On this 13-day tour, admire the highlights of five Alpine countries, including Switzerland’s wonderful traditions and picturesque views.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Lucerne
Travel to Switzerland aboard an overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2 - Lucerne
Touch down in Zürich, where a Go Ahead representative accompanies you on the transfer to Lucerne. After hotel check-in, the rest of your day is free until this evening’s included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner
Day 3 - Lucerne
A local guide leads a tour of the lakeside city of Lucerne. View the Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument), a sandstone carving that pays tribute to fallen Swiss Guards; and stroll across the Kapellbrücke, a covered bridge whose history dates back to medieval days—the murals lining the ceiling are nearly identical to those painted in the 14th century. Following your tour, opt for a cog railway ride up Mount Pilatus. This evening, partake of a savory Swiss tradition at our optional Swiss Folklore Dinner, featuring local specialties such as fondue and live entertainment.
Included meals: breakfast
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$89 USD |
Mount Pilatus
This scenic excursion begins with a cruise along Lake Lucerne aboard an authentic steamer. Then ascend the 7,000-foot summit of Mount Pilatus, on the world’s steepest cog-wheel railway, where the views of the Alps are stunning. Please note: The cruise and cog railway only run from mid-May through October. During the winter months, the excursion includes the gondola ride only.
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$79 USD |
Swiss Folklore Evening
Take part in a long-standing Swiss tradition at a festive dinner and show, featuring local Lucerne delicacies and fondue. Learn more about Swiss music and dance during the evening’s live entertainment.
Please note: This optional is seasonal from April to October.
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Day 4 - Lucerne
Spend a free day strolling alongside Lake Lucerne or visiting the city’s many interesting museums, including the Picasso Museum. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Mt. Titlis and Engelberg.
Included meals: breakfast
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Call for price |
Mount Titlis & Engelberg
Visit one of the most famous mountains in Switzerland during today’s excursion to Engelberg. To truly experience the snow and ice on top of Mount Titlis, you’ll board the chair lift, The Ice Flyer, that will take you to the summit. Afterwards, explore Engelberg, one of the more famous and well known ski resort towns in Switzerland.
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Day 5 - Bern & Geneva
Your first stop today is Bern, Switzerland’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then stop in Geneva, international center of diplomacy. Here you’ll see the United Nations buildings and the shores of Lac Léman. Cross into France, arriving later today in the lovely town of Annecy, noted for its cobblestone streets and scenic canal.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 6 - Lake Annecy Region
Begin the day with a boat cruise (seasonal; some groups may have a walking tour) around Lake Annecy, featuring panoramic views of the Alps as well as a close-up look at the villas and flowering banks that circle the lake. You’ll tour the town, from the Château to the Palais de l’Ile, a tiny idyllic 12th-century fort, before enjoying lunch.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Lake Annecy cruise (seasonal)
Day 7 - Chamonix
Transfer to Chamonix, home of the 1924 Winter Olympics. Here, you’ll spend free time exploring this summer mecca for alpine mountaineers. You can also join an optional excursion to Mont Blanc, featuring a ride on Europe’s highest cable car for gorgeous vistas (weather permitting) and enjoy lunch at the mountain's summit. Next, travel through the Mont Blanc tunnel—Europe’s longest such passageway—into Italy. Arrive in the Lake Como region.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
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$115 USD |
Mont Blanc
Board Europe's highest cable car and ascend the mountain for glorious panoramic views.
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Day 8 - Lake Como
Begin the day with a visit to Villa Carlotta (seasonal; During the off-season, a funicular ride to Brunate may be offered instead). This elegant 18th-century Italian estate stands amid 14 acres of gardens, whose 500 plant species include azaleas, orchids, camelias, eucalyptus and banana trees. Continue to the town of Como and join your Tour Director for an informal tour. You’ll pass by the 15th-century Gothic Duomo, the medieval quarter, and the 12th-century gate called Porta Vittoria. Later, you might choose to join an optional Lake Como cruise and meal.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Villa Carlotta
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$75 USD |
Lake Como Cruise
This excursion begins with a scenic cruise of Lake Como. Here you’ll see some of Italy’s most genteel estates set amid splendid gardens with flowering paths. This unforgettable cruise up the lake takes you past charming lake towns to visit lovely Bellagio.
Please note: Departure time for this excursion depends on the season and is offered March through October.
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Day 9 - St. Moritz
Return to Switzerland on today’s transfer to St. Moritz, a chic retreat for the rich and famous, including Sir Alfred Hitchcock, who set his 1934 British version of The Man Who Knew Too Much here. On a walk through town led by your tour director, behold the dramatic Engadin Valley, and see St. Moritz’s leaning tower, once part of a 13th-century church.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 10 - Liechtenstein
Travel through the principality of Liechtenstein, known for its production of wine and postage stamps. Pass the Royal Palace in the capital, Vaduz. Then continue into Austria, arriving by evening in Innsbruck.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 11 - Innsbruck
Enjoy a free morning in Innsbruck. The streets of Innsbruck are dotted with gems of Baroque architecture, including the pink stuccoed Helblinghaus and the Hofburg. Save some time for browsing, pastry-sampling or a climb up to the Olympic ski jump. This afternoon, join an optional excursion to the Bavarian castle of Neuschwanstein and the historic village of Oberammergau.
Included meals: breakfast
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$75 USD |
Neuschwanstein & Oberammergau
One of the most recognizable castles in the world, Neuschwanstein is a spectacular sight to behold. As you tour the castle’s interior, you’ll see many examples of the young "Mad" King Ludwig's eclectic tastes. Please note: Due to the 2010 Passion Play in Oberammergau between May and September, this excursion will visit Wieskirche instead.
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Day 12 - Munich
Transfer to Munich, one of Germany's cultural centers. After your arrival, enjoy an expertly guided sightseeing tour of the city, including the Residenz, Olympic Village, Nyphemburg Palace and Marienplatz.
Included meals: breakfast
Day 13 - Munich
If you are not continuing on our tour extension in Munich, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport for your return flight home.
Included meals: breakfast
(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast may not be provided.)
Extend Your Stay
Add 2 nights in Munich for only $439 USD (Single room: add $170 USD)
Munich is the world capital of beer and beer culture. Bavaria's capital and one of Germany's biggest cities, Munich has more than its share of great museums, architectural treasures, historic sites, and world-class shops, restaurants, and hotels. The same could be said of its abundance of lederhosen and oompah bands. But it's the overall feeling of Gemütlichkeit, or conviviality, that makes the city so special. Tourists flock to Munich year-round, but festival dates—especially Fasching, or Carnival, in the winter, and Oktoberfest in the fall—draw the most.