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Jewels of Alpine Europe

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Jewels of Alpine Europe

with Salzburg extension

Duration: 13 or 15 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 181

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Experience rich culture against a backdrop of soaring Alpine peaks.

Journey from Switzerland’s mountain-lined Lake Lucerne to France’s inspiring Lake Annecy. Take in the picturesque Chamonix Valley and stroll along Italy’s Lake Como. Then, cross Liechtenstein and hit the winter wonderland of Innsbruck before heading to Munich, the lively capital of Bavaria.

Your tour package includes

11 nights in handpicked hotels
11 breakfasts
5 dinners with beer or wine
8 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

Kapellbrücke
Interlaken
Chamonix
Mont Blanc
Lake Como

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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.

Lucerne Region2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Zurich & transfer to Lucerne Region

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Switzerland! Transfer to the Lucerne region and get settled in to your hotel. 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 Lucerne or add an excursion.

Mount Pilatus

Excursion (additional cost)

Annecy2 nights

Day 4: Annecy via Bern

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel through the Alps today, taking in stunning scenery as you pass Alpine lakes, mountains, and charming villages.

Stop in Interlaken, where you'll have the opportunity to snap photos of towering Jungfraujoch (weather-dependent)
Visit the Swiss capital of Bern and walk through its charming Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Pass through the vineyards of Lausanne and Lake Geneva as you drive to Annecy

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Annecy

Included meal: Breakfast

Get to know Annecy today.

Walk through Annecy’s Old Town with your Tour Director and take in sweeping views of the Alps
Peruse the stalls of the town's open-air market, featuring fresh fruits and vegetables

Enjoy a free afternoon in Annecy or add an excursion.

Haute-Savoie: Gorges du Fier & Château de Menthon

Excursion (additional cost)

Lake Como Region2 nights

Day 6: Lake Como Region via Chamonix

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

On your way to Italy, stop to explore Chamonix, a picture-perfect village at the base of Mont Blanc. Then, continue through the scenic Aosta Valley en route to the Lake Como region.

This evening, sit down for an included dinner.

Day 7: Como & Villa Carlotta

Included meal: Breakfast

Head out on a morning trip to explore Como, a city known for its mix of cultural and natural attractions.

Enjoy free time in Como for lunch and shopping, while admiring the lakeside vistas
Transfer to the beautiful Villa Carlotta to soak in spectacular views from the elaborate villa gardens

Please note: From November through February, a funicular to Brunate will replace the visit to Villa Carlotta.

Enjoy a free evening in the Lake Como region or add an excursion.

Lake Como Cruise & Bellagio

Excursion (additional cost)

St. Moritz1 night

Day 8: Train ride to St. Moritz

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel to Tirano, where you’ll board the Bernina Express. Enjoy a scenic train ride through the stunning, UNESCO-recognized landscapes of the Alps to St. Moritz, a prestigious Swiss resort town and hub of wintertime sports.

Please note: The Bernina Express runs seasonally and will be replaced with a local train from mid-October through mid-May.

Later, sit down for an included dinner.

Austrian Alps2 nights

Day 9: Austrian Alps via Liechtenstein & Innsbruck

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cross into Liechtenstein, a tiny Alpine principality dating back to the Holy Roman Empire.

Visit the capital of Vaduz
Pass the royal family’s hilltop castle, still in use as a royal residence

Continue on to Innsbruck, site of two winter Olympic Games, where you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour.

See the famed Golden Roof and the City Tower in Innsbruck’s historic Old Town
Pass the Hofburg, a former Hapsburg Imperial Palace, and walk into its cobblestoned courtyard
Enter the Baroque Cathedral of St. James

Then, travel to the Austrian Alps and sit down for an included dinner.

Day 10: Free day in the Austrian Alps Region

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in the Austrian Alps region or add an excursion.

Neuschwanstein Castle & Lunch

Excursion (additional cost)

Munich2 nights

Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Munich

Included meal: Breakfast

Cross into Germany and get to know the Bavarian capital of Munich on a guided tour this afternoon.

Travel past the Englischer Garten and fashionable Schwabing district
Walk from Odeonsplatz through the nearby Hofgarten to step inside the Residenz, once home to the Wittelsbach dukes of Bavaria
Explore Marienplatz, Munich’s medieval heart, and see the famed Glockenspiel

Day 12: Free day in Munich

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Spend a free day in Munich or add an excursion.

Later, celebrate your trip during a farewell dinner.

Dachau

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 13: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue on to Salzburg, Austria.

Extension to Salzburg

It’s the birthplace of Mozart and setting for The Sound of Music, but that’s not all that makes Salzburg sing. Join your Tour Director and spend a couple days exploring this Austrian city, where Baroque churches and a UNESCO-listed old town will leave you in awe.

Salzburg2 nights

Day 13: Transfer to Salzburg & sightseeing tour

Included meal: Breakfast

Head to Salzburg, where 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)

Day 14: Free day in Salzburg

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Salzburg or add an excursion.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Eagle's Nest & Salt Mines

Excursion (additional cost)

Berchtesgaden: Salt Mines & Village Visit

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 15: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Munich airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.7 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Flawless execution!

12/16/2019 by 3rd time traveler Anonymous

I highly recommend this tour, beautiful, excellent food, I would not change a thing!

10/28/2019 by 2nd time traveler Anonymous

We were very impressed by the quality of the GoAhead personnel, both before our travels and during our visit abroad. Our trip through the Alps was amazing! The organization of our itinerary, the quality of our accommodations, and the confident experience of our guide made our trip effortless and sea...

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Another Perfect Vacation with GoAhead

10/28/2019 by 10th time traveler Joanne H.

This was our 9th GoAhead tour, and it was up to the same high standard we've come to expect from this tour company. Our guide, Juergen, and our drivers Didier and Frank were excellent! The itinerary was fast-paced at times, but also allowed for ample free time. Hotels were very nice and centrally...

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Nothing less than incredible!

10/28/2019 by 3rd time traveler Betty L.

Breathtaking every step of the way. 37 people in our group and not one complaint. Way to go GAT!

10/29/2019 by 3rd time traveler Anonymous

The Jewels of Alpine Europe was everything we hoped for. The accommodations were wonderful. Our tour guide Lala was the best and made a great tour even better. Her knowledge and sense of humor were wonderful. We did lots of walking on cobblestone streets, saw some absolutely amazing scenery and ...

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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.

Ameron Hotel Flora

Welcome to the heart of Lucerne! your smart business hotel offers a prime location and that certain "extra" of kindness and hospitality. Nature meet...

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Grand Hotel Europe

This Belle Époque hotel is located near the lake promenade. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find Lake Lucerne, Chapel B...

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Best Western Plus Hotel Carlton

This contemporary hotel is located in downtown Annecy. Guests enjoy a bar, lounge, and free WiFi. Nearby you’ll find Lake Annecy, Gardens of Europe, a...

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Hotel Britannia Excelsior

This lake-front hotel is located in the Cadenabbia neighborhood. Guests enjoy a grand dining room, bar, and floating pool. Nearby you’ll find Lake Com...

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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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Hotel Ramada Innsbruck Tivoli

This modern hotel is located just outside of Innsbruck’s city center. Guests enjoy a fitness center, restaurant, and satellite TV. Nearby, you'll find...

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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 Laudinella

This rustic hotel is located in the Upper Engadin Valley of St. Moritz. Guests enjoy a restaurant, pool, and spa. Nearby, you’ll find Lake St. Moritz,...

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Hotel Novotel Annecy Centre Atria

This modern hotel is located in Annecy’s city center. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and lounge. Nearby, you’ll find Lake Annecy, the old town, and C...

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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, France, Italy, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Germany. 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 1 hour daily across moderately uneven terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with few hills or 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 as well as getting in and out of trains.
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 Munich. 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. (Please note that on the extension, the travel time between Salzburg and Munich is approximately two hours, and should be considered for travelers purchasing their own airfare.)
A train ride from Tirano to St. Moritz is included in the price of your tour.
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.
For a picnic with French flair, stop at a small grocery store for cheeses, pâtés, cured meats, fresh-baked bread, and fruit. In the cities, sidewalk vendors are known for their steaming crepes, while mouthwatering pastries and hot café au lait beckon from cafes. In restaurants, the prix fixe option is a popular way to enjoy a set three- or four-course menu for a good price.
Although lunch is generally served from noon until 2pm in France, dinner is served from 7:30pm onward. Those wishing to eat earlier can stop at a cafe, where light entrées and sandwiches are available throughout the afternoon and evening.
Northern Italy is known for flavorful meats and pastries.
For more authentic meals, try local trattorias, small restaurants set away from the main piazzas. A typical Italian meal includes wines and the occasional beer, followed by a few sips of after-dinner drinks like grappa or limoncello.
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.
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.

Electricity & air conditioning

All destinations visited on this tour operate on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins. You may also use a Type J plug with three small pins in Switzerland and a Type L plug with three small pins in Italy.
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 France, Italy, Austria, and Germany.
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.

Dates & prices

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202020212022

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2020

Jewels of Alpine Europe

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