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Switzerland has four national languages. German is most widely spoken, particularly in central and eastern Switzerland, while French dominates the west, and Italian is common in the south. On Collette’s tours, local guides help you navigate language shifts with confidence.
Weather varies by region, elevation, and time of day. Even in summer, cooler temperatures (and remnant snow!) are common in the mountains, while lakeside cities tend to be milder. Pack clothing you can layer and comfortable walking shoes.
Cheese and chocolate offer a delicious window into Swiss culture. Travelers can look forward to specialties like fondue, raclette, and local chocolates.
Tour Design Manager
When I travel, I’m inspired by the stories that shape a destination — its history, people, traditions, and everyday rhythms. That’s why I create tours that include authentic local experiences. I want my tours to feel engaging, purposeful, and memorable, so you go home with a deeper understanding of the places you’ve been.
Tour Manager
I have 28+ years of experience as a Tour Manager and I love sharing my knowledge about culture, local traditions, history, and the everyday life of this region with all my guests.
Want to learn more about our Tour Managers?
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I enjoyed the trip very much and the scenery was beautiful!
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The Tuscan Feast and Boat ride on the Seine was most memorable
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Excellent
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From the excellent hotels with views of the Alps, great shopping opportunities and great meals included as well as by our discovery, I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. I especially was impressed with Mauro Ciummo who was truly born to be a tour guide. He was personable, took time with everyone to get to know them and was generally very jolly and entertaining. There was time between sites to enjoy on our own which was well planned. It was difficult staying awake on the longer bus rides and although we all needed the rest, I wanted to keep my eyes on the beautiful views! Seeing fields of strange wildflowers, soaring peaks, oodles of giant snails feeding at the base of an Olympic ski jump, sheep and Great Pyrenees guarddogs outside our first room and cows being herded up the main street below another room with bells clanging...great memories. And the St Bernards were wonderful. We were very happy with British Airways also, except for the excessive charge to pick our seats. Nice trip.
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Our Alpine trip was wonderful. We Love Collette and have a new favorite air carrier, British Airlines. Their food is as bad as anyone's but the planes and service are great. I had heard some less than positive comments about Brit Air, mostly that some of the employees can be surly, and while we did have a surly check-in agent at Venice's Marco Polo Airport, for the most part they were quite nice. We don't usually check bags when we fly because of lost bag problems in the past, we needed to this time because we needed heavier cold-weather clothing. This agent insisted (rather impolitely) that we check one of our 2 carry-ons, saying it was a full flight & there wouldn't be enough room. Upon boarding they announced that their planes now had expanded overhead compartments, and we then noticed there were many empty compartments. Unnecessary issue. BUT... baggage was handled perfectly and our checked bags in both directions, even through the flight transfers, went perfectly. I still don't like airports, but Brit Air's terminals do seem superior. We have traveled with Collette 7 times now and have been delighted every time with every aspect of travel with them. We had a little more free time on this trip, which we appreciated, and Mauro Ciummo was hands down the best tour manager we've had. And we've had some great ones. Give that man a raise! :) Collette is very efficient, any problems that come up are handled properly, efficiently and in a timely manner. On a previous trip our tour manager tripped on a curb in Amsterdam and had to be treated at a hospital, and there just happened to be another tour manager in the same train station who saw immediately that we were properly directed until our assigned tour manager was back on tour, bloodied but OK. Less so on our first Collette tour. Our manager was a bit of a disciplinarian and scolded one handicapped passenger for walking too slowly and making us late for one destination (we actually got there 20 minutes early... we happened to meet that passenger's son months later & she was apparently unphased) and Van got scolded for having to use the toilet after we “starred” in a play-like presentation at Bunratty Castle. Again we were not delayed because of that. But overall that tour was as excellent as any of the others. The limo service this time was very appreciated, although we did have a communication issue upon returning to Pittsburgh. My phone for some reason didn't send my confirmation that we were at the pick-up point, so the driver called us to be sure that we were there, much appreciated. However we got a text from (apparently) a different driver the next day who had seen the delayed text notice that we were waiting to be picked up and came to pick us up a day later. I don't know how that happened but it was, sadly, an unnecessary trip for them. We expected the latter parts of this tour to be anti-climactic after being so high in the Alps but that was not so. The entire tour was just wonderful. Again, though, much of that enjoyment was because Mauro was so wonderfully entertaining and well-informed. Big kudos to Mauro! While this was our first Collette tour without our friend Doug Oster and local gardeners, our group was very nice, and we did enjoy meeting people from all over our country. We hope to enjoy many more Collette tours, and along with the help of Travel Junction, hope to have a long future relationship.
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The Alps, the Alps, the Alps! Loved Chamonix! Montreaux, Lucerne! Our tour manager was the best ever!
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We loved every minute of our trip and every town, mountain, farm, city and peak that we visited. We would highly recommend!
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Mount Pilatis…
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Swiss alps view from the top
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This adventure was so much more than I expected. I loved traveling with this team and look forward to traveling with this amazing team again. Our guide Paulo was personable, friendly and fun! Thank you so much for the amazing experience!
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Just arrive and enjoy the experience! Paolo was an extraordinary guide and the entire tour was well planned and extremely organized.
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I did all the add ons which were amazing but my favorite add ons were Travestere food tour (learning about the local culture) But going up Mt Pilates was the most awesome for the views.
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Enjoyed everything about the Tour> The Tour Manager, the itinerary & the accommodations were each outstanding.
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Great tour; however, views from hotel rooms were rooftops and roads where others had waterfalls and lake views.
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Our recent Alpine Lakes and Scenic Trains tour with Collette exceeded every expectation. From the breathtaking mountain scenery and crystal-clear alpine lakes to the unforgettable train journeys through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, every day felt like a postcard come to life. The itinerary was thoughtfully planned, offering the perfect balance of sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural experiences. The hotels were comfortable and well-located, the included meals were excellent, and every detail was handled seamlessly. What truly made this trip exceptional was our tour manager, whose knowledge, organization, and enthusiasm enhanced every experience. We never had to worry about logistics, allowing us to simply enjoy the beauty and charm of each destination. Highlights included the stunning alpine vistas, picturesque villages, and the world-famous scenic rail journeys that provided views we could never have experienced any other way. Every stop offered something unique and memorable. This was our first Alpine adventure with Collette, and it certainly won’t be our last. If you’re considering this tour, don’t hesitate—you’ll return home with incredible memories, amazing photos, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the region. Highly recommended!
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Seeing the Eiffel Tower with all the lights going off & fireworks at midnight after the Cabernet dinner show. A surprise stop JP arranged with the mini bus driver. So fun with a small group!!!
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Our tour manager JP Ruze was the best. He was like family to us. My wife had our passport stolen. He was with us everyday. Guiding us so we could stay with the tour and receive our emergency passports. If you had all JP Ruze as a your Tour manager. Every tour would be sold out. He is like family to us and miss him. Please provide him with everything he needs and Collette would have many return guests. Thank You Chris Hickok
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Our trip was incredible from start to finish. Definitely more then we ever imagined!! We started with the walking tours and learned such about the area. Our day trips were amazing, the Elkhorn and yodeling was so fun, the beautiful architecture, churches, Mansions and Castle, the Monastery/Brewery, the snow capped Swiss Alps, the food, our extra excursions to Mount Pilatus and Seefeld were fantastic!! We so enjoyed the folklore show, Wow, it was spectacular. We definitely need to acknowledge our tour guide Javier was so amazing, always there to help if needed and so knowledgeable, as well as Patty and Michael❤️ We did so much in the time we were there and yet still had time to ourselves. It was a very unforgettable trip and a perfect way to celebrate our anniversary which gave us so many memories that we will cherish forever❤️
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One of my favorite things was seeing the ski jump in Innsbrook.
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Javier made the tour with knowledge of the area and his personality.
Rated Exceptional
4.7 out of 5 in the past year - backed by 30,128 lifetime reviews
Climb aboard legendary Alpine railways and set out on a journey across the captivating Alpine landscapes of Switzerland and Italy.
View 10-Day Itinerary
Embark on an invigorating journey through Europe’s towering Alps and idyllic towns.
U.S. and Canadian citizens do not need a visa for short tourist stays in Switzerland. Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, which allows travelers to visit for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. Passport validity requirements still apply. Collette provides guidance on entry requirements prior to departure, but travelers are responsible for ensuring their documents are valid at the time of travel.
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF), not the euro. While some businesses — especially in tourist areas — may accept euros, change is typically given in Swiss Francs. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country, and travelers generally find it easy to use cards for personal expenses.
The best time to visit Switzerland depends on what you’d like to experience. Late spring through summer offers your best chance at clear mountain views, scenic rail journeys, and lake cruises. Early fall brings cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful alpine landscapes. Winter tours focus more on cultural traditions and seasonal experiences — such as Christmas markets — rather than outdoor adventure. Collette offers Switzerland tours across multiple seasons, each designed around the time of year.
Many Collette Switzerland tours include destinations like Lucerne, the Bernese Oberland, Zermatt, St. Moritz, and scenic alpine regions connected by famous rail routes. Travelers often enjoy Lake Lucerne cruises, panoramic train journeys like the Glacier Express or Bernina Express, and exploring historic old towns with local guides.
Switzerland is considered one of the safest countries in Europe, with low crime rates and excellent infrastructure. Travelers should still take normal precautions, particularly in busy areas, but most Collette guests feel very comfortable traveling here. Guided touring also provides added peace of mind, with professional Tour Managers handling logistics and support throughout the journey.
Activity levels vary by tour, but most Switzerland tours involve moderate walking including city walks, train stations, and uneven surfaces in historic areas. Scenic rail journeys and lake cruises offer more relaxing days. Each Collette tour lists a specific activity level so you can choose a tour that matches your pace and mobility needs.
Transportation is included throughout Collette’s Switzerland tours and usually includes a mix of motorcoach travel, scenic trains, and boats. Iconic rail routes like the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and GoldenPass Line are highlights on select tours, turning travel days into memorable experiences.
Expect dishes like fondue, raclette, alpine cheeses, chocolate specialties, and locally sourced meats and produce with some variation between regions influenced by the surrounding countries. Many Collette tours include meals or tastings that highlight regional flavors, such as raclette enjoyed at a dairy farm or meals featuring traditional Swiss ingredients. Dietary needs can usually be accommodated with advance notice.
Switzerland’s weather can change quickly, especially in alpine regions, so layered clothing is recommended year-round. Comfortable walking shoes are essential with a good grip for cobblestones, and even summer travelers should bring a light jacket for cooler mountain temperatures. Collette provides packing guidance before departure based on the specific tour and season.
Tipping is not required in Switzerland, as service charges are typically included. That said, rounding up a bill or leaving a small gratuity for excellent service is appreciated.
Switzerland’s geography, transportation systems, and regional differences can be complex to navigate independently. Collette’s guided tours simplify the experience by handling logistics, securing scenic rail reservations, and providing expert local insight along the way. Travelers benefit from thoughtful pacing, knowledgeable Tour Managers, and access to experiences that can be hard to puzzle together on your own.
From handpicked hotels, restaurants, and cultural experiences to thoughtfully integrated free time, our on-the-ground team in Switzerland crafts journeys they'd want to take themselves.
Travelers always tell us that Tour Managers make the journey. It's like traveling with a friend who's got the inside scoop. They live in the destination and share hidden gems that only the locals know.
Discover storybook castles and opulent palaces amidst stunning Alpine vistas as you explore Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.
View 12-Day Itinerary
