Are you yearning to explore the tranquil and enchanting villages of Switzerland? In this episode we are joined by Kevin Quattropani, the founder of the Most Beautiful Villages in Switzerland Association.  Kevin takes us on a journey through some of his favourite villages, offering a unique perspective on Switzerland beyond the bustling cities of Basel and Zurich. From the peaceful village of Giornico to the picturesque town of La Neuveville, we uncover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path...

In this episode we welcome back regular guest, Andy Nef, who brings us up to date with changes to some of the Swiss rail products for 2024. Andy also shares some lesser-known scenic train and bus routes in Switzerland that you might like to consider including in your itinerary. Listen now to learn about: Price increases for rail travel and the Swiss Travel Pass in 2024New experiences including the NostalChic Class train to Gornergrat100 years of the Centovalli trainMt Rigi winter...

In this episode, Carolyn will be joined by Simon Bosshart Head of Markets East and member of the management board of Switzerland Tourism. Simon will share why everyone while travelling in Switzerland should travel responsibly and as sustainably as possible. Also, he will share what every traveller could do to make a difference in travelling responsibly and sustainably. Listen now to learn about: How to responsibly travel in Switzerland.What Swisstanable means.Ways to travel...

When it comes to choosing how to travel around Switzerland, renting a car or travelling by train are the two options you’ll likely consider.  These modes of transport are fantastic for folks who like to travel independently but for travellers who would rather not have to worry about driving or adhering to train timetables, a small group tour is a wonderful option. In this episode  Fabian Bryner joins us to share the details of a brand new 9 day / 8 night small group tour that combines the...

If you’re not a regular public transport user, the idea of hopping on and off trains in a foreign country and understanding how the public transport system works can be a bit intimidating.  Your fears will be put to rest in this episode as our guest,  Andy Nef from Swiss Travel System, shares all the info you need to know about travelling in Switzerland by public transport. Armed with Andy's helpful tips, you'll be navigating the trains, buses and boats in Switzerland with ease.  Listen now...

In this episode, Carolyn is joined by Mario Braide and Emilie Morard as they share details about the spectacular region of Valais. From breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities and charming villages, to natural and man-made attractions and traditional festivals. There’s something to suit the interest of every traveller visiting Valais. Listen now to learn about: The unique characteristics of ValaisThe natural and man-made landmarks and attractions can you visitMario’s favourite places to visit...

In this episode Carolyn is joined by Carrie Nicholes who recently returned from a family trip to Switzerland.  Although they only had five days to spend in Switzerland, Carrie was able to plan a trip that included visiting a variety of locations.  Carrie's Swiss vacation included activities that both the adults and children enjoyed,  creating wonderful experiences for the whole family.  Listen now to learn about: The resources Carrie used to help her plan her Switzerland vacationOverview and...

In this episode Carolyn shares with us the tools and resources she uses to plan her Swiss itinerary and how to decide which places to visit. She also shares some classic itineraries for first time travellers to Switzerland and tells us the three main ways to book you trip. Listen now to learn about: Step by step guide on how Carolyn plans her Swiss itineraryThings to avoid and how to make your trip truly yoursSwiss itineraries for first time travellersVarious options of booking your Swiss...

In this episode we are joined by Claudia Wyss from Zermatt Cableways.  Claudia shares with us all the details about the new Matterhorn Alpine Crossing, the recently opened cableway connection between Zermatt in Switzerland and Cervinia in Italy.  Listen now to learn about: Everything about the new Matterhorn Alpine cable car crossingWhat the trip from Zermatt to Cervinia involvesHighlights of traveling on the cable car crossingEssential tips and prices for the alpine crossingWhat Claudia...

Fall (autumn) is an underrated but perfect season to visit Switzerland. Join us as, together with Simon Bosshart from Switzerland Tourism, we explore the many reasons to visit Switzerland in fall.   We discuss the weather, the festivals and events that take place and why fall is the ideal time of year to visit Switzerland.   Listen now to learn about: Why fall is the perfect season to visit SwitzerlandAverage temperatures in Switzerland during fallWhat services are open and closed during...

Our guest in this episode is Amanda Wee from Best of Switzerland Tours.  Amanda tells us about the most popular day and multi-day tours that are available from Zurich. Popular tours include mountain excursions and tours that visit picturesque rural areas of Switzerland. Listen now to learn about: The most popular mountain day tripsOther tours that are availableGroup sizesSingle day and multi day tour packagesWhy you should choose Best of Switzerland Tours For further information and the full...

In this episode, Carolyn shares 8 fantastic new experiences she has enjoyed on her recent visit to Switzerland. Over the course of nearly a month, Carolyn explored vast areas of Switzerland. From mountain peaks near Lucerne to breathtaking lake trips in Brienz, she had the most wonderful trip to date.  Listen now to learn about: Tamina Therme, a popular Thermal Spa and Wellness CentreRail journeys on the Landwasser and Brusio ViaductsExploring Lake Lucerne,  Mount Titlis and Mount...

In this episode, our guest Dominique Horne from Brienz Rothorn Railways tells us all about Switzerland's only daily steam train, the Brienz Rothorn train. Dominique shares the history of the steam railway and tells us why visitors to the Berner Oberland should consider including a ride on the train in their itinerary. She also has some handy tips to help travellers plan their perfect day out on the Brienz Rothorn Bahn. Listen now to learn about: Brienz Rothorn Bahn - Switzerland's only...

In this episode, we are joined by Daniela Gugliotta Bagaian from Lugano Region Tourism. Daniela tells us all about the fantastic Lugano Region and all the things you should experience while you are there. Located in the southern part of Switzerland and right next to the Italian border, Lugano shares a lot of Italian culture, making it a unique destination for a variety of travellers.  Listen now to learn about: Canton of Ticino and Lugano Old TownThings to do in LuganoLakes and parks in...

In this episode, we are joined by Melinda Schoutens, an avid hiker and the author of the Fresh Air Kids Switzerland book series that inspires readers to connect with nature.  Melinda has lots of great tips and practical advice for anyone planning to enjoy a hike in Switzerland.  She tells us what we need to do to prepare for a hike and shares with us four of her favourite hikes in Switzerland that have a focus on lakes and castles.  Listen now to learn about: Fresh Air Kids Switzerland book...

In this episode, we are joined by Camille Härdi from Rhaetian Railways, operators of the premium panoramic train known as the Bernina Express.  The Bernina Express is one of the great train journeys of the world and it connects Chur and St. Moritz in Switzerland with Tirano in Italy. Camille has lots of great info to share with us including the highlights of the ride, what to expect onboard the Bernina Express, how far in advance you should book seat reservations, the best side of the train...

In this episode, we are joined by Renato Julier from Interlaken Tourism.  Renato tells us about all the wonderful things to do in the Interlaken Holiday Region, including its beautiful lakes, Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. Listen now to learn about: Why Interlaken attracts so many touristsThings to see and do around Lake Brienz and Lake ThunHidden gems around Lake BrienzThe perfect way to spend a day around Lake ThunWhich castles are available to explore around InterlakenTransport options for...

In this episode, we are  joined by Nicole Riede who recently went on a trip to Switzerland with her family of four during winter. Nicole shares lots of great tips about  what to expect while travelling during the winter season.  She also shares her family's itinerary and the highlights from their trip.  After listening to this episode, you'll be adding a winter trip to Switzerland to your bucket list.  Listen now to learn about: Why Nicole chose to spend a week in Switzerland as part of her...

In this episode,  Carolyn is joined by Manuela Blapp, a market manager representing Mt. Pilatus to travellers around the world. Manuela chats about all the highlights of visiting Mt. Pilatus and the various ways you can reach the summit of the 'Dragon Mountain'. She also shares lots of helpful information to help make your trip to Mt. Pilatus an unforgettable one. Listen now to learn: Where Mt. Pilatus is locatedThe different ways to reach the Mt. Pilatus summitWhy Mt. Pilatus is called the...

In this episode, Carolyn is joined by Amanda Kendle, who’s having trouble choosing the right Swiss rail pass for her trip to Switzerland.  Amanda is not alone - choosing the best rail pass is something that many travellers to Switzerland struggle with. In today's episode, Carolyn provides an overview of the different rail passes available to visitors and shares her tips for choosing the best Swiss rail pass for your itinerary.  Listen now to learn about: An overview of each rail pass and...

In this episode, Carolyn shares the many accommodation options available to visitors to Switzerland. These include the usual options like hotels, hostels and apartments as well as bed and breakfasts and camping. There are some unique accommodation options available, too. Listen now to learn about: Things to consider before deciding where to stayBest accommodation options for families and couplesWhat to expect in each style of accommodationThe many unique accommodation options that are...

In this episode, we are joined by Birgit Weingartner who will help you choose the ideal time to visit Switzerland. Every season offers new wonders for every traveller, from winter-ending traditions in Spring, various music festivals in the summer, to the alpine descent tradition in Autumn, every season is filled with interesting traditions, customs and celebrations. Listen now to learn about: The benefits of visiting Switzerland in each seasonWhat kind of traditions and customs are...

In this episode, we are joined by Fabian Bryner from Switzerland Travel Centre. Fabian tells us about the different rail packages available for travellers visiting Switzerland. These packages are tailor-made to fit every traveller, and include all train tickets and accommodation, making them extremely convenient for everyone.  Make sure you keep listening to the end to hear about a special discount for our listeners. Listen now to learn about: The Grand Train Tour of SwitzerlandDifferent...

In this episode, we are joined by Nick Taylor who is a member of our Switzerland Travel Planning Facebook group. Nick and his wife have been frequent visitors to Switzerland for many years and in this episode Nick share's his top 10 Swiss experiences with us. They include a variety of train rides, hikes and other experiences in destinations in all over Switzerland. Listen now to learn about: How Nick plans his journeys to SwitzerlandNick's top 10 recommended Swiss experiencesNick's...

In this episode, we are joined by Gabriele Aberle from Matterhorn Gotthard Railway. Gabi walks us through all the details travellers should know about the world-famous Glacier Express train journey. This journey features breathtaking panoramic views and is a bucket list trip for many visitors to Switzerland.  Do you dream of riding aboard the Glacier Express?  Listen now to learn about: The world famous Glacier Express train journeyWhy you should take the journeyThe main highlights along the...