Frequently asked questions

ARE THE TOURS PRIVATE?

Yes, all the tours of ‘Swiss Private Tours’ are private and only for the person who booked it (family, small group, couple or individual travelers).

WE ARE A GROUP OF 8-12 PEOPLE CAN YOU ACCOMODATE US? DO YOU HAVE A BUS?

Of course, we can, but we do not use buses, only 7 passenger seats Mercedes Viano minivans. In addition, we have a bus company partner.

CAN WE START OUR EXCURSIONS FROM ANY LOCATION ?

Yes, you can start your excursion from any spot you wish (hotel, rail station, and airport). You will choose the area departures from the follow cities: Montreux, Vevey, Lausanne, Nyon, Rolle, Morges, Coppet, Geneva, and Evian-les-
Bains.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU SPEND AT EACH HIGHLIGHT?

As you can expect, some spots are more time-consuming than others are. With this in mind, there is no set time for each highlight. You will have plenty of time to take photos of the landmarks. We watch how the tour progresses at each landmark and we adjust the tour accordingly.

HOW MUCH SHOULD WE TIP?

Tips in Switzerland are not mandatory but it is customary to give them in proportion to the quality of the service received.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE MOUNTAIN WEATHER IS BAD ?

The weather conditions play an important part in mountain excursions. Consider also that the climate can be different on
the border of the lake from the summit of peaks. Please note that in case of bad weather and windy conditions, a lot of cable cars may close, for safety reasons. We can cancel the visit and propose you an alternative option if you wish.

IS IT COMPULSORY TO HAVE A MINIMUM NUMBER OF PASSENGERS ON THE TOUR?

No, we are glad to offer one-person tours.

HOW DO WE MEET WITH YOU OR YOUR DRIVER?
For Geneva Airport arrivals :

We will meet after you at the airport upon arrival of the aircraft you specified. After collecting your luggage and clearing customs, you will go out to the arrival area where people wait for passengers to come out. Many people will be holding signs, including your driver, who will be there with your name on his sign. That is how you will identify your driver.

Make sure to have my phone number with you! Normally it takes about 40 minutes from the time when the plane lands until you actually get to the arrival area. If you see that it will take longer, for example if your luggage is lost or if it simply takes it a long time to come out, please send me a text message or give me a call to tell me that you will be late. If you miss your flight or you experience a long delay, please contact us at the provided phone number.

If we do not hear from you, you will charge you for the time we have to wait for you at the airport. If you miss your flight or if your flight is canceled and we do not hear from you, we shall have to charge the full amount of your transfer.

In Geneva, there is only one ‘Main Terminal’ where the planes land, but if you choose to arrive with a private flight, Jet Aviation, TAG Aviation, Private Air, etc. the terminal is located only 10 minutes from the Main Terminal. Please tell us with which private company you will arrive.

For train station arrivals :

(Geneva, Lausanne, Montreux, Vevey).
When arriving at the train station, please wait for your driver on the platform. You will see a person with a sign with your name, he will help you with your luggage. Do not forget to tell us your arrival time and train number.

DO I NEED A CULTURAL GUIDE?

If you need a cultural guide, we can arrange it with an additional cost. Keep in mind that the cars we use are 7 passenger seats limos.

ON EACH TOUR, CAN I SELECT ALTERNATIVE INTERESTS? CAN A ‘CUSTUM TOUR BE DIVISED TO MEET OUR TIME CONSTRAINTS, AMBITION, AND INTERESTS ?

Yes, you can customize your tour, by selecting
your favorite highlights and options.

IS IT COMPULSORY TO RESERVE CERTAIN EXCURSIONS ON CERTAIN SPECIFIC DAYS OR SEASON?

We can arrange any excursions if the weather conditions are good on mountains peeks and if place of interest are open.

AT WHAT TIME CAN WE START A TOUR?

We can arrange your tour starting from any time you wish, whenever you are ready! However, there are some suggestions for each tour and from your accommodation and city. Usually we start at 9:00 AM or 1:30 PM for a half-day tour. Sometimes we leave before 8:00 – 9:00 AM for longer day trips.

WHY IS A HALF DAY PRIVATE TOUR 4:30 HOUR LONG? AND WHERE DOES IT START?

We do not think you can see the 60% of Lausanne and Riviera Vaudoise in two or three hours. This means you get more personal attention from your driver, who does not have to drive fast to cover the km and he does not have to ‘skip’ sites to save time. You really enjoy a comfortable and safe tour experience.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BOOKING AN EXCURSION WITH SWISS PRIVATE TOURS?

Booking your private tour or your shore excursion with us has a number of benefits including variety, convenience,
and flexibility.

1. We design custom-made itineraries according to your wishes.
2. Your car is booked only for you. Each private tour includes tea, coffee, mineral water, chocolate, and a French croissant for any early departure tour.
3. If you book something online and then you change your mind, you can cancel or rebook another tour within 72 hours.

ARE YOUR PRICES PER PERSON?

Unless indicated otherwise, prices are per vehicle (up to seven passengers). Participants will share the cost between them.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO BOOK MY PRIVATE TOUR LAST MUNITE FROM SWITZERLAND?

Yes, it is possible if you had not time to reserve your tour from your country and to customize it. However, we cannot guarantee you that all options of the possible visits will be available, for last-minute bookings.

WHAT IS A KNOWLEDGEABLE ENGLISH SPEAKING DRIVER?

The available drivers are experienced, licensed professional chauffeurs. The drivers speak English (with a French Accent) and are highly educated gentlemen who converse well. Drivers have of good knowledge of the Switzerland. In agreement with the Switzerland law, drivers are not allowed to accompany you on certain specific sites. They will give you enough time to visit each site. In addition, they can accompany you at the landmarks, and help you with your pictures, restaurants, shopping, etc.

DURING THE SIGHTSEEING TOUR, WHAT HAPPENS IF I CHANGE MY MIND AND I WANT TO EXTEND OR SEE OPTIONAL PLACES OF INTEREST?

No problem, you can extend the tour as long as you wish, with more visits than planned originally, with an additional extra cost (hours, km, and extra visit). You really enjoy a comfortable and safe tour experience.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY PRIVATE TOUR DOES NOT MAKE IT BACK TO THE PLANE ON TIME? AND HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE PROBLEM?

We’ve never had such an unfortunate accident. We are extremely cautious and responsible drivers, and our fleet is always up to a high standard. We always allow sufficient time for the return trip. However even if an ‘unthinkable’ event happened, like a broken car, some damage, that will by no means impact the private tour since we will replace the damaged vehicle on time, wherever that be!

HOW MANY PIECES OF LUGGAGE WE CAN HAVE WITH US WITHOUT THE NEED TO HIRE A SECOND TAXI?

You can have up to 6 pieces medium size (weight under 30 kg) and 2 small hand luggage.

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