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A Week in Switzerland, Germany & Austria

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A Week in Switzerland, Germany & Austria

with Prague extension

Duration: 9 or 11 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 25

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Get to the heart of Central Europe.

Spend a week seeing the best of one of Europe’s most fascinating regions. Set off from scenic Lucerne, Switzerland to explore Neuschwanstein and Munich, two of Germany’s can’t-miss destinations. Your adventure continues in Austria, where you’ll take in the sights and sounds of Salzburg before being entranced by Vienna’s beauty.

Your tour package includes

7 nights in handpicked hotels
7 breakfasts
3 dinners with beer or wine
6 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

Kapellbrücke
Neuschwanstein Castle
Nymphenburg Palace
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Melk Abbey

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Zurich today.

Swiss Alps2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Zurich & transfer to the Swiss Alps

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Switzerland! Transfer to the Swiss Alps. Then, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Lucerne

Included meal: Breakfast

Get an up-close look at the lakeside city of Lucerne, Switzerland’s idyllic Alpine town, on a guided sightseeing tour.

View the Lion Monument, a tribute to the Swiss Guards who sacrificed their lives in Paris during the French Revolution
Pass hand-painted facades that line the cobbled streets of the Old Town
Cross the medieval Kapellbrücke, a covered wooden footbridge spanning the Reuss River, and view the Water Tower
See the Jesuit Church, the first large Baroque building of its kind to be built north of the Alps in Switzerland

Enjoy a free afternoon in the Swiss Alps or add an excursion.

Mount Pilatus

Excursion (additional cost)

Munich2 nights

Day 4: Munich via Neuschwanstein Castle

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

On your way to Munich, stop to visit Neuschwanstein Castle and listen to an audio guide as you tour the fairy-tale retreat of “Mad” King Ludwig II.

Walk or take a ride in a shuttle bus up the hill
Take time to explore its stalactite grotto, artifacts, and murals

Please note: The pathway up to the castle entrance is a steep hill and winter months are prone to inclement weather.

Then, continue on to Munich and sit down for an included dinner.

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Munich

Included meal: Breakfast

Get to know the Bavarian capital on a guided tour.

Travel past the Englischer Garten and fashionable Schwabing district
Enter the Nymphenburg Palace, the Baroque home to past Bavarian royalty
Walk from Odeonsplatz through the Hofgarten to view the Residenz, once home to the Wittelsbach dukes of Bavaria
Explore Marienplatz, Munich’s medieval heart, and see the famed Glockenspiel

Spend a free afternoon in Munich or add an excursion

Dachau

Excursion (additional cost)

Salzburg1 night

Day 6: Transfer to Salzburg & sightseeing tour

Included meal: Breakfast

Say goodbye to Germany and head to Salzburg, Austria, a city famed for its churches and musical history. There, a local guide leads you on a walking tour of the Old Town.

View the University of Salzburg and the churchyard of St. Peter
See the Kapitelplatz, Residenzplatz, and Alter Markt, in the city’s Old Town
Enter the 17th-century Salzburg Cathedral, built in the Baroque style
Pass through scenery from the beloved film The Sound of Music
Take the funicular to the hilltop Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe’s largest medieval castles

Enjoy a free evening in Salzburg or add an excursion.

Mozart Concert & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Vienna2 nights

Day 7: Vienna via Melk Abbey

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel east through the Danube basin en route to Vienna.

Stop in Melk for a guided tour of the town’s Baroque abbey, which is situated on rock overlooking the Danube River
Explore its Baroque pavilion, library, and chapel
Continue on to Vienna and make a photo stop at Schönbrunn Palace, the Rococo Hapsburg home

Spend a free evening in Vienna or add an excursion.

Traditional Viennese Heurigen Evening

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Vienna

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Get transported back to the Age of Empires on a guided tour of Vienna.

Step inside Belvedere Palace, home to the world’s largest collection of paintings by artist Gustav Klimt, and admire the palace’s impressive gardens
Travel down the Ringstrasse, passing the Parliament building, Vienna State Opera, and Kunsthistorisches Museum
See the grand Hofburg Palace, the Hapsburg’s preferred winter residence

Celebrate your trip with your group at a farewell dinner this evening.

Flight Home

Day 9: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue on to Prague, Czech Republic.

Extension to Prague

Continue your trip to learn why Prague is the City of One Hundred Spires. (Hint: There are a lot of spires, and it’s a really beautiful place.) You’ll also uncover some amazing history as you explore the Czech capital with a local guide.

Prague2 nights

Day 9: Transfer to Prague

Included meal: Breakfast

Drive through the pastoral landscapes of Bohemia on your way to one of Europe’s most beautiful cities: Prague, Czech Republic.

Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Prague

Included meal: Breakfast

Discover why Prague is known as the City of One Hundred Spires on a guided tour.

Visit Prague Castle, from which Charles IV governed the Holy Roman Empire
Admire the soaring Gothic vaults of St. Vitus Cathedral
Walk down to the Malá Strana district to sip a coffee at a local cafe
Cross the elegant Charles Bridge for breathtaking views of the city
Stroll through Old Town Square to view the 15th-century Astronomical Clock

Tonight, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members. Then, spend a free evening in Prague or add an excursion.

Château Sychrov

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 11: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.7 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Amazing!

01/15/2020 by 2nd time traveler Emily G.

I have been on a couple different tours an this is the best yet! Everything was beautiful, the tour guide was amazing, and we met some awesome people! 10/10 all around.

12/23/2019 by 2nd time traveler Elda J.

Beside some minor set backs such as a few poor meals and the sleeping accommodations like small adjoining beds I had a great time. Moreover I also had the opportunity to meet some very nice people. The romantics and the winter lovers should love this trip!

Awesome adventure

12/16/2019 by 2nd time traveler Sarah G.

This adventure was fantastic. This is the first time I have been on a Go Ahead tour, but it won't be my last. Monika, our tour guide was amazing, going above and beyond to ensure our trip was informative and exciting. Daniel, our bus driver was wonderful also, always making sure we traveled in comf...

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Wonderful!

12/16/2019 by 2nd time traveler Alvin S.

We loved it! It is very fast paced, and went by quickly. Please keep in mind you need to be physical enough to do this fast paced tour. There were a few people in our tour that did not know about this, and had to miss out on some things. Besides Salzburg, all the hotels were walking distance to shop...

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Wish that all hotels had porter service. Fast paced tour, difficult trails to walk/hike at the castle outside of Munich, needed transportation down the hill.

11/06/2019 by 3rd time traveler Karen F.

1. Great people on the tour. 2. Fast paced tour a lot to see. Meals were great, a lot of different food to try.

Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

NH Prague City

This modern hotel is located in the Smíchov district of Prague. Guests enjoy a gym and sauna, restaurants with terraces, and tennis court. Nearby, you...

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Arcotel Castellani

This contemporary hotel is located in Salzburg city center. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a mini bar, and air conditioning. Nearby, you'll find ARCOTEL Cast...

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Holiday Inn Munich City Centre

This centrally-located hotel is located in the heart of Munich. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi and an on-site restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find the Au-Haidhaus...

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Hotel Bellevue-Terminus

This urban hotel is located in Engelberg. Guests enjoy a restaurant, cafe, and lounge. Nearby, you’ll find Engelberg Abbey, Eugenisee Lake, and views ...

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Falkensteiner Margareten

This stylish hotel is located near the city center. Guests enjoy a restaurant, spa, and fitness center. Nearby, you’ll find the Schönbrunn Palace, Vie...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

FAQ

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Passport & visa requirements

This tour visits Switzerland, Germany, and Austria (plus the Czech Republic on the tour extension). In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
There is no visa 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.

Tour pace

You will walk for at least 2.5 hours daily across mostly flat terrain with some cobblestone streets, hills, and stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Zurich and depart from Vienna (or Prague on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to any of the countries on this tour.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

Swiss food is varied and sophisticated, and some popular dishes include sausages, breaded veal fillets, freshwater fish, and cheese dishes such as fondue and raclette. Be sure to try Swiss chocolate, which is among the world’s finest.
German food is hearty and substantial. Among the specialties are dumpling stews, sauerkraut, sausages, smoked cheeses, and dark breads. Bavaria produces some of the world’s purest beers, and white German wines are exceptionally good.
Austria is known for its savory Wiener schnitzel and excellent wild trout, carp, and crayfish. Save room for dessert—especially the strudels of fruit and nuts and elegant chocolate cakes, such as the world-famous Sachertorte.
On the tour extension, Czech food is hearty, and you’ll find large portions of veal, beef, and potato dishes. Some of the world’s finest beers are produced here, including the original Budweiser and Pils.

Electricity & air conditioning

All destinations visited on this tour operate on the European standard 220–240 volts and use Types C or F plugs with two small, round pins. You may also use a Type J plug with three small pins in Switzerland.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

All destinations visited on this tour are one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.

Currency

You will use the Swiss franc in Switzerland and the euro in Germany and Austria (plus the Czech koruna in the Czech Republic on the tour extension).
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on your tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for optional excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

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202020212022

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2020

A Week in Switzerland, Germany & Austria

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