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 or begin acquainting yourself with this enchanting university city nestled in the Neckar River Valley. Meet your fellow travelers at an included dinner this evening. (B in flight, D)

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 wine-tasting excursion featuring Riesling wines. (B)

$65 USD

Riesling Wine Tasting Join a trip to one of Heidelberg’s finest vineyards to sample local white wines pressed from the area’s famous Riesling grapes.

Day 4 - Lucerne

Stop by the Rhine Falls and pass through the Black Forest on today's transfer to Lucerne, where dinner is included. (B, D)

Day 5 - Lucerne

On your guided tour of Lucerne, view the poignant sandstone Löwendenkmal and cross the River Reuss on one of its medieval covered bridges. This afternoon, opt to ascent Mount Pilatus via cable car (seasonal) for panoramic views of the surrounding Alps. (B)

$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.

Day 6 - Innsbruck

Leaving Lucerne, travel through the principality of Liechtenstein before arriving in Innsbruck later. A local guide leads today's tour of Innsbruck, city of the Hapsburg empire and site of two Winter Olympics. (B, D)

Day 7 - Munich

Cross into Bavarian Germany to visit the mountaintop castle of Neuschwanstein, 19th-century retreat of the eccentric young King Ludwig II. Arrive later in Munich. (B, D)

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 the Hofbrauhaus Festhalle, 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. (B)

Day 9 - Salzburg

Journey on to Salzburg today in time for a guided tour in the afternoon. See the Renaissance cathedral, the Franciscan churchyard and many settings from The Sound of Music. Pay tribute to one of Salzburg's most famous citizens during a visit to the Mozart House. (B, D)

Day 10 - Salzburg

Spend a free day in Salzburg or 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 followed by a traditional Austrian dinner. (B)

$139 USD

Berchtesgaden & the Eagle's Nest 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.

$75 USD

Mozart Concert Tonight, experience some of Mozart's most treasured masterpieces during a special concert, followed by dinner in one of Vienna's fine restaurants.

Day 11 - Vienna

En route to the Austrian capital, drive through the scenic Austrian countryside to Melk for a guided tour of the imposing, 11th-century, golden-hued abbey. Then reach Vienna in time for dinner. (B, D).

Day 12 - Vienna

Travel along the elegant streets of the "Ring" on today's guided tour of Vienna. Pass by Vienna's Opera House and the Hofburg, once the hub of imperial power. (B)

Day 13 - Vienna

Spend a free day in Vienna today.  Also offered is an optional full-day excursion to Bratislava for a guided tour of the Slovakian capital. This evening, opt to attend our traditional Heurigen dinner in the traditional Austrian village of Grinzing. (B)

$109 USD

Bratislava Take a guided tour of Slovakia's capital where you'll visit the famous Hall of Mirrors and the Old Town.

$89 USD

Heurigen Evening Drive down Vienna's "Ring," an area of wide boulevards, then continue to the scenic village of Grinzing for a traditional Austrian dinner.

Day 14 - Vienna

Board your flight home or continue to Budapest on our tour extension.

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.

Passport & Visa

This itinerary includes the following countries: Austria, Switzerland, Germany, the principality of Liechtenstein (on transfer), and the Czech Republic (on extension). In order to enter these countries, U.S. citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return to the United States.

No visa is required for U.S. citizens. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Health

There are no major health risks when traveling to “Wine, Waltzes & Oktoberfest.” Be aware of high-altitude conditions in the region. The elevation of Mount Pilatus is 7,000 feet. It is advisable to check with your health-care provider for the latest updates and overseas travel requirements.

Transportation / Walking on tour

Round-trip flights arrive in Frankfurt and depart from Vienna (or Prague on tour extension). Included transportation on “Wine, Waltzes & Oktoberfest” is by private motorcoach. In your free time, you may wish to explore the main cities by public transportation.

Munich’s transportation system (MVV) is top-notch, an all-inclusive combination of trams, buses, U-bahn and S-bahn. Purchase tickets based on time of validity from newspaper stands, vending machines or the drivers. Most of the major attractions lie within the inner-city blue zone.

Vienna has one of Europe’s most efficient transportation systems. You can purchase tickets in singles or in bulk for S-bahn (above ground), U-bahn (underground), tram and bus lines. The waiting time for trains and subways is usually no more than five to 10 minutes.

Clothing & Packing Tips

Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort when exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for sightseeing. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and emergency rainwear are advised. If you plan to visit an especially elegant restaurant or attend the opera or theater, you will probably feel more comfortable with something more formal to wear. Also, remember that it is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Currency

The euro (in Austria and Germany) and the Swiss franc (and the Czech crown on extension) are the currencies you will be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in your destination countries rather than in the United States, although it is worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. We advise that you take credit cards, ATM/bank cards and traveler’s checks, which can be exchanged for cash at local banks, as needed. We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges. Please note: With the conversion to the euro, it has been increasingly difficult to exchange traveler’s checks outside of Europe’s major cities—both at banks and shops—and they often attract higher fees.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Go Ahead Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend $2 per person per day for your driver and $4 to $6 per person per day for your tour director. If applicable, we also recommend $1 per local guide.