Switzerland, behind the scenes

The Velares Journal

Honest city guides, seasonal intel, and practical knowledge for travellers planning Switzerland. From the team on the ground.

Riffelalp Resort 2222m outdoor spa pool with Matterhorn views
Hotels & Stays · Collaborator · 10

Riffelalp Resort 2222m Zermatt: why we recommend it

Matterhorn views, Europe's highest spa, alpine dining and arrival details worth planning well.

Updated August 13, 2026 · 5 min readRead →
AlpineXpress black Mercedes chauffeur car for Swiss airport transfers
Transport · Collaborator · 09

Swiss Alps chauffeur and airport transfers with AlpineXpress

Swiss airport transfers and chauffeur journeys where timing, luggage, weather and mountain arrivals matter.

Updated July 29, 2026 · 3 min readRead →
Initium watchmaking workshop in Le Noirmont
Swiss Craft · Collaborator · 08

Swiss watchmaking workshop at Initium Geneva

Why we recommend Initium for hands-on Swiss watchmaking in Geneva or Le Noirmont.

Updated July 14, 2026 · 3 min readRead →
Franco Cascarano, founder of Velares Switzerland
About Velares · 07

How Velares Switzerland works

Trusted recommendations, one reliable contact and local hospitality intelligence for Switzerland.

Updated June 29, 2026 · 8 min readRead →
Azienda Agricola Bianchi, organic farm in Ticino
Collaborator · Ticino · 06

Azienda Agricola Bianchi Ticino: organic wine and honey

Why we recommend Bianchi for organic wine, honey, beekeeping and vineyard visits in Ticino.

Updated June 14, 2026 · 3 min readRead →
Swiss alpine landscape
Zürich · 05

Zurich travel guide: where to stay, eat and go

Where to stay, where to eat, what to skip, when to visit and how to experience Zurich well.

Updated May 30, 2026 · 4 min readRead →
Lavaux vineyards above Lake Geneva
Food & Drink · 04

Swiss food and drink guide: what to order by region

Lavaux wine, Ticino grottos, Zurich kitchens, Engadine alpine cuisine and Geneva lake food.

Updated May 15, 2026 · 4 min readRead →
Swiss autumn landscape
Quiet Seasons · 03

Best time to visit Switzerland: quiet months

Late May, September and early November, with what to expect by region, weather and travel pace.

Updated April 30, 2026 · 4 min readRead →
Swiss alpine resort
Peak Weeks · 02

Switzerland peak weeks: WEF, Art Basel and ski season

What to book first during WEF Davos, Art Basel, Watches and Wonders, ski high season and Locarno.

Updated April 15, 2026 · 4 min readRead →
Fine dining Switzerland
Dining · 01

Swiss restaurant reservations: hard tables and alternatives

How to approach in-demand Swiss restaurant reservations and choose the right alternative.

Updated March 31, 2026 · 4 min readRead →
Swiss alpine valley
The Switzerland Guide

Switzerland travel guide: regions, seasons and planning

Choose the right region, connect cities and mountains, and avoid overpacked routes.

Updated March 16, 2026 · 4 min readRead →