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. (B in flight, D)
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. (B)
$79
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.
$79
Swiss Folklore Evening
Take part in a long-standing Swiss tradition at a festive dinner and show, featuring local Lucerne delicacies and fondue.
Day 4 - Lucerne
Today is free for you to explore Lucerne, perhaps with a cruise along the lake or a visit to the Picasso Museum. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Schaffhausen, home to Europe's largest waterfalls. (B)
$99
Schaffhausen
Take a half-day excursion to Schaffhausen, one of the most captivating medieval town centers in all of Switzerland.
Day 5 - Lake Annecy Region
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. (B, D)
Day 6 - Lake Annecy Region
Enjoy a free day in Annecy today; or join a full-day optional excursion to Chamonix, site of the first Winter Olympics in 1924. Here, you’ll board Europe’s highest cable car for panoramic views from Mont Blanc. (B)
$89
Chamonix & Mont Blanc
In Chamonix, your tour director shows you a European gem. The site of the first Winter Olympics, in 1924, you'll see the resort town from inside Europe's highest cable car.
Day 7 - Lake Como
Take in magnificent vistas of the French Alps on today’s included boat cruise around Lake Annecy, the same views that inspired Cézanne to paint Le Lac d’Annecy. Then travel through the Mont Blanc tunnel into Italy, arriving later in the scenic Lake Como region. (B, D)
Day 8 - Lake Como
Begin the day with a visit to the 18th-century Villa Carlotta, an ornate estate covering 14 acres that once served as home to a Prussian princess. This evening, you might opt for a tour of the Como region and a special lakeside dinner. (B)
$69
Lake Como Cruise
This evening excursion begins with a scenic cruise of Lake Como then brings you the charming town of Bellagio.
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. (B, D)
Day 10 - Innsbruck
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. (B, D)
Day 11 - Innsbruck
Join your tour director for a walk through Innsbruck. The site of two Winter Olympics, the city was a favorite destination of the Hapsburg dynasty, and you’ll see many relics of their reign—including the town’s enormous ceremonial arch—as you stroll. This afternoon, join an optional excursion to the Bavarian castle of Neuschwanstein. (B)
$69
Neuschwanstein
Head into the mountains of Bavaria on an excursion to Neuschwanstein, retreat of “Mad” King Ludwig. Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle was modeled on this same fairy-tale design
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. (B)
Day 13 - Munich
Stay for our tour extension in Munich or board your flight home. (B)
Extend Your Stay
Add 2 nights,
$439 (Single room: add $170)
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.