It was a pleasure getting to explore a few stops along Switzerland Tourism’s Grand Tour self-driving route to see some of the country’s many “must-see” sights and attractions. In all, the 1,000-mile route takes in five Alpine passes, 22 lakes, and 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites while steering clear of motorways wherever possible in preference of country roads and rural byways.
My mini-Grand Tour hit the cantons of Vaud (aka the Lake Geneva Region) and Fribourg for a brief but incredibly scenic and especially delicious visit. My second time in Switzerland (in as many years), I yet again found it easy enough and super quick to get there from the UK, especially London. To help you better browse the posts I’ve published about my tour of the Grand Tour of Switzerland, here’s a list with links to all of them:
And here are a few ace resources for planning your own tour.
Addison Lee
My Grand Tour of Switzerland began bright and early with a hassle-free ride with Addison from my London home to City Airport and ended with an equally pleasant pickup from Heathrow. Yep, another awesome trip made easy by a couple of taps of the Addison Lee app! I’ve relied on the app a number of times before and have yet to encounter issues or less than exemplary service. Find out more at addisonlee.com/apps.
Swiss International Air Lines
UK to Zurich: SWISS offers up to 110 weekly flights from London Heathrow, London City, Birmingham and Manchester to Zurich. Fares start from £63* one-way. Our fares include all airport taxes: one piece hold luggage and free ski carriage (exclude “hand luggage only” fare). (*Please note this is a leading fare and is subject to change, availability and may not be available on all flights. Terms and conditions apply.)
UK & Ireland to Switzerland: SWISS operates up to 200 weekly flights to Switzerland from London Heathrow, London City, London Gatwick (seasonal during winter), Manchester, Birmingham and Dublin from as little as £38 one-way* (Geneva Economy Light Fare only includes hand luggage). The all-inclusive fares start from £63 one-way*, including all airport taxes. (*Note this is a leading fare and is subject to change, availability and may not be available on all flights. Terms and conditions apply.)
For reservations call 0845 6010956 or visit swiss.com.
Swiss Travel System
The Swiss Travel System provides a dedicated range of travel passes and tickets exclusively for visitors from abroad. The Swiss Transfer Ticket covers a round-trip between the airport/Swiss border and your destination. Prices are £104 in second class and £167 in first class. Speak with a Swiss rail specialist by calling Switzerland Travel Centre on 0080010020030 or visit swisstravelsystem.co.uk.
Grand Tour Tips
The Grand Tour can be accessed quickly from the border towns of Basel, Geneva and Chiasso. Switzerland Tourism recommends driving it in a clockwise direction and allowing eight days to experience the complete route. There are 115 hotels and guesthouses selected by Switzerland Tourism as ideal Grand Tour accommodations based on their location and facilities. Bookable packages are available; a selection can be viewed and booked at MySwitzerland.com/grandtour.
Vaud/Lake Geneva Region For a wealth of advice on enjoying a visit to the lovely Lake Geneva Region have a look at lake-geneva-region.ch and myvaudtrip.ch.
Fribourg Region For info about one of the most pleasantly pastoral spots I’ve even had the good fortune to experience go to fribourgregion.ch.
Cheers for following My Mini Grand Tour. Please feel free to take a look at all tikichris miniseries and special features.
