On this 13-day tour, admire the highlights of five Alpine countries, including Switzerland’s wonderful traditions and picturesque views.
Please note: 2009 itinerary varies slightly. Please call for details.
Trip costs include:
- Round-trip air transportation with a major airline, airport transfers and escorts
- The services of a multilingual Go Ahead Tour Director
- A licensed local city guide in Lucerne and Munich
- 11 nights accommodation in comfortable, well-located hotels with twin beds and private bath or shower
- All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling and local
- Buffet breakfast (B) daily; 5 three-course dinners (D)
- Private deluxe motorcoach
- Guided sightseeing and entrance fees to select sights as described
- Go Ahead travel bag and membership in our World Traveler Club, which includes credit toward your next tour
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)
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$79 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.
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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.
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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 Zurich, including a guided walking tour. (B)
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$69 USD |
Zurich
Nestled on the banks of Lake Zurich, with the Swiss Alps rising behind, Zurich is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Enjoy a guided tour through the city's Old Town.
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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
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. (B, L)
Day 7 - Lake Como
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. (B, D)
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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 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)
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$75 USD |
Lake Como Cruise
*A Go Ahead Favorite excursion!*
This evening excursion begins with a scenic cruise of Lake Como then brings you the charming town of Bellagio.
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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. (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)
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$69 USD |
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
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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. (B)
Day 13 - Munich
Stay for our tour extension in Munich or board your flight home. (B)
Please note: 2009 itinerary varies slightly. Please call for details.
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.
Protect your investment with affordable travel protection
Basic Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
Protect yourself in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Or choose one of the comprehensive packages below, and receive a discounted rate!
TravelSafe Plus — For one low price, you’ll receive:
- Trip cancellation & interruption protection
- Medical & accident protection
- Baggage & property protection
TravelSafe Gold with Flight Cancellation Protection
Take advantage of the best possible deal for your investment dollar. For $60 USD more, you’ll get all of the above plus additional coverage (up to $1,000 USD) if the flight to your tour is cancelled due to reasons beyond your control.
Purchase your travel protection package early and receive an added benefit!
Purchase one of the above TravelSafe packages within 14 days of reserving your tour, and you’ll automatically receive AnyTime Travel Protection at no additional charge. This means you can cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to the departure of your initial flight and still protect your investment. You will be provided with a credit voucher towards your next Go Ahead tour.
What’s unique about these protection plans?
- Most primary travel protection companies don’t cover international travel.
- Under the AnyTime Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and your investment is protected in the form of a credit voucher.
- Efekta travel protection covers lost or stolen cash while on tour.
- Efekta travel protection covers the cost towards replacement of valuable documents—such as passports, airline tickets and visas while on tour.
- In the event that your roommate cancels for a reason covered under the policy, you will be reimbursed for the single supplement fee, should you still choose to travel.
- The following policies are also available to be purchased separately:
- Medical & Accident: $70 USD
- Baggage & Property: $60 USD
Extended Protection Plan
The Extended Protection Plan allows you to purchase extended coverage for any travel you do before or after meeting up with your Go Ahead Tours tour group (with flights arranged by Go Ahead Tours).
For more detailed descriptions of the benefits available under Efekta Insurance International LTD's Travel Protection Plans please call 1-800-597-0350 or download a PDF copy of the Efekta Travel Protection booklet here.