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Best time of year for rick steves Switzerland tour?

When is the best time of year or month for the Best of Switzerland tour? My husband and I want to do that tour.

Posted by
166 posts

I had this same question & after reading this forum & other sources, we signed up for a July tour. The main reasons were that the snow would be gone on the mountain trails, it would be warmer at the top of the gondolas and usually less rain in July. The downside is peak season airfares & hot weather at lower altitudes. We’re going mid-July 2019 , hope we see you there!

Posted by
1443 posts

I've always favored mid- to late-May to early June for Switzerland. Thinner crowds and spring flowers are mainly the reason. High elevation trails are still closed but I don't do those much any more.

Posted by
11247 posts

We have not done the R.S. tour, but we love Switzerland in late Sept and early Oct. We have had marvelous luck with the weather over the course of 4 trips at the time-of-year. Crowds are lighter, it's more pleasant in the valleys and other areas of Europe you might want to visit as well. We have encountered light snow that melts immediately and does not hamper the trails.

Posted by
8258 posts

The best time.....is whenever you can go. For me, that is August and I am signed up for this tour and really looking forward to it.

Posted by
310 posts

I advise June. The summer is in full swing, with beautiful, sunny days but a little before the biggest crowds. Hiking atop lush green mountains, with glaciers hanging over you, under a sunny, blue sky was a memory I will never forget.

Posted by
32171 posts

cindy,

I usually prefer travelling in September, and have always had good weather in Switzerland at that time.

Posted by
171 posts

I have been there twice, first time on RS tour and second on our own, just this last Sept. Both times we were there in Sept. and we were very fortunate with the weather. It was so glorious this last Sept. that we extended our time there from 4 night to 9!!
Murren and the whole region is drop dead amazing. You will have a wonderful time!