Home Podcasts Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast - Plan Your Swiss Vacation
Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast - Plan Your Swiss Vacation

Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast - Plan Your Swiss Vacation

Carolyn Schönafinger - Switzerland Vacation Planning Expert 192 Episodes Jul 1, 2026

A travel podcast dedicated to helping listeners plan a vacation to Switzerland. Host Carolyn Schönafinger, a Swiss travel expert, shares practical tips and advice based on her 30 years of experience visiting the country. Episodes cover top destinations like Zurich, Grindelwald, and Zermatt, as well as hidden gems, train travel, food, and language. Special guests offer additional insights, making this a comprehensive guide for anyone planning a trip to Switzerland.

Episodes

Basel in Two Days: Top Attractions, Local Eats, and Easy Day Trips Jul 1, 2026 2422 Wondering if Basel is worth visiting, or how best to spend two days in Basel before or after your Rhine River cruise? You’re not alone! Many travelers overlook Basel, but this charming Swiss city on the banks of the Rhine River is packed with history, culture, and surprises - making it well worth including in your Swiss itinerary.In this episode, I chat with Basel resident, Melinda Schoutens. Meli
Your Guide to the Glacier Express: Route, Tickets, Highlights and Essential Information for Travelers Jun 24, 2026 1297 If a panoramic train journey through Switzerland is on your bucket list, the legendary Glacier Express is a must. But questions abound: How do you get Glacier Express tickets? When should you book to ensure you secure seats - especially in the coveted Glacier Express Excellence Class? Is the eight-hour Glacier Express route between St. Moritz and Zermatt really worth it?In this episode, I chat wit
Discover Ticino - Where Swiss Alpine Charm Meets Italian Flair Jun 17, 2026 1553 Dreaming of discovering a side of Switzerland where palm trees sway, gelato replaces fondue, and the mountains meet the Mediterranean? Then Ticino, Switzerland’s sunniest region, is calling your name!With so many amazing things to do in Ticino, planning your visit can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming. Should you wander the UNESCO-listed castles of Bellinzona, Switzerland’s castle capit
How the Berner Oberland Pass Can Save You Money in the Jungfrau Region and Beyond Jun 10, 2026 1499 Planning your Switzerland vacation can feel overwhelming - especially when you’re faced with choices like the Berner Oberland Pass vs Swiss Travel Pass, or trying to decide which Switzerland travel pass is the best value for your trip.In this episode, I chat with Fabienne Harnisch, Manager of the Berner Oberland Pass, about all the essentials: What does the Berner Oberland Pass include? Is the Ber
7 Unforgettable Small Group Day Tours from Zurich You Won’t Want to Skip Jun 3, 2026 2054 If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland and want to make the most of your limited time in Zurich without feeling overwhelmed with logistics, a small group tour could be your answer.In this episode, I’m joined by Catharina De Sa from Swiss Epic Tours to learn more about their guided small group day tours from Zurich. We chat through the full range of Zurich day trips they offer, including memorabl
Things to Do in Bern, Switzerland: A Two Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors May 27, 2026 1900 If Bern, Switzerland’s capital city is on your must-visit list but you’re not sure where to start, you’re in the right spot! In this episode, I’m sitting down with Bern native Kathrin Spinnler to spill all our favourite secrets about how to make the most of 2 days in Bern - from the best things to do in Bern, Switzerland to can’t-miss local highlights.We’ll take you on a stroll through the gorgeou
Which Lucerne Mountain Should You Visit? Comparing the Region’s Six Must-See Peaks May 20, 2026 2053 Trying to pick the best mountain excursion near Lucerne can be a real challenge - especially with so many amazing options right on your doorstep! If you’ve ever wondered which Lucerne mountain excursion you should do, or you’re busy searching for things to do in Lucerne beyond the city, this episode is for you.I’m joined by Lucerne local, Celine Deplazes, and together we break down everything you
How to Design a Tailor-Made Switzerland Itinerary (Without Hours of Research and Planning) May 13, 2026 1603 Planning your first trip to Switzerland can feel exciting… but also completely overwhelming, particularly if you don’t want to follow a generic Switzerland itinerary.Between choosing destinations, booking hotels, deciding on scenic train rides, and trying to include both the famous highlights and lesser-known gems, it’s easy to spend hours researching and still feel unsure.The solution is to use a
How to Explore the Switzerland Most Tourists Miss May 6, 2026 2803 Curious about Switzerland’s hidden gems and ready to venture off the beaten path? In this episode, I team up with Swiss travel expert James to reveal secret Switzerland—those unique places to visit in Switzerland that most travelers never find.Together, we share an inspiring week-long Switzerland itinerary packed with unforgettable stops: the car-free paradise of Braunwald, the authentic alpine vi
What to do in Montreux: Two Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors Apr 29, 2026 1715 Planning your dream Swiss vacation and wondering, Is Montreux worth visiting? Absolutely it is! In this episode, I’m joined by Martina Fuhrer from Montreux Riviera Tourism for your ultimate Montreux travel guide, packed with expert insights for an unforgettable visit to this stunning lakeside gem.We dive deep into the best things to do in Montreux, and share a perfect 2-day Montreux itinerary that
Summer in Switzerland: Top Activities, Weather Tips, and How to Beat the Crowds Apr 22, 2026 2453 Thinking about a Switzerland summer vacation but not sure exactly when or where to go? You’re in the right place!In this fun and info-packed episode, I’m catching up with fellow Swiss fanatic Christen Fleming to talk about all things summer in Switzerland - and, honestly, it might just be the best time to visit Switzerland. We swap stories, favorite spots, and essential tips for making the most of
These Rail Tours in Switzerland are the Perfect Solution for a Hassle-Free Swiss Vacation Apr 15, 2026 2211 Planning to take a Swiss rail vacation? Join me in this episode to learn more about Echo Rails who offer some of the best Switzerland tours by train. I'm joined by Andrea Caspani, owner of Echo Rails, to chat about their small group guided tours of Switzerland that have earned over 500 five-star reviews.  You'll learn about the different Switzerland itinerary options offered by Echo Rail

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