FAQ

Getting started is simple. Reach out via our contact form (https://www.thezurichinsider.com/connect)or email us at hello@thezurichinsider.com ()and share a few initial details about your travel plans and interests. If you are considering an Original Zurich Tour or a Layover Tour, please let us know your preferred date, desired duration, pick-up time and location, interests, language, and the number of guests. Based on this information, we will follow up promptly with tailored suggestions and next steps. If you are interested in a full-day or multi-day journey, we invite you to share your travel dates, general ideas or themes, and any particular wishes. We will then schedule a consultation to discuss your plans, answer initial questions, and ensure we are well aligned before moving forward. At any stage, you are welcome to request a phone or video call if you prefer to speak before proceeding. To help us design the most seamless experience possible, please also let us know of any relevant considerations such as mobility needs, health concerns, or dietary requirements. We look forward to learning more about your travel plans and creating a thoughtfully crafted journey tailored entirely to you.

The sooner, the better! Zurich tours are super popular, especially during summer, weekends, and holidays. Booking early secures your ideal date, time, and guide. But don’t worry—last-minute bookings are often doable, and we’re happy to help you find options or alternatives if needed. Planning ahead gives you the most flexibility and a stress-free experience, but we’re here for you even if you’re short on time.

We offer several secure payment options for your convenience, including bank transfer and most credit cards. For bank transfers, we will provide our full bank details once your tour proposal is confirmed, allowing you to complete the payment directly through your bank. Alternatively, you may pay securely online using a major credit card. All card payments are processed through trusted third-party platforms to ensure a safe and seamless transaction. For any clarifications regarding payment methods or the booking process, please feel free to reach out. We are always happy to assist and ensure a smooth and transparent experience from start to finish. All prices and fees are quoted in Swiss Francs (CHF).

Payment is due with the booking. This allows us to secure guides, vehicles, and any time-sensitive arrangements required for your itinerary. Please note that all bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions (https://www.thezurichinsider.com/general-terms-and-conditions)and C(https://www.thezurichinsider.com/cancellation-policy)ancellation Policy,(https://www.thezurichinsider.com/cancellation-policy) which detail payment schedules, cancellation deadlines, and any applicable fees. We recommend reviewing these documents before confirming your booking. All payment details and deadlines are communicated clearly at the time of booking to ensure a smooth and transparent process. Should you have any questions or require clarification, we are always happy to assist.

No. For booked city tours, day tours, layover tours, and transfers, we do not charge a separate planning fee. These services are based on well-defined itineraries that can be adapted to your interests and preferences. Minor personalizations or refinements do not incur any additional planning costs, and the full tour amount is payable at the time of booking. Yes. For multi-day journeys and highly personalized itineraries, a planning fee applies before we begin the detailed design process. In these cases, we require a deposit of CHF 690.00, which includes a non-refundable planning fee of CHF 350.00. This one-time planning fee reflects the time, expertise, and in-depth research involved in crafting a fully customized itinerary tailored to your wishes and travel style. The remaining portion of the deposit is credited toward the total cost of your journey once confirmed. All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions a(https://www.thezurichinsider.com/general-terms-and-conditions)nd Cancellation Policy,(https://www.thezurichinsider.com/cancellation-policy) (https://www.thezurichinsider.com/cancellation-policy)which outline payment requirements, planning fees, and cancellation terms in detail. We recommend reviewing these documents before proceeding.

Our professional guides share Switzerland with you in a wide range of languages, including English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, German, Swiss German, Greek, Japanese, and Russian. Language availability is subject to guide availability on your preferred date and location. If you have a specific language request or are traveling with a multilingual group, please let us know, and we will be happy to advise and accommodate where possible.

If you need to cancel or introduce changes to an existing booking, please notify us in writing as soon as possible at hello@thezurichinsider.com.() Details regarding applicable deadlines, fees, and conditions can be found in our Cancellation Policy,(https://www.thezurichinsider.com/cancellation-policy) which we recommend reviewing before making any modifications. Whenever possible, we will do our best to assist and guide you through the process in a fair and transparent manner.

We do NOT offer travel or cancellation insurance directly, and we recommend securing independent travel insurance for broader coverage and peace of mind. That said, for added flexibility, we do offer an optional “No-Questions-Asked Cancellation Assurance.” This option is designed to provide extra reassurance in case plans change unexpectedly, under the terms outlined in our Cancellation Policy (https://www.thezurichinsider.com/cancellation-policy)(point 7.).

Our gift cards can be purchased for any amount or for a specific tour and may be used toward any of our privately guided experiences. Each gift card is personalized and suitable for a wide range of occasions, including birthdays, weddings, milestones, professional achievements, or simple thank-yous. To purchase a gift card, please contact us directly. Let us know the amount, preferred city, or specific tour you would like to gift; the recipient’s full name; the number of participants; and, if applicable, the occasion. We will be happy to assist with customization and next steps. Terms & Conditions for Gift Cards(javascript:void(0))

Yes, and sometimes. Yes. Pets are very welcome on all outdoor experiences, including guided city walks and open-air tours. Maybe. For experiences that include indoor elements such as overnight stays, private transportation, trains, museums, boats, or gondolas, pet policies vary by provider. If you are traveling with a pet, please let us know in advance so we can check availability, access conditions, and any applicable additional charges. If your pet is a service animal, please mention this in the contact form so we can ensure appropriate arrangements are made.

Yes & Yes. Our private tours are designed to suit both first-time visitors and travelers who already know Zurich or Switzerland. For first-time guests, we provide a thoughtful introduction to the city’s history, culture, and everyday life. For returning visitors, we adapt the focus to offer deeper context, lesser-known stories, and new perspectives, ensuring each tour feels fresh, relevant, and engaging.

Most private walking tours in Zurich are moderate in pace and distance, with regular pauses and flexibility built in. Routes can be adjusted based on interests, energy levels, mobility considerations, or the inclusion of cafés, viewpoints, or transportation. Please let us know in advance if you have any mobility concerns so we can tailor the itinerary accordingly.

Tipping guides and drivers in Switzerland is not mandatory, as professional services are fairly compensated. However, when you feel that the service has been particularly engaging, attentive, or thoughtful, a tip is always appreciated as a gesture of gratitude. There is no fixed amount. Many guests choose to offer a discretionary tip at the end of the service, based on duration and satisfaction, while others prefer to simply express their appreciation verbally. Both are perfectly acceptable. If you decide to tip, it is best done in cash and given directly to the guide or driver. As with all tipping in Switzerland, the emphasis is on appreciation rather than obligation, and guests should never feel pressured.

Yes. Tours take place rain or shine, as Zurich is well suited for walking in all seasons. In case of rain or less favorable weather, we adapt routes and pacing, make use of covered areas, and incorporate indoor elements where appropriate to ensure the experience remains comfortable and enjoyable. In the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions, we will discuss suitable alternatives with you.