Sabbatical & Experiential Travel to Switzerland

Holidays & Sabbaticals to Switzerland – In a Nutshell

Renowned as a European gem, Switzerland has long been a haven for alpine adventure. Throughout the seasons, the beauty of the Swiss Alps lures travellers with its natural beauty and breath-taking vistas. In summer, a myriad of hiking trails leads you winding through valleys, climbing to towering peaks and along the shores of crystalline lakes. Come winter, these snow-covered mountains transform into a skier’s playground of fresh powder for you to carve your way down.

Switzerland’s cities are renowned for their blend of modernity and belle epoque grandeur. Zurich, Geneva and Bern are a melting pot of European cultures, with German, French, Italian and Romansh influences. Explore Switzerland’s beautiful architecture while savouring the finest Swiss chocolate and cheese.

Travelling to Switzerland will leave anyone in awe of its natural beauty and revitalised by its peacefulness and tranquillity.

Experiences you shouldn’t miss in Switzerland

Hike and bike to your heart’s content in the Bavona valley, exploring gems like Foroglio Waterfall.
Sample the finest Swiss chocolates in Zurich, straight from the chocolatier.
Tour the vineyards of Ticino and learn about the local wine-making traditions before tasting the local delicacies.
Walk along the cobbled streets of Bern’s centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its green sandstone architecture.
Explore the scenic area surrounding Engstligen Falls, one of Switzerland’s highest waterfalls.
Visit the charming medieval centre of Lucerne, that sits on the shores of its cobalt lake, and cross its iconic Chapel Bridge.
Relax in the town of Montreux, situated on the shores of Lake Geneva and home to an annual two-week jazz festival.
Enjoy the beauty of Interlaken, between the emerald-coloured waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and surrounded by mountains, forests, alpine meadows and glaciers.
Marvel at the finest displays of medieval architecture in the heart of Zurich, with gems such as Grossmünster Church.
Ride a cable car to the summit of Klein Matterhorn for breath-taking panoramic views of Zermatt and the surrounding alpine peaks and glaciers.

Off the Beaten Path in Switzerland

Take a dip in the turquoise water of Lake Caumasee, deep in the forests of Flims.
Hike in the Appenzell Innerrhoden region with its incredible alpine scenery and chains of jagged peaks.
Step back in time and explore the beautifully preserved Medieval town of Saint-Ursanne in Jura.
Enjoy a helicopter flight to the ‘Eternal Ice’ glacier with stunning views of Monte Rosa and Mont Blanc.
Experience the adrenaline-fuelled adventures around the Lauterbrunnen’s canyons.
Delight in an exclusive lunch at ‘Rustico del Sole’, a mountain top restaurant that can only be reached by helicopter.
Cycle from the historic town of Murten to the Three Lakes, passing by countless lakes and historic towns.
Relax along the shores of Walen Lake where steep mountain sides rise dramatically from the water.
Board the iconic cogwheel train at the village of Grindelwald up to Europe’s highest railway station.
Kayak on the shimmering waters of Lake Thun, exploring all its hidden corners.
Discover the sport of ‘Schwingen’, Zurich’s unique local wrestling that dates back to the 13th Century.
Join a watch workshop with a local expert to learn about the intricate mechanics that Swiss watchmakers are famous for.
Embark on a canyoning adventure in the rugged Viamala Gorge.

Wildlife

The Swiss Alps and the surrounding vast expanses of forest are home to a variety of alpine wildlife. Ibex, chamois, marmots, wolves and foxes roam the mountains with golden eagles and bearded vultures soaring above. Switzerland does have a small population of brown bears but due to their migrations are rarely spotted.

How to Get to Switzerland

Fly directly from London to Geneva or Zurich in about 2 hours.

Flight time from New York to Zurich is around 8 hours.

When & Weather – Switzerland

The weather is warmest between (18-28 degrees C) June and September, with snow-free trails and longer days. July and August are the busiest months, so June and September are ideal to avoid crowds.

Winter sport enthusiasts will prefer to visit from December – March for the ski season.

Who will Switzerland Appeal To?

The beautiful alpine scenery and mountain adventures will appeal to:

Active travellers
Outdoor enthusiasts
Photographers
Skiers
Families
Couples
Cheese and chocolate lovers
Culture vultures
Nature lovers

Accommodation

Choose between traditional chalets, luxury hotels and charming mountain guesthouses. A couple of our favourites are the Castello del Sole Resort and Spa, with its 140 acres of rolling greenery along the shores of Lake Maggiore, or the Luxury Alpine Chalet in Klosters with its views of the surrounding mountains.

Start Planning

Our experienced team will guide you through a number of ideas based on how you would like to experience Switzerland.

No matter how long you have to travel, we’ll guide you through the planning process to ensure a trip is carefully pieced together to suit your interests, pace of travel and budget.