Switzerland small group trips

June to September, when mountain paths are clear of snow and the lake boats run full timetables. May and October are quieter and cooler, with a chance of snow on the high walks, when we swap a walk for the train. We do not run it in winter yet.

Answer for Switzerland by Train: Lucerne, the Jungfraujoch and Zermatt

Moderate. Expect city walks of two to three hours, a downhill walk of about an hour and a quarter on Rigi and an hour past the Riffelsee, and two days above 3,000 m. Each mountain walk has a train alternative, and your suitcase goes ahead, so you carry only a day bag until the last day.

Answer for Switzerland by Train: Lucerne, the Jungfraujoch and Zermatt

A room of your own is from CAD 1,395 more for the seven nights, and it is the same standard and location as the shared rooms. You join the same group, the same table and the same trains as everyone else.

Answer for Switzerland by Train: Lucerne, the Jungfraujoch and Zermatt

The small-group trip runs with 7 to 12 guests. That is small enough to board a train together without a rush, sit around one table at lunch and hear your guide on a crowded viewing terrace.

Answer for Switzerland by Train: Lucerne, the Jungfraujoch and Zermatt

Choose a start date and send a request to book. We confirm your place within 24 hours, and no payment is taken until we do. The small group starts from CAD 7,835 per person sharing, taxes included.

Answer for Switzerland by Train: Lucerne, the Jungfraujoch and Zermatt

Most Canadian, US, UK and Australian visitors do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. Switzerland is in the Schengen area, so the EU's ETIAS travel authorisation will apply once it starts; we tell you if it is needed for your dates when you book.

Answer for Switzerland by Train: Lucerne, the Jungfraujoch and Zermatt

June to September. The passes are open, the days are long, and the Bernina Express bus to Lugano and the Gotthard Panorama Express both run only in the warmer months; we confirm their dates when you book. July and August are busiest; June and September are quieter, with fresh snow on the peaks some years.

Answer for Switzerland: the Glacier Express, the Bernina Express and the Gotthard

You should be comfortable walking 3 to 5 hours with breaks, including descents of up to about 700 m. The longest day is the Rotstockhütte walk, about 10 km. Every walking day has an easier option of about 2 hours, and you can sit out any walk.

Answer for Switzerland: Bernese Oberland walks from Grindelwald and Mürren

A room of your own is CAD 1,495 more than the shared price, in the same hotels and the same room standard as everyone else. You are never given a smaller or worse-placed room for travelling alone, and the included lunches and dinners are at one shared table.

Answer for Paris, Switzerland and Rome by Rail

The small group runs with 7 to 12 guests, children included, usually three or four families, and departs once 7 guests are booked. A family of five or more fills much of the group, so we suggest a private trip for your party only, on dates you choose, from CAD 15,470 per person.

Answer for Switzerland for three generations: Lucerne, the Jungfrau and Zermatt