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Oberammergau 2020: Munich, the Swiss Alps & Paris

with Paris extension

Duration: 11 or 13 days
Group size: 15-35

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Experience a centuries-old tradition in the heart of Bavaria.

Explore the vibrant cultures of Germany, Switzerland, and France on this one-of-a-kind journey. Start in Munich before making your way through the snowcapped Alps to visit Lucerne, a charming lakeside city. Head through the Alsace Region before ending your trip in dreamy Paris. In Oberammergau, watch history come to life during the Passion Play, a local performance that only happens once every ten years.

Your tour package includes

9 nights in handpicked hotels
9 breakfasts
1 lunch
4 dinners with beer or wine
Guided sightseeing tours

Included highlights

Nymphenburg Palace
Passion Play in Oberammergau
Neuschwanstein Castle
Kapellbrücke
Petite France

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Munich today.

Munich2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Munich

Included meal: Dinner

Welcome to Germany! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: 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)

Oberammergau1 night

Day 4: Passion Play

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Head to Oberammergau and attend the 42nd performance of the world-famous Passion Play.

Experience the storytelling and portrayal of the Old and New Testament that has taken place once a decade since 1634
Enjoy the unforgettable open-air performance put on by the residents of the Bavarian town

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Swiss Alps2 nights

Day 5: Swiss Alps via Neuschwanstein Castle & Liechtenstein

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

On your way to the Swiss Alps, 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.

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

Visit the capital, Vaduz, and pass the royal family’s hilltop castle, still in use as a royal residence
Enjoy free time in the town and be sure to get your passport stamped

Then, continue on to the Swiss Alps and sit down for an included dinner.

Day 6: 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

Spend a free afternoon in Lucerne or add an excursion.

Mount Pilatus

Excursion (additional cost)

Strasbourg2 nights

Day 7: Strasbourg via Bern

Included meal: Breakfast

Before crossing the border into France, make a stop in the Swiss capital of Bern for a sightseeing tour.

Cross the Aare River and head to the iconic Bern Bear Park, home to a community of brown bears
Stroll through the UNESCO-recognized Old Town, making your way past the Cathedral of Bern

Then continue on to Strasbourg, the capital of France’s Alsace region.

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Strasbourg

Included meal: Breakfast

Explore Strasbourg on a guided sightseeing tour with a local guide. Then, take to the river for a short cruise.

Make your way through the Grande Île neighborhood, passing by Place Gutenberg, Cathédrale Notre-Dame, and Palais Rohan, known as a miniature Versailles
Continue your tour by boat, taking in the Petite France neighborhood from the water with views of Barrage Vauban and Ponts Couvert

Spend a free afternoon in Strasbourg or add an excursion.

Alsace Wine Tasting & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Paris2 nights

Day 9: Train to Paris

Included meal: Breakfast

Take the high-speed TGV train through the French countryside to Paris. Spend a free evening in the French capital or add an excursion.

Dinner in Paris & Seine River Cruise

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Paris

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

A guided tour introduces you to the architecture, scenery, and history of the City of Light’s many neighborhoods, called arrondissements.

Drive down the sycamore-lined Champs-Élysées to view the Arc de Triomphe
Pass Pont Neuf and the legendary Notre-Dame Cathedral, located on an island in the Seine River
See the Eiffel Tower, the Palais Garnier opera house, and Place de la Concorde, the city’s grandest square
Marvel at the iconic architecture of the Louvre and Hôtel des Invalides

Spend a free afternoon in Paris or add an excursion. Then, celebrate your trip during a farewell dinner.

Versailles Palace & Gardens

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 11: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay in Paris.

Extension to Paris

Paris is always a good idea, so extend your trip to keep exploring. Take a couple of days to museum-hop, stroll along the boulevards, brush up on your français, and let your expert Tour Director point you toward the crème de la crème.

Paris2 nights

Day 11: Free day in Paris

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Paris or add an excursion.

Paris Home-Hosted Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 12: Free day in Paris

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Paris or add an excursion.

Monet & the Landscapes of Giverny

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 13: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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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.

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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Riessersee Hotel Resort

This Alpine-style hotel is located in the German countryside. Guests enjoy a restaurant, swimming pool, and sauna. Nearby, you’ll find Riessersee Lake...

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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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Mercure Strasbourg Centre Hotel

This modern hotel is located in the heart of Strasbourg. Guests enjoy a restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and a fitness center. Nearby, you’ll find Cathédrale N...

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Mercure Montmartre

This contemporary hotel is located in Montmartre. Guests enjoy on-site dining options, an outdoor terrace, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find Sacré-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

Local weather

Paris, France

Weather averages

Today
High 47°F Low 39°F

Strasbourg, France

Weather averages

Today
High 45°F Low 38°F

Oberammergau, Germany

Weather averages

Today
High 40°F Low 29°F

Munich, Germany

Weather averages

Today
High 43°F Low 35°F

Bern, Switzerland

Weather averages

Today
High 42°F Low 34°F

Lucerne, Switzerland

Weather averages

Today
High 43°F Low 35°F

FAQ

Print FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

This tour visits Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and France. 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 hours 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 Munich and depart from Paris. 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.
A high-speed TGV train ride from Strasbourg to Paris is included in the price of your tour.
All other included transportation 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

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.
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.

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.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other electrical 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.
Hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances, but 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 euro in Germany and France, and the Swiss franc in Switzerland.
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 tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for 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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2020