Why Switzerland? Mountains, Culture, Cuisine & Scenic Railways

For years, we’ve asked our travelers a simple question after their tours:

“Where would you like to travel with us next?”

Among the many destinations suggested over the years, one country appeared again and again  – Switzerland.

The request made perfect sense. Few countries are associated so strongly with natural beauty. Alpine peaks, crystal-clear lakes, mountain railways, and picture-perfect villages have attracted visitors from around the world for generations.

Yet despite the persistent interest, we  did not want to rush into creating a Swiss tour. Adding a new destination was never taken lightly at Nada’s Italy. We wanted to make sure that each  journey we curate is aligned with the travel philosophy that has guided our tours from the beginning.

More Than A Country of Mountains

Ask most people what comes to mind when they think of Switzerland, and the answer is usually some variation of mountains, lakes, trains, chocolate, and perhaps a few famous peaks.

The landscapes are every bit as impressive as their reputation suggests. The Matterhorn rises dramatically above Zermatt. Scenic railways climb into the Alps. Lake Geneva stretches between vineyards and mountain views. Lucerne and Zurich sit beside beautiful waterways framed by distant peaks.

What may surprise you, however, is how much there was beyond the scenery.

Switzerland is a country of distinct regions, multiple languages, strong local traditions, and communities that have developed unique identities over centuries. Moving across the country, you quickly notice differences in architecture, cuisine, customs, and even the rhythm of daily life.

The famous landscapes may be what attract visitors initially, but they are only part of the story. Like Italy, Switzerland rewards curiosity. The more you learn about it, the more interesting it becomes.

Designing a Different Kind of Swiss Tour

What makes Switzerland Switzerland?

The obvious answer is the Alps. Some of the country’s most memorable experiences are found in the mountains. The Matterhorn, the Glacier Express, the Gornergrat Railway, and Mount Pilatus have earned their reputations for good reason.

As a result, many Swiss tours are built almost entirely around outdoor adventure. Hiking often takes center stage, with culture, history, and cuisine playing supporting roles. For some travelers, that’s exactly what they’re looking for.

But we knew many of our guests were interested in more than that. They wanted to experience Switzerland’s iconic landscapes, certainly. But they also wanted to understand the country itself. Its traditions. Its food. Its history. Its regional identities. The everyday details that give a destination its character.

Alongside some of Switzerland’s most spectacular scenery, travelers will explore Geneva’s historic center, visit the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva, discover the medieval village of Gruyères, learn about Swiss cheese-making traditions, visit a Chocolate Factory, experience Lucerne and Zurich with local guides, and spend time in beautifully preserved towns such as Stein am Rhein and Rapperswil.

In many ways, this tour reflects how we approached Italy. The famous sights matter. But understanding a destination requires more than simply visiting its landmarks.

Food, history, local traditions, architecture, and everyday life are equally important parts of the experience. Switzerland deserves the same approach.

Experiencing the Alps Without Hiking It

Of course, no journey through Switzerland would be complete without spending meaningful time in the Alps.

Many of our travelers enjoy walking and being outdoors, but they are not necessarily looking for hiking expeditions. They want to appreciate the mountains without structuring every day around strenuous activity.

Fortunately, Switzerland offers one of the most remarkable transportation networks in the world, making its mountain landscapes accessible in ways few countries can match. Some of the most spectacular views on this journey are reached not by hiking boots, but by rail.

The historic Gornergrat Railway climbs high above Zermatt for unforgettable views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. The Glacier Express traverses some of the country’s most dramatic scenery from the comfort of a panoramic rail carriage. Mount Pilatus is reached aboard the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, rewarding travelers with sweeping views across Central Switzerland.

These experiences allow visitors to fully appreciate the scale and beauty of the Alps while maintaining the comfortable pace that has long been part of our travel philosophy.

The mountains remain central to the journey. They simply aren’t the only story being told.

Food, Traditions, and the Character of a Place

One lesson we’ve learned over the years is that some of the most memorable travel experiences happen away from major attractions.

A lunch overlooking a vineyard.

A conversation with a local guide.

A family recipe passed down through generations.

A town that wasn’t originally on your travel wish list but becomes one of your favorite memories.

Switzerland may not receive the same culinary attention as Italy or France, but food remains an important window into the country’s culture.

The cheese traditions of Gruyères, the craftsmanship behind Swiss chocolate, local brewing culture in Lucerne, regional wines grown on the terraces of Lavaux, and the agricultural heritage that supports them all tell an important part of Switzerland’s story.

These experiences help connect the landscapes to the people who live there. And ultimately, that connection is what transforms sightseeing into travel.

A Different Side of Europe

Many of our travelers naturally compare Switzerland to Italy. After all, the two countries share a border and are often combined into the same trip.

In reality, they offer very different experiences.

One of the great pleasures of Southern Europe is its spontaneity. In Italy, life often unfolds in public. Conversations spill into piazzas. Meals stretch longer than planned. A recommendation from a local can change the course of an afternoon. There is an energy and informality that many visitors find immediately appealing.

Switzerland reflects a different tradition. Here, precision and practicality are woven into everyday life. Trains run with remarkable punctuality. Public spaces are meticulously maintained. Infrastructure is thoughtfully designed. Things tend to work exactly as intended.

That same mindset can be seen throughout the country. Mountain railways reach places that seem impossible to access. Scenic routes are engineered to maximize both practicality and enjoyment. Even in the most remote locations, there is often a sense of efficiency and careful planning behind what visitors experience.

Neither approach is better. They simply represent different cultural values and different ways of engaging with the world.

For travelers who have enjoyed Italy with us, Switzerland offers an opportunity to experience another side of Europe—one that is every bit as fascinating, but expressed in a very different way.

Are You Ready to Explore Switzerland?

Switzerland offers extraordinary scenery, fascinating traditions, and distinctive regional cultures. It is no surprise that it consistently ranked among the top destinations our travelers want to experience with us.

This new tour combines many of the elements our guests value most—small groups of only 6-12 travelers, local experiences, excellent Journey Directors, and comfortable pacing—with one of Europe’s most remarkable destinations.

We are excited to finally add Switzerland to our collection of tours and look forward to sharing it with you! To explore the itinerary, check out our Majestic Switzerland tour page!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much walking or hiking is required on this tour?

This tour is designed for travelers who enjoy being active and exploring destinations on foot, but it is not a hiking tour.

You should be able to walk for 2-3 hours without stopping while exploring historic town centers, visiting attractions, and moving between train stations, hotels, and sightseeing locations. There may also be some uphill streets, uneven surfaces, and stairs.

However, the itinerary does not include strenuous hikes or long-distance trekking. Many of Switzerland’s most spectacular mountain experiences are accessed by scenic railways, mountain trains, and other forms of transportation rather than hiking trails.

How does this tour compare to your Italy tours?

The travel philosophy is very similar. Like our Italy tours, this journey emphasizes small groups of 6-12 travelers only, authentic local experiences, excellent local food, knowledgeable guides, and a comfortable pace.

The destination itself, however, is quite different. Switzerland offers a different culture, history, cuisine, and atmosphere than Italy, making it a rewarding journey and new destination to explore.

Will I see the Matterhorn?

Yes. One of the highlights of the tour is our stay in Zermatt, the famous mountain village at the foot of the Matterhorn.

You’ll also travel on the historic Gornergrat Railway, which offers some of the most spectacular views of the Matterhorn and surrounding Alpine peaks.

Is Switzerland only about mountains?

While the Alps are certainly one of the country’s defining features, Switzerland is also known for its lakes, historic towns, vineyards, culinary traditions, engineering achievements, and regional cultures.

That’s why this itinerary includes experiences ranging from the Lavaux vineyards and Gruyères cheese-making traditions to Geneva, Lucerne, Zurich, and several of Switzerland’s most charming historic towns.

Will we travel on Switzerland’s famous scenic trains?

Absolutely. Two of the most memorable rail experiences on the itinerary are the Glacier Express and the Gornergrat Railway. You’ll also experience Switzerland’s exceptional transportation network throughout the journey.

For many travelers, these scenic rail journeys become some of the most memorable moments of the trip.

Is Switzerland a good destination if I’ve already traveled to Italy several times?

Many experienced Italy travelers are surprised by how much they enjoy Switzerland.

Although the two countries share a border, they offer very different travel experiences. Switzerland provides a fascinating contrast, combining extraordinary landscapes with a culture known for precision, craftsmanship, regional traditions, and a strong connection to the natural environment.

For guests who love Europe and are looking to explore beyond Italy, Switzerland is a natural next step.

Why did Nada’s Italy decide to offer a Switzerland tour?

Quite simply, our travelers asked for it.

For years, Switzerland has been one of the most requested destinations in our post-tour surveys. Rather than rushing to add a new destination, we took the time to design an itinerary that reflects the same values that have guided our tours from the beginning: meaningful experiences, local connections, excellent food, and the opportunity to truly appreciate a place.

For more general FAQs about traveling to Italy and Europe, here is our main FAQ Page that covers trip planning, logistics, and tour details.