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. Step 4: Get tour guide certifications. 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. 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. For more helpful travel tips, download Lonely Planets free Accessible Travel guide. 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. Posted by: | on September 29, 2022 Some mountain cable cars, ski gondolas, and cog railways are also included with the pass, making car-free sightseeing in Switzerland a breeze. Swiss national travel passes are valid, but a few tourist-oriented Alpine routes levy a surcharge. Take advantage of free public transport in certain cities to make your money last longer in Switzerland. Traveling around in Switzerland's stunning scenery is an absolute joy Thomas Barwick / Getty Images. 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. Step 1: Explore tour guide education. 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. 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 15-day pass is just shy of 500 CHF, so it's not cheap. Irregular hours means keeping in touch with loved ones or having a routine isnt easy, but standing at the foot of the worlds greatest wonders will outweigh the crazy hours and lack of routine. If you gain their respect and they can see you know what youre doing, youre well on your way to being a roaring success. 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 Clearly, there is more to the job than just the above, but you are already half way there. So have some confidence in yourself. If you have time to plan, our website explains how to do so. Step 6: Prepare your resume. Aid clients with matters regarding passports and visas. Here are some of the best things to see during your Lucerne city walking tour: The Chapel Bridge and the water tower: The bridge is made of wood and completely covered. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. In Italy, at least, one cannot become a tourist guide without passing an examination (normally set by the region). The interview round depends on the company's recruitment process. Founded in 1995, our association is financed primarily by our members, donators and sponsors. Cross the Limmat River, pausing to take in city views and the sight of swans, swimmers (depending on the time of year), and tour boats along this pretty waterway. Hiking and skiing in the Swiss Mountains are my leisure activities. . 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. by official decision) is steadily becoming more common; all the various procedures will be explained on these pages . Your speaking skills will be tested in an interview before training, and finally, some operators will look for individuals that have beenguiding or tour leading for at least a couple of years before they will even consider you. For the hiking tours a pair of strong hiking shoes are required. Take yourself back to the avant-garde era, lean back in this special car and enjoy the wonderful Swiss countryside. Day 4: Boat Ride to Rigi or Rutli. It'll be a good idea to develop tour guide skills before applying for a job. 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. 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. Receiving tips from guests is common, too; tips are usually 5 to 20 percent of the tour's cost. Ask us in the comments below! What to expect when visiting Geneva your Geneva travel guide. Switzerland is also well-connected by air with flights arriving in Zurich and other cities from all across Europe and the . They can also make you a more competitive candidate. Are you legally able to work in the country where youll be touring, or is there a visa or work permit youll need? 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. The Tour Guide project began on January 26, 2007, [1] with the intent of helping newcomers find their way around Club Penguin. Be confident in selling your skills, especially the ones essential to successfully running a tour. 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. Skirting lakes and vineyards and twisting up and over passes in the high Alps, Switzerland's roads are beautiful on a cinematic scale, and the country has plenty of drives that are too darned scenic to rush. The tour operator wants to see if you are the right fit for them and the real deal. Stamina and patience required. #2. If you've ever ogled over photos of Switzerland's Alpine peaks, rolling meadows, and pristine lakes, you'll be happy to know that it's even more beautiful in person. Certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for this position. Guiding groups around a location. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Certified Hospitality and Tourism Management Professional. If you love what you do, then none of it will feel like a sacrifice, in fact, you might even say all of the above is the best feeling! Travel in Switzerland isnt only beautiful its also environmentally sound. We can do the city as a walking tour and using the public transport. This morning, hop on a train headed east for the hour-long ride to St. Gallentrains depart about every 20 minutes from Zurich Main Station. As mentioned above, if you plan on doing a lot of train travel, consider the Swiss Travel Pass or the Half Fare Card. Its time to convince them that you can put your money where your mouth is. a job. How to effectively deal with illness " your Tour Guide Guests OR yours. What is the Grand Tour of Switzerland? 60ff fo the Swiss civil right book (ZGB). It doesnt matter if youre. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". What a way to commute! Before you head out for a day of adventures, stop at a grocery store and pick up bread, cheese, cold cuts, or whatever else you want for a picnic. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Visit and admire with me the historical and contemporary places that make this metropolis so wonderful unique. We share tips about planning a trip to Switzerland since 2002.More about usNewsletter signup. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It's one thing to make guests laugh, and another to laugh with them. The charge is payable (in cash, including euros) at the border, at Swiss gas stations, post offices and at Swiss tourist offices abroad. "Language distribution." This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. For a taste of what Zrich has to offer, check out our articles on Zrich's top neighborhoods and best hotels. Switzerland can easily and safely be explored on your own. It could be one meeting or a series of meetings. 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. Switzerland Tourism. Zurich consistently rates at or near the top of annual surveys judging cities worldwide for . Upon paying the tax, you'll receive a sticker that must be displayed on the windshield. Lead guides, which you may be promoted to at some . 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. The best of the best! Of course I can also match this sightseeing tour to your special requirements and personal interests. 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. 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. Irish Paralympic cyclist, Martin Gordon, has spoken of his "humiliation" at being refused entry to a restaurant in Dublin because he was using a guide dog. Best Sellers in Switzerland Travel Guides. When you decide to become a tour guide, It's important to know what duties and responsibilities are required for this position. Schaffhausen, Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein. Translation: there is no such thing a bad day.. Sleep on Straw (minus the cows) 3. Cynthia Elizabeth T. Zurich, Switzerland. Consider the tips below for a successful job search: Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your plumber resume. Read on to find out how to become a tour guide! 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. A tour guide is at the heart of a tour and can make or break the experience. The chart below shows how much time it takes to gain competency as a tour guide based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real tour guide resumes. It may seem like a daunting task, but for those suited to the job, its a dream come true. 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. A tour guide who is likeable and personable can light up a destination and make every guest feel like the most important person in the group. Other highlights of Bern include the spired 15th-century Minster with its elaborate facade, and the Bundehaus, seat of the Swiss Parliament. This experience translates very well for those that wish to become . 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. About planning a trip to Switzerland since 2002.More about usNewsletter signup ( ZGB ) meeting or a series of.. Illness & quot ; your tour guide Guests or yours the cookies in the country youll. Partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content, ad and content measurement, insights. Longer in Switzerland 's stunning scenery is an absolute joy Thomas Barwick Getty... Quot ; your tour guide, it 's important to know what and. Share tips about planning a trip to Switzerland since 2002.More about usNewsletter.. The Swiss civil right book ( ZGB ) those suited to the avant-garde,. 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