About Switzerland

Switzerland (Officially called the Swiss Confederation) is a mountainous country in South-Central Europe. This small yet stunning country offers some celestial attractions to tourists and thus, it is indubitably called the “paradise of earth”. The country has serene landscapes with an array of snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, melting glaciers, and astonishing paddocks. The capital city of the country is Bern and according to the World Happiness Report 2023, this is the 10th happiest country on earth. Geographically, the entire country is divided into three parts: the Swiss Alps (in the South), Jura, and a sub-alpine mountain range.

Blessed with picturesque sites the country rejuvenates, and conquers your stress as you truly indulge yourself in the sublime beauty of nature. Are you looking for an intriguing Switzerland tourism package to spend some quality time with nature? Then, you are in the perfect place to find out all the competitive Switzerland packages from India. SOTC offers some impressive Switzerland tour packages from India that will help you to enjoy your trip to the full extent.

Table of Content

• Popular Switzerland Tour Packages
• Switzerland COVID Guidelines
• Quick Facts about Switzerland
• Best time to visit Switzerland
• How to reach Switzerland
• Best Places to Visit in Switzerland
• Things to do in Switzerland
• Foods to Eat in Switzerland
• Indian Restaurants in Switzerland
• Ideal Places for a Honeymoon in Switzerland
• Best Places for Shopping in Switzerland
• People also ask about Switzerland Tour Packages

Popular Switzerland Tour Packages

Plan Your Trip Now with SOTC - Switzerland Tourism

Switzerland COVID-19 Guidelines and Protocols

The COVID-19 pandemic has made a huge impact on the sector of travel and tourism. Many countries have enforced a set of guidelines for international travelers. Some even made vaccination mandatory to visit the countries. But thankfully, Switzerland has lifted all travel restrictions for international tourists from May 2, 2022. As per Switzerland Travel Guidelines, any traveler, irrespective of EU or non-EU countries, can enter Switzerland without showing a valid vaccination certificate, recovery, or test certificate. Travelers only need to abide by other entry rules such as holding a valid visa and passport. Apart from waning entry restrictions, wearing a mask is also not mandatory to attend various public events and meetings. However, it is always recommended that travelers on their Swiss tours keep a safe distance, wash their hands frequently and use a mask when in public. 

Quick Facts About Switzerland

Best Time to Visit Switzerland

This country experiences four distinct seasons and each has its own attractions and beauty. While choosing Switzerland tourism packages, do a little research regarding which season would be the best for you to visit this country. For the majority, the best time to visit Switzerland is between April and October. But many winter sports aficionados prefer to visit this place between December and March. The spring lasts between March and May which adds a vivacious color to the country. So, depending on your plans, you can choose the best time for Swiss tours.

• Peak time: June to August (Temperature between 19°C and 32°C)
• Shoulder season: May to June
• Low season: October to March 

How to Reach Switzerland?

While selecting the best Switzerland tour packages, you should be aware of the best mode to reach this place. Want to know how to reach Switzerland? Here you go!

By Air

India to Switzerland distance is 6900 km and the best way to reach this country is by air. The flight distance between Switzerland and India is 6850 km.  You can take a flight from India to Switzerland from any major city like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, etc. and the travel time is between 8 hrs and 14 hrs. Switzerland has three prime airports in Zurich, Basel, and Geneva. All these places are well-connected with the rest of the world by air, bus, or train. The Swiss tours cost from India will depend on your selected dates and time. Flights are included in the Switzerland tourism packages.

By Road

The distance between Switzerland to India is 6900 km. It would take over a week to reach your destination and it would be a very exhausting trip. Hence going to Switzerland from India by road is not recommended. Also, this will not be included in the Switzerland tour packages.

By Sea

Since Switzerland is a land-locked country there is no direct way to reach it here from India by sea. If you are thinking about how to go to Switzerland from India, the flights are the best option for you as you can find them added to your Switzerland tourism package as well.

Visa Process Information for Switzerland

All Indian citizens need a valid Switzerland visa to travel to the country. The maximum stay is up to 90 days. The country doesn’t offer any visa on arrival.

• You can apply personally or through a travel agent at the Switzerland Visa Application Center, New Delhi. The visa application center doesn’t accept any post or courier. You need to carry all the necessary documents with you.
• Make an appointment schedule at the visa application center.
• Based on your travel purpose, select the right category of visa.
• For your visa interview, visit the embassy. You need to pay the visa fees and then, wait for that stamp.

The entire visa process may take 15 days. So, plan in advance. As you check out the Switzerland tour packages, you can find the majority of them have included visas in them. Therefore, when you buy a Switzerland tourism package, you will not have to worry about visas.

Visa Fees

• Single entry for a child (0-6 years): Rs. 1683
• Single entry for a child (6-12 years): Rs. 4683
• Single entry (for adults): Rs. 6683

Best Places to Visit in Switzerland

Switzerland abounds in natural beauty so you’d fall short of time to visit all the exotic places in the country. Here are some of the best places to visit in Switzerland that you cannot miss during the Swiss tours:

Best Hill Stations in Switzerland

While selecting from the best Switzerland tour packages, ensure that your Switzerland tourism package includes the below-mentioned hill stations in Switzerland.

• Harder Kulm 
• Gornergrat
• Mount Pilatus
• Stanserhorn
• Jungfraujoch

Harder Kulm 

This is truly the best hill station in Switzerland which is famous for its astonishing views and exhilarating adventures. This is a highly applauded hill station by hikers and adventure lovers. The town is situated between the lakes Brienz and Thun and is an ideal summer holiday destination. This hill station is located 1322 m above sea level. Here you can experience astounding dining at the revolving restaurant that serves both scrumptious local and continental dishes. Make sure this place is added to the Swiss holiday packages.

Gornergrat

This is the most applauded hill station which is located in the Swiss Alps (an elevation of 3089 m from sea level). From this place, you can enjoy the stunning views of 29 peaks (located above 4000m from sea level). The place is surrounded by pine forests, tunnels, serene lakes, meadows, and bridges which will help you to enjoy your summer holidays wholeheartedly. If you do not visit this place during Switzerland packages, you are going to miss seeing the natural beauty of its own kind.

Mount Pilatus

This is the most renowned hill station which is located (above 2132 m) Southwest of Lucerne and is often included in the Switzerland tour packages. This hill station achieved its name after a Roman prefect Pontius Pilate. The lake is haunted as it is believed that the dead body of Pilate has been thrown out into the lake. Some also believe that the name is derived from the Latin term “Pilatus” which implies “Cloud-capped” in English.

Stanserhorn

This pristine hill station will give you the utmost relaxation during your summer holidays. Due to its diverse environment, the beauty of surrounding landscapes changes every second. Enjoy the cable car ride and dine out at a revolving restaurant amidst the clouds. If this place is not featured in the Switzerland tour packages, you must check with the tour operator if there is an option to customize and include the destination in the Swiss holiday packages.

Jungfraujoch

This is the highest peak which offers fantastic views of Swiss nature. This place offers Europe’s highest train station which is located 3500 m above sea level. The mountains are covered up with white layers of snow and often extended to the “Black Forest of Germany”. Before making any commitment, ensure that Switzerland packages include this hill station.

Some other hill stations that you may visit during your Swiss holidays are Mount Titlis, Schilthorn, Kleine Scheidegg, Matterhorn, etc.

Other Popular Places that you Can’t Miss During your Switzerland Tour

• Rhine Falls
• Chapel Bridge
• Chillon Castle (Chateau de Chillon)
• Lake Geneva
• Kunstmuseum Basel

Rhine Falls

This is truly a renowned waterfall that is located between the borders of Zurich and Schaffhausen (SH). A boat trip to Rhine falls helps visitors to explore the mesmerizing basin, riverside castles, and spectacular sarsens hovering in the middle of the river. The place is surrounded by a children’s playground, a historical museum, and an adventure track.

Chapel Bridge

This 670-foot bridge (wooden bridge) is located above the Reuss River in Lucerne. Constructed in 1333, this bridge is one of the prime tourist attractions in Switzerland. The bridge was built to safeguard Lucerne from outside attacks. Arrays of paintings (from the 17th century) are there inside the bridge which exhibits various events from Luzerne’s history.

Chillon Castle (Château de Chillon)

This castle is situated on the shorelines of Lake Geneva. This water castle safeguards the land enroute to St Bernard Pass. The castle exhibits the awesome arts of the 14th century, 25 different buildings and three spacious courtyards, two spectacular circular walls, and subterranean vaults. Every year, a plethora of tourists visit this place. This castle also offers rented rooms for weddings and other personal events. As you choose from the Switzerland tourism packages, you need to ensure that this castle is included.

Lake Geneva

This lake is 310 m deep and 72 km long and is situated on the north side of the Alps. Here you can see beautiful golf courses, enjoy lakeside dining and participate in various water activities like beach-going and kayaking. The water of the lake is crystal clear and thus, it offers swimming opportunities for enthusiasts between June and September. So, if you want to swim here, you must check in the Swiss packages if this has been featured or not.

Kunstmuseum Basel

This is one of the oldest public museums in Europe where you can see various arts and crafts from the fifteenth century to the present. This is why it is often featured in Switzerland tourism packages. The museum hosts some impeccable art from the Renaissance created by masters such as Konrad Witz, Hans Baldung (called Grien), Martin Schongauer, Lucas Cranach the Elder, and Matthias Grünewald.

Things to do in Switzerland

• The Rhine Falls Boating
• Sky Dining
• Wine Tasting
• Tasting Swiss Chocolate
• Freitag Shopping
• Bernina Express Ride
• Cable Car Ride
• Lakeside Promenade

There is a lot that you can try a hand at when touring Switzerland. This dream destination is perfect for wine tasting, sky dining, and much more. While selecting your Switzerland tour packages, you can make your itinerary include some of these things to do in Switzerland.

The Rhine Falls Boating:

You will get a close view of the waterfall through the boat rides. No entry fee is needed to visit the northern banks. 

Sky Dining:

Eden au Lac’s Sky Bar is the most loved place for lunch or dinner. The rooftop restaurant will not only offer you mouthwatering foods and drinks, but also you can enjoy the mesmerizing view of the posh ambiance. 

Wine Tasting:

The Switzerland tour packages won’t be complete if you don’t go for wine tasting. To enjoy the taste of local wineries, you may visit the Chateau de Mont in Vaud or the Swiss Alps.

Tasting Swiss Chocolate:

Switzerland is truly the original place of milk chocolates. So, don’t forget to take these mesmerizing souvenirs for your friends and neighbors. You can visit Nestle’s Cailler Factory or you can purchase chocolate from famous shops like Sprungli and Teuscher in Zurich, Martel in Geneva, or Poyet in Vevey.

Freitag Shopping:

This place is established by Daniel and Markus and it embraces visitors with water-resistant bags and accessories. All these things are made from recycled colorful truck tarps. Do not forget to get this included in the Swiss tour packages that you are considering.

Bernina Express Ride:

This amazing train ride will give you breathtaking glimpses of Switzerland. The train Bernina Express is popular for its panoramic view windows and slow speed. While boarding the train, you can enjoy all the surreal beauty of nature. The train runs through the Swiss Engadin Alps and connects Chur (or Davos) in Switzerland to Poschiavo in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy. 

Cable Car Ride:

After reaching Matterhorn in Switzerland, you can explore the heights of the place via a cable car.  Getting this included in the Switzerland tourism packages will make the Swiss tour packages worth it.

Lakeside Promenade:

This is one of the things that you can’t miss as you buy from the  Switzerland tourism packages, especially if you are going with your loved ones. Enjoy a serene walk along with Zurich’s lakeside promenade with your partner. You will know more about the lifestyle of the residents while walking hand in hand with your better half.

Foods to Eat in Switzerland

Switzerland is a country that offers an array of scrumptious street foods to vanquish your hunger. Below are some of the popular Switzerland foods that you can’t afford to miss while selecting from the best Switzerland packages for you.

• Rosti
• Raclette
• Fondue
• Roasted Flour Soup
• Tartiflette
• Nusstorte

Rosti

This popular Swiss dish is prepared from grated fried potatoes and is filled up with cheese, apple, and onion. Though it is a famous breakfast in Bern, this mouthwatering dish is now available throughout the country. Rosti is garnished with bacon, fried egg, and melted raclette cheese. You might find this served to you in the meals that come with the Switzerland tour packages.

Raclette

This unique local cuisine is made from Raclette cheese which needs to be grilled delicately over the fire. The cheese starts melting and is used to garnish dishes like potatoes, vegetables, and meat. Even this is mostly served with the meals in the Switzerland tourism packages.

Fondue

Fondue means “melted” and although it is available in France and Italy; it is originally a Swiss dish. This is a melted cheese dish with wine and garlic. This dish is used to keep on the open flame and people dip their bread into melted cheese. This is a highly appreciated cuisine among locals as melted cheese gives you a feeling of warmth during the chilly winter months.

Roasted Flour Soup

Are you looking for some healthy snacks in Switzerland? Then, this healthy soup is your ideal choice. This soup is prepared from butter, flour, beef stalk, and grated Gruyere. The soup is served brown and roasted. The burnt smell of the soup adds a distinct flavor. This soup does justice to the  Switzerland tour packages with which it comes.

Tartiflette

If you are a cheese lover, then do taste Tartiflette during Switzerland tours. This dish is prepared with potatoes, reblochon cheese, lardons, and onions. Tartiflette is readily available in most of the ski resorts in the Swiss Alps.

Nusstorte

This nut tart dessert is made up of shortcrust pastry, caramelized sugar, cream, and chopped walnuts. In Switzerland, you will get two types of nusstorte and are Bunder nusstorte and the Engadiner nusstorte.

Other popular dishes are Polenta and Braised Beef, Älplermagronen, Basler Leckerli, leckerli biscuits with hazelnuts, etc., which can be added to the Switzerland tour packages that are being considered.

Indian Restaurants in Switzerland

Craving some Indian food during your Switzerland trip? Then, you must visit the below-mentioned Indian restaurants in Switzerland. 

• Bombay Restaurant
• Cafe Bollywood
• Mahalakshmi Restaurant:
• Chalet India
• Tamarind Hill

Bombay Restaurant: 

This is a popular Indian restaurant in Geneva that offers delicious Indian food to customers. The restaurant is also famous for its picturesque atmosphere, faster delivery, polite staff, and halal food. Popular dishes are Chicken Kebab, Stuffed keamanan, Paneer Tikka, which you also may find in the Switzerland tourism packages.

Cafe Bollywood: 

This restaurant in Geneva offers authentic traditional Indian food items. The restaurant has unique and enchanting decorations from start to end along with a large screen for Bollywood videos. Here, you must try items like Tandoori chicken, Navratan Korma, and Chicken Biriyani. These are also some of the items that come with the Switzerland tourism packages that feature meals.

Mahalakshmi Restaurant: 

This restaurant in Interlaken is popular for its Indian curry mixes and other conventional dishes. From the reception area of the restaurant, you can buy the idols of Indian Gods at affordable prices. Some famous items are Vegetable Pakora, Alu Mutter Paneer, Noodle Chicken Biryani, and Lamb Tikka.

Chalet India: 

This restaurant offers you mouth-watering Indian dishes that you can enjoy while witnessing the astonishing views of Zurich Lake. Some popular Indian dishes are Chicken Tikka, shrimp, and curried mushrooms.

Tamarind Hill: 

This is truly the best Indian restaurant in Switzerland which offers contemporary Indian cuisine in its own styles and uniqueness. The restaurant has outstanding interior decoration, and it also embraces customers with an outdoor seating option.

Ideal Places for Honeymoon in Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the best and also the most popular choices for a lot of honeymooners, not just from India but all over the world. And rightly so, because the country is blessed with plenty of natural beauty. Here are some of the most famous honeymoon destinations in the country that you’d love to spend time with your spouse and which you can even include in your Switzerland honeymoon packages. Most of these destinations are even included in the Switzerland tourism packages. Therefore, you must choose from the Switzerland packages carefully.

• Interlaken
• Zermatt
• Grindelwald 

Interlaken: 

You’d fall in love with the gorgeous Lake Thun and Lake Brienz here offer a breathtaking view of all that Switzerland beholds in the name of natural beauty. One of the must-visit honeymoon places in the country, you’d find some exciting activities to indulge in as well, namely paragliding with your partner. You can contact the tour operator to include this place in the Switzerland tourism packages.

Zermatt: 

Speaking of adventure, if you or your loved one are enthusiasts, you’d surely want to be a part of the thrilling helicopter tour here that presents exclusive glimpses of the sunrise and sunset. Also, mountaineering and skiing are great options to try out if you both are up for it. You can find many Switzerland tourism packages that include this. Therefore, you can choose from the Switzerland packages accordingly.

Grindelwald: 

When we look for Switzerland tourism packages, the beautiful image of snow-covered mountains flashes in our minds. This is what you’d experience in Grindelwald when you take an exciting cable car ride or just go hiking in the area with your spouse. You can spend some alone-loving time in the snow and also admire the beauty of the famous Swiss Alps. Therefore, you must choose from the Switzerland packages that feature Grindewald.

Best Places for Shopping in Switzerland

While planning for a tour in Switzerland, carry some extra bags so that you can do some shopping and purchase the best clothes, watches, wines, and chocolates. These are some of the shopping places that are included in the Switzerland tourism packages.

• Maurice de Mauriac
• Bahnhofstrasse 31
• Harrison Spirit
• Particules en Suspension
• Scotch and Soda 

Maurice de Mauriac 

This is one of the most popular luxury watch stores in Zurich. Here, you will find many expensive and exclusive watches which will certainly uplift your style quotient. The opening time is 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the shop is closed only on Sundays. Whether this is included in the Switzerland tourism packages or not, you must visit this store.

Bahnhofstrasse 31

This is the utmost shopping destination for apparel brands, jewelry, fragrances, and chocolates. This shopping arcade will make your Switzerland tour more worthy and memorable. Look for the Switzerland tourism packages that already feature this.

Harrison Spirit

Do you want to uplift the décor of your home? Then, visit Harrison Spirit (Zurich) which is famous for its upholstery, stylish furniture, and knick-knack items. This is a must-included one in the Switzerland packages.

Particules en Suspension

This is one of the budget-friendly shops in Lausanne, a place that is mostly featured in the Switzerland holiday packages. Here, you will find accessories, classy bags, games, lampshades, and trendy home décor items.

Scotch and Soda 

This prodigious apparel brand has more than 190 stores in the world. This is a well-known shop among fashion aficionados, tourists, and locals. Here, you will get fashionable outfits for men, women, and kids.

People also ask about Switzerland Tour Packages

1. How much does a Switzerland tourism package cost?

   The cost of a Switzerland tourism package totally depends upon the number of days you are choosing to stay in Switzerland. However, for 5-9 days Swiss tours, it is between INR 1, 10,00-1,45,000 per person.

2. Which is the best month to visit Switzerland?

   The best time to look for Switzerland holiday packages is between April and October. However, those keen to try a hand at some adventurous winter sports may book a Switzerland tourism package between the months of December and March

3. How can I go for Switzerland tours from India?

   You can go on Switzerland tours from India by air. The total travel time is between 9-14 hrs. International flights are available for Switzerland from all the major cities of India like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and so on. All the Switzerland holiday packages come with a flight option.

4. How many days are sufficient for Switzerland tours?

   A minimum of 5-7 days is recommended to explore the city and other attractions. Planning Switzerland trips for less than 5 days will make you miss many of its interesting tourist attractions.

5. What are the most beautiful places to cover during Switzerland trips?

   Some of the most beautiful places that you must cover during Switzerland trips are Geneva, Zurich, Rhine Falls, Stanserhorn, Chapel Bridge, Lugano, The Matterhorn, Kunstmuseum Basel, Old City, Zoo basel, Freddie Mercury Statue, and so on.

6. Do I need a visa for Switzerland tours?

   You need a visa for Switzerland trips. The country doesn’t offer visas on arrival to travelers.

7. What is the currency of Switzerland?

   The currency of Switzerland is CHF (Swiss franc). One Swiss Franc is equal to INR 81.81.

8. What is Switzerland famous for?

   Switzerland is known for its astonishing alpine scenery, exclusive watches, wine, fresh cheese, and mouthwatering milky chocolate. During the Switzerland holidays, you explore all these options.

9. How can I get a tourist visa for the Switzerland holidays?

   You can apply personally or through a travel agent at the Switzerland Visa Application Center, New Delhi. As you opt for Switzerland packages from SOTC, your Switzerland tourism package will come with a visa; thus, you do not have to be bothered about it.

10. How do I plan Swiss holidays?

    Here are some of the things that need to be taken care of while planning the Swiss holidays.
    1. Book your flights for the desired dates
    2. Buy travel insurance to be completely insured
    3. Go for the mandatory Visa process
    4. Book your accommodation before arriving in Switzerland
    5. Prepare your itinerary as per the places you want to visit
    6. Arrange local transport to visit nearby places and attractions
    If you want to stay away from hassles, you can book any of the Switzerland tour packages and simply start packing your bags.

11. Which are the famous cities to visit in Switzerland tours?

    Zurich, Bern, Neveva, Basel, Interlaken, etc. are some famous cities that you cannot skip visiting during Switzerland trips.

12. What is the cost of a Switzerland honeymoon package?

    An average honeymoon package cost for Switzerland is around INR 82,986 (for 5- 6 days). If you wish, you may choose from the Switzerland tourism packages from SOTC and also include tours to Paris at some additional cost.

13. What are the best places to shop from during Switzerland trips?

    The best shopping places during Switzerland tours are Bahnhofstrasse 31, FoxTown Factory stores, Balexert, etc. You can shop for souvenirs, and other exotic and required items during your Switzerland holidays.

14. Why should you buy Switzerland tour packages from SOTC?

    The  various reasons for buying Switzerland tourism packages from SOTC are as follows:
    -SOTC offers budget-friendly Switzerland tour packages that will never make a hole in your pocket.
    -The company has a dedicated team of regional travel experts who will guide and assist you in choosing from the Swiss tour packages.
    Established in 1949, SOTC has vast experience in different travel destinations.
    -The company provides lucrative discounts and interesting offers on various Swiss tour packages.
    -There’s an excellent customer support team who will try to resolve all your queries within a short period and may even suggest you the best Switzerland packages.

15. What are the steps to buying Switzerland tourism packages from SOTC?

    For an amazing experience of Switzerland trips, you must book a Switzerland tour package as it will only make things easier for you. The best Switzerland tourism packages can be found on the website of SOTC. You can first visit the SOTC website and go to the International Holidays section. Once you are there, from the drop-down you can find a list of tour packages. You can also see Switzerland Tour Packages. As you click on it, you can find a long list of Switzerland holiday packages and choose the suitable one from it.