Germany, Switzerland & Austria 14 days
About This Experience
Experience rich culture, impressive architecture and culinary delights against a backdrop of soaring alpine peaks. These three countries share a language and a border, but their appeals are varied. In each destination, you’ll discover delightfully distinct styles and substance, from the gothic spires of Heidelberg to the Art Nouveau elegance of Vienna. Swiss mountains and Bavarian forest, German beer and Austrian wine—this tantalizing trio has something for everyone.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
12 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 6 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Private deluxe motor coach
Multilingual Tour Director
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Towering castles in Heidelberg & Neuschwanstein
Lakeside villages & serene alpine peaks
The meeting of old & new in Innsbruck
Wheat beer & white sausages in Munich
Salzburg’s musical legacy, from Mozart to Maria
Vienna’s Art Nouveau architecture
Overnight Flight1 night
Heidelberg Region2 nights - hotel info
Day2
Step back in time to renaissance Heidelberg
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
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.
Day3
Explore the red-roofed university town once home to Goethe
Breakfast
Heidelberg Castle
Travel into Heidelberg for a guided tour. 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 tour of Schwetzingen Castle and its 172 acres of gardens, which uniquely combine French formal and English landscape gardening styles.
Optional Excursions
Castle & Gardens of Schweztingen $39* pp
Travel to Schwetzingen Castle and its internationally acclaimed gardens. A castle guide will lead you through the greenery. Spanning 178 acres, the spacious and ornate gardens welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and feature a unique combination of French and English landscaping styles. As you embark on your guided exploration of the castle, be sure to take in the sights of the exquisitely maintained compound. Before leaving, enjoy some free time for souvenir shopping.
Lucerne2 nights - hotel info
Day4
Day5
Wander the cobblestone streets of lovely Lucerne
Breakfast
A professional local guide acquaints you with this 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 via cable car for gorgeous views of the surrounding Alps.
Optional Excursions
Mount Pilatus $99* pp
This scenic excursion begins with a cruise on Lake Lucerne. After docking, ascend 7,000-foot Mount Pilatus on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. Legend holds that the mountain was named for Pontius Pilate, blown here by the devil after the Crucifixion. From the peak, the views of the Alps are stunning; on a clear day, you can see for 200 miles. Toward the end of your trip, you’ll return to the base of the mountain via gondola. Please note: The cruise and cogwheel railway only run from mid-May through October. During the winter months, this excursion includes the cable car ride only. If the cogwheel railway is unavailable, you'll enjoy lunch on the mountain.
Innsbruck1 night - hotel info
Day6
Take a jaunt through tiny Liechtenstein and explore age-old Innsbruck
Breakfast, Dinner
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. The 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.
Munich2 nights - hotel info
Day7
Head to the historic retreat of “Mad” King Ludwig
Breakfast, Dinner
Neuschwanstein
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 fairy-tale 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 in time for an included dinner.
Day8
Drop into Munich for grand palaces and world-class beer
Breakfast
Nymphenburg Palace
On this morning’s tour, a local guide introduces you to the landmarks of this 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. This afternoon, consider joining an optional excursion to the former concentration camp of Dachau, now a memorial museum.
Optional Excursions
Dachau $25* pp
Once a typical German town, Dachau served as the first Nazi concentration camp during World War II. Visit this somber site, which has since been transformed into a Holocaust memorial museum that serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit. An audio guide will provide the narrative for your viewing of Dachau's poignant exhibits, which are echoed by the memorials to the victims that adorn the grounds.
Salzburg2 nights - hotel info
Day9
Uncover Salzburg’s magnificent churches and musical history
Breakfast, Dinner
Mozart House
Leaving Munich this morning, cross the border 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, as well as the abbey where the real-life Maria von Trapp took her vows. Then stop in Getreidegasse for a tour of the Mozart House and a walk through the Mirabell Gardens. Dinner is included this evening.
Day10
Surround yourself with the sounds of Mozart or scenes of snowy peaks
Breakfast
Discover more of Salzburg on your own today. Alternatively, join our optional Eagle’s Nest & Salt Mines excursion for a look at the mines that brought Salzburg to prominence and a nearby mountaintop retreat built as a birthday present for Adolf Hiter. This evening, enjoy our optional Mozart Concert & Dinner excursion.
Optional Excursions
Eagle's Nest & Salt Mines $105* pp
Drive through the Bavarian Alps to the mountain village of Berchtesgaden, where you'll tour the 450-year-old salt mines that brought wealth to Bavaria and Salzburg. Continue to Obersalzberg, where a scenic bus ride along steep gorges offers gorgeous views of the snow-capped Alps. Here, you’ll visit the Eagle’s Nest, built as an Alpine retreat for Adolf Hitler's 50th birthday. Please note: The elevation of the Eagle’s Nest is approximately 4,500 feet, which may not be advisable for travelers with heart/lung problems or other altitude-related limitations. This optional is seasonal from mid-May through late October.
Optional Excursions
Mozart Concert & Dinner $115* pp
Step inside the 1,200-year-old St. Peter Stiftstkellar, the oldest restaurant in Europe located within St. Peter's Abbey, for an evening of fine dining and Mozart. Mozart composed over 600 works in his short life, and tonight, you'll hear his masterpieces as you sample local delicacies. Let the music carry you late into the night. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservations and payment at least 20 days prior to departure.
Vienna3 nights - hotel info
Day11
Meander through a monastery on your way to the City of Waltz
Breakfast, Dinner
Melk Monastery
On your way to the Austrian capital today, stop first in Melk, where you will have a guided tour of the town’s 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 and enjoy an included dinner with your group. 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. Enjoy an included dinner this evening.
Day12
Soak up the Old World ambiance and modern vibrancy of Vienna
Breakfast
Included this morning is a comprehensive tour of Vienna, led by a professional local guide. Highlights include views of the Opera House, the majestic monuments of the Ringstrasse and the Hofburg, once the hub of Imperial power. Then travel to Schonbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its intricately designed gardens. Your afternoon is free for a stroll through the Stadtpark or a horse-drawn carriage ride to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. This evening, opt to attend our Traditional Viennese Heurigan 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.
Optional Excursions
Traditional Viennese Heurigen Evening $99* pp
After a brief drive, your first stop is Vienna's Prater Ferris Wheel. Take a breezy ride to the top, which offers a one-of-a-kind view of the city. Next, continue to the picturesque village of Grinzing. At a local restaurant, you'll indulge in a festive night of music and food. Dinner will feature dishes typical of traditional Austrian Heurigens, or wine taverns. During your meal, you'll have the chance to try some of the tavern's own locally made wine—the perfect addition to your cozy Old-World setting.
Day13
You simply can’t leave this city without sampling the Sachertorte
Breakfast
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 Bratislava for 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. Visit St. Martin’s Cathedral, the Gothic church where Austro-Hungarian royals were once crowned.
Optional Excursions
Bratislava $95* pp
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 the Old Town. Then, tour the famous Hall of Mirrors inside the pink Primates’ Palace, where Napoleon and the Austrian emperor signed the Peace of Pressburg of 1805. Lunch is included. Please note: Depending on the day of the week, you may visit St. Martin's Cathedral instead of the palace.
Extend Your Stay
Add Budapest $299*
Truly a tale of two cities, Budapest is a merger of Buda and Pest, two towns separated by the river Danube. Now known as the Pearl of the Danube, Budapest is a peaceful yet progressive metropolis, offering plenty of shopping, as well as specialty Hungarian foods and wines.
Budapest2 nights - hotel info
Day1
Explore the city’s highs and lows, from Castle Hill to Heroes Square
Breakfast
Transfer to Budapest and check in to your hotel. The rest of your day is free to begin exploring Hungary’s largest city. Or, join our optional sightseeing excursion to acquaint yourself with the city.
Optional Excursions
Budapest Sightseeing $65* pp
Follow a local guide on tour of Budapest, a city divided by the Danube River into its old and new sections ("Buda" and "Pest"). Starting in Pest, pass by Heroes Square and St. Stephen's Basilica before you stop for a tour of Hungary's famous Gothic Parliament. Afterward, cross the Danube to the Buda side of the city. Here, you'll stop by Buda Castle and enter Matthias Church. After exploring this 14th-century church, take a short walk from Buda Castle to Fisherman's Bastian (please note that you'll be required to climb some stairs). From here, you'll be able to gaze across the river for incredible views of Pest and the Parliament building.
Day2
Take a walk behind the Iron Curtain
Breakfast
Spend the day exploring on your own or choose to join our optional excursion to explore Budapest's communist historic sites on a Walk Behind the Iron Curtain.
Optional Excursions
Budapest: A Walk Behind the Iron Curtain $69* pp
Discover the turbulent, tragic and heroic history of the communist period in Budapest on A Walk Behind the Iron Curtain. The first stop is the Parliament building, starting place of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, where damage from the Soviet invasion is still visible. Visit the nearby statue of Imre Nagy, Hungary’s Prime Minister during the revolution, who is an enduring symbol of freedom. Liberty Square is just a stroll away, home to the U.S. Embassy, a statue of Ronald Reagan and the only remaining monument to Communist troops. From St. Stephen’s Basilica, take the historical Metro Line 1 up the iconic Andrassy Ave. Stop for an included coffee amidst the the Neo-Renaissance splendor of Book Café, the regular meeting place of the intelligentsia during the Soviet occupation. End the day at the House of Terror, where you will take a guided tour through this chilling museum and moving monument to the victims of communism and fascism in Hungary.
About This Experience
Experience rich culture, impressive architecture and culinary delights against a backdrop of soaring alpine peaks. These three countries share a language and a border, but their appeals are varied. In each destination, you’ll discover delightfully distinct styles and substance, from the gothic spires of Heidelberg to the Art Nouveau elegance of Vienna. Swiss mountains and Bavarian forest, German beer and Austrian wine—this tantalizing trio has something for everyone.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
12 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 6 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Private deluxe motor coach
Multilingual Tour Director
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Towering castles in Heidelberg & Neuschwanstein
Lakeside villages & serene alpine peaks
The meeting of old & new in Innsbruck
Wheat beer & white sausages in Munich
Salzburg’s musical legacy, from Mozart to Maria
Vienna’s Art Nouveau architecture
Overnight Flight1 night
Heidelberg Region2 nights - hotel info
Day2
Step back in time to renaissance Heidelberg
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
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.
Day3
Explore the red-roofed university town once home to Goethe
Breakfast
Heidelberg Castle
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Heidelberg. You’ll visit the city’s rose-colored hilltop castle, the grounds of the oldest university in Germany and Heidelberg’s elegant market square. This afternoon is free at leisure. You may wish to join an optional tour of Schwetzingen Castle and its 172 acres of gardens, which combine French formal and English landscape gardening styles.
Optional Excursions
Castle & Gardens of Schweztingen $39* pp
Travel to Schwetzingen Castle and its internationally acclaimed gardens. A castle guide will lead you through the greenery. Spanning 178 acres, the spacious and ornate gardens welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and feature a unique combination of French and English landscaping styles. As you embark on your guided exploration of the castle, be sure to take in the sights of the exquisitely maintained compound. Before leaving, enjoy some free time for souvenir shopping.
Lucerne2 nights - hotel info
Day4
Day5
Wander the cobblestone streets of lovely Lucerne
Breakfast
A professional local guide acquaints you with this 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. This afternoon, join an optional excursion up nearby Mount Pilatus via cable car for gorgeous views of the surrounding Alps.
Optional Excursions
Mount Pilatus $99* pp
This scenic excursion begins with a cruise on Lake Lucerne. After docking, ascend 7,000-foot Mount Pilatus on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. Legend holds that the mountain was named for Pontius Pilate, blown here by the devil after the Crucifixion. From the peak, the views of the Alps are stunning; on a clear day, you can see for 200 miles. Toward the end of your trip, you’ll return to the base of the mountain via gondola. Please note: The cruise and cogwheel railway only run from mid-May through October. During the winter months, this excursion includes the cable car ride only. If the cogwheel railway is unavailable, you'll enjoy lunch on the mountain.
Innsbruck1 night - hotel info
Day6
Take a jaunt through tiny Liechtenstein and explore age-old Innsbruck
Breakfast, Dinner
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. The 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.
Munich2 nights - hotel info
Day7
Head to the historic retreat of “Mad” King Ludwig
Breakfast, Dinner
Neuschwanstein
Departing Innsbruck this morning, return to Germany. You’ll journey through the mountains of Bavaria to Neuschwanstein, the fairytale retreat of “Mad” King Ludwig. 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 Ludwig’s favorite scenes from Wagnerian operas. Arrive in Munich in time for an included dinner.
Day8
Drop into Munich for grand palaces and world-class beer
Breakfast
Nymphenburg Palace
This morning, a local guide introduces you to the landmarks of Munich. Follow the stately Ludwigstraße to the district of Schwabing, a favorite of students and artists, and on to the Olympic complex. You’ll also step inside Nymphenburg Palace, the summer home of the dukes, prince-electors and kings of Bavaria. This afternoon, consider joining an optional excursion to the former concentration camp of Dachau, now a memorial museum.
Optional Excursions
Dachau $25* pp
Once a typical German town, Dachau served as the first Nazi concentration camp during World War II. Visit this somber site, which has since been transformed into a Holocaust memorial museum that serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit. An audio guide will provide the narrative for your viewing of Dachau's poignant exhibits, which are echoed by the memorials to the victims that adorn the grounds.
Salzburg2 nights - hotel info
Day9
Uncover Salzburg’s magnificent churches and musical history
Breakfast, Dinner
Mozart House
Leaving Munich this morning, cross the border into Austria and continue to the charming city of Salzburg. An included sightseeing tour introduces you to the city. Later, stop in Getreidegaße for a tour of the Mozart House and a walk through the Mirabell Gardens. Dinner is included this evening.
Day10
Surround yourself with the sounds of Mozart or scenes of snowy peaks
Breakfast
Discover more of Salzburg on your own today. Alternatively, join our optional Eagle’s Nest & Salt Mines excursion for a look at the mines that brought Salzburg to prominence and a nearby mountaintop retreat built as a birthday present for Adolf Hiter. This evening, enjoy our optional Mozart Concert & Dinner excursion.
Optional Excursions
Eagle's Nest & Salt Mines $105* pp
Drive through the Bavarian Alps to the mountain village of Berchtesgaden, where you'll tour the 450-year-old salt mines that brought wealth to Bavaria and Salzburg. Continue to Obersalzberg, where a scenic bus ride along steep gorges offers gorgeous views of the snow-capped Alps. Here, you’ll visit the Eagle’s Nest, built as an Alpine retreat for Adolf Hitler's 50th birthday. Please note: The elevation of the Eagle’s Nest is approximately 4,500 feet, which may not be advisable for travelers with heart/lung problems or other altitude-related limitations. This optional is seasonal from mid-May through late October.
Optional Excursions
Mozart Concert & Dinner $115* pp
Step inside the 1,200-year-old St. Peter Stiftstkellar, the oldest restaurant in Europe located within St. Peter's Abbey, for an evening of fine dining and Mozart. Mozart composed over 600 works in his short life, and tonight, you'll hear his masterpieces as you sample local delicacies. Let the music carry you late into the night. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservations and payment at least 20 days prior to departure.
Vienna3 nights - hotel info
Day11
Meander through a monastery on your way to the City of Waltz
Breakfast, Dinner
Melk Monastery
Transfer to Vienna today, stopping en route in Melk, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the town’s Baroque abbey. Then continue your drive through the Austrian countryside to Vienna, the city of the waltz and enjoy an included dinner with your group. After hotel check-in, spend the rest of the day exploring Vienna on your own. Dinner is included tonight.
Day12
Soak up the Old World ambiance and modern vibrancy of Vienna
Breakfast
A local guide introduces you to Vienna this morning. Highlights include the Opera House, the majestic monuments of the Ringstraße and the Hofburg, the Habsburgs’ winter palace. Then travel to Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its intricately designed gardens. Your afternoon is free for a stroll through the Stadtpark or a horse-drawn carriage ride to St. Stephen’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.
Optional Excursions
Traditional Viennese Heurigen Evening $99* pp
After a brief drive, your first stop is Vienna's Prater Ferris Wheel. Take a breezy ride to the top, which offers a one-of-a-kind view of the city. Next, continue to the picturesque village of Grinzing. At a local restaurant, you'll indulge in a festive night of music and food. Dinner will feature dishes typical of traditional Austrian Heurigens, or wine taverns. During your meal, you'll have the chance to try some of the tavern's own locally made wine—the perfect addition to your cozy Old-World setting.
Day13
You simply can’t leave this city without sampling the Sachertorte
Breakfast
Enjoy today at 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 Bratislava for a guided tour of the Slovakian capital.
Optional Excursions
Bratislava $95* pp
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 the Old Town. Then, tour the famous Hall of Mirrors inside the pink Primates’ Palace, where Napoleon and the Austrian emperor signed the Peace of Pressburg of 1805. Lunch is included. Please note: Depending on the day of the week, you may visit St. Martin's Cathedral instead of the palace.
Extend Your Stay
Add Budapest $329*
Truly a tale of two cities, Budapest is a merger of Buda and Pest, two towns separated by the river Danube. Now known as the Pearl of the Danube, Budapest is a peaceful yet progressive metropolis, offering plenty of shopping, as well as specialty Hungarian foods and wines.
Budapest2 nights - hotel info
Day1
Explore the city’s highs and lows, from Castle Hill to Heroes Square
Breakfast
Transfer to Budapest and check in to your hotel. This afternoon, an included sightseeing tour highlights the major landmarks of both Buda and Pest. Trace the stormy history of this fiercely independent nation on your stop at Heroes Square. Tour the lavishly decorated interior of the Parliament building, modeled on London’s Houses of Parliament. Then cross the Danube and arrive in Buda, where you will ascend imposing Castle Hill. After taking in the breathtaking views from Fisherman’s Bastion, visit the medieval Matthias Church, once the site of Hapsburg coronations.
Day2
Take a walk behind the Iron Curtain
Breakfast
During your free day in Budapest, you might browse through the shops on Budapest’s sophisticated pedestrian shopping streets, journey outside of the city to the Vadaskert (Game Park) or tour the Jewish Museum. You may also opt to explore Budapest’s communist legacy on a Walk Behind the Iron Curtain.
Optional Excursions
Budapest: A Walk Behind the Iron Curtain $69* pp
Discover the turbulent, tragic and heroic history of the communist period in Budapest on A Walk Behind the Iron Curtain. The first stop is the Parliament building, starting place of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, where damage from the Soviet invasion is still visible. Visit the nearby statue of Imre Nagy, Hungary’s Prime Minister during the revolution, who is an enduring symbol of freedom. Liberty Square is just a stroll away, home to the U.S. Embassy, a statue of Ronald Reagan and the only remaining monument to Communist troops. From St. Stephen’s Basilica, take the historical Metro Line 1 up the iconic Andrassy Ave. Stop for an included coffee amidst the the Neo-Renaissance splendor of Book Café, the regular meeting place of the intelligentsia during the Soviet occupation. End the day at the House of Terror, where you will take a guided tour through this chilling museum and moving monument to the victims of communism and fascism in Hungary.
Passport & Visa
This itinerary includes the following countries: Austria, Switzerland, Germany, the principality of Liechtenstein (on transfer), and Hungary (on extension). In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return home. No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
Health
There are no major health risks associated with traveling on this tour. Be aware of high-altitude conditions in the region. The elevation of Mount Pilatus is 7,000 feet. Be sure 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 Budapest on the extension). Included transportation on your tour is by private motor coach. In your free time, you may wish to explore the main cities by public transportation. Munich’s transportation system (MVV) is topnotch, an all-inclusive combination of trams, buses, U-bahn (underground) and S-bahn (above ground). Purchase tickets 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, U-bahn, tram and bus lines. The waiting time for trains and subways is usually no more than five to 10 minutes.
Clothing & Packing Tips
To ensure you’re comfortable while out exploring, we recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered. For sightseeing, we suggest bringing a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers, as well as a lightweight sports jacket or rainwear. If you’re planning a visit to a high-end restaurant or performance, you may also want to bring dressier attire. Also, please remember that it’s preferable to avoid showing bare legs or shoulders during visits to churches or other religious sites (entrance may be denied on this basis).
Baggage Allowance
Airlines have varying weight restrictions on luggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Bear in mind that your luggage will probably weigh more on your return trip due to souvenir shopping. We allow only one suitcase per person. One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height). There may be times when you will have to handle your own bags, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on luggage.
Cuisine
In Austria, thick soups of paprika and onion, veal, beef and venison with cranberries are popular, as is the renowned Wiener Schnitzel. Fish-lovers will find wild trout, roast carp and crayfish. Desserts are perhaps the most memorable including: strudels made with all kinds of fruit and nuts, soufflés and elegant chocolate cakes such as the world-famous Sachertorte. Swiss food, influenced by surrounding countries, is varied and sophisticated. The most famous local dish is fondue, made from molten cheese, flavored with wine, garlic and liquor, into which pieces of skewered bread are dipped. Raclette is another delicious cooked cheese dish, served with roasted or boiled potatoes, air-dried beef and pickled onions. Sausages, breaded veal fillets and freshwater fish are also popular. Swiss dairy products are among the world’s finest, and full-cream milk is the essential ingredient for the exceptionally good chocolate produced here. German food is hearty and substantial. Among the specialties are dumpling stews and sauerkraut cabbage, tasty thick sausages and smoked cheeses, dark breads and chocolate cakes. Bavaria produces some of the world’s purest beers, while white German wines are exceptionally good.
Currency
The euro (in Austria and Germany) and the Swiss franc are the currencies you’ll be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in your destination countries, although it’s 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 informing your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so they don’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $1USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current currency rates in mind when tipping.
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Best of Central Europe: Germany, Switzerland and Austria
This was a great trip, at a very good time of year. The weather was great for spring. We could have had alot more rain, but you even managed to give us perfect weather.
central Europe
Loved this trip. The views were a lasting memory of the Alps/the trip down the Danue/the trip up the moun tain,wow! Hotel`s were nice and clean. But no air-conditioning in several so that we were forced to sleep with windows open. Which caused me to get sick last 3 days. I was not the only one to get Bronchitis. But other then that,the guide was very good at her job. The side trips as well as the planned daily were great.
Terrific Tour
As one who always reads reviews, I did so before signing up for this trip. I have to say that my experience was terrific on all levels. The hotels were very pleasant, the food great , the cities wonderful BUT the best part was our tour director - Alex. From the moment he met me at the airport until our goodbyes in the hotel lobby in Vienna at 4:30 in the morning, Alex was there to help. GoAhead planned out a wonderful tour and Alex guided the group from city to city with an excellent knowledge of each place. I would go another tour with him in a heartbeat , he was that great!
Scenery at it's absolute finest
When planning a tour, it is important not only to consider the tour itself, but the time of year that the tour is taken. In this instance, it was taken by I and my wife ( both senior citizens ) in the cold of the winter. Snow adds a most beautiful tone to large mountains and Christmas markets, but it can also be trechorous on the body during walking tours. The positive side to this tour was the tour director, the scenery, the Christmas markets, and our group. All of these were exceptional. The downside was the cold, the optional excursions that had to be cancelled due to the cold and snow, and the absence of nice weather. I must also say that there was a certain bristle towards tourist Americans in all three countries. Euro economy doesn't lend itself to nice attitudes toward foreigners especially Americans. We did not see the "pleasant" dispositions among many of the people in these countries as in years past. Most of the guest tour guides were good. I must say to all of those that plan to take any tour to europe in the future, I would strongly advise to AVIOD LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORT. We have been through many airports in our day, but London Heathrow is the most people unfriendly, congested airport I have ever seen. The security screening had only one line for ALL international connecting passengers resulting in many possibly missing their connections. THIS WAS UNACCEPTABLE AND UNCALLED FOR AND THEY KNOW IT. I witnessed some very rude treatments to some international connecting passengers. International air carriers also need to come to the realization that one missing his connecting flights because the flight is one hour late IS NOT anything liking to a plesant experiance. This and other winter tours as well as air itinerary's need to be rethought with weather and flight connections being a serious consideration.
Honeymoon
I have to say that I absolutely loved this tour! I don't think I would have gotten to see so much if we didn't do the tour! Our tour director was amazing,he went above and beyond what he need to do! I would absolutely go on another tour where he was the director. The one thing that I didn't like was we stopped to shop so much. There was place I would have rather stayed a little longer then go shopping. Another thing is I think you should had another day to munich and take away a day in vienna. There was so many things to see and do in munich but no time to do them as in vienna we had so much free time but really nothing we wanted to do! This trip taught me alot about our different cultures and the history of europe! I would defentally go on this tour again maybe around christmas time, and maybe when my kids are alittle older take them.
Honeymoon
We did this tour for our honeymoon! We had a great time! Our tour director was amazing! We would have like to spend more time at each place then go shopping! We didn't really like vienna that much, we would have perfered an extra day in munich were there was a million things you could have done than be in vienna. We would love to go on another tour and would recommend this one to others. We can only speak english so this tour really helps if you can't speak another language. We hope our next trip is just as amazing as this one! :)
Germany, Switzerland & Austria
The entire trip was outstanding, fast paced and we were on the move. I highly recommend this tour.
Amanda
We had wonderful time. Tour guide was a wonderful person. I liked all the side trips .
HIghly recommended
Tour was quite informative. Tour guide Jeurgen Sahl was exceptional. Food was good and hotels were quite clean. Central Europw is beautiful and We are glad that we did the extra 3 days in Budapest. I like that we could pick our optional tours. We picked all but the Mozart music and dinner. We also were lucky to have a great group of 36 travelers.
I highly suggest it
The tour guide Juergen Sahl was excellant. He was quite knowlegeable about everywhere we visited. The city tour guides were also great. I am glad we took the extra 3 days in Budapest. Quite interesting. The food was great and the hotel rooms were good size and clean. Central Europe is beautiful. Our group of 36 travelers were very fun people.
