Switzerland holiday Packages
Winter or summer there are plenty of holiday packages available to Switzerland. Browse Qatar Airways Holidays' selection of luxury hotels across the region, along with the numerous tour packages, activities and culinary packages they have to help make your stay as perfect as the reflection in Lake Geneva.
Good to know
Switzerland holiday experiences
- Luxurious, spellbinding and majestic are just some of the words you can use to describe Switzerland. The landscapes are incredible, and you are never far from a sparkling lake, river, or mountain. Ski in the shadow of the Matterhorn in Zermatt, or take the ski marathon challenge at the world famous St Moritz resort.
- Transportation is fast and efficient. The most popular form of public transportation is the Glacier Express. With large viewing windows and luxury seating, it is the perfect way to move between destinations.
- Lake Geneva is Western Europe’s biggest lake, stretching right down to France. This beautiful glistening mirror of water is lined with small beaches, fairytale chateaux and luxurious houses.
- Switzerland is probably most famous for its chocolate and creamy cheeses, such as Gouda and Emmental. If food is your thing then Geneva is the place to go, boasting nearly 40 Michelin-starred restaurants. The Old Town has an old school elegance where you can get a real feel for the local atmosphere.
- If car-free villages, championship golf, horse drawn sleighs and fantastic winter sports sound like your thing, then the canton of Valais is the destination for you. The glaciers in this German-speaking region offer snow sports in the summer, Cans Montana’s championship golf is held here and amongst all that are the medieval village of Sion and chocolate box chalets of Saas-Fee.
- Zermatt is car-free, so the best way to get around it by horse drawn sleighs or electric taxis. There are plenty of cafés, patisseries and shops filled with Swiss watches, luxury clothing and decant chocolate - perfect activities for après ski.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Rhine Falls - The largest waterfall in Europe, the Rhine Falls can be reached from the nearby city of Schaffhausen. Visitors can take in the sights from various viewing platforms around the falls or enjoy a wet and wild boat ride and get up close and personal with one of Switzerland’s most popular attractions.
- Alpine activities - There can be no disputing that Switzerland is a real paradise for adrenaline junkies of all persuasions. While Central Switzerland, Graubünden and Bernese Oberland are skiing and snowboarding hotspots in the winter, the valleys and lower slopes boast perfect conditions for biking, hiking and white water rafting in the summer.
- Matterhorn - There is no mountain more iconic than the Matterhorn in the whole of Europe. With its distinctive, pyramidal peak, it’s the spiritual home of mountaineering and one of the most breathtaking geological formations on the planet. Visitors can head to the village of Zermatt if they want to get up close and personal with this glacial wonder.
In the winter (December - February), days are short, and the average temperature hovers around 0℃. This is the low season, and there are fewer visitors (outside of the ski resorts) during this time. Summer (June - August) is the peak season when days are long, and the temperature rises to average highs of 19℃ and tourists flock to the country. This makes the shoulder seasons, spring (March-May) and autumn (September - November), a fantastic time to visit.
To the north, the German influence is strongest, and visitors will find themselves enthralled by the medieval beauty of Basel and the surrounding areas. To the south, below the Alps, Italian culture makes itself felt in the open piazzas and lazy mornings spent in outdoor cafes. To the west, where Switzerland meets France, you'll find the Jura Mountains and Lake Geneva, as well as excellent French-influenced cuisine. Of course, the Swiss Alps are the centrepiece - a region where you'll find some of the most exceptional natural beauty on the continent.
As well as changing across the seasons, Swiss weather is also affected by dramatic variations in altitude and many microclimates. This means that a relatively small area can actually experience several different weather conditions at the same time. If visiting or hiking in remote locations, the weather must be taken into account, as conditions can change extremely quickly.
Switzerland offers something for every type of holidaymaker, allowing for trips that are split between the mountains and big cities, while also rewarding repeat visits.
The largest city in Switzerland, Zurich, has long held a reputation as one of the cleanest and most efficient cities in Europe. However, in recent years, the city has also experienced somewhat of a cultural renaissance, with an explosion of critically-acclaimed eateries, museums, galleries and cinemas turning Zurich into one of the cultural capitals of Europe. Regarded as the ‘Gateway to the Alps,’ it’s both an excellent place to depart for alpine adventures and a fascinating city break destination in itself.
There are few bodies of water that can boast of such spectacular surroundings as Lake Geneva. One of the largest lakes in Europe, it offers unbeatable views of the Alps, fantastic food and access to both the buzzing city of Geneva and the eastern-most regions of France.
While the Alps may get the lion's share of attention, their less famous counterparts on Switzerland's northern border are a hidden treasure that many miss out on. The Jura Mountains may be less intimidating than the Alps, but the luscious green fields, dense forests and sleepy villages that spread across the hillsides offer a calmer, rustic beauty that's ideally suited to hiking, biking and exploration.
Check-in to the luxurious Baur au Lac in Zurich and enjoy premium service, views overlooking the Alps and more than 170 years of history in one of the city's best-respected hotels. An excellent choice for those who want to sample Zurich's burgeoning food scene or enjoy some high-end shopping opportunities, the Baur au Lac is a true Swiss institution.
Alternatively, those looking to stay in Geneva may want to take a look at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues. Situated in the heart of the Old Town, it’s the perfect base from which to explore this historic city.
While Switzerland has long been a top destination for winter sports fans, it’s quickly becoming popular amongst those looking to enjoy a unique European culture and summer alpine activities, too. With package deals to Switzerland with Qatar Airways Holidays, we take care of all the details, including flights, transfers and accommodation, so that you’re able to enjoy your getaway without a worry in the world. Whether you’re visiting for the Matterhorn, the hiking, or Zurich’s exciting cafe culture, we’ll ensure you can make the most of your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Switzerland.