Explore Switzerland like never before with personalized private tours tailored for individuals or small groups (up to 3 people). Whether it's a day trip or a multi-day adventure, each tour is designed to match your interests, activity level and schedule. We specialize in authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences, local cuisine, and Swiss culture.
Our mission is to deliver a truly unique and personalized Swiss experience.
Activities
Hiking & Walking hiking
Enjoy nature, feel the fresh mountain air and listen to the sounds of wildlife for an experience that is as inspiring as it is rejuvenating.
- walk through forests, along rivers or across meadows, or
- more challenging hike in the mountains
We ensure you enjoy breathtaking moments in nature.
Cycling directions_bike
Cycling is a fantastic way to cover more ground while staying connected to nature. We offer a variety of biking experiences:
- Mountain biking on natural trails
- Cycling on scenic, low-traffic routes
- E-bike tours for effortless exploration
Feel the wind in your face and take in the stunning landscapes at your own pace.
Winter activities downhill_skiing
Switzerland is a winter wonderland, offering a big variety snow sports and breathtaking scenery. We provide personalized winter experiences, including:
- Ski guiding in top resorts, taking you to the best slopes and cozy lunch spots
- Ski touring, for those who love to explore beyond the groomed pistes
- Snowshoeing & winter hiking, for a peaceful and scenic adventure in the snow
Discover the magic of winter.
Cultural experiences castle
If you are interested in Swiss history, arts, and traditions, we offer personalized cultural tours, including:
- Visits to charming towns, historical sites, and museums
- Opera, concert, and theater evenings
- Shopping tours in hidden boutiques and bustling markets
- Gastronomic experiences, tasting local delicacies and fine Swiss wines
Each experience is led by expert guides who share their insider knowledge.
Why choose
ACTIVE SWISS TOURS 
Book your adventure today and experience Switzerland like never before!
- Exclusive private tours – just for you and your group, no outsiders
- Tailored itineraries – customized to your preferences and fitness level
- Local expertise – gain insider knowledge into Swiss history, politics, nature, and cuisine
- Diverse activities – enjoy hiking, cycling, winter sports, and more
- Immersive cultural experiences – explore cities, castles, museums, concerts, and gastronomy
- Customized travel partner programs – go shopping, visit markets , and take part in cultural excursions while your spouse enjoys other activities
We would love the opportunity to make your stay in Switzerland truly unique.
Step-by-step booking
Our approach combines careful planning with personalized, guided execution. Because our experiences are tailored exclusively for you, we work by appointment only ensuring every client receives focused attention and thorough service.
Step
Get in touch
Send us a brief message expressing your interest, and we will arrange an initial contact call.
Step
Get to know each other
During a complimentary approx 15-minute consultation call, we’ll discuss your interests. Your feedback helps us create the perfect itinerary.
Step
Proposal review
We blend your insights with our expertise and connections to design a personalized itinerary. Your prompt and honest feedback helps us ensure every detail aligns with your vision.
Step
Your approval
Once you approve our proposal, just send a brief written confirmation for the tour program and the GTC (General Terms and Conditions).
Step
Booking & Confirmation
After your binding approval, we will begin booking your tour and confirm the details.
Step
Take off
On the day of your excursion, we meet at the agreed-upon location to finalize any last details (such as signing a non-liability agreement). After that, it’s time to enjoy the day together.
We are always available to answer any questions along the way.
Cost
Every inquiry is carefully vetted to ensure a great fit. We discuss budgets during a proposal review call to ensure your needs and preferences align with your desired spending. We can deliver within your budget, we’ll suggest alternatives.
Our guide fee is CHF 100 per hour, with a maximum of CHF 500 per day for a group up to 3 persons, plus expenses for transportation, rentals, food, or accommodation on multi-day excursions.
Unless otherwise agreed, payment is due no later than eight days before the start of the tour. In the case of short-notice bookings, cash payment on-site before the tour may exceptionally be allowed by arrangement.
Get in touch
Cancellation policy
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The customer may cancel the tour at any time prior to the scheduled departure. In the event of a cancellation by the customer, the following fees will apply:
- Cancellation up to 8 days before the start of the tour: free of charge (full refund of any amounts already paid)
- Cancellation from 7 to 3 days before the start of the tour: 50% of the tour price
- Less than 48 hours before the start of the tour on in case of no-show: 100% of the tour price (no entitlement to a refund)
In exceptional, unforeseeable, or extraordinary circumstances (e.g., adverse weather conditions or force majeur), ACTIVE SWISS TOURS reserves the right to cancel the tour up to 12 hours before departure without prior notice. In such cases, a full refund of the prepaid amount will be provided. If possible an alternative program can be offered if requested.
About us
Founder/Owner/Tour Guide: My name is Markus Helbling born and raised in Switzerland. After completing my Bachelor's in Tourism Management and gaining several years of hands-on experience, I spent 30 years working with IIC-INTERSPORT INTERNATIONAL Corp., the world’s largest and best sports retailer. This took me to all continents of the world. Building on this extensive experience, I founded ACTIVE SWISS TOURS to offer unforgettable experiences to visitors exploring Switzerland.
Team: At ACTIVE SWISS TOURS, we boast a network of experienced, multilingual local guides who bring real-world experience, cultural knowledge, and a passion for showcasing Switzerland. We take you beyond the typical tourist spots, guiding you to hidden gems and ensuring an authentic, unforgettable Swiss adventure. Our partnership with local vendors guarantees close contact with the Swiss way of life. We don’t just visit – we explore.
Ethical code of ACTIVE SWISS TOURS: We love Switzerland and want to share our passion with our guests. While we are excited to share our country’s hidden gems with you in person, we believe that a true hidden gem should not be overshared on social media. Therefore, we ask you to refrain from sharing any location of our hidden gems. Our focus is on exclusivity and quality, not mass tourism – “class over mass”.
PARTNERS
Preferred retail partner
Preferred Outdoor brand
Testimonials
But don’t just take our word for it – read our clients testimonials about our services.
Tom and Eva Foley
Dubai
We had a fantastic day in the mountains! The beautiful scenery, which looked even more stunning on the sunny day we were blessed with. While my husband Tom was skiing with Markus up in the mountains, I had a lovely winter walk with Karin through the snow to Gstaad. After lunch in Palace Hotel (beautiful 5* hotel, looks like the Neuschwanstein castle), we visited some shops in Gstaad. On the way home, the four of us shared a fondue dinner at a typical local spot. We got back to the hotel quite late but we enjoyed the entire day. Markus and Karin are great hosts and took genuine pride in ensuring we had a great time. We would highly recommend them as guides. A flexible itinerary suited to your needs, great scenery, food and company
Kanoklada Pumpo (Tina)
Bangkok / Thailand
Last summer I travelled to Switzerland for my third time. During my previous trips I always stuck to visiting all the usual famous destinations. This time I wanted to learn more about the real Switzerland, explore the country, off the beaten tourist path. For this I found the perfect guide in Karin. Together we visited local markets, took a stroll through the amazing old town of Bern visiting many hidden gems and taking a break at a quaint little cafeshop treating ourselves to cafe and delicious local pastry. The highlight of this trip was certainly our visit to a public outdoor pool right next to the idyllic Aare river with an unforgettable short swim down the refreshing stream. Thank you Karin for a amazing experience and I shall certainly use your services again during our next visit .
Nikos Hermandas
Athens / Greece
Although I’ve visited Switzerland before, I wanted to explore a different side of the country. On a three-day journey with Markus from Active Swiss Tours by train and car, I discovered amazing places I’d never have found on my own. Markus, a knowledgeable and passionate guide, gave me insight into Swiss culture, history, food, and politics. The hotel and food choices were excellent. I’ll definitely hire him again for my next visit
Tom & Theresa Sampson
Calgary / Canada
We had a great time travelling around Switzerland with Active Swiss Tours and really appreciated the program Markus put together for us. His inside knowledge of the area allowed us to see much more than just the normal highlights you read about in the brochures. We found many hidden gems including authentic restaurants which we loved. On our free days his advice helped us find many small off the beaten path towns and villages which really were the hi light of our trip. I highly recommend using Active Swiss tours for a great and unique getaway.