Switzerland Travel Review: 1-Week Trip

Review by traveler

Heather M.

on

8.22.2023

General Info

Traveler Review

Which Country (Countries) did you visit on this trip?

Switzerland

Your overall comments on the trip and the travel company:

Switzerland was amazingly beautiful. The three towns our travel agent suggested were lovely. I would not recommend this travel company.
Our driver was super nice, but old and slow moving. Our first stop was to his house because he forgot his wallet. We told him we were hungry and wanted breakfast. He took us to a coffee shop. No seats, no substantial breakfast, no bathroom. Then we drove for a long time and had to beg to stop at a bathroom and to get lunch. He was scheduled to be with us all week even though two of the towns were walking only. He was too slow for our pace to be a guide and had never been to those towns so didn't know much. His driving was also scary- swerving and checking phone directions.
We asked for a trip with hiking and non-touristy stops. We did not want to be in the car a lot. I reiterated and reconfirmed this throughout the planning process. I was assured that we would not be. We also asked repeatedly when planning to confirm that we had 3 separate bedrooms. Two of our stays did not meet this criteria. One had a "bedroom" at the top of a ladder. No privacy. Super hard for adults. Another stay had one bedroom that walked through another. No privacy for adults.
As it turned out we were scheduled to be in the car for 6+ hours many days. On those days we had just brief stops (30 min) booked. We also found it difficult to convince the driver to let us stop for lunch. Several of us got car sick from the windy roads and questionable driving. After day 2 we put a stop to this and had to replan the whole trip on our own. We reached out to Bjorn, but he continued to suggest his itinerary (in the car). We wasted tons of time and money (on prepaid tickets that we skipped in order to spend time out of the car, and on a driver we couldn't use). We were also caught off guard by the temperature. We knew it would be hot, but had no idea that no one would open windows. It was impossible to escape the heat, or go out to eat comfortably. Even though the country was beautiful, it was by FAR the most difficult trip I have ever taken (too much driving, no lunch stops, bad driver/ guide, etc).

Travel Company Comments:

Thank you for your feedback. We've carefully reviewed your concerns and would like to address them:
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by the room layout in Lucerne, as we were unaware of its specific configuration. While the attic room in Wengen may not have met your preferences, it's been enjoyed by many guests for its unique charm. The breakfast situation on arrival was unfortunate, and we acknowledge that there may have been a miscommunication regarding toilet stops.
Regarding the mention of a six-hour drive, it's important to note that such extended drives are not feasible in Switzerland due to its size. Our itineraries aim to strike a balance between exploration and outdoor activities. During our pre-trip communications, we didn't receive information about your desire for a backcountry hiking experience. We offer a variety of activities to cater to different interests and travel styles. If we had known your preference, we could have tailored the trip accordingly. We shared a detailed itinerary five months before your arrival, allowing ample time for modifications.
Our driver, who has received positive feedback from guests over the past two years, is a valued team member. We addressed the initial dissatisfaction and worked to improve your experience. We had agreed that the driver would serve as a shuttle to adventurous activities once your family decided. He also offered guided walks in Lucerne and transportation to hiking spots.
Regarding temperature concerns, the recorded temperatures during your August trip were consistent with typical Swiss summer weather. We planned activities to provide relief from the heat, but we understand you chose to skip some of them.
Your satisfaction is essential to us, and we apologize for any aspects of your trip that fell short of your expectations. It's important to note that daily adjustments were made to the itinerary, deviating from planned activities.
While we don't expect a 5-star rating, we believe your review may not fully reflect our planning efforts, daily consultations, and our driver's dedication. We are committed to improving our guests' experiences and hope for the opportunity to make amends, possibly by planning a tailored backcountry hiking trip in Switzerland for you. We value your feedback and apologize for any inconvenience you experienced during your trip.

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