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Your Guides
Meet the Insider Experts
Behind Your Journey
Every private tour with The Zurich Insider is led by a carefully selected guide who shares our commitment to storytelling, cultural depth, and authentic hosting. Each member of our team brings distinct expertise, multilingual fluency, and a genuine passion for Switzerland.
Whether you're exploring Zurich's hidden corners or venturing into the Swiss Alps, you'll be welcomed by someone who not only knows the destination intimately but also understands the art of meaningful travel.
Below, we invite you to meet the guides who bring your Swiss journey to life.
Meet Your Guides
Your guide for Zurich & Beyond
In alphabetical order:
Guide
Catja
Catja is a Zurich native born and raised! She is an ardent traveler and a passionate photographer, having kick-started her career in advertising upon earning her Graphic Design degree. Currently, she provides bespoke tours to tourists who are looking for an insider's perspective on her hometown after having worked for Swiss Tourism.
Catja has journeyed extensively throughout Asia and Europe, resided in New York City, and even launched her own jewelry brand, which features customized engagement ring consultations.
Her creative spirit and wanderlust have led her to consider Malaysia her second home.
Catja's favorite topics are All about Zurich, history & current events, politics, the financial scene, architecture, and design.
Alpine Enthusiast & Active Tour
Giada
Born in Rome to a diplomatic family, Giada grew up moving across continents every few years—a lifestyle that shaped her love for languages, cultures, and the outdoors.
Since 2019, she's called Switzerland home and has explored every hidden trail and alpine corner.
A pioneer of urban hiking experiences, Giada specializes in yoga and hiking retreats in the Swiss Alps.
Her boundless enthusiasm and deep connection to nature make her tours both energizing and enlightening.
Giada's favorite topics: Hiking the Swiss Alps, secret viewpoints, walking as wellness, and plant-based dining in Zurich.
Guide & Tour Leader
Ivo
Ivo is a dynamic tour guide with an impressive background in economics and business management. He has traveled to over 120 countries worldwide and speaks English, German, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. He has worked as worldwide Head of Sales & Marketing for international organizations and has managed and led teams from over 15 countries.
As a passionate downhill skier and lover of faraway places, Ivo is a Tour Director and Tour Guide who accompanies international groups on amazing journeys in Switzerland and Europe.
He shares his insider knowledge and expertise with curious travelers, making sure their experience is unforgettable.
Ivo's favorite topics are banks & secrets, today's Swiss culture & European history, and a passion for Zurich.
Guide
Lidia
Lidia is a seasoned guide photographer, hailing from the historic city of Leningrad in the former USSR.
Her life journey has taken her from running her own business to navigating the realms of sales and marketing in prominent international corporations and as an interpreter.
Today, Lidia cherishes her tranquil life in picturesque Switzerland, a country she's been calling home since 2002. Her passion has been welcoming tourists from across the globe since 2010 in English, Russian, and German, as she loves sharing her deep love for Switzerland's unique beauty, independence, and allure.
Lidia's favorite topics are All about Zurich, history & current events, yesteryear's legends, the Swiss Alps, medieval towns, and photography.
Founder, Host & Cultural Ambassador
Samantha
A Zurich native with family roots across Switzerland's Italian and French-speaking regions, Samantha's multicultural heritage sparked a lifelong curiosity for people, places, and stories.
She's lived in 18 countries—from Nepal to Kuwait, Canada to Kuwait—and brings 13 years of diplomatic experience as a Swiss vice consul to her approach to hosting.
Her first love has always been hospitality and tourism, and after years of global service, she returned to Zurich in 2018 to share her city's layered history and hidden narratives with travelers who value depth, connection, and thoughtful pacing.
For more about Samantha's journey, visit the Who We Are page.
Samantha's favorite topics: Swiss and world history, archaeology, cultural heritage, legends & secrets, and all things Zurich.
Guide in Zurich
Guide in Zurich
Guide & Tour Leader
Jutta
Jutta is a seasoned tourism professional and avid explorer with over ten years of experience guiding guests from around the world through the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland.
She speaks several languages, German, English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese, and has worked in relationship management, making her a perfect companion for travelers from diverse backgrounds.
Jutta is a very positive and dynamic person with a contagious zest for life. She takes great pride in her work and considers taking guests on tours of Switzerland’s most beautiful spots a privilege. Furthermore, she accompanies guests on tours in Costa Rica, Mallorca, Madeira, the Algarve, and La Réunion.
Jutta's favorite topics are Swiss and world history, family, nature and hikes, and local culture.
