Straddling the northern shore of Lake Geneva, the Swiss Riviera is one of Europe’s most exclusive enclaves. Glamorous hotels, exquisite boutiques and picturesque towns packed with culture and history are flanked by breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps. Stretching from Lausanne to Montreux, it comes as no surprise that this scenic area is home to a long list of celebrities from royalty to the arts.

Scenery to take your breath away

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Simply outstanding at any time of year, the views across Lake Geneva are some of the most spectacular in the world. One of Europe’s largest freshwater lakes, the bright blue waters of Lake Geneva glisten against a dramatic backdrop of snowy Alpine peaks. Terraced vineyards and charming belle epoque towns line the hillsides. Whether you take to the waters for a cruise or stroll the waterfront paths, the Swiss Riviera is a must-visit destination for any discerning traveler.

For travel inspiration: Switzerland destination guide

High end shopping and exceptional cuisine

World renowned for its high-end shopping experience, the boutiques of the Swiss Riviera are not just stores; they are an experience in themselves. Nestled seamlessly into historic cities, the architecture is exquisite with interior design nothing short of perfection. And foodies will be delighted by the Swiss Riviera’s gourmet offerings, which range from classic Swiss cuisine to exotic international dishes. The region is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants, including Anne-Sophie Pic’s eponymous restaurant in Lausanne, which boasts three Michelin stars and is considered one of the best restaurants in the world.

Lausanne

Climbing up the hillside from the shores of Lake Geneva, the city of Lausanne exudes charm and sophistication. As you wander through its picturesque streets, you’ll discover a wealth of cultural and historical treasures, including its stunning Gothic cathedral and world-class museums.

From Hermes scarves to Luis Vuitton bags, Lausanne’s charming Old Town holds within it a mini-shopping paradise. Designer brands and exclusive boutiques can be found among its narrow, cobbled streets, along with historic buildings and cozy cafés. And for a taste of local culture, be sure to visit the bustling open-air market at Place de la Palud, where you can sample fresh produce, artisanal cheeses and other local delicacies.

One of the must-visit attractions in Lausanne is the Olympic Museum, a sleek, modern building that pays homage to the city’s status as the Olympic capital, with an impressive collection of Olympic artifacts and exhibits.

Related article: Dine, Sleep, Do: How to spend a chic 24 hours in St. Moritz

Explore the ancient vineyards of Lavaux

Though less well known than their French and Italian neighbors, the vineyards of the Swiss Riviera produce some of the finest wines in the world. Considered one of Switzerland’s hidden treasures, the exclusivity factor of these vineyards lies in their limited production.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the picturesque Lavaux vineyards lie between Lausanne and Montreux. The culture of vines and wine has been rooted in the Lavaux lands for a thousand years and these ancient terraces have a long and beautiful history. Here you can find Domaine du Daley, the oldest commercial entity in Switzerland whose original cellars were built in 1392.

For wine enthusiasts, a visit to the vineyards of Lavaux is a must, with a range of notable wineries that offer tastings and tours. Among the most famous are the Domaine De La Crasusaz and Terres de Lavaux. Another winery of note is the Domaine Dizerens which produces a range of fine wines using traditional land cultivation methods.

Related article: What to look for in a top-quality Pinot Noir, by wine expert Courtney Kingston

Montreux and Chillon Castle

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Famous for its annual jazz festival and its elegant lakefront promenade lined with palm trees, Montreux is a standout location of the Swiss Riviera. A playground of the rich and famous, the city boasts an elegant atmosphere, exquisite restaurants and a breathtaking mountain backdrop.

The town’s historic Château de Chillon dates back to the 12th century and is one of the most visited landmarks in Switzerland. This fairy-take castle juts dramatically out onto the lake and offers a real insight into the workings of the castle. Visitors can tour the castle’s well-preserved chambers and learn about its fascinating history. From the chateau through Montreux runs the waterfront Quai de Fleurs, one of the most beautiful walks in Europe.

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For those looking to indulge in high-end shopping, Montreux offers a range of exclusive boutiques and designer stores. The town’s Rue du Marché is home to a variety of luxury brands, including Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton. Montreux is also home to many beautiful parks and gardens, including the famous Château de Chillon Gardens, which offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the town.

Discover this on: Majestic Switzerland

 Read more: Majestic Switzerland through the lens of a Travel Concierge

Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or culinary delights, the Swiss Riviera is sure to exceed your expectations. To find out more about our limited-edition luxury tours to Switzerland and beyond, take a look at our exclusive worldwide collection.

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Every year the The United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network publishes the annual World Happiness Report. The report ranks every country in the world based on life satisfaction and how happy it perceives itself to be. Other factors such as income, life expectancy, freedoms, and trust in the government are also considered. 

Finland took the top spot as the world’s happiest country in 2022, making it the fifth year running it has held the title. Other Scandinavian and European countries dominate the top ten rankings year after year, including Denmark, Iceland, and Switzerland. But what is it about the way these countries operate that sees them topping the happiness charts? 

Read more: The World’s Friendliest Cities

Finland: finding light in the darkness 

For many of us, plenty of sunshine and warm weather keeps our happiness meters topped up. In Finland, sunshine is in short supply. Summers are bright, but they’re also short and not always very warm, given the country’s northerly latitude. What’s more, its winters are exceptionally long, cold and dark. In fact, Finland sees around 200 days out of the calendar when it’s blanketed in snow. So, when it comes to keeping its citizens happy, it’s unlikely to be the weather. What else is going on? 

The power of pulling together

A communal belief in the same idealogical concepts is key to Finland’s status as the world’s happiest country. One of these concepts is sisu. It’s all about inner strength and grit, and persevering in the face of adversity. Instead of waiting for the perfect day, Finns make the effort seize the present moment, even if it’s ice cold outside. They also live by the concept of talkoo, which means to work together for the benefit of everyone. It’s all about cooperating and lifting everyone up equally. 

A wealth of natural resources

Research has found that spending just 30 minutes in nature reduces depression and high blood pressure. And the Finns’ are living proof that exposure to nature makes us happier. Finland has the highest proportion of forested land area in Europe – covering 75% of the country. What’s more, the public has a legal right, known as “Everyman’s Right” to wander in natural areas like forests, rivers, meadows and lakes. You don’t have to get permission from landowners, as long as don’t damage or disturb the area. Whether you want to forage for wild berries, kayak down a river, or camp in a lush field, you’re free to enjoy life all over the country. This unrestricted access to nature is a principal reason Finland is ranked as the world’s happiest country. 

The luxury of time  

Above all, Finland may be the world’s happiest country thanks to their high quality standard of living and strong social policies, such as universal healthcare, affordable childcare, free education, plenty of paid vacation time, and a strong sense of civic responsibility and trust in community and government. It’s not surprising to see that a support network, paid holidays, a comfortable lifestyle, and strong community values leads to happiness. Finland teaches us that having ample time to spend how you wish – whether with friends and family or pursuing meaningful pastimes – is the most valuable luxury on earth. 

Read more: Christmas on the tracks: 7 of the world’s most beautiful, festive train journeys

The other runners up

Denmark

Denmark was ranked the second-happiest country in the world in the 2022 World Happiness Report. Similar to Finland, the Danes have created a society that lends itself to contentment and life satisfaction. With strong public policies such as extensive social welfare and world-class and free healthcare and education. Citizens also enjoy a healthy work-life balance, a high sense of autonomy and freedom, income equality and low corruption. It’s clear that socioeconomic factors play a huge part in the happiness of a country’s population. 

The Danish concept of hygge has also taken the world by storm when it comes to finding the secret to happiness. Hygge has no English translation, but it generally means taking time out to enjoy the small things that give you that warm feeling of contentment. It can be hyggeligt to enjoy a warm cup of coffee or snuggle up with a good book or TV show. It can also be hyggeligt to play games with your friends by the fire or take a stroll through nature. In essence, the Danish secret to happiness is enjoying the little luxuries in life with the people you love.

Read more: Alternative dining and CO2 absorbing aprons: welcome to Fotografiska

Iceland

In 2022, Iceland ranked third on the World Happiness Report. The reason may lie in the social cohesion of the country. With a population of 350,000, Iceland is small – but very connected. Icelanders report low levels of loneliness, a stark contrast to many countries struggling with a loneliness epidemic. The majority of the population lives within an hour of the capital Reykjavik so they’re never far away from friends and family. The sense of community extends to immigrants as well, with foreigners reporting the same levels of happiness as people born in Iceland.

While the harsh climate may seem unconducive to happiness, it’s a building block for contentment in Iceland. To survive in such an extreme landscape, Icelanders had to rely on each other, forging a resilience and sense of duty for others that is maintained to this day.

Iceland is also a peace-loving nation, having never formed an army. There is a great sense of trust in society and high autonomy and freedom. Children can roam freely and safely without supervision and citizens enjoy world-class education, healthcare, and progressive social policies.

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Iceland since 2010 and the country has the world’s smallest gender pay gap as it’s illegal to pay women less than men for the same job. Men have the same right to parental leave as women, meaning families are free to choose how they share childcare and working responsibilities.

Overall, Icelandic people are more tolerant and open-minded when it comes to forging different paths in life, making for a very happy environment. 

Read more: Top 5 Sustainable Cities Around the World

Experts in your destination and there to tailor your journey, your Luxury Gold Travel Concierge offers the ultimate service. More than a guide they offer a flawless personal service, tailored to you. To learn how Ultimate Italy is made even more ultimate, we spoke with Travel Concierge Anna to find out more about how she personalizes your tour.

Discover our Italy Luxury Tours and Vacation Packages

Meet Travel Concierge Anna

A specialist in Italy for over 15 years, Travel Concierge Anna knows this beautiful country inside-out. And, a key skill of a Luxury Gold Travel Concierge, she also knows people. “Tailoring the perfect Italy tour comes from our destination experience and understanding our guests. It is also about getting to know people quickly and identifying their wishes and desires.”

Through a combination of conversation and intuition, Anna gets to know guests’ needs right from the start. “I will spend time with them on the first night. As it is always a small group, it’s quite easy to get to know guests fairly quickly and offer a personal one-to-one service. I’ll ask if you have particular things that you’re interested in and would like do.”

But the personalization process doesn’t stop there. Throughout the tour Anna will continue to intuit guest’s likes and dislikes, tailoring the experience as she goes.

“As the trip goes on you learn more and more about people,” she says. “So, we also adapt to guests’ needs as we go. Through my expert knowledge of Italy, I have plenty great ideas up my sleeve to tailor your experience.”

Discover this on Ultimate Italy

Exceptional dining for every palate

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Exceptional dining is at the heart of every Luxury Gold journey, with some truly exquisite restaurants featured on our sublime Ultimate Italy tour. There are also opportunities for guests to choose how and where they dine. In a gastronomic haven such as Italy, Travel Concierge Anna’s local knowledge and expertise enables guests to tailor their culinary experience.

“In Capri, we dine at Michelin starred restaurant Mamma, where the food is exquisite and the views are jaw-dropping,” Anna tells us. “You approach through little narrow back alleys, through a tiny little door which then opens up to a panoramic view over the Mediterranean out towards Naples. It is an amazing dining experience.”

Related content: 7 Luxury Gold hotels that have hosted royals, celebrities and more

“When guest have a free evening, for example in Perugia or Florence, I will help choose where to dine. In each location I’ve hand-selected restaurants that serve delicious fare and are located near the hotel. Each areslightly different, for example one may be fine dining, one may be very atmospheric and local. Another might simply serve outstanding pizzas, we are in Italy of course!” she says with a smile.

“When it comes to gastronomy, every region is totally different. This is something I love to share with guests. Southern Italy is all about seafood and the views. When in Rome it’s all about finding that little backstreet trattoria that has traditional dishes served by Mom and Pop. And in Tuscany, Florentine steak takes pride of place on the menu.

“You may also have particular restaurants that you’ve heard of and wish to visit, in which case I will help with reservations where possible. It becomes apparent very quickly when guests are really into food so I love to help them out on that journey with all that Italy has to offer.”

Related content: Where to Find the Most Rare & Expensive Food in the World

Pick between exclusive experiences

With many exclusive experiences included on Luxury Gold tours, there are also times where guests can personalize their day, through a choice of two different experiences.

Carefully selected by your Travel Concierge, these thoughtful choices are curated with the Luxury Gold guest in mind. “The thing is with Italy, it has so much to offer,” Anna says. “It has art, history, architecture, beaches, mountains and vineyards. And of course, it has fabulous food and wine. It’s an incredible place.

“In the stunning hilltop town of Assisi in the heart of Umbria, knowing that art and culture appeal to our guests, we extend this offering with the opportunity to visit Saint Francis Basilica, to see stunning frescos dating back around 800 years.

“However, we also understand that guests might want something different, so they may prefer to join a local gourmand to taste delicious Umbrian specialities. That might be mushroom or truffle paste on crostini, interesting varieties of salamis or maybe the famous Umbrian pork, along with delicious olive oils.”

Elevating the everyday

“I’m always considering any opportunities to tailor a guest’s experience,” Anna explains. “I can show secret treasures that you might not otherwise find. If I know that someone is really into art, as we are walking through the streets of Rome I might quietly say ‘let’s just pop into this church because I happen to know there’s a Caravaggio in here.’ This is what happens when you are well experienced and know these hidden gems.”

Related content: The Luxury Gold guide to discovering statement art pieces on your travels

Special moments made exceptional

Wherever possible Anna assists with special requests, to make your journey extra special. “Sometimes guests are keen to trace their family history,” she says. “Guests from the United States often have family connections in Italy. If we are staying very close to where their family originates, I might help them make a visit. This can be a very emotional experience for everyone.”

“We also have guests celebrating big anniversaries, in which case I will help them make it extra special, to find a superb restaurant or location for a truly memorable occasion. There are lots of suggestions that we can make for special moments.”

Related content: 7 ways Luxury Gold makes your travel experience completely stress free

The best of both worlds

“Whilst guests want their service to be personalized, they also love being in a group, to have fun and share experiences together,” says Anna. “This is the great joy of taking these tours, meeting people and making new friends. But for our guests, knowing that they can also tailor their experience is the best of both worlds.”

To enjoy the wealth of treasures the Italy has to offer, and benefit from the personal service of your Travel Concierge, take a look at our Ultimate Italy limited edition luxury .tour