities on a Self-Drive Tour
If you are looking for a self-drive tour of Switzerland with plenty to see, look no further. Here are some of the best Swiss cities to visit on your own:
Basel – Nestled between the Jura Mountains and the Rhine River, Basel is one of Switzerland’s most historic and beautiful cities. With its towering medieval churches and impressive palaces, Basel is a great place to start your self-drive tour of Switzerland.
Zurich – Home to many world-renowned universities, Zurich is also a thriving city with plenty to see and do. Shopping at the renowned Zurich Fair or admiring the magnificent works of art at the Kunstmuseum are just two things you can do in this vibrant city.
Bern – Once known as the “Stone City” for its countless Swiss mercenaries who protected Europe during the Middle Ages, Bern today is an iconic cultural center full of ancient buildings and lovely parks. Head to Bern’s Old Town for a charming walk or take a ride on an open-air gondola down into the city’s picturesque lakeside districts.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to explore the best of Switzerland and see all its amazing attractions, a self-drive tour is the perfect way to do it. Not only will you have more flexibility in your itinerary, but you’ll also be able to explore the country in a unique and personal way. Plus, who knows? You might even find yourself falling in love with Switzerland all over again!
