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26 May 2025
This was our first time in Switzerland, so our goal was to see as much as possible in 6 days while still maintaining an unhurried approach. I write this review in the context of our having previous extended, personalized, and private tours in England, Ireland, France, Holland, and Italy. From the very first point of contact with the staff of Private Tours Switzerland, our experience was never anything short of detailed perfection. Marc and his team were able to mange everything from airport pick-up in Zurich to hotel recommendations and bookings to restaurant suggestions and reservations. No location they recommended was less than fantastic. From the time we departed the United States, we hoped that we could relax and not worry about really anything while in Switzerland. This expectation was met and exceeded at every turn. I will not go into too many details of our itinerary, as there are excellent representations on the company’s webpage, and I also do not want to spoil several breathtaking surprises that once even brought tears to this old guy’s eyes. I will assure you that, via pre-trip emails, the team clearly listened and cared about our preferences for the itinerary. Our main stops included Zurich, Appenzell and Liechtenstein to the east, then an amazing 4 day southwestern route via Lake Lucerne, Interlaken, Thun, and on to Zermatt with a return to Zurich via the vineyards around Montreux (with too many incredible stops along the way to mention).
Of course Switzerland’s sites, history, and scenery are premiere, but truly the best element of our time in Switzerland was a person: our absolute TOP-TIER guide, Manuel. Angie and I really can’t say enough about how impressed we are with his personality, depth of knowledge, energy, and pride in his country (not to mention his BBQ skills that rival the best that Memphis, Tennessee could offer). The enthusiastic manner in which he presented the sites, and the way he held back some scenic surprises for the real-time “wow” moments was quite skillful and much appreciated. Also, as many of our stops were outdoors, we were so happy with the way that, to the extent possible, he “flexed” or pivoted our program so that the weather matched the activity in the best ways. He also has great taste in American/British music! This made for enjoyable van rides between stops. It’s not every time that we leave a country feeling that we’ve made new friends, but our experience with Manuel and the entire office/planning staff of Private Tours Switzerland certainly have made us feel this way. We are now looking forward to returning with the kids! It is without any reservation that we recommend this company. They offer an overall experience that is worth the price paid, and they validate the principle that experiences should be cherished more than material things.
My journey through Switzerland was nothing short of extraordinary, all thanks to Marc and MySwissPanorama. With his in-depth knowledge of the region, Marc guided us to hidden treasures we never would have discovered on our own. We relished a mouthwatering BBQ beside a mesmerizing waterfall, wandered through quaint villages, encountered cows and sheep grazing in breathtaking alpine meadows, and indulged in artisanal cheeses atop a mountain with a spectacular lake view. Every experience felt exclusive and truly special.
Marc’s perfect balance of professionalism and warmth made the tour feel like an adventure with a well-connected friend who knows all of Switzerland’s best-kept secrets. This was my second time touring with Marc, and once again, he went above and beyond my expectations. His keen attention to detail, welcoming nature, and deep expertise made the experience absolutely unforgettable. If you're looking for a unique and luxurious way to explore Switzerland, I can't recommend Marc and his team highly enough!