With almost 700 years, it is the oldest wooden bridge in Europe. Train Travel in Switzerland . 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. 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. Clearly, there is more to the job than just the above, but you are already half way there. The most common certification is First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor, but Travel and Tourism Professional (TTP) is also frequently seen in tour guides resumes. It's one thing to make guests laugh, and another to laugh with them. Both offer tours and museums, as does CERNthe European Organization for Nuclear Research that's home to the Large Hadron Collider. Step 7: Apply for a tour guide job. Ask us in the comments below! 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. As the local guides are working for pleasure and on a part-time basis, the tours take place at the times given, or on request. Often referred to as the Cultural Capital of the country. 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. 10. 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. The Best Halloween Parties and Events Around the World. 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. Receive multiple positive reviews on the company Facebook page. From lakeside towns to flowerbox-perfect villages to hiking trails surrounded by cut-glass . Steps to becoming a Tour Guide 5. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Tickets do not need to be bought in advance, and they can be purchased at stations on the day of travel or on the official Swiss Railways website. Some tour operators wont require you to have any previous experience and will instead invest huge amounts of time and money in auditioning you. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Our members bring an important contribution to Swiss Tourism. Hotels and transportation will be arranged for you. Are you legally able to work in the country where youll be touring, or is there a visa or work permit youll need? It's squeezed into a bulge of land that shares just 4km of internal border with its neighbouring Swiss canton, but 108km with France. Here are just two travel companies looking for trained guides right now: Copyright 2023 Tour Guide Course | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Information and Instructions for joining the live course, The Tour Guide Course What You Need to Know, Tour guide training for disabled travellers, Can you communicate clearly? If youve decided this is the life for you, but dont know how to go about getting your foot in the door, heres a behind-the-scenes sneak peek into what it takes to become a tour guide! Small it may be, but Geneva is one of the most demographically diverse cities in Europe . 60ff fo the Swiss civil right book (ZGB). Traveling around in Switzerland's stunning scenery is an absolute joy Thomas Barwick / Getty Images. Rick Steves Switzerland. While organisational and personal skills probably come naturally to you, no one, no matter how much they have studied, is prepared for the questions you will face while on your first tour or training trip. Whatever interests you, I will accompany you purposefully, reliably and with plenty of enthusiasm. But do you know what you are getting yourself into, and what it takes to land one of the best jobs ever? See Dates & Prices. I would be delighted to show you the beauties of the region in my Old Timer, a Citroen DS dating from 1974. Getting paid to travel and visit fascinating sites can be enticing, but it's important to consider other aspects of the career. Explore and discover with me the natural beauty of Switzerlandand let me take you off the beaten track and into the hidden landscapes. As a travel guide, you will be expected to help lead a group of around 50 study abroad students with another guide or two. Whats the major industry of that little town we just passed? With this transport pass, you're allowed unlimited travel by train (including premium panorama trains), bus and boat, as well as local public transportation in cities and free entry to 500 museums. If youd like to work in Australia and New Zealand, applications are generally taken around mid-year in preparation for the summer. Youll live out of a suitcase, answer hundreds of questions every day, and work with many different personalities and cultures from all over the world. When was that building built? This isnt a run of the mill 9 to 5, but if youre leading a group of tourists towards the pyramids of Giza then you already knew that! A tour guide gives specific narration in a place, often joining the tour group for just a couple of hours. By clicking Accept All Cookies you agree with the use of analytical and tracking cookies. Zrich is a world city that is amazing by day and charming at night. The keys to . Learn more by checking out our guides to Zrich airport, traveling to Switzerland from Italy, and Zrich's public transportation. After you are certified and ready to work as a tourist guide, the next chapter is finding a job. People are looking for a variety of different tour guides. The Palais des Nations, an outstanding testimony to twentieth century architecture, is situated in the beautiful Ariana park in Geneva, Switzerland. by official decision) is steadily becoming more common; all the various procedures will be explained on these pages . They'll provide you with a jump start while you still have the flexibility to adjust and extend as you like. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Let's take a look at how train travel works in Switzerland. Hiking and skiing in the Swiss Mountains are my leisure activities. For a taste of what Zrich has to offer, check out our articles on Zrich's top neighborhoods and best hotels. You need to have a consistent passion for learning, relentlessly optimistic outlook and dedication to hard work. But cities like Zrich also have creative, modern districts outside of the center, which make for interesting bases as well. Patience and understanding. Other tour operators may have much shorter training periods, but will need you to know a lot about the region you want to work in: maybe youve lived there for an extended period, or speak the language, or you have a degree related to the culture or history of the region. Budget hotel prices - Budget hotels start around 76 CHF per night. All rights reserved. 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. Also Czech databases because various tour guide companies and organizations are looking for guides. Aid clients with matters regarding passports and visas. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. What Happens if Your Flight Gets Cancelled Before Your Tour? 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 Celebrate the fact that youre here because experienced touring professionals believe you have what it takes to take passengers on the trip of a lifetime. Find out where to go and what to do in winter. (and love chatting). 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. Elizabeth Heath has lived in the Umbria region of Italy since 2009 and has been writing for TripSavvy since 2017. 1. start somewhere. It's time to convince them that you can put your money where your mouth is. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". guide people around a castle, gallery, historic house or garden; escort groups of tourists around a site; give information about the history, purpose and architecture of a site; accompany groups on day tours to a number of places of interest; answer questions and suggest other places to visit; organise or arrange for additional trips and visits Provide enriching experiences to groups visiting a location. 449. Planning a ski holiday in Switzerland? In St. Gallen town, wander among the half-timber houses of the pedestrian-only Old Town, and take in the Textilmuseum, with its displays of historic clothing and machinery. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. They all require reservations, with tickets usually sold for a specific leg on the routes rather than the full journey. Switzerland can easily and safely be explored on your own. Its a competitive field, and youll have to work hard to keep your coveted role. Some intra-Europe flights might land at Basel's airport, which is actually located just over the French border. The month with the most departures is August, making it the most popular time to visit Switzerland. 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. The Swiss Tourist Guide Association celebrates its 25th birthday. Check out the Swiss Railways website to get an idea of what small towns fall on the major train lines, prices for train tickets, train stations, etc. 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. Many cities have free or inexpensive bike-rental schemes, and bicycle and e-bike rental is usually available at train stations. 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. 1. Retrieved on November 9, 2021. Whether you prefer the pace to be gentle or adventurous, I will adapt to your tempo. Prices start at 9 CHF for a basic plot without electricity. We are an association according to art. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Switzerland's accommodation options range from rustic mountain bunkhouses for hikers to luxurious 5-star hotels with spas, Michelin-star dining, and every imaginable amenity. With electric trams, free bicycles and scenic ferries, Zrich is a pleasure to get around. For details on national, regional and local routes, rental (including e-bike rental), bike-friendly accommodations, guides and maps, checkSwitzerlandMobility. Wilderness First Responder: The Wilderness First Responder . You will start out as an assistant guide-usually taking photos, counting to make sure the group is all there, making sure no one gets lost, and assisting the Lead guide. Association Suisse des Guides Touristiques Employers may also view on-the-job experience as valuable as an education if you are very experienced in a related career. In 2015 we achieved one of our major goals: the recognition of our profession by the federal government of Switzerland. A 15-day pass is just shy of 500 CHF, so it's not cheap. Day 2: Day Trip to St. Gallen and Appenzell, Day 6: Day Trip to Interlaken and the Jungfraujoch. During the winter, the water freezes to become glistening snow and ice wearing snow shoes, we will take our own paths through stunning winter landscapes. These "do it yourself" tours are what most people prefer when visiting the Swiss Alps. A Starseed Guide Centaurus, Epsilone Erinadi and Lyra book. Though travel in Switzerland is efficient and convenient, it can also be expensive, and visitors planning to use inter-city routes should consider investing in a Swiss Travel Pass. Read our Privacy Policy. Translation: there is no such thing a bad day.. Plus, the process of getting a certification can teach you new skills that you can bring to your work. This all-inclusive pass even covers premium trains such as the Glacier Express. The tour operator wants to see if you are the right fit for them and the real deal. Switzerland is the water castle of Europe I love to discover springs and river courses while hiking and sailing on the Swiss lakes in the summer lets set sail together or put on our hiking boots! Explore Lake Geneva, one of Europe's oldest Old Towns, and see the headquarters of the UN. Most major cities, including Bern, Geneva, Zurich and Basel, are connected by rail with daily services. Hopefully, you caught some shut-eye on your flight to Zurich, so you can enjoy a full day exploring Switzerland's largest city. Lucerne's most famous landmark, the 14th-century Chapel Bridge, is a must-see. If you're staying in Bern, Lucerne, Basel, Geneva or Lausanne, you get to use local public transport for free. Purchase one package including all of your personalized travel requirements! Primarily aimed at tourists, these named panoramic trains often have cars with extra large windows to make the most of the incredible scenery. The first step to becoming a tour guide is learning about the details of the career. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. The more you know about history, culture, food, language, geography, politics, economy, and flora and fauna before heading out on your training trip, and hopefully your first tour, the better. For me sailing is simply a joy, recuperation and passion. Switzerland is also well-connected by air with flights arriving in Zurich and other cities from all across Europe and the . If you decide to stay in Interlaken, you can still soar high above the city and its lakes, thanks to several paragliding outfittersyou see tandem riders in the skies from dawn to dusk. A word of warning: always check what time the last cable car goes down the mountain. This article was first published August 2021 and updated November 2022. Find the latest news about the coronavirus and learn if it will affect your trip to Switzerland. You need to be patient, fierce, tenacious, and most importantly possess a genuine passion for your passengers and profession. Cynthia Elizabeth T. Zurich, Switzerland. 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. The committee works on voluntary basis. 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. You will teach them about the different areas you are taking them, and give them opportunities to visit interesting places and the best attractions in the area. Issued for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days, the Swiss Travel Pass includes unlimited travel all over Switzerland. From Bern's main station, you're about a 10-minute walk from the Alstadt, or Old Town, which dates back to the 12th century and is another of Switzerland's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. What is the Grand Tour of Switzerland? Follow the links below to read through all the details on what it takes to be a Trek Travel Guide and APPLY TODAY! Acquiring Swiss citizenship by means of naturalisation (i.e. Just call me while you are in Switzerlandor book me in advance. A tour leader's monthly income can vary between 1000 to 10000 USD, depending on their work. To provide you the best user experience on our website we do use cookies. The two-hour trip from Zurich to Interlaken is 54-96 CHF, while a one-hour trip from Zurich to Bern is 40-75 CHF. Are you punctual; can you stick to a schedule. At St. Pierre Cathedral and the Museum of the Reformation, you can learn about Geneva's role in the rise of Protestantism. Even though most tour guides have a college degree, it's possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED. Prospective tourist guides are examined on their . Even if employers don't require a certification, having one may help you stand out in an application. Before you begin your application, do a solid check on the work permit requirements. ASGT is an association of Swiss tour leaders and local/ regional guides as well as museums guides. Geography what does this mean. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Switzerland's largest city (population over 420,000) has shaken off its reputation as Europe's sourpuss and you'll find its still pristinely clean streets abuzz with newfound confidence on the back of global recognition. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Given that youre applying for one of the most popular jobs in the world, its going to be intense, but that doesnt mean you wont get maximum satisfaction out of it. Unless otherwise posted, tap water in Switzerland is clean and safe to drink. New Orleans, LA. Here are some ideas for planning your Swiss itinerary: For more trip-planning ideas, check out our full-length articles on the top things to do in Switzerland, Switzerland's most scenic train rides, and Switzerland's top lakes. Transportation, hotels and attraction tickets will be included. Swiss national travel passes are valid, but a few tourist-oriented Alpine routes levy a surcharge. Outstanding testimony to twentieth century architecture, is situated in the rise Protestantism... Prices start at 9 CHF for a tour leader & # x27 ; s time to visit Switzerland travel includes. Including Bern, Geneva, Zurich and Basel, are connected by rail with daily services 1000 to 10000,. 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