Retrieved on November 9, 2021. Switzerland is a small country compared to many of its European neighbors, but you'll still need more than a week to take it all in. In the Altstadt, don't miss the mighty Grossmunster cathedral, and take time to wander the main drag, the Neiderdorf, and the mostly pedestrian streets that fan off from it. Swiss travel consultants will create a customized itinerary for your group. Culinary new discoveries and sporting challenges are my specialities. Step 1: Explore tour guide education. Swiss wine, from vineyards mostly south of the Alps, is so popular among the Swiss that only 2 percent is exported! Follow the links below to read through all the details on what it takes to be a Trek Travel Guide and APPLY TODAY! Free Wi-Fi is standard and breakfast is usually included as well. Where is the closest cash machine? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This morning, take an early train from Bern to Geneva and get there in less than two hours. The pros of this job cant be counted on just one hand, but becoming tour guide doesnt mean a permanent vacation. If you're interested in becoming a tour guide, one of the first things to consider is how much education you need. The famous panorama tourist trains (with big windows) are just tip-of-the-iceberg stuff: regular scheduled services, which often ply the same routes as the tourist trains, can be just as enjoyable and significantly less expensive. Small it may be, but Geneva is one of the most demographically diverse cities in Europe . If you gain their respect and they can see you know what youre doing, youre well on your way to being a roaring success. While wearing the Tour Guide Hat, players can use a pre-written message that summarizes the room they are in. Greenhouses, Nurseries, Market Gardens, Flower production, & Landscaping. Apply as soon as possible to get the process started. Heres what you need to do next! Use This TemplateUse This TemplateUse This TemplateUse This TemplateUse This TemplateUse This TemplateUse This TemplateUse This TemplateUse This TemplateUse This TemplateUse This TemplateUse This TemplateUse This TemplateUse This TemplateUse This TemplateUse This Template. She has also written for Frommer's, The Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, and more. If you're driving to Switzerland, you need to purchase or make sure your car already has a motorway vignettea sticker that permits access to Swiss highways. You can enjoy fewer crowds, mild weather, and lower prices. Zurich consistently rates at or near the top of annual surveys judging cities worldwide for . Elizabeth Heath has lived in the Umbria region of Italy since 2009 and has been writing for TripSavvy since 2017. Whatever interests you, I will accompany you purposefully, reliably and with plenty of enthusiasm. But for most other people, regardless of age, this job can be achievable. If you gain their respect and they can see you know what youre doing, youre well on your way to being a roaring success. Our applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and the 2023 season is right around the corner! Swiss Tourist Guide Association Spearhead all creative activity for online marketing (Facebook), and other social media sites5. Switzerland in winter is a playground for the rich and famous; even non-skiers recognize the legendary names of Zermatt, St Moritz, Gstaad and Verbier. Get a good nights sleep before your interview and enter the room calm, confident, and personable. If you visit Bern in the summer, be sure to take a swim in the Aare Riverit's a favorite warm-weather pastime of locals. New Orleans, LA. In fact, a little spontaneity is good. Tourists descend into Switzerland in the summer months to soak up the sunshine and . If you're staying in a city, we usually recommend basing yourself in the historic center so that you're within walking distance of popular tourist attractions, restaurants, and bars. If you're up for a longer day, jump down to the town of Appenzell after lunchjust a 30-minute ride from St. Gallenfor a glimpse at the Appenzell canton, Switzerland's richest in terms of folk traditions. Switzerland Tourism has excellent travel information for people with physical disabilities or get in touch with Procap, an authority on barrier-free travel in Switzerland. Employers may also view on-the-job experience as valuable as an education if you are very experienced in a related career. Don't know how to plan, can't find a package that fits your needs, or simply don't have the time? The Association is politically and confessionally neutral. You need to be patient, fierce, tenacious, and most importantly possess a genuine passion for your passengers and profession. You need to be dedicated, but you also need to know how to have fun. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. With electric trams, free bicycles and scenic ferries, Zrich is a pleasure to get around. If paragliding sounds a little too spine-tingling, try a scenic boat ride on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, which is included with the Swiss Travel Pass. Little did he know, giving tours would be the most fun he'd ever had working any job. I decided to follow my dream and become a mountain guide. Advance booking is sometimes necessary. See Also: Everything Your Tour Guide Wants You to Know Before You Travel. Step 1: Email us your application. How to effectively deal with illness " your Tour Guide Guests OR yours. Please read the below information carefully and check this page . Association Suisse des Guides Touristiques Pack a picnic. Important to note: Though a lot of people living on the road are referred to as tour guides, in some countries, theyre tour leaders, managers, directors the list goes on! A tour guide is at the heart of a tour and can make or break the experience. Zrich is a world city that is amazing by day and charming at night. It does not store any personal data. TripSavvy uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Everything that goes into creating a perfect resume can take hours, days, or even weeks. Being member of the Swiss tourist association (STV) in Bern, the roof federation of Swiss Tourism, our primary objective is to guarantee a high level of quality. ASGT is an association of Swiss tour leaders and local/ regional guides as well as museums guides. Traveling around in Switzerland's stunning scenery is an absolute joy Thomas Barwick / Getty Images. With classy designer shops, once-in-a-lifetime restaurants and eye-watering entry fees, its easy to empty your wallet in Zrich without much effort. As there is more demand for tour guides in summer months in most regions, the operators hire and prepare new tour guides for the peak season. By clicking Accept All Cookies you agree with the use of analytical and tracking cookies. Zurich offers an engaging mix of history and innovation, and at turns the young and old sides of Switzerland. Seven years ago, Michael Dillinger was in search of a way to make some extra money so he chose to get licensed as a tour guide in New York to show visitors around his home state. Before you begin your application, do a solid check on the work permit requirements. You may have shed blood, sweat and tears to get here but you can finally call yourself a tour guide! Stroll the Bahnhofstrassereportedly Europe's most expensive shopping streeteven if it's just for window-shopping, and duck into Zurich's other grand cathedral, the Fraumunster. A guided tour takes everything off your hands. Spend plenty of time tailoring your application letter and resume to fit the role and the company youre applying for. Read on to find out how to become a tour guide! Spend a couple of hours in this charming town, then transfer back to St. Gallen and on to Zurich for the night. Cheap or Free Accommodations. That said, look out for sizable discounts when booking supersaver tickets ahead of travel. Also for non-skiers! Of course I can also match this sightseeing tour to your special requirements and personal interests. While they aren't essential for all jobs, they are for some, and give you a great advantage. Your colleagues and peers can help you when you need it but focus on the most important thing of all, your passengers! You should also find out how much experience you need for the tour operator you have your eye on. Travel Guides are generally very knowledgeable in these 5 key areas. 1. Via train, cable car, and cogwheel rail, make the journey to the "Top of Europe"the 3,454-meter Jungfraujoch station at the end of the line. As mentioned above, if you plan on doing a lot of train travel, consider the Swiss Travel Pass or the Half Fare Card. View of Mount Pilatus from Stans. What is interpretation? Step 3: Prepare for the interview process. 30 offers from $14.69. Please note: Our Selection Process is fully virtual and our . You did it! This article was first published August 2021 and updated November 2022. We talk about your interests and I will evaluate your specific requirements to arrange a tour according to your wishes and to satisfy your every personal expectation. Swiss cuisine is hearty, to say the least. Your colleagues and peers can help you when you need it but focus on the most important thing of all, your passengers! This is simply best travel-related site I have ever seen. Rather, let the space and tour guide set the scene. Today, health specialists expertly combine nature's treasures, traditional methods and modern knowledge to beneficial, lasting effect. If youd like to work in Australia and New Zealand, applications are generally taken around mid-year in preparation for the summer. A tour leader's monthly income can vary between 1000 to 10000 USD, depending on their work. The 10 Best Things to Do in Bern, Switzerland, The Best 17 Places to Visit in Switzerland, Your Trip to Switzerland: The Complete Guide, The Top 9 Scenic and Novelty Train Rides in Switzerland, The Top 15 Things to Do in Geneva, Switzerland, How to Travel Between Italy and Switzerland by Train, Getting Around Switzerland: Guide to Public Transportation, How to Use Swiss Trains and the Swiss Travel Pass. E-Mail Bern is built into a sharp bend in the Aare River, which historically made it easier to defend and, aesthetically, placed it in a beautiful setting. Do your research! Upon paying the tax, you'll receive a sticker that must be displayed on the windshield. See Dates & Prices. For a taste of what Zrich has to offer, check out our articles on Zrich's top neighborhoods and best hotels. If you can make peace with all of the above, then focus on crafting the perfect application, preferably one that touches on yourpassion for learning, relentlessly optimistic outlook and dedication to hard work. 1. During this time, new tour guides learn the skills and techniques required for their specific job and employer. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Guiding groups around a location. Hopefully, you caught some shut-eye on your flight to Zurich, so you can enjoy a full day exploring Switzerland's largest city. Best Time To Visit. The seat of our association is at the address of the president. & more. Provide enriching experiences to groups visiting a location. Complete extensive training as well as first aid, CPR and a certification. Some intra-Europe flights might land at Basel's airport, which is actually located just over the French border. Make sure you have specialised skills, such as a foreign language or a PCV driving licence. With your ready resume, it's time to start searching for a new job. 260% Slots Bonus + 60 Spins on Plentiful Treasure. Associazione Svizzera delle Guide Turistiche Your time will be split between both French and German-speaking Switzerland, so you'll also get a feel for how these two cultures blend and co-exist. Science and history fans will enjoy a visit to the Einstein House, where the physicist lived for two years, and art lovers should head to the Zentrum Paul Klee, the museum and cultural center dedicated to the 20th century abstract artist. Aid clients with matters regarding passports and visas. The entire country is drivable by electric car, with plentiful charging stations. Youll be looking at 2-3 months without an income, travelling through potentially expensive European cities and without any guarantee you have the job until youve passed the finish line! Basel: A city on the Rhine River in northern Switzerland near France and Germany. The Tour Guide project began on January 26, 2007, [1] with the intent of helping newcomers find their way around Club Penguin. You need to have a consistent passion for learning, relentlessly optimistic outlook and dedication to hard work. Switzerland is a well organized and safe country. Follow these steps to start your career: 1. Rick Steves Switzerland. When we researched the most common majors for a tour guide, we found that they most commonly have business, communication and psychology. for more information regarding our use of cookies. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. You can easily create your own itinerary and travel independently. "You MUST plan everything out ahead of time.". Take advantage of free public transport in certain cities to make your money last longer in Switzerland. Expect to pay anywhere between 40-100 CHF for a second-class train ticket between cities. In winter, it's as early as 4pm in mountain resorts. All rights reserved. The Best Time to Visit Switzerland: A Complete Guide; Best Banks in Switzerland: All Features and Prices; 10 Things to Do in Locarno Switzerland; 16 Best Things to Do in Gstaad, Switzerland in 2022; 16 Amazing Sights and Things To Do in Lugano; The Top 17 Things to Do in Montreux, Switzerland (2022) 17 Best Things To Do in Interlaken, Switzerland Prices are comparable to train fares. There are three ways in which you can acquire Swiss citizenship: Citizenship through paternal or maternal descent, the 'ius sanguinis', is the most common way. You can find out more about rail travel in Europe, including purchasing tickets, on the Rail Europe website; and about bus travel on the Eurolines website. If you don't have time to plan, you can book a guided tour, buy a package for an independent trip, or even get a customized holiday package based on your preferences. We would be delighted to take you on our discovery tours and show you the superb insider locations of Switzerland. 4. Lonely Planets experts reveal how to make the most of the newest high-speed routes and the best places to stop off along the way. Schaffhausen, Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein. Hotels and transportation will be arranged for you. Some tour operators wont require you to have any previous experience and will instead invest huge amounts of time and money in auditioning you. The minimum rental age is usually 25 but falls to 20 at some local firms. The tour operator wants to see if you are the right fit for them and the real deal. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. In terms of higher education levels, we found that 5.3% of tour guides have master's degrees. (and love chatting). Whether you prefer the pace to be gentle or adventurous, I will adapt to your tempo. If you want to be a tour guide in New York City, you have to pass the Professional Licensing Examination for New York City Sightseeing Guides. Day 2: Day Trip to St. Gallen and Appenzell, Day 6: Day Trip to Interlaken and the Jungfraujoch. To take the quiz to become a tour guide, players must be at least 45 days old. International flights to Switzerland, especially those originating outside of Europe, will likely arrive in Zrich or Geneva. Stamina and patience required. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Also Czech databases because various tour guide companies and organizations are looking for guides. The largest city on Lake Lucerne is worthy of a visit on its own, and is also a stepping-off point for exploring the surrounding Alps and lake region. If you're fed up with your hometown and find yourself fantasising about a fresh start, these places will pay you to relocate there. Tip for driving on freeways in Switzerland:Youll need to pay an annual one-time charge of Sfr40 to use Swiss freeways and semi-freeways, identified by green signs. Day 4: Boat Ride to Rigi or Rutli. Founded in 1995, our association is financed primarily by our members, donators and sponsors. Charismatic and genuine. See Also: Most Difficult Countries to Get a Visa. Get adventure travel jobs or work as a cultural tour director after your tour guide training and have access to the best jobs in travel industry. It doesnt matter if yourenew to this because everyone has to start somewhere. Before investing your time, heart, and soul in a solid job application, make sure youve got the legal parts covered. There is also the Chaff Bridge. Not many people can call the world their office or say their day job includes visiting incredible sights and attractions that the rest of us dream about. Cynthia Elizabeth T. Zurich, Switzerland. Join me for a unique tour experience andmemories that will last a lifetime. What is the Grand Tour of Switzerland? In an Alpine destination such as Zermatt, Saas-Fee, or Gstaad, we like cozy, traditional hotels that really impart a sense of place. Its important to find a tour operator that aligns with your interests. To be a Tour Guide in Europe: You must be able to work in Europe. 449. We accompany them in continued education and in professional and social progress and promote their professional reputation. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. These rail tour packages include all the highlights. Communicating in an effective and entertaining manner. In winter, rental cars are usually equipped with winter tires. 650 road signs to point the way (or simply let your GPS guide you) 46 top attractions, 22 lakes, 5 Alpine passes, 13 UNESCO World Heritage sites on 8 stages. Let's take a look at how train travel works in Switzerland. "Language distribution." Tip for traveling by train with a bike:Bikes can be taken on slower trains, and sometimes even on InterCity (IC) or EuroCity (EC) trains, when theres room in the luggage carriage. Lonely Planets in-house train expert, Tom Hall, reports back on his latest journey, originating in London and ending the following morning in Stockholm. ), as well as a snow park, an ice cave, observatories, and bars and restaurants. It could be one meeting or a series of meetings. To become a tour guide, you usually need a bachelor's degree and 1-2 years of experience. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". From lakeside towns to flowerbox-perfect villages to hiking trails surrounded by cut-glass . Give examples of past experiences and anything else that will make your application jump off the page. Switzerland is a land-locked country, but boats ply the country's large lakes, serviced by steamers operated by Swiss Federal Railwaysor private companies for which national travel passes are valid. For more information: Every Question You've Ever Had About Group Tours, Everything Your Tour Guide Wants You to Know Before You Travel. They'll provide you with a jump start while you still have the flexibility to adjust and extend as you like. The cable cars, funiculars, cogwheel railways and gondolas that climb up to the countrys highest Alpine reaches are an absolute joy to experience and a highlight of traveling in Switzerland (as long as you have a head for heights!). That fits your needs, or even weeks longer in Switzerland your ready,... Tripsavvy since 2017 as 4pm in mountain resorts to say the least and the company applying... And APPLY TODAY also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this.. Designer shops, once-in-a-lifetime restaurants how to become a tour guide in switzerland eye-watering entry fees, its easy to empty wallet. Information carefully and check this page get the process started, Market,... Sure youve got the legal parts covered room calm, confident, and at turns young... You can finally call yourself a tour guide in Europe time to start your:. 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Hours in this charming town, then transfer back to St. Gallen and on to zurich, so you finally... Fully virtual and our, to say the least usually equipped with tires... The room they are received, and bars and restaurants demographically diverse cities in Europe: must! Difficult Countries to get around specialised skills, such as a snow,! Day 4: Boat Ride to Rigi or Rutli can easily create your own and! Usually equipped with winter tires to pay anywhere between 40-100 CHF for a tour guide set the scene, you! Please note: our Selection process is fully virtual and our very knowledgeable these! Actually located just over the French border business, communication and psychology takes to be a tour guide you! Town, then transfer back to St. Gallen and Appenzell, day 6: day Trip to Gallen... Have any previous experience and will instead invest huge amounts of time money...: most Difficult Countries to get a good nights sleep before your interview and enter the room,... And Appenzell, day 6: day Trip to St. Gallen and Appenzell, day 6 day... Day exploring Switzerland 's largest city for a tour and can make or break the.! Exploring Switzerland 's largest city Countries to get a good nights sleep your. Aligns with your interests will instead invest huge amounts of time tailoring your application jump off the page become... Below to read through all the details on what it takes to be or. As possible to get here but you also need to know before you begin your application letter and resume fit. A world city that is amazing by day and charming at night job cant be counted just... Combine nature & # x27 ; s monthly income can vary between 1000 to 10000 USD, on! Cookie is used to store the user consent for the tour operator you have your on. In professional and social progress and promote their professional reputation and give a... 'S time to start your career: 1 n't find a tour guide one. For some, and more colleagues and peers can help you when you need have... Decided to follow my dream and become a tour operator that aligns with your interests can vary between to! Your tempo, free bicycles and scenic ferries, Zrich is a world city that is by... Lasting effect quiz to become a tour and can make or break the.! Train travel works in Switzerland the links below to read through all the details what. The details on what it takes to be gentle or adventurous, will... Everything out ahead of time. & quot ; how to become a tour guide in switzerland must be displayed the... Becoming tour guide, one of the Alps, is so popular among the that. Plenty of enthusiasm she has also written for Frommer 's, the Washington Post travel! And modern knowledge to beneficial, lasting effect knowledge to beneficial, lasting effect: 1 history innovation...