Switzerland Strenuous Tours & Trip Packages

Switzerland Strenuous Tours & Trips

686 Switzerland trips. Tours from 111 tour companies. 1,187 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

18 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Strenuous
Rhine Bike & River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their unique emphasis on immersive cultural experiences combined with active exploration with personalized cycling experiences.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Den haag, Koblenz, Zurich

Highlights

  • Enjoy the best of both worlds: an all-inclusive river cruise and VBT Bicycling Vacation.
  • Touch the shores of four countries—Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands—but unpack your bags only once.
  • Delve into the wine culture of Alsace as you cycle France’s famous Route des Vins.
  • Explore the historic cities of Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Koblenz, and Cologne with local guides.
  • Cruise the charming canals of Amsterdam.

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"This tour was one of our favorites. The tour leaders (Claudio and Tiziana) were great. The Dolomites and Italian Alps were breathtaking and the bike paths and towns were well chosen to give us a great appreciation of this Alpine countryside. Once out of Venice you really feel like you are in the country with beautiful mountains, alpine chalets and in some areas mostly German speaking residents. The biking was mostly flat with some crazy fun downhill rides. Almost all of the cycling was on bike paths, so very safe and quiet riding. As expected, VBT delivered a great tour with very good accommodations, good food and a really great group of travellers."

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Switzerland & France: Lake Geneva, Annecy & Valleys of the Alps
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their unique emphasis on immersive cultural experiences combined with active exploration with personalized cycling experiences.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Chamonix , Geneva, Lyon

Highlights

  • Cycle well-paved bike paths amid stunning alpine beauty in France and Switzerland
  • Pedal along three stunning lakes of the Rhône-Alpes region–Geneva, Annecy, and Saint-André–delighting in bike paths along the Rhône and Isère rivers
  • Savor Swiss and French cuisine and wine to fuel and enhance your journey, from fondues and Fendant to coq au vin and Pinot Noir
  • Stroll the atmospheric medieval Old Towns of Annecy and Chambéry, grand cultural capitals of once-mighty French kingdoms
  • Savor a two-night stay in a grand French château, built in 1450 by a chivalrous noble family

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"This tour was one of our favorites. The tour leaders (Claudio and Tiziana) were great. The Dolomites and Italian Alps were breathtaking and the bike paths and towns were well chosen to give us a great appreciation of this Alpine countryside. Once out of Venice you really feel like you are in the country with beautiful mountains, alpine chalets and in some areas mostly German speaking residents. The biking was mostly flat with some crazy fun downhill rides. Almost all of the cycling was on bike paths, so very safe and quiet riding. As expected, VBT delivered a great tour with very good accommodations, good food and a really great group of travellers."

Trip dates & details
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Switzerland: Hidden Trails & Majestic Peaks  - 2024
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
With a history that spans back to 1918, they have unparalleled expertise in the guided tour industry and can cater to all types of travelers.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bern, Lucerne, Zermatt

Highlights

  • Savor lunch at a family-owned restaurant followed by a wine tasting at a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Dine at Mount Rigi during a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.
  • Discover the sweetest parts of Bern during a historic chocolate tour of the old town center.
  • Discover Neuchâtel’s historic quarter and the treasures of the Belle Époque period.
  • Visit the 13th-century Château de Boudry, where you’ll tour the Museum of Vine and Wine with a tasting.
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Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary about this trip! My Diary about our trip to South Dakota shorturl.at/efoX1"

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From St. Paul's to St. Peter's
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4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Britain, Burgundy, Florence, London, Lucerne, Paris, Pisa, Rome, Tuscany, Venice, Verona

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

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The Best of Europe
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4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Assisi, Britain, Brussels, Florence, Heidelberg, London, Lucerne, Paris, Pisa, Pompeii, Rome, Sorrento, Venice, Verona

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

Trip dates & details
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Europe's Highlights with London
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4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Assisi, Florence, Innsbruck, Lake Como, London, Lucerne, Milan, Neuschwanstein Castle, Paris, Pisa, Rome, Venice

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

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Europe's Highlights
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Assisi, Florence, Innsbruck, Lake Como, Lucerne, Milan, Neuschwanstein Castle, Paris, Pisa, Rome, Venice

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
The Best of Europe with London
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Assisi, Britain, Brussels, Florence, Heidelberg, London, Lucerne, Paris, Pisa, Pompeii, Rome, Sorrento, Venice, Verona

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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18 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Strenuous

Switzerland Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
1,187  Reviews
See all Switzerland tour reviews
Excellent
524
Great
154
Average
23
Disappointing
9
Terrible
6
L

Laura J

Jan 2023

Written on

Nice itinerary

Nice itinerary, seeing the swiss alps was always on by bucket list and to learn about the swiss culture was a good complement, the food was great, the hotels were we...

M

Michael B

Dec 2022

Written on

Thank you to lina she was exceptional during our trip in Switzerland.

Thank you to lina she was exceptional during our trip in Switzerland. Guided us through beautiful valleys and rail journeys. Hotel were well located and breakfast we...

L

Linda B

Sep 2022

Written on

The Switzerlands alps and heritage holiday was a great way to explore Switzerland and its different states

The Switzerlands alps and heritage holiday was a grea...

A

Angela S

Jul 2022

Written on

Jonas was great he guide such throught the different small towns

Jonas was great he guide such throught the different small towns such as Bern, the hotel were nice, but not always with AC especially in Switzerland, the excursion w...

B

Barbara J

Feb 2022

Written on

The jungfrau region was such a beautoful place

The jungfrau region was such a beautoful place, but extremly crowded with groups that made it less special, overal with did have a nice trip to Switzerland, a confor...

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Switzerland Tour Selection Trips

  • If you want to experience the best of Switzerland, look for tours that include several different types of transportation, including trains, scenic boat rides, and mountain funiculars, all spectacular.
  • Be sure to bring a cell phone or accurate watch: everything leaves on time in Switzerland.
  • If you’re planning on doing some hiking - which you absolutely should, as Switzerland is second to none when it comes to hiking trails and views -  Pack some hiking sticks.
  • Switzerland is not a member of the EU, and still uses Swiss francs as its currency, not the euro.
  • Switzerland is expensive, but a guided tour should ease the cost somewhat – and it’s worth the price in any event.
  • Some tours include side trips to tiny Liechtenstein – a nice, quick stop.
  • Many longer Switzerland tours also visit France, Italy, Austria, and Germany.
  • Lodge stays are a common accommodation type on Switzerland tours. Because it is a mountainous country, prepare accordingly for temperature fluctuations!
  • One often overlooked – but gorgeous -- area of Switzerland is the Interlaken-Wengen region, in the shadow of the Jungfrau; if you see a tour there, grab it.
  • Keep in mind that Switzerland is culturally and linguistically divided into three regions: German, French and Italian, so you may choose tours that visit all three or focus on one or two.

Additional details

Currency in Switzerland

Switzerland uses the Swiss franc. 1 Swiss franc is equal to 1.02 US dollars.

Is Switzerland expensive?

Switzerland has been rated the most expensive country in the world to visit. That said, a budget trip to Switzerland is far from impossible-- there are many nice, clean hostels and smaller hotels for inexpensive accommodation, and train travel is relatively cheap.

If you’re planning on skiing, there are many discounts for ski pass and hotel combinations. Keep on the lookout for train and hotel deals and avoid expensive activities like paragliding and helicopter tours to save money in Switzerland. 

Who will enjoy traveling in Switzerland?

Switzerland is a great travel destination for all ages, but the perfect itinerary will depend on age, travel style, and physical abilities. Outdoor enthusiasts will never run out of opportunities for hiking, skiing, kayaking, and other activities in Switzerland, but there are also many nice museums, restaurants, spas, and resorts for those who prefer to take it easy.

Families will benefit from the never-ending list of things to do and the ease of transportation. Despite Switzerland’s reputation for being expensive, it is also a very popular destination for young students and backpackers who want a safe, beautiful, and accessible destination. Because of its safety and ease of travel, it is very popular among solo female travelers.

Winter Vacations in Switzerland

Best Cross Country Ski Trips in Switzerland

If you are interested in cross country skiing, consider a guided tour that will take you off a basic trail, and lead you from country to country. For example, ski the Jura mountains from Switzerland to France in 8 days. If you’re a competitive cross country skier and don’t want to worry about logistics on top of your physical preparation, Stride can connect you with trips that include the Engadin Ski Marathon.

If you’re not into skiing, get your Winter thrill at the Bergün toboggan run - one of the unique opportunities to experience this classic Olympic sport. There are also dozens of other activities -- for example, have a meal in the Parsenn igloo village, go ice skating, or head to Schönbühl Spa, the largest brine spa in the world, to warm up.

Switzerland’s Winter Weather

Despite all of the snow, Switzerland’s winters are known for being very palatable, just hovering around freezing in the lowlands. Although colder in the mountains, it is actually sunnier in the winter in Switzerland. For this reason, many skiers and hikers know the delight of stripping off a jacket and hitting the slopes in nothing but a few layers and a wool sweater. The experience is like no other.

Summer Activities in Switzerland

Summer Skiing

If you missed the winter ski season, don’t worry too! Switzerland is one of the only countries where you can continue to ski the Alps in the summer. Several resorts in Switzerland, including Zermaat, Saas Fee, and Verbier, all offer summer skiing packages. Although it’s still warm out, glaciers keep the ground cool and prevent the winter snow from melting away the way. And if you thought it was warm skiing in the winter, imagine being able to ski while wearing a T shirt!

Just remember to pack a good pair of goggles and some sunscreen, the light reflecting off the snow can be very strong.

Electric Biking

If you think Switzerland’s hilly outcrops may not seem like the best place for a bike tour, think again. With the invention of electric bikes, which help give you a significant boost when pedalling, biking Switzerland’s beautiful hills and valleys is a lot more doable and accessible for everyone. Maximize your time in the Alps by going on an E-Bike Tour

Discounted Switzerland Vacations

Yes, Switzerland is one of the expensive countries in the world. With that being said, there is also more than one way to travel Switzerland on a budget. One of the best ways to save money is to cut back on your lodging. Rather staying in the fanciest Swiss chalet, give up your sauna and check out the tours that offer Basic accommodation.

There are also many free attractions in Switzerland’s cities. Take the free time on your tours to see Bern’s old town, Bellinzona’s three castles, and the permanent collection in Künsthaus Zurich.

Choosing your Switzerland Tour

Switzerland is a destination that appeals to outdoor types, however it’s also famous for resorts and Premium or Luxury travel. Sometimes these are even combined! So there is a fantastic variety of tours to choose from for traveling in Switzerland, in a wide range of budgets.

If you enjoy walking and hiking, especially in the Easy to Moderate realm, you’re sure to find a Switzerland tour to your liking. Most Switzerland tours are active yet easy. And you’ll enjoy beautiful invigorating mountain air, and delightful hospitality throughout your tour.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 686 trips to Switzerland and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

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