How to Sell Switzerland

    1. Centralized Location:

      Bordered by Austria, Italy, France, Germany and Liechtenstein, Switzerland is a small country nestled in the heart of Europe. With its centralized location, you might be tempted to simply pass through it on the way to somewhere else, but its snow-capped mountains, majestic lakes and village towns brimming with culture make the country a great vacation destination that should be added to your list of stops.

    2. Natural Beauty:

      More than 60 percent of Switzerland is covered with mountains, with another quarter marked by dense forests. With such an overwhelming natural backdrop, many visitors are lured here to simply experience the untouched outdoors. During winter, visit resorts like those in Adelboden, where you can ski, snowboard and tube down the mountains. When the summer season comes around, travel to Interlaken, where you can raft and tube down the river in the Discover the Jungfrau adventure.

    3. Scenery:

      Despite its small size, Switzerland offers such a wide array of scenery that it delights year-round. One doesn’t have to travel far to see beautiful forests, lakes, castles, cathedrals, glaciers, valleys and snow-capped mountains. Three-fifths of the country is covered by the Alps and here one can also find the Jura Mountains, Swiss Plateau and the southeastern mountains.

    4. Quality:

      Yes, you’ll pay more. But the trade-off for high Swiss prices is better quality. The people of Switzerland actually examine quality before price and are used to their system providing them with superior, locally made items. Swiss manufacturers are said to be perfectionists. Transportation, infrastructure and public spaces are run efficiently and well-maintained. Living standards are very high and it’s easy to get used to the comforts of Switzerland once you’re there.

    5. Outdoor Activities:

      Where should an adventure enthusiast begin? Perhaps choosing a season will narrow it down. In winter, ski-gliding, sledging, snowboarding, ice climbing, deep-snow skiing, heli-skiing, glacier-walking, snow-biking, snowshoeing, tobogganing, ice skating and dog-sledding are most popular between January and March. Skiers can choose between downhill and cross-country trails for day and night and at all levels. In the warmer months, cycling, climbing, hiking, sailing, water-skiing, canoeing, swimming, rafting, rowing, canyoning, abseiling, bungee jumping, paragliding, skydiving and hang-gliding are just some of the activities to be enjoyed here.

    6. Eco-friendly:

      Voted as the world's most eco-friendly country by Eco-Friendly Daily, Switzerland enforces strict regulations on pollution. The ranking, which was determined in party by Yale University's 2008 measurements of water resources, air quality and overall environmental health, also takes into consideration personal responsibility that Swiss people feel toward maintaining their terrain. By charging for waste and water management, Switzerland has inserted an environmental consciousness into the mind of its citizens, which paves the way for future preservation of natural resources.

    7. Bustling Cities:

      Though Switzerland is marked by its pristine nature areas, it also is home to several major cities that provide travellers with different diversions. In Zurich, people-watch on Augustinergasse street, go shopping in the famous Bahnhofstrasse district or discover the baroque architecture of the Rathaus building. In the capital city of Bern, learn about Albert Einstein at his namesake museum or go gambling at the Allegro Grand Casino. Tours often embark from these major cities, so visitors can explore the surrounding area.

    Distances Between Cities: Approximate KS and time is mentioned

    Distance By Tarin By Road
    Zurich - Lucerne (51.5km) 45 minutes (No Change) 42 minutes
    Zurich Interlaken 01 hour 55 minutes (01 Change at Bern) 01 hour 32 minutes
    Zurich - Vevey / Montreux 02 hours 32 minutes (01 Change at Lausanne) 02 hours 23 minutes
    Zurich - Geneva 02 hours 39 minutes 03 hours 15 minutes
    Lucerne - Interlaken 01 hour 50 minutes 01 hour 01 minute
    Lucerne - Vevey / Montreux 02 hours 40 minutes (01 Change at Lausanne) 02 hours 08 minutes
    Lucerne - Geneva 02 hours 46 minutes 02 hours 59 minutes
    Interlaken - Vevey / Montreux 02 hours 17 minutes (02 Changes at Spiez and Visp) 01 hour 40 minutes
    Interlaken - Geneva 02 hours 46 minutes ( 01 Change at Bern) 02 hours 34 minutes
    Vevey / Montreux - Geneva 54 minutes 01 hour 21 minutes

    Attractions:

    1. Zurich:

    i) Getaway to the Rhine Falls

    Duration of tour: 3 hours 15 mins

    The Tour

    Your coach will start from Zurich city centre and will head towards the fantastic nature spectacle Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall. It is only 23 metres high but has an impressive width of 150 metres and an average of 25'000 cubic feet of water per second (700m3/sec). You will be dropped off on the north bank of the river Rhine where you can admire the turreted castle called Schloss Laufen on a cliff directly above the falls. The tour also takes you to Northern Switzerland close to the German border where you will drive through Schaffhausen, the capital of the canton with its famous Munot Fortress, dating from the 16th century. Return to Zurich with an alternative stop at the Airport, where departing guests can end their tour if they wish.

    Includes

    Transportation by coach and services of a local guide.

    Language Commentary From Date To Date Days of week Start Time Departure Point
    E/G Guided 1 May 2015 30 Sep 2015 Daily 09.15 Sihlquai Bus Terminal
              09.30 Reisebus Terminal (Regionalbus) parking
    E/G Guided 1 May 2015 30 Sep 2015 Tue/Fri/Sun 14.30 Sihlquai Bus Terminal
              14.45 Reisebus Terminal (Regionalbus) parking
    E - English, G - German

    ii) Heidiland Tour - Great Country Tour

    Duration of tour: 7 hours 30 mins

    The Tour

    Heidi's world is not only a children's fairy-tale, it really exists! After a tour of Zurich we follow the lake to Rapperswil and visit the picturesque Old Town and its medieval castle. Then after crossing the Ricken Pass with its panoramic views of the Alps we reach the lovely Toggenberg region with the most picturesque scenery of green hills and valleys. In Vaduz, the capital of the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein, you will have time free for leisure. See the settings of Heidi's story in the Maifenfeld area. In the summer months we can visit Heidi's village. A pleasant short walk leads to a collection of typical mountain houses, a village shop, and of course lots of little goats. Entry into the authentic Heidi House is optional. Our trip along Lake Walen takes us back to Zurich.

    Includes

    Transportation by coach, photo stop at the castle, leisure time in Rapperswil and Vaduz.

    Language Commentary From Date To Date Days of week Start Time Departure Point
    E/G/S Guided 1 Apr 2015 31 Mar 2016 Daily 11.00 Sihlquai Bus Terminal
    E - English, G - German, S - Spanish

    iii) Black Forest - Titisee

    Duration of tour: 6 hours 50 mins

    The Tour

    An excursion to Northern Switzerland and the Black Forest, one of the most attractive landscapes of Southern Germany. Along Lake Schluchsee you reach Titisee, the very heart of the Black Forest. You will get a short introduction in how they bring those popular cuckoo clocks to sing, then you will enjoy time at leisure. Perhaps you wish to do a boat ride or enjoy the local food; the most known speciality is the Black Forest Cake, made with cherry brandy. Driving through very impressive spruce forests passing by Lenzkirch you return to Switzerland. There you will stop to admire the Rhine Falls, Europe's largest and most spectacular waterfalls.

    Includes

    Transportation by coach, services of a local guide on coach.

    Please note: Do not forget your passport.

    Additional Information: Passport required, please check with local embassy for visa requirements.

    Language Commentary From Date To Date Days of week Start Time Departure Point
    E/G/S Guided 1 May 2015 31 Oct 2015 Mon/Wed/Fri 12.30 Sihlquai Bus Terminal
    E - English, G - German, S - Spanish

    iv) The Zurich TROLLEY Experience - Zurich City Tour

    Duration of tour: 2 hours

    The Tour

    Discover the sights of Zurich aboard the unique 'Classic Trolley'. This trolley, the first of its kind in Switzerland, is styled on those of yesteryear, but with all the comforts for today's discerning traveller. Commentary is provided by headset and you can choose from eight languages. In approx 2 hours we will take you through our beautiful city and show you the business and financial centre, Bahnhofstrasse, the most important museums, a section of the Old Town, Fraumunster Church with its famous Chagall windows, historical Limmatquai, the University district, residential areas, beautiful hillside villas on the Zurichberg, as well as recreation areas and views of the Alps from Zurich's vantage points.

    Includes

    Transportation by coach and taped commentary via headsets.

    Language Commentary From Date To Date Days of week Start Time Departure Point
    E/F/G/I/J/P/RU/S Audio 1 Apr 2015 31 Mar 2016 Daily 09.45 Sihlquai Bus Terminal
              12.00 Sihlquai Bus Terminal
              14.00 Sihlquai Bus Terminal
    E - English, G - German, S - Spanish, I - Italian, J - Japanese, P - Portuguese, RU - Russian, S - Spanish
    The Tours will not operate on the following date: 29 Aug 2015.

    v) Chamonix Mont-Blanc

    This tour takes you to Chamonix in France and to the beautiful and majestic Mont Blanc, which you may ascend by cable car.

    Duration of tour: 9 hours 35 mins

    The Tour

    The basic tour consists of a 90 minute drive by motorcoach through the picturesque Arve Valley from Geneva to Chamonix (France), one of the most famous mountain villages at the foot of the remarkable and majestic Mont-Blanc (4808 m/15774 ft, as of biyearly official measurement of 2005). At the end of the tour you can be dropped off at: Gare Routiere-Geneva Bus Terminal, 'Dorciere' square or Geneva Airport.

    Includes

    Transportation by coach and leisure time in Chamonix.

    Please note: A valid passport or visa is necessary to join this tour. For health reasons, infants and children under 3 years of age should not ascend high altitude mountains of more than 2000 metres. The cost of cable car from Chamonix Mont-Blanc to Aiguille du Midi or rack rail to Montenvers are extra and must be paid for on the spot. Cable car to Aiguille du Midi (3842 m/12604 ft) is closed from middle of November to middle of December.

    Additional Information: Passport required, please check with local embassy for visa requirements. This tour is operated in AC vehicles.

    Language Commentary From Date To Date Days of week Start Time Departure Point
    E/F Guided 30 Apr 2015 29 Feb 2016 Daily 08.30 Gare Routiere (Bus Terminal)
    E - English, F - French

    vi) Chamonix Mont-Blanc

    This tour takes you to Chamonix in France and to the beautiful and majestic Mont Blanc, which you may ascend by cable car.

    Duration of tour: 9 hours 35 mins

    The Tour

    The basic tour consists of a 90 minute drive by motorcoach through the picturesque Arve Valley from Geneva to Chamonix (France), one of the most famous mountain villages at the foot of the remarkable and majestic Mont-Blanc (4808 m/15774 ft, as of biyearly official measurement of 2005). At the end of the tour you can be dropped off at: Gare Routiere-Geneva Bus Terminal, 'Dorciere' square or Geneva Airport.

    Includes

    Transportation by coach and leisure time in Chamonix.

    Please note: A valid passport or visa is necessary to join this tour. For health reasons, infants and children under 3 years of age should not ascend high altitude mountains of more than 2000 metres. The cost of cable car from Chamonix Mont-Blanc to Aiguille du Midi or rack rail to Montenvers are extra and must be paid for on the spot. Cable car to Aiguille du Midi (3842 m/12604 ft) is closed from middle of November to middle of December.

    Additional Information: Passport required, please check with local embassy for visa requirements. This tour is operated in AC vehicles.

    Language Commentary From Date To Date Days of week Start Time Departure Point
    E/F Guided 30 Apr 2015 29 Feb 2016 Daily 08.30 Gare Routiere (Bus Terminal)
    E - English, F - French

    v) Geneva City Tour and Boat Cruise

    This city tour gives you an insight in the international organisations district, the Old Town on foot and even a mini-train ride and a boat cruise on Lake of Geneva.

    Duration of tour: 3 hours 30 mins

    The Tour

    The city tour of Geneva will take you through the international part of Geneva and to the centre of the world's peacemaking organisations. This will be followed by a tour of the main tourist attractions of the city like the Water Fountain (Jet d'eau) and the wonderful Flower Clock. Then get a taste of Geneva's history with the mini-train Tramway Tour and dig even deeper into the Old Town with your guide on a walking tour. To complete this City Tour, continue on the lake with a one hour commented boat cruise, which will let you discover the major attractions of the lake of Geneva: the stone of Niton, the Water Fountain, the Black Harbour, the Diodati House, the UN building, the castle of Bellerive, the Mermaid, and many more interesting sites.

    Includes

    Transportation by coach, a mini-train ride, a boat cruise, drinks on the boat and services of a local guide.

    Language Commentary From Date To Date Days of week Start Time Departure Point
    E/F Guided 1 May 2015 31 Oct 2015 Daily 10.00 Gare Routiere (Bus Terminal)
              14.00 Gare Routiere (Bus Terminal)
    E - English, F - French

    SWISS PASS:

    1. Swiss Travel Pass:

    The Swiss Travel Pass entitles you to unlimited travel on consecutive days throughout the rail, bus and boat Swiss Travel System network. The Swiss Travel Pass is available for 3, 4, 8 or 15 days.

    1. Unlimited travel by rail, road and waterway
    2. Free travel on most panorama routes
    3. Free travel on public transport in 75 towns and cities
    4. Free admission to more than 480 museums
    5. 50% discount off most mountain railways
    6. Children under age 16 travel free of charge when accompanied by at least one parent holding a Swiss Family Card
    7. Children under 6 years travel free of charge. No Swiss Family Card needed

    2. Sightseeing by using Swiss Pass and conditions that apply:

    i) Jungfraujoch Top Of Europe:

    A place so remarkable, it’s always peak season.

    You leave from Interlaken, Grindelwald or Wengen, in Switzerland, and start by taking a unique, moderncogwheel railway to Kleine Scheidegg, 6762 feet up. From there, the Jungfrau railway climbs to the Eiger Glacier station, well known for its mountain restaurant and polar dog kennels. Then continue through the Eiger tunnel, only stopping to enjoy spectacular vistas on the way to the highest railway station in Europe. The Jungfraujoch, over 11,000 feet up, and called the Top of Europe. Switzerland’s most breathtaking scenery awaits. View a 13.6 mile ice stream, an Ice Palace, and views that will melt your heart. What do you call this once in a lifetime railway experience in Switzerland? The Jungfraujoch-Top of Europe from Rail Europe, just part of their offerings for Switzerland. But then, it only makes sense. Rail Europe always leaves you feeling on top of the world, no matter where you are.

    Here’s what’s included:

    1. Round trip travel to the Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe from Interlaken, Grindelwald or Wengen.
    2. Scenic trip to Eiger Glacier Station and through the Eiger tunnel to the Eigerwand and Eismeer stations.
    3. Sightseeing at the Great Aletsch Glacier, Ice Palace, Ice Gateway, Sphinx observation terrace, high alpine research exhibitions and more.

    Conditions:

    Exchange the Rail Europe voucher at the train station in Interlaken Ost, Grindelwald or Wengen.

    ii) Mount Titlis:

    At 10,000 feet, Mount Titlis, is Central Switzerland’s loftiest peak exuding a snow and ice spectacular that’s visually stunning. And, this journey in Switzerland is even more camera-compulsory because you’ll be riding in the revolving Rotair, an aerial cable car that delivers awesome 360-degree panoramic views of the snow-covered valleys, glaciers, lakes, forests, and mountains in Switzerland. And when you’re finally ready to put the lens aside, why not take full advantage of this snow paradise? Tackle the slopes (many open year-round) with some skiing or snowboarding. Or try snow tubing down a 500-ft. slide called the Fun Lift. Then walk across the Titlis Cliff Walk, this spectacular suspension bridge sits over 1,600 feet off the ground. Feeling adventurous? Go kayaking on the gorgeous mountain lake, Trubsee or visit the Glacier Grotto, a 130-mile roundtrip excursion below the earth’s surface. Want to be a little more grounded? Then hop on a Trotti-Bike (a scooter that’s not just for kids) and take a ride from Gerschnialp to Engelberg.

    Here’s what’s included:

    1. Round-trip cable-car travel provided from Engelberg to Mount Titlis.
    2. Includes access to the Titlis Cliff Walk, the highest suspension bridge in Europe.
    3. Includes a ride on the Ice Flyer, a chairlift that spans the glacier crevasses of Mount Titlis.
    4. Entrance provided into the Glacier Grotto, a roundtrip excursion below the earth’s surface.
    5. More attractions are available at an additional charge.

    Hotels and Indian Restaurants:

    City Lucerne Interlaken Geneva Zurich
    Recommended Hotels Ambassador*** Cityhotel Oberland*** Hotel Ramada Encora*** Bristol***
    Drei Konige*** Hotel Metropole**** Savoy Hotel*** Crown Plaza Zurich****
    Hotel Radisson SAS**** Hotel Interlaken**** Astoria*** Senator ****
    Hotel Monopol**** Hotel Linder Beau Rivage***** Hotel Warwick**** Schweizerhof Zurich*****
    Hotel Flora****   Hotel Cornavin**** Baur Au Lac*****
    Hotel Grand National*****   Hotel Grand Kempinksi Geneva*****  
    Schweizerhof*****      
    Palace*****      

    Indian Restaurants in Geneva:

    1) Bombay Restaurant
    Rue de Berne 11
    1201 Geneva
    Tel: +41 022 732 72 82
    www.bombay-restaurant.chSeated place: 80 inside, 55 outside
    Catering service available

    2) Bombay Palace
    Rue des Eaux-Vives 102
    1207 Geneva
    Tel: +41 022 700 01 66
    amjadhc67@hotmail.com
    www.bombay-restaurant.chSeated place: 40 people

    3) Cafe Bollywood
    Place de la Navigation 6
    1201 Geneva
    Tel: +41 022 731 88 77
    info@cafebollywood.ch
    www.cafebollywood.chSeated place: 55 people

    4) Rasoi by Vineet in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel
    Quai Turrettini 1
    1201 Geneva
    Tel: +41 22 909 00 00
    mogva-reservations@mohg.com
    www.mandarinoriental.com/geneva/fine-dining/rasoi-by-vineet/Only Indian Restaurant in Switzerland with a Michelin star
    Seated place: 80 people

    5) Café Gandhi
    Rue de Neuchâtel 37
    1201 Geneva
    Tel: +41 22 731 41 12
    info@gandhi.ch
    www.gandhi.chCatering service available
    Seated place: 50 people

    6) Indian Plaza
    Rue de Monthoux 58
    1201 Geneva
    Tel: +41 22 732 07 32
    info@indianplaza.ch

    Indian Restaurants in Interlaken:

    1) Restaurant Bollywood
    Jungfraujoch Top of Europe
    Tel: +41 33 828 78 88
    gletscherrestaurant@jungfrau.ch
    www.jungfrau.chSeated place: 120 people

    2) Maha Lakshmi Indian Restaurant
    Panoramastrasse 3
    3600 Thun
    Tel: +41 33 221 50 80
    info@mahalakshmi.ch
    www.mahalakshmi.chCatering service available
    Seated place: 30 inside and 30 outside

    3) Shalimar
    Höheweg 94
    3800 Interlaken
    Tel: +41 33 821 24 14
    info@carltoneurope.ch
    www.carltoneurope.ch

    4) Spice India
    Postgasse 6
    3800 Interlaken
    Tel: +41 33 821 00 91
    info@city-oberland.ch
    www.spice-india.netCatering service available
    Seated place: 300 people

    5) Indian Restaurant Taj Mahal
    Marktgasse 20
    3800 Interlaken
    Tel: +41 33 822 04 44
    tajmahal@bluewin.ch
    www.tajmahalinterlaken.comSeated place: 70 people

    6) Welcome India
    Rosenstrasse 7
    3800 Interlaken
    Tel: +41 33 822 52 04
    nirmalwelcomeindiaresto@yahoo.co.in

    Indian Restaurant in Zurich

    1) Way to India
    Langstrasse 192
    8005 Zurich
    Tel: +41 44 273 43 00
    wayto.india@yahoo.comhttp://www.waytoindia-zuerich.ch
    Seated place: 78 inside and 45 outside

    2) Khan's
    Marktgasse 17
    8001 Zurich
    Tel: +41 44 261 21 82
    info@khans.ch
    www.khans.chCatering service available (up to 120 people)
    seated place: 120 people

    3) Tandoori BBQ
    Bleicherweg 19
    8002 Zürich
    Tel: +41 44 202 00 21
    info@tandoori-bbq.ch
    www.tandoori-bbq.chCatering service available
    Seated place: 46 people

    4) Taste of Paradise
    Löwenstrasse 35 (Migros City, 1st floor)
    8001 Zurich
    Tel: +41 44 210 48 48
    info@tasteofparadise.ch
    www.tasteofparadise.chCatering service available
    Seated place: 60 people

    Indian Restaurants in Lucerne:

    1) Gourmindia
    Baselstr. 31
    6003 Luzern
    Tel: +41 41 250 43 43
    info@gourmindia.com
    www.gourmindialuzern.comCatering service available
    Seated place: 40 people

    2) Kanchi
    Zürichstrasse 4
    6004 Luzern
    Tel: +41 41 410 67 08
    info@kanchi.ch
    www.kanchi.chCatering service available
    Seated place: 80 people

    3) Masala
    Zürichstrasse 55
    6004 Luzern
    Tel: +41 41 240 12 64
    info@masala-luzern.ch
    www.masala-luzern.chCatering service available
    Seated place: 80 people

    4) Stalden
    Ibergereggstrasse
    6432 Rickenbach
    Tel: +41 41 811 54 34
    www.croner.chucroner@bluewin.chSeated place: 60 people

    5) Tandoori Indian
    Kantonsstrasse 74
    6048 Horw
    Tel: +41 41 340 52 96
    info@tandoori.ch
    www.tandoori.chCatering service available
    Seated place: 150 people

    Unique experiences

    007 Walk of fame on the Schilthorn

    Secret Agent 007 is about to leave new traces on the Schilthorn, when Schilthorn Cableway opens the 007 Walk of Fame on 1 August 2015. This new attraction – a world first – will be inaugurated in the presence of stars and contributors to «On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

    Personalities from the world of Bond movies will be immortalized at the Schilthorn summit. Each protagonist will feature on an individual information plaque, displaying their photograph, signature and hand imprint in weathering steel, a personal message about the film's impact on their careers, and anecdotes and impressions of their time in Mürren and on the Schilthorn. These plaques will form a short circular trail that runs from the summit building to the Piz Gloria View vantage point back.