The one destination which is sure to find a place in most bucket lists is Switzerland, The Swiss Alps, pristine lakes, and charming cities attract a significant number of Indian tourists each year . Now that travel restrictions have eased, it’s time to restart international tours, and exploring the Swiss Alps ranks right at the top.
Group tours vs Customized: I have always been in awe of the respected tour operators who manage to advertise Europe Tours with packages like 10 countries in 15 days. But the customers who seek their services and finish off each country in a couple of days are more commendable. Those advocating group tours may claim visiting Europe may not happen again and so would love to explore as many places as one may can, affordability could be an issue to few, others may face time constraints, I still recommend thoroughly exploring a few countries instead of rushing through multiple countries in a short time. It’s like visiting the Taj Mahal and India gate and claiming to have seen all of India. Better to take the time to appreciate each destination fully.
Those trudging along the insistence of their spouses or friends and are least bothered or interested in planning the tour can go along with the group tours. They do a decent job of covering the usual tourist spots. But for those who can manage to spare some time in planning itinerary can definitely benefit a great deal from exploring the hidden gems in many places.
Switzerland is an ideal country for customized tours, with its excellent network of trains, ferries, and buses, making transportation hassle-free. You can easily navigate through cities, visit tourist spots, and experience the beauty of the countryside. To add more diversity to your itinerary, consider including France, and yes France is not just about Paris.
When planning a customized tour, there are many apps and sites nowadays like Travel Triangle,Pick Your Trail etc which do a decent job of planning an international tour according to your preferences, There are many YouTube channels which also go a long way in aiding to plan a dream trip.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the above destinations is usually from June to August when its usually summer there and the weather is pleasant. However, keep an eye on flight rates using platforms like Google Flights or Skyscanner, and be flexible with your travel dates to find good deals. In fact you can book the flights first if u get a great deal and then customize your itinerary around it.
Switzerland is known for its high cost of living, so be prepared for expenses, Its going to be a costly affair, but……. it’s worth every penny spent and some more. An approximate cost for a couple, including decent shopping, would be around 4.7 to 5,00,000 INR for 8 to 9 days.
Schengen Visa :Considering our time constraints we decided to spend 5 nights in Switzerland and 3 in France. Both France and Switzerland are covered under the Schengen visa. Apply for the country where you’ll be spending the maximum number of days, or if the number of days are the same in all countries, you will need to apply to the country which is your port of entry in Europe. In our case we applied to Swiss embassy for the visa. Beware, there are some rejections, especially if you are self employed and its your first international tour, for salaried individuals or those with multiple International tours this is seldom an issue. The Visa application process is carried out via VFS Global (Visa facilitation services Global) having center’s at some cities in India. One can opt for Lounge access in VFS Global if you are not sure about documentation , they guide you properly about the procedure and documents albeit with some premium charges.
France: Our portal of entry was in Paris ,via a decent flight by Etihad airways. We just had 3 nights in France so we decided to explore the beautiful Normandy region along with Paris, the city of lights and love. France is one of the many European destinations best explored by renting a self drive car especially the rugged countryside.
There are many options of car rentals at paris airport like sixt, avis, etc. We got a good deal with Avis and opted for it . Don’t be intimidated by left-hand drive; We Indians can navigate anywhere with our “extraordinary driving skills” . After navigating through a few videos regarding driving instructions and a few blogs you are good to go. I had secured a IDP (International driving permit) but was really not necessary if your license is in English.
Normandy, located in the northwestern part of France, is a picturesque region known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage. A scenic drive through Normandy offers a unique opportunity to explore its charming countryside, coastal beauty, and historical landmarks. Our first stay was in Airbnb at Fecamp, near magnificent cliffs of Étretat. These stunning natural formations feature dramatic arches and towering white cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the English Channel.
Although the overcast weather didn’t indulge us in the majestic views over the cliffs we were contained exploring the beautiful shore lines.
Our next drive was to Mont Saint-Michel, an iconic island commune that stands tall in the bay. This UNESCO World Heritage site is crowned by a medieval abbey and is connected to the mainland by a causeway. Mont Saint-Michel is a sight to behold, both during the day and at night when it’s beautifully illuminated.
You will need to park your vehicles at a distance from where there are regular buses which carry passengers to and fro. From the top panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes greet you. You’ll see the vast mudflats and tidal waters stretching out toward the horizon. The lanes inside the quiescent village transported us to the harry pottersque world.
We then proceeded to the city of dreams Paris with unforgettable memories of this remarkable region in France.
Paris, often referred to as the “City of Light,” is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Known for its iconic landmarks, rich history, art, culture, and culinary delights, Paris offers a plethora of experiences for every traveler. The metros in Paris are an excellent way to navigate through the city.
We purchased tickets for Hop on hop off bus covering the top destinations in the heart of the city , The Louvre, the Notre Dam and the majestic Eiffel Tower.
The Louvre is one of the most famous and the largest art museum. Some of the most famous artworks housed in the Louvre include Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” the ancient Greek statue “Venus de Milo,” the painting “Liberty Leading the People” by Eugène Delacroix, and countless other masterpieces by artists from around the world.
You could spend days here but you can fit it in hours if you plan well ahead. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of art and culture hypnotizing us , make sure to immerse yourselves and marvel at its treasures.
The walking shoes would come in quite handy as the city is best explored with your foot. The breathtaking architecture will surely blow you away. Eiffel Tower again is best experienced from a distance, one of which is place called Trocadero. Make sure to book your seat on the lawns of Champ de Mars Garden for the spectacle of sparkling Eiffel Tower. As darkness falls, the Eiffel Tower transforms into a magical wonderland of light, the entire structure becomes a dazzling spectacle as thousands of sparkling lights adorn its frame. The sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower continue for approximately five minutes, enveloping the structure in a magical glow. No wonder it is one of the most sought after locations for marriage proposals .
The sparkling Majestic Tower is not just a visual spectacle; it evokes a sense of romance, magic, and the eternal spirit of Paris. It is a captivating experience that is destined to leave you with memories to cherish long after you are back home.
Next day with a heavy heart but in great anticipation of what lay ahead, we boarded the fast train from Paris to Geneva. The train rides here are visual treats . The picturesque landscapes, rolling green fields, charming villages and beautiful vineyards will leave you glued to the window.
Our first stop in swiss was in Lucerne for 2 nights, The others being 2 nights in Interlaken and a night in Zurich.
Our Swiss voyage started in Lucerne with the glimpse of the charming Lake Lucerne and the iconic Chapel Bridge , a covered wooden bridge with a tower that dates back to the 14th century.
A leisurely stroll along the picturesque waterfront, enjoying the views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains guarding the lake including Mt Rigi, Mt Pilatus and Mt Titlis is a time well spent.
Our next day was a trip to the queens of the mountains Mt Rigi, There are multiple routes to reach there but we opted for a boat ride to a beautiful picturesque village of Vitznau, then taking the cogwheel train from Rigi Bahn right up to the summit, Due to overcast conditions although the atmosphere was serene and heavenly we missed out on the wonderful scenic ride up as well as the panoramic views from the top. The return journey we opted for the cable car ride from Rigi kaltbad to Weggis The spectacle of the lake view from above while descending will mesmerize you.
Although the rain played a bit of spoil sport the experience was nonetheless memorable one, later in the noon we did enjoy the Glacial caves, the nearby lion monument and were done with our Swiss chocolate shopping.
Our next 2 days were scheduled in Interlaken. WE had purchased Swiss pass for our internal transportation. It covers most of the train rides, buses ,many ferry rides , virtually everything, so although it might seem costly, its worth the big bucks. It augured us well throughout our stay in swiss. The next day on our way to Interlaken we enjoyed one of the our most memorable train rides in Lucerne Interlaken Panaromic express.
It offers a remarkable opportunity to experience the splendor of the Swiss Alps and the breathtaking beauty of central Switzerland. I recommend getting a seat on the left side for the best views The journey concludes in Interlaken a beautiful city nestled in between two lakes of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun hence Inter – Laken (lakes).
Our original plan was to proceed to Grindelwald first where we had planned to enjoy the adventure sports, but the overcast conditions meant we modified our plans to proceed to the top of Europe ,Junfrou from Grindelwald. There are two routes available, one through Grindelwald and the other through Lauterbrunnen. While returning, we took the route via Lauterbrunnen. It’s important to note that the Swiss Pass doesn’t cover the last leg of the journey to reach the top , but it does offer a 50% discount, so you need to buy the tickets separately.
The Jungfrau offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding alpine landscapes, including snow-capped peaks, massive glaciers, and picturesque valleys. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its natural beauty and unique geological features.
The Jungfrau Railway, also known as the Jungfraubahn, takes visitors to the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. Don’t miss the chance to have a delicious Indian meal at the Bollywood restaurant at the top. The return leg of journey was through Lauterbrunnen.
Lauterbrunnen is a picturesque Swiss village nestled in a lush valley of the Bernese Alps. Known for its cascading waterfalls, lush meadows and towering cliffs offers a breathtaking natural setting that captivates visitors.
Lauterbrunnen is renowned for its impressive waterfalls, which create an enchanting atmosphere. Some of the most notable waterfalls in the area include Staubbach Falls, Mürrenbach Falls, and Trümmelbach Falls.
The village serves as an excellent starting point for hiking adventures, with a vast network of well-marked trails that lead to stunning viewpoints, alpine lakes, and charming mountain villages.
If time permits make sure you hike to viewpoints like beautiful villages of Mürren, or Wengen to enjoy panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, waterfalls, and the valley below.
For sure it did leave an everlasting impressions on our minds which we would cherish and carry all the way to our graves, (speaking of graves, below is a pic of a cemetery, who wouldn’t like to rest here …..) The only regret was we could have scheduled a stay there.
If you desire seeking tranquil hikes, thrilling outdoor activities, or simply a peaceful escape amidst stunning scenery, look no further than Lauterbrunnen.
After being back our plan was to explore the two lakes of Brienz and Thun.
The popularity of Lake Brienz has soared after it had featured in the Korean drama “Crash Landing on You” along with the picturesque lakeside village called Iseltwald.
You will find many couples here for their wedding shoots capturing romantic moments, it is such a spectacle. Don’t forget to explore the beautiful Lake Thun as well.
A stroll in the garden on the lakeside in Interlaken is where you will come across statue of our very own Mr Yash Chopra.
We were fortunate to find a beautiful desert place round the corner in Interlaken, The funky Chocolate club where we enjoyed some swiss chocolates and deserts.
Our final destination was Zurich, one of Switzerland’s largest cities. It is a vibrant metropolis situated at the northern tip of Lake Zurich, surrounded by rolling hills with the company of the Swiss Alps in the distance. In the charming Old Town (Altstadt), narrow medieval streets wind between well-preserved buildings culminating in a nostalgic atmosphere. A couple of churches (Grossmünster and Fraumünster) , with their iconic twin towers, punctuate the skyline. The visit here is incomplete without visiting numerous world-class museums, galleries, and theatres.
A visit to the Rhine falls is a must, A boat ride offers a unique perspective experiencing the cascading falls from up close.
Have you visited a place and have fallen in love with it at first sight so much so that you start planning your next visit here even before journey back home…..Well this experience tops that list.I am glad the clouds and the overcast conditions played spoilsport in certain locations, giving us an opportunity to be back here.
Places we would have loved to visit but couldn’t:
- Bern ,Zermatt, Geneva were a few places we would have loved to explore in depth but maybe next time.
- The adventure sports in Grindelwald first .
- A self drive on the beautiful lakeside drives
- Hiking in the alps
- Train ride on the famous Glacier express.
Food : We did have a traditional French cuisine in Creperie Parisienne, a riverside restaurant near The Louvre which was excellent.
In Switzerland you have to try the Swiss Fondue, a couple of restaurants near the chapel bridge do offer a traditional swiss cuisine, also Zurich is the place which is sure to satisfy your taste buds with its wide range of cuisines.
Apps : Some useful apps include :
- Bonjour RATP,Big bustours,Paris metro for France
- SBB app for Swiss pass
International Sim Card: Although you can avail roaming facility of your parent sim,its a costly affair. I would rather suggest considering Matrix sim cards which you will find at the airport , the card gets activated till you reach the destination. You can also pre order sim cards from Tsim.
Currency : Better carry some cash, but most of the places accept credit cards. A few banks offer credit cards with zero markup charges, (eg- IDFC first wow card) which are best suitable for such tours.
In a nutshell:
- Plan well ahead and better customize to your needs
- France is not only Paris, try exploring other areas, if possible explore the Normandy region of France better by a Self driven Car.
- Must visit cities in Switzerland include Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt,Bern, Zurich
- If possible schedule a stay in Lauterbrunnen/Jungfrouch region or Grindelwald region.
- Give a couple of days extra for leisure in Swiss to soak it all up.
- Swiss pass is highly recommendable
- Carry a nice Camera for some lifetime memories.
- Most important of all…..Don’t wait till you are in your later years for travel , start early and enjoy the beautiful nature , its sure to be an enriching and transformative experience.
A Voyage Clicked 
Nice photos…..nice information….seems very useful to plan Swiss and Paris tour
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