First Time To Switzerland

Start planning for a wonderful holiday

 

Switzerland is nature at its most dramatic and for the first time visitor we recommend that you choose to stay in the calm and beauty of the Lake Lucerne region or the majestic mountains of the Jungfrau region. Both these areas have so many wonderful excursions that you could stay a month and not see them all!

For the first visit, it may therefore be best to decide whether to stay close to a lake or in a small mountain resort. We often recommend the wonderful town of Lucerne or the quiet of the village of Weggis, also on Lake Lucerne and with the mountains just a delightful local journey away. If you would like to stay in the heart of the Jungfrau mountains, look at Grindelwald or go for the picturesque car-free village of Wengen.

You could also consider a two centre holiday and experience one of the scenic rail journeys, for example the Glacier Express between the famous mountain resorts of St. Moritz and Zermatt. If you really like to keep on the move, we can even arrange a multi centre holiday.

Remember nearly all Swiss people speak good English and enjoy helping tourists make the most of their stay in Switzerland.

You may find our Frequently Asked Questions page helpful, or if you need guidance our friendly team will be happy to help you. 

Create memories that last a lifetime with a holiday in Switzerland

Get your holiday quotation today

Contact us to book your holiday

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com

Half Fare Card Cruise on Lake Thun

Travelling on local railways and cable cars is an important aspect of any Swiss Holiday and we include a Half Fare Card with all our holidays which gives 50% reduction on most mountain travel and lake steamers as well as all mainline rail travel and Postbuses. Other passes are available and we will be delighted to discuss these with you. 

Half Fare Card
Cruise on Lake Thun

Travelling on local railways and cable cars is an important aspect of any Swiss Holiday and we include a Half Fare Card with all our holidays which gives 50% reduction on most mountain travel and lake steamers as well as all mainline rail travel and Postbuses. Other passes are available and we will be delighted to discuss these with you. 

 
Half board accommodation Hotel Wilden Mann, Burgerstube restaurant We include breakfast at all our hotels and half board (dinner) is available to pre-book at the majority of our hotels. For first time visitors on a budget we recommend booking 3 star hotels on half board. The evening meal is great value, consisting of 3 or 4 courses and it can be helpful to have this taken care of when planning your spending money.
Half board accommodation
Hotel Wilden Mann, Burgerstube restaurant
We include breakfast at all our hotels and half board (dinner) is available to pre-book at the majority of our hotels. For first time visitors on a budget we recommend booking 3 star hotels on half board. The evening meal is great value, consisting of 3 or 4 courses and it can be helpful to have this taken care of when planning your spending money.
 
Second or first class travel? Emmental Regio Express Our holidays include rail travel from Zurich or Geneva airports, each of which have a mainline station for your onward connection.We include 2nd class but 1st class is available at a modest supplement. 2nd class rail in Switzerland is very good, however, 1st class does offer more room and is generally quieter. If it fits within your budget it is well worth considering.
Second or first class travel?
Emmental Regio Express
Our holidays include rail travel from Zurich or Geneva airports, each of which have a mainline station for your onward connection.We include 2nd class but 1st class is available at a modest supplement. 2nd class rail in Switzerland is very good, however, 1st class does offer more room and is generally quieter. If it fits within your budget it is well worth considering.
 
When to travel Lago Maggiore Express at Ascona Who can predict the weather nowadays! As a general rule, the Swiss lake resorts are all available year round, with temperatures not too dissimilar to southern England ... maybe slightly hotter in summer/colder in winter.The mountains have two distinct seasons: summer from the end of May to the beginning of October and winter from December to April, when the ski season is in full flow. Keep in mind with high alpine resorts like Zermatt and St. Moritz you will need some warm clothing even in the summer.
When to travel
Lago Maggiore Express at Ascona
Who can predict the weather nowadays! As a general rule, the Swiss lake resorts are all available year round, with temperatures not too dissimilar to southern England ... maybe slightly hotter in summer/colder in winter.The mountains have two distinct seasons: summer from the end of May to the beginning of October and winter from December to April, when the ski season is in full flow. Keep in mind with high alpine resorts like Zermatt and St. Moritz you will need some warm clothing even in the summer.
 
Switzerland inspiration Mürren village We have plenty more information to share with you about this wonderful country! Click here to find further details about some of our favourite itineraries, the picturesque alpine villages and small lakeside resorts where you can stay, a selection of the best excursions and recommendations for hotels with a great view. 
Switzerland inspiration
Mürren village
We have plenty more information to share with you about this wonderful country! Click here to find further details about some of our favourite itineraries, the picturesque alpine villages and small lakeside resorts where you can stay, a selection of the best excursions and recommendations for hotels with a great view. 
 
What to see and do Brienzer Rothorn steam train

Your holiday is your own. We understand that some people enjoy relaxing and others like to visit a new beauty spot each day. We therefore offer suggestions for excursions and allow you to make your own decision about how to spend your time. A few excursions need to be pre-booked, but mostly you can simply decide what to do on the day. Please click here to see a collection of our favourite days out, from a relaxing day cruising on a beautiful Swiss lake to an unforgettable trip into the majestic Alps with splendid views.

What to see and do
Brienzer Rothorn steam train

Your holiday is your own. We understand that some people enjoy relaxing and others like to visit a new beauty spot each day. We therefore offer suggestions for excursions and allow you to make your own decision about how to spend your time. A few excursions need to be pre-booked, but mostly you can simply decide what to do on the day. Please click here to see a collection of our favourite days out, from a relaxing day cruising on a beautiful Swiss lake to an unforgettable trip into the majestic Alps with splendid views.

 

Request your holiday quotation

Speak to our team today to find out more!

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com

Not sure where to start?

The Swiss Holiday Company team has over 30 years' experience in arranging holidays to this wonderful country. If you need some advice, we will be very happy to help you on 0800 619 1200.

The regions of Switzerland

The lakes and mountains scenery of this beautiful country varies greatly depending where you stay, but wherever you go you are sure to find a stunning landscape. Discover the holiday regions of Switzerland here.

Planning your ski holiday

Call 0800 619 1200

  • Airports around the UK
  • 1st or 2nd class rail transfers
  • 3 and 4 star hotel accommodation 
  • Flexible number of nights  
  • Room upgrades
  • Bed & breakfast or half board
Request your ski holiday quote

Scenic rail holidays

Ask us about the Swiss scenic rail journeys - a great way of combining resorts to create your own two or multi centre holiday
Glacier Express
Bernina Express
GoldenPass Express
Gotthard Panorama Express

Planning your holiday 2025

Call 0800 619 1200
  • Decide where you would like to stay
  • Choose your scenic journeys
  • 1st or 2nd class rail travel in Switzerland
  • How many nights in each resort
  • Decide on bed & breakfast or half board
  • 3, 4 or 5 star hotel accommodation
  • Plan visits with your Half Fare Card
Request your holiday quote
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