Private Trip – Zurich to Basel in Switzerland & Colmar in France

Explore Basel and Colmar on a Custom Private Day Trip from Zurich

This private tour offers a tailored experience to see Basel in Switzerland and Colmar in France in a single day. Priced at $1,492.15 per group (up to 3 people), it provides door-to-door transport, a personal driver-guide, and flexible options to enhance your visit. With an approximate 8-hour duration, this tour is perfect for those seeking an intimate, hassle-free exploration of these two charming cities.

Unlike larger group tours, this option allows you to customize your experience based on your interests, making it ideal for travelers who want personalized attention. The tour includes a private modern vehicle with Wi-Fi, ensuring comfort and connectivity throughout the day. It is most suitable for small groups or couples who prefer a relaxed pace and tailored sightseeing.

With a high praise rating of 5.0 from four reviews, this tour demonstrates consistent quality. Visitors highlight the knowledge and friendliness of the guide, as well as the stunning architecture and historical sights. A notable feature is the opportunity to learn about two countries in one day, with stops that combine cultural richness and scenic beauty.

Key Points

• Private, customizable tour with door-to-door pickup from Zurich hotels.
• Visit Basel’s highlights, including Old Town, Rathaus, and Rhine views.
• Explore Colmar’s colorful half-timbered houses and charming alleys.
• Learn from a personal driver-guide about both Swiss and French regions.
• Includes Wi-Fi on board for convenience; museum tickets are not included.
• Suitable for small groups (up to 3 people) and most travelers.

Starting Your Day in Basel’s Historic Old Town

The tour begins with door-to-door pickup from your Zurich hotel, making transit seamless. The driver-guide provides insights into the regions’ histories and cultures during the drive, which lasts around two hours. Upon arrival in Basel, the focus is on its notable landmarks: the Rathaus (Town Hall) with its colorful façade, the Basel Minster, and the Tinguely Fountain.

A highlight of the Basel visit is a stroll through the Old Town, where the Congress Hall and Elisabethen Church add to the city’s architectural appeal. Visitors are encouraged to view the Rhine River from the Pfalz observation terrace, offering picturesque views of the cityscape and river. The Basler Leckerli biscuit is a local specialty, and visitors can sample this sweet treat without an admission fee.

Scenic Rhine River Views and Basel Museums

While museum tickets are not included, the tour offers recommendations for visiting Basel’s museums if desired. An optional highlight is a cruise on the Rhine, which allows a relaxed way to see Basel’s waterfront and bridges. The guide can assist with suggestions for local museums, making it easy to tailor the experience.

The two-hour stop in Basel combines sightseeing and culture, with plenty of opportunities for photographs and to soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. The tour ensures plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed, making it suitable for those who appreciate a leisurely pace.

Discover Colmar’s Enchanting Old Town

Following Basel, the tour heads into France, specifically to Colmar, a city renowned for its medieval architecture and colorful facades. The pedestrian-friendly historic center allows for a relaxed exploration of tiny alleys and charming squares. The tour includes approximately two hours in Colmar, giving ample time to wander.

One of the main sights is Petite Venise (Little Venice), where half-timbered houses line the canal, creating perfect photo opportunities. Visitors visit the Adolf House, one of the oldest buildings in the city, and the Pfister House, featuring a medieval facade with facade paintings. The colorful streets and quaint houses make Colmar feel like a storybook setting.

Relax in Colmar’s Finest Cafés and Local Charm

Along With sightseeing, the tour allows time for a break in one of Colmar’s finest cafés, offering a chance to enjoy local French pastries or a coffee. This pause adds a touch of leisure to the afternoon, allowing visitors to savor the city’s ambiance and culinary delights.

The walk through Colmar’s old town highlights its 16th-century houses and tiny alleys, emphasizing architecture that has remained largely intact for centuries. The visit to Petite Venise immerses guests in the city’s historic charm, making this part of the tour particularly picturesque and engaging.

Logistics and Practical Details of the Tour

This private tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, ensuring convenience from the start. The modern vehicle is equipped with Wi-Fi, allowing guests to stay connected throughout the day. The driver-guide services deliver personalized commentary, helping you make the most of each stop.

While Rhine River boat rides and museum tickets are not included**, the tour offers recommendations for optional activities. The small group size (up to 3 people) enhances comfort and flexibility, and the 24-hour free cancellation policy provides peace of mind should plans change.

Tour Schedule and Pacing

The 8-hour duration balances sightseeing with leisure, with two hours allocated to Basel and another two hours in Colmar. The drive between the two cities takes roughly two hours, providing comfortable transit without feeling rushed. The itinerary allows enough time to explore independently or with guidance, depending on your preferences.

This tour is ideal for those who want to maximize their day without the constraints of larger group tours, enjoying the flexibility to spend more time in one city or a quick overview of both. It begins with pickup in Zurich and concludes back at your hotel, making the experience seamless from start to finish.

Authentic and Knowledgeable Guides Make a Difference

Review feedback emphasizes the knowledge and friendliness of the driver-guide, with “Paul” highlighted as an example of an extremely accommodating and informative guide. This personal touch enhances the overall experience, especially for visitors who appreciate learning about local sights and history directly from an expert.

The guide’s ability to answer questions and tailor suggestions adds a layer of value that larger, less personalized tours cannot match. This focus on quality interaction makes a significant difference in how memorable the day feels.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This private day trip caters to small groups and couples who prefer an intimate, customized experience. It suits visitors who want to avoid large crowds, enjoy flexible itineraries, and appreciate personalized attention. The tour is perfect for those with a moderate pace, eager to see both Swiss and French culture in one day.

It is also suitable for travelers with limited time in Zurich who want to maximize their sightseeing without sacrificing comfort or flexibility. While museum visits and river cruises are optional and not included, the tour offers plenty of scenic and cultural highlights to fill the day meaningfully.

Final Words on the Basel and Colmar Private Tour

This private tour from Zurich combines luxury, flexibility, and local insights to deliver a memorable experience of Basel and Colmar. The personal driver-guide and customizable itinerary stand out, making it a great choice for those who prefer a tailored approach.

The high reviews, consistent quality, and attention to comfort make this tour a reliable option, especially for small parties. While some attractions require optional additional tickets, the core highlights—historic architecture, scenic views, and charming streets—are accessible and well-organized.

This tour offers a balanced blend of culture and scenic exploration, perfect for those wanting to see two captivating cities in one day with personalized service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, including transit time between Zurich, Basel, and Colmar.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, driver-guide services, a private modern vehicle with Wi-Fi, and door-to-door transport.

Are museum tickets included?
No, museum tickets are not included, but the guide can recommend museums for a visit.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, this is a bespoke private tour, allowing some flexibility to focus on your preferred sights.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who is the tour provider?
The experience is offered by AlpTransfer & AlpExcursion.

Do I need to be able to walk a lot?
The stops involve walking around towns and city centers. The pace is moderate, suitable for most.

How do I book this tour?
It’s advisable to book 55 days in advance to secure your preferred date and ensure availability.