Switzerland · HISTORICAL TOURS
The good history tours sell out in the summer weeks and the fine days go first. Below: the 12 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Explore Zürich’s old town, hidden walls, medieval churches, Lenin’s former home, and Polyterrasse views on a lively two-hour walk.
“My guide Arianna was delightful and offered very interesting pieces of historic background while taking us through the tour. I’m vet glad I chose it as I had little time in Zurich and this allowed me to see short glimpses of important sites. She also knew good sites for pictures which was a bonus”
Walk medieval Lucerne with a night watchman, hearing tales of fire, law, mercenaries, guilds, and old city characters.
“I enjoyed this tour. The history of Lucern but not too intense or in depth. Just the right level to be a pleasant evening.”
Review of Basel’s 90-minute Old Town walk, covering the Town Hall, Minster, opera house, Tinguely fountain, guide quality, value, and booking risks.
“Jean was an excellent tour guide. The Basel Old Town is facinating and he combined stories of the past with real life today and gave us a great picture of life there. He answered questions and gave us lots of information. Would definitely recommend the tour.”
Explore Zurich’s old town, Einstein’s haunts, secret courtyards, famous homes, churches, fountains, and hilltop views on a two-hour tour.
“The tour visited the significant historical sites of Zurich. The guide pointed out many details and her explanations were good. The tour is strenuous with hills and many steps. Our guide's pace was too fast (several people in our small group complained) and that made the walk more strenuous than necessary. If one stopped to take photos, you had to hurry to catch up because the guide kept going. We joked that she wanted to finish early to go home and, indeed, the "2 hour" tour was 1 3/4 hours. An extra 15 minutes of walking at a slower pace to enjoy the view would have made this tour better.”
Explore Geneva’s landmarks through a phone-based dark history quest, with puzzles, self-paced walking, and a route from St. Gervais to Sissi’s monument.
“Ottimo modo divertente per girare i punti più importanti delle città con la simpatia delle storie e degli indovinelli”
Explore Lugano’s cathedral, lakefront, old town, and Ciani Park on a private two-hour history walk with guide Violetta.
“Violetta is one of the most knowledgeable guides I’ve ever had. We toured Lugano one quiet Sunday morning and she made the city come alive for us.”
Explore Zürich’s Old Town at your own pace with an English audio tour from Urania Observatory to Paradeplatz.
“Patrica was such a wonderful guide. So kind and knowledgeable and very she was well prepared. I liked that it was a small group and felt like a friend was showing us around her home town.”
Explore Zermatt’s churches, old barns, mountaineers’ cemetery, and Matterhorn story on a private two-hour walking tour.
“Had a walk tour of zermatt. Guide seemed tired from an earlier tour. Mostly walked around small area we could have a seen by ourselves. Tour was cut short by 45 minutes. Not worth it.”
Explore Lausanne’s cathedral, medieval streets, bridges, museums, and local corners on a private two-hour walking tour.
“My guide was awesome, and showed me aspects of his town Lausanne that are definitely hidden gems. BEST. TOUR. EVER!”
Explore Luzern on a small-group walk featuring Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument, Old Town, Lake Luzern, and Alpine views.
Explore Lucerne's past on a private walking tour with a local guide, from Torbogen Luzern to Chapel Bridge and Hofkirche.
“Manuela was exceptional. Punctual, very respectful of what we wanted to see and learn, great pace, highly professional and extremely friendly and welcoming. I recommend her as highly as I possibly can. She was perfect.”
Explore Zurich’s Celtic, Roman, and Reformation past with Bruno, visiting Fraumünster, Grossmünster, Lindenhof, and more.
“Bruno was amazing! He was personable, friendly, and knowledgeable! We learned so many interesting pieces of Reformation history!”
Pick a summit, a lake or a factory.
