ESSENTIAL TRIP INFORMATION

IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR YOU?

At Hosted Holidays, we want every guest to have a safe, relaxed, and rewarding travel experience.   To help ensure this, we kindly ask that you confirm at the time of booking that you are physically fit and able to take part in activities in the itinerary.

FITNESS LEVEL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This trip is designed for travellers who are reasonably mobile and comfortable with moderate physical activity. You’ll be travelling by train, cog‑wheel railway and cable‑car, and although comfortable, some transfers may involve steps, slopes or uneven ground. On the high‑altitude excursions (such as the ascent to the “Top of Europe” at the Jungfraujoch) you’ll reach over 3,000 metres above sea level, where the air is thinner and the terrain more alpine. The walking tours in cities like Zurich, Lucerne and Bern involve cobbled streets and historic old‑town layouts, so a degree of stamina and ease of movement is helpful. If you have significant mobility restrictions, need minimal walking, or require very slow‑paced travel, you may wish to discuss this with your travel advisor.

Our experienced tour leaders are trained to accommodate a range of abilities within the group. However, if they believe that a particular activity may present a safety risk to you or others—or may impact the overall enjoyment of the group—they are authorised, in line with our Booking Conditions, to advise you to skip that activity. These decisions are never made lightly, and your wellbeing is always our priority.

Please note that if you are asked to sit out part of the tour, refunds are not provided, and any additional expenses incurred will be your responsibility.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for all Hosted Holidays. It’s important that you protect yourself in case of natural disasters, lost or delayed baggage and unforeseen medical expenses. We strongly recommend that the policy covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation and loss of luggage and personal effects.  Make sure you keep any receipts for anything you may wish to claim for on your return – i.e. medical receipts etc. Please make sure you keep a printed copy of your policy, along with a digital version on your phone, and note the insurer’s 24‑hour emergency assistance number before you depart. We recommend that you take out travel insurance at the time of paying your deposit.

LOCAL CUSTOMS & ETIQUITTE

• Punctuality is expected in all aspects of Swiss life, including transport, appointments, and group schedules.
• Public spaces are generally quiet, especially on trains and in residential areas; loud conversations or phone calls are discouraged.
• Greetings tend to be formal and regionally specific; “Grüezi” (German), “Bonjour” (French), or “Buongiorno” (Italian) are commonly used.
• Tipping is not compulsory, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is customary in restaurants and for good service.
• Cleanliness and civic order are strictly observed; littering, jaywalking, or not separating rubbish for recycling may be frowned upon.

PASSPORTS, VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Passports

All information provided is based on Australian Passport holders only – please advise your travel consultant as soon as possible if you are travelling on a different passport.

• Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your departure from the Schengen zone.
•  Ensure you have at least one blank page for stamping.
• The new Electronic Travel Authorisation System (ETIAS) is required for Australian Passport holders to Schengen Area countries.

 FOOD & DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

Swiss cuisine draws on German, French and Italian influences while maintaining a distinctive local character. You can expect dishes rich in dairy and alpine produce: classics include melted‑cheese fondue, raclette served over potatoes and pickles, and rösti — a golden potato pancake often served with cheese or meat. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, please inform your travel advisor well in advance so we can do our best to accommodate your needs throughout the trip

MEDICAL & HEALTH INFORMATION

Switzerland offers excellent healthcare facilities; however, without insurance costs can be high — hence the importance of your travel insurance. At high altitudes (such as the Jungfraujoch at 3,454 m or Gornergrat at 3,089 m) the air is thinner, and some people may experience slight breathlessness or headache. If you have respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, consult your physician before travel.

Make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date, carry any prescribed medications in their original packaging along with a copy of the prescription, and bring a small first‑aid kit (plasters, painkillers, altitude‑appropriate medication if advised).

Tap water in Switzerland is safe and excellent quality, so bring a reusable bottle to fill. If you plan to swim in lakes or alpine streams, bear in mind the water can be colder and currents stronger in the later summer/early autumn months — check conditions locally.

 PACKING SUGGESTIONS

As you travel from cities to alpine peaks in early‑to‑mid September, you’ll encounter a range of temperatures and weather possibilities. Layers work best: start with base shirts (short‑ and long‑sleeved), add a fleece or jumper, and pack a warm jacket for high‑altitude, cooler evenings or windy train rides. A waterproof and windproof outer shell is essential — mountain weather can change swiftly. Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are important for cobbled streets and uneven ground.

To ensure a comfortable journey, here's what we recommend bringing:

• Waterproof/windproof jacket (for unpredictable mountain weather)
• Layered clothing (t-shirts, long sleeves, warm jumpers/fleece)
• Daypack/backpack (for daily excursions and train travel)
• Reusable water bottle (tap water is safe and excellent quality)
• Weather-appropriate trousers and casual wear
• Smart-casual outfit (for dinners or evenings out)
• Sunglasses, sunscreen & lip balm with SPF (especially important at altitude)
• Power adapter (Switzerland uses Type C & J plugs, 230V)
• Mobile phone & charger (plus portable battery if desired)
• Travel umbrella or compact rain poncho
• Copies (digital or paper) of key documents
• Swimwear (for hotel spas or lake dips)
• Snacks for train travel or remote areas
• Camera or binoculars (optional, for photography and alpine views)
• Prescription medications (enough for the entire trip + extra in case of delays)
• Copy of prescriptions (in case refills are needed)
• Over-the-counter medications:
• Pain relievers (paracetamol/ibuprofen)
• Anti-nausea tablets (for ferry to Malta)
• Anti-diarrhoea tablets and rehydration salts
• Antihistamines (for allergies or insect bites)
• Motion sickness tablets (for ferry ride or coach travel)
• Small first-aid kit: Band-aids, blister pads, antiseptic wipes/cream
• Hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes

CLIMATE & SEASONAL INFORMATION

Zurich & Lucerne: Daytime highs of 18–21 °C and lows around 9–11 °C; moderate rainfall is possible

• Interlaken: Average temperatures range from 10–20 °C with around 16–17 days of light rain in the month
• Zermatt & St Moritz (higher altitudes): Cooler temperatures with daytime highs of 12–15 °C and lows around 3–5 °C; weather can change quickly

·         Montreux (lakeside): Generally warmer and more Mediterranean, with highs around 20–22 °C and mild nights 

September in Switzerland is a beautiful time to visit, offering a gentle transition from summer to early autumn. The weather is generally mild, with warm days and cooler evenings, especially in the mountains. Rainfall is moderate, and sudden weather changes are common in mountainous areas, so packing layers and waterproof gear is essential. The early signs of autumn foliage combined with fewer crowds make September an ideal time to experience Switzerland's natural beauty.

MONEY MATTERS

Switzerland’s currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF). While some establishments may accept Euros, it is far more reliable to carry francs or use credit/debit cards that attract minimal foreign transaction fees. While tipping is included in the bill, it is common to round up or leave a small extra (about 5 %) if you feel the service was excellent.

ATMs & Credit Card
Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops; however, you should notify your bank of your travel to prevent your card being blocked for overseas usage. ATMs (cash machines) are plentiful in Swiss towns, and you may wish to withdraw a small amount of cash for informal purchases, tips or in areas where card‑payment may be less convenient (mountain kiosks, small cafés).

Spending Money During Your Trip:
Spending habits vary by traveller, but you should allow enough cash for souvenirs, drinks, snacks, optional excursions, laundry, or personal expenses during your free time. Note that prices in Switzerland are generally higher than in many other European destinations — meals, accommodation, and transport can add up, so budgeting ahead is wise.

Gratuities:
Gratuities for included activities and meals are already covered in your Hosted Holidays. While tipping is included in the bill, it is common to round up or leave a small extra (about 5 %) if you feel the service was excellent.

CONNECTIVITY & COMMUNICATION

Switzerland uses plug types C and J at 230 V voltage, so bring an appropriate travel adaptor.

Before you depart, check with your Australian mobile provider about international roaming charges in Switzerland and Europe — data roaming can be expensive. An alternative is to purchase a local Swiss SIM card or enable a suitable international roaming plan ahead of time. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés and restaurants, and many train stations offer free Wi-Fi access.

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Your economy ticket includes 23kg of checked baggage per passenger, plus one piece of cabin baggage up to 7kg.

SAFETY

Switzerland is one of the safest countries to travel in, with low crime rates, excellent public transport and high standards of infrastructure. Nonetheless, standard travel vigilance is still important: keep valuables secure and unattended bags in mind in busy stations or tourist hubs. In mountainous areas, make sure you stay on designated paths, check weather conditions before venturing out, and dress appropriately for altitude and climate changes. On trains, arrive early for platforms, mind the gap and ensure you are boarding the correct service. The combination of high altitude and strong sun means that sunglasses, sunscreen and protective clothing are important. If you feel unwell, particularly after reaching high altitudes, notify your tour host or local guide immediately.

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, cash and other valuable items. Please leave other valuables, such as jewellery, at home. Most accommodations provide safety deposit boxes, an excellent way of storing your valuables. We also advise you to keep a photocopy of your passport, separate from your actual passport, when you travel.

A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

Your Host will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. You should use your own judgment when choosing activities or excursions, which do not form part of the trip you have booked with Hosted Holidays. We can offer assistance in choosing how to spend your free time, but neither Hosted Holidays, nor any of its representatives can provide any guarantee about the safety or suitability of any activities or excursions, nor about the operators who organise these.

As in all countries, taking photos of police stations, border crossings, immigration controls, army barracks, military personnel or checkpoints, airports or political demonstrations is never a good idea, often illegal, and very likely to land you in trouble with the authorities.

Swimming and other water-based activities are always undertaken at your own risk.

Please also note that your Host has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

FUN FACTS

• Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh — you’ll hear different ones depending on the region.
• Swiss trains are among the most punctual in the world, often arriving and departing to the minute.
• The Glacier Express is nicknamed the "slowest express train in the world", taking 8 hours to cross 291 bridges and 91 tunnels.
• Mount Pilatus features the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, with a gradient of up to 48%.
• Switzerland is home to over 1,500 lakes, and you're never more than 16 km from one at any point in the country.
• Traditional Swiss fondue dates back centuries, originally created by Alpine farmers to use up leftover bread and cheese during winter.
• The Matterhorn inspired the shape of the Toblerone chocolate bar, one of Switzerland’s most famous exports.

  HELPFUL TRAVEL TIPS

• Carry Swiss Francs (CHF) – Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s useful to have some cash, especially for small purchases in rural areas.
• Dress in layers – Weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains.
• Try local specialties – Cheese fondue, rösti, and chocolate are musts.
• Follow recycling and waste rules – Switzerland has strict waste disposal guidelines.
• EU roaming may not cover Switzerland – Check your mobile plan or consider a local SIM or eSIM.

OPTIONAL TOURS

To be advised.

Note: All information provided is intended as a general guide only and is correct at the time of preparation. Conditions, timings, prices, and inclusions may change without notice due to factors such as weather, operational requirements, or local regulations. Hosted Holidays makes every effort to ensure accuracy but accepts no responsibility for variations beyond our control. We recommend checking closer to departure for the most up-to-date details, and please be aware that all optional activities are subject to availability and minimum participant numbers.