Oktoberfest & Central Europe

14 Days from $3,524 USD

On this 14-day tour that highlights some of Europe's most romantic cities and regions, you'll be captivated by Germany's medieval architecture and art. But the best part of your trip will be to take part in world famous traditions at Oktoberfest in Munich.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Heidelberg Region

Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled overnight flight to Frankfurt aboard an internationally recognized airline.

Day 2 - Heidelberg Region

A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport in Frankfurt after you clear customs and then assists you with the transfer to your hotel in the Heidelberg region. The rest of the day is free to relax. Meet your fellow travelers at an included dinner this evening.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner

Day 3 - Heidelberg Region

On your guided tour of Heidelberg, view the Renaissance grandeur of the city’s rose-colored, hilltop castle. Returning to the town center, see the grounds of the oldest university in Germany, dating back to 1386, and the elegant market square. With free time this afternoon, enjoy a stroll along the River Neckar or join an optional Riesling Winetasting and Dinner where you’ll sample 6 of the regions wines and enjoy a 3-course homemade meal.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Heidelberg Castle

Riesling Wine Tasting $65 USD

Riesling Wine Tasting

Join a trip to one of Heidelberg’s finest vineyards to sample six varieties of local white wines pressed from the area’s famous Riesling grapes. A dinner of local specialties will also be served.

Day 4 - Lucerne

Journey to the thundering Rhine Falls and through the Black Forest, the darkly mysterious setting for many of the Grimm brothers’ fairy tales. Cross later into Switzerland to arrive in Lucerne. Dinner is included this evening.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 5 - Lucerne

A professional local guide acquaints you with the Alpine town. Stroll down narrow streets and across the Kapellbrücke, a covered bridge whose history dates back to medieval days. The murals lining its walls are nearly identical to those painted in the 14th century. Be on the lookout for the colorful hand painted façades along the cobbled streets of the Old Town. You’ll also view the captivating Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument), a sandstone statue commemorating the Swiss Guards slain in the 1792 Paris storming of the Tuileries. This afternoon, join an optional excursion up nearby Mount Pilatus (seasonal) via cable car for gorgeous views of the surrounding Alps.
Included meals: breakfast

Mount Pilatus $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.

Day 6 - Innsbruck

Leaving Lucerne, travel into Liechtenstein, a tiny Alpine principality dating back to the Holy Roman Empire. Pass the royal family’s hilltop castle, still in use as a royal residence, as you visit Liechtenstein’s capital, Vaduz. Next, return to Austria, arriving later in the day in Innsbruck. Site of two winter Olympics and capital of the Austrian Tyrol, Innsbruck is a mix of centuries-old royal splendor and modern allure. On a guided tour, you’ll see the Golden Roof with its 2,657 gold shingles and the Triumphbogen, built during the imperial Hapsburg reign to commemorate a royal marriage. Dinner is included tonight.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 7 - Munich

Departing Innsbruck this morning, return to Germany. You’ll journey through the mountains of Bavaria to Neuschwanstein, retreat of “Mad” King Ludwig. View the castle’s turrets and towers as you approach along winding roads. Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle was modeled on this same fairytale design. As you tour the castle, you’ll see many examples of the young king’s eclectic tastes. Within its chambers are a stalactite grotto, artifacts of all kinds, and murals depicting his favorite scenes from Wagnerian operas. Arrive in Munich this afternoon for a guided tour of the city. A local guide introduces you to the landmarks of the cosmopolitan Bavarian capital. Follow the stately Ludwigstrasse, designed in Italian style and home to the famed University and National Academy. Pass through the district of Schwabing, a favorite of students and artists, and on to the Olympic complex. Admire the summer palace of the Bavarian kings of Nymphenburg and stop in the colorful Marienplatz at the heart of the city to see the famous Glockenspiel. Enjoy an included dinner this evening.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: Neuschwanstein, Nymphenburg Palace

Day 8 - Munich

Join thousands of people from all over the world as you help celebrate Munich’s Oktoberfest. Today, you’ll have special admission to one of the city’s most famous, largest and most diverse beer halls with a seating capacity of nearly 7,000 inside and more than 3,000 outside. The tent also serves true Bavarian delicacies (not included) throughout the day to complement your drink.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Oktoberfest Tent

Day 9 - Salzburg

Leaving Munich this morning, cross into Austria and continue to the charming city of Salzburg. An included sightseeing tour takes you to Salzburg’s Renaissance cathedral and through the lovely churchyard of the Franciscans. You’ll see several sights familiar from The Sound of Music. Then stop in Getreidegasse for a tour of the Mozart House and a walk through the Mirabell Gardens. Dinner is included this evening.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: Mozart House

Day 10 - Salzburg

Discover more of Salzburg on your own today. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to the mountain village of Berchtesgaden, where you’ll also visit Eagle’s Nest, a mountaintop lodge used by the Nazis during World War II. This evening, enjoy an optional Mozart Concert and a traditional Austrian meal.
Included meals: breakfast

Eagle’s Nest & Berchtesgaden $139 USD

Eagle’s Nest & Berchtesgaden

Explore the Bavarian Alps where you'll visit the 450-year old salt mines and the Eagle's Nest, which served as a lookout point for World War II troops.

Please note: The elevation of the Eagle’s Nest is approximately 4,500 feet, which might not be advisable for travelers with heart/lung problems or other altitude-related problems. This optional is seasonal from mid May to mid October.

Mozart Concert & Dinner $109 USD

Mozart Concert & Dinner

As one of the greatest musical masters of the 18th century, Mozart composed over 600 works in his short life. Tonight, listen to Mozart’s intricately composed music and most treasured masterpieces during a special concert between your delicious dinner courses.

Day 11 - Vienna

On your way to the Austrian capital, stop first in Melk, where you will have a guided tour of the town’s beautiful Baroque monastery, an architectural wonder perched high atop a cliff. Then continue your drive through the scenic Austrian countryside to Vienna, the city of the waltz. After hotel check-in, spend the rest of the day exploring Vienna on your own. This is the city that perfected café society. Stop in one of Vienna’s many coffeehouses for a taste of Viennese coffee and chocolate.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Melk Monastery

Day 12 - Vienna

Included this morning is a comprehensive tour of Vienna, led by a professional local guide. Highlights include the Opera House, the majestic monuments of the Ringstrasse and the Hofburg, once the hub of Imperial power. Your afternoon is free for a stroll through the Stadtpark or a horse drawn carriage ride to St. Stephan’s Cathedral. This evening, opt to attend our Traditional Viennese Heurigen Evening. At this optional evening event, you’ll take a ride on the Prater Ferris Wheel and dine at a local restaurant where you’ll enjoy wine made by the people serving dinner.
Included meals: breakfast

Traditional Viennese Heurigen Evening $99 USD

Traditional Viennese Heurigen Evening

Take a ride on Vienna’s Giant Ferris Wheel, which offers a one-of-a-kind view of the city. Then enjoy a scenic drive to the picturesque village of Grinzing. At dinner in Grizing, savor a traditional Austrian “Heurigen” cuisine in a cozy Old World setting, along with wine served by the very people who made it.

Day 13 - Vienna

Spend the day at your leisure. You might wish to take a stroll through Vienna’s pedestrian zone, stopping at the Hotel Sacher for a taste of its world-famous Sachertorte, or view the elegant Lipizzaner horses in the Spanish Riding School. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Brasislava. This evening, enjoy an included Farewell Dinner with your group.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Bratislava $89 USD

Bratislava

Walk through Bratislava’s Old Town on a guided tour of the Slovakian capital. Stroll along cobblestone streets in the shadow of Brastislavsky Hrad, the hilltop 18th-century castle overlooking Old Town. Then tour the famous Hall of Mirrors inside the pink baroque Primates’ Palace, where Napoleon and the Austrian emperor signed the Pressburg peace treaty.

Please note: Depending on the day of the week, you may visit St. Martins Coordination Church instead.

Day 14 - Vienna

Continue on our tour extension to Budapest. Otherwise, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport for your return flight home.
Included meals: breakfast

Extend Your Stay

Budapest
Add 2 nights in Budapest for only $349 USD (Single room: add $90 USD)

Truly a tale of two cities, Budapest, often called the Queen of the Danube, is made up of two cities, Buda and Pest, separated by the river Danube. Here you'll discover a peaceful yet bustling metropolis, offering plenty of shopping, as well as specialty Hungarian foods and wines.

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