On this 13-day tour, admire the highlights of five Alpine countries, including Switzerland’s wonderful traditions and picturesque views.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Lucerne

Travel to Switzerland aboard an overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2 - Lucerne

Touch down in Zürich, where a Go Ahead representative accompanies you on the transfer to Lucerne. After hotel check-in, the rest of your day is free until this evening’s included dinner. 
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner

Day 3 - Lucerne

A local guide leads a tour of the lakeside city of Lucerne. View the Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument), a sandstone carving that pays tribute to fallen Swiss Guards; and stroll across the Kapellbrücke, a covered bridge whose history dates back to medieval days—the murals lining the ceiling are nearly identical to those painted in the 14th century. Following your tour, opt for a cog railway ride up Mount Pilatus. This evening, partake of a savory Swiss tradition at our optional Swiss Folklore Dinner, featuring local specialties such as fondue and live entertainment. 
Included meals: breakfast

$89 CAD

Mount Pilatus This scenic excursion begins with a cruise along Lake Lucerne aboard an authentic steamer. Then ascend the 7,000-foot summit of Mount Pilatus, on the world’s steepest cog-wheel railway, where the views of the Alps are stunning. Please note: The cruise and cog railway only run from mid-May through October. During the winter months, the excursion includes the gondola ride only.

$79 CAD

Swiss Folklore Evening Take part in a long-standing Swiss tradition at a festive dinner and show, featuring local Lucerne delicacies and fondue. Learn more about Swiss music and dance during the evening’s live entertainment. Please note: This optional is seasonal from April to October.

Day 4 - Lucerne

Spend a free day strolling alongside Lake Lucerne or visiting the city’s many interesting museums, including the Picasso Museum. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Mt. Titlis and Engelberg.
Included meals: breakfast

Call for price

Mount Titlis & Engelberg Visit one of the most famous mountains in Switzerland during today’s excursion to Engelberg. To truly experience the snow and ice on top of Mount Titlis, you’ll board the chair lift, The Ice Flyer, that will take you to the summit.  Afterwards, explore Engelberg, one of the more famous and well known ski resort towns in Switzerland.

Day 5 - Bern & Geneva

Your first stop today is Bern, Switzerland’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then stop in Geneva, international center of diplomacy. Here you’ll see the United Nations buildings and the shores of Lac Léman. Cross into France, arriving later today in the lovely town of Annecy, noted for its cobblestone streets and scenic canal. 
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 6 - Lake Annecy Region

Begin the day with a boat cruise (seasonal; some groups may have a walking tour) around Lake Annecy, featuring panoramic views of the Alps as well as a close-up look at the villas and flowering banks that circle the lake. You’ll tour the town, from the Château to the Palais de l’Ile, a tiny idyllic 12th-century fort, before enjoying lunch. 
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Lake Annecy cruise (seasonal)

Day 7 - Chamonix

Transfer to Chamonix, home of the 1924 Winter Olympics. Here, you’ll spend free time exploring this summer mecca for alpine mountaineers. You can also join an optional excursion to Mont Blanc, featuring a ride on Europe’s highest cable car for gorgeous vistas (weather permitting) and enjoy lunch at the mountain's summit. Next, travel through the Mont Blanc tunnel—Europe’s longest such passageway—into Italy. Arrive in the Lake Como region. 
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

$115 CAD

Mont Blanc Board Europe's highest cable car and ascend the mountain for glorious panoramic views.

Day 8 - Lake Como

Begin the day with a visit to Villa Carlotta (seasonal; During the off-season, a funicular ride to Brunate may be offered instead). This elegant 18th-century Italian estate stands amid 14 acres of gardens, whose 500 plant species include azaleas, orchids, camelias, eucalyptus and banana trees. Continue to the town of Como and join your Tour Director for an informal tour. You’ll pass by the 15th-century Gothic Duomo, the medieval quarter, and the 12th-century gate called Porta Vittoria. Later, you might choose to join an optional Lake Como cruise and meal.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Villa Carlotta

$75 CAD

Lake Como Cruise This excursion begins with a scenic cruise of Lake Como. Here you’ll see some of Italy’s most genteel estates set amid splendid gardens with flowering paths. This unforgettable cruise up the lake takes you past charming lake towns to visit lovely Bellagio. Please note: Departure time for this excursion depends on the season and is offered March through October.

Day 9 - St. Moritz

Return to Switzerland on today’s transfer to St. Moritz, a chic retreat for the rich and famous, including Sir Alfred Hitchcock, who set his 1934 British version of The Man Who Knew Too Much here. On a walk through town led by your tour director, behold the dramatic Engadin Valley, and see St. Moritz’s leaning tower, once part of a 13th-century church. 
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 10 - Liechtenstein

Travel through the principality of Liechtenstein, known for its production of wine and postage stamps. Pass the Royal Palace in the capital, Vaduz. Then continue into Austria, arriving by evening in Innsbruck. 
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 11 - Innsbruck

Enjoy a free morning in Innsbruck. The streets of Innsbruck are dotted with gems of Baroque architecture, including the pink stuccoed Helblinghaus and the Hofburg. Save some time for browsing, pastry-sampling or a climb up to the Olympic ski jump. This afternoon, join an optional excursion to the Bavarian castle of Neuschwanstein and the historic village of Oberammergau.
Included meals: breakfast

$75 CAD

Neuschwanstein & Oberammergau One of the most recognizable castles in the world, Neuschwanstein is a spectacular sight to behold. As you tour the castle’s interior, you’ll see many examples of the young "Mad" King Ludwig's eclectic tastes. Please note: Due to the 2010 Passion Play in Oberammergau between May and September, this excursion will visit Wieskirche instead.

Day 12 - Munich

Transfer to Munich, the cultural center of Germany. This afternoon you'll have a guided sightseeing tour of the city, including views of the Olympic Village, Nymphenburg Palace, Marienplatz and the Residenz. Then enjoy a free evening to continue exploring Munich.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Nymphenburg Palace

Day 13 - Munich

If you are not continuing on our tour extension in  Munich, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to  the airport for your return flight home.
Included meals: breakfast 

(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast  may not be provided.)

Protect your investment with affordable travel protection

Basic Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
Protect yourself in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Or choose one of the comprehensive packages below, and receive a discounted rate!

TravelSafe Plus — For one low price, you’ll receive:

• Trip cancellation & interruption protection
• Medical & accident protection
• Baggage & property protection

TravelSafe Gold with Flight Cancellation Protection
Take advantage of the best possible deal for your investment dollar. For $60 CAD more, you’ll get all of the above plus additional coverage (up to $1,000 CAD) if the flight to your tour is cancelled due to reasons beyond your control.

Purchase your travel protection package early and receive an added benefit!
Purchase one of the above TravelSafe packages within 14 days of reserving your tour, and you’ll automatically receive AnyTime Travel Protection at no additional charge. This means you can cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to the departure of your initial flight and still protect your investment. You will be provided with a credit voucher towards your next Go Ahead tour.

What’s unique about these protection plans?

• Most primary travel protection companies don’t cover international travel.
• Under the AnyTime Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and your investment is protected in the form of a credit voucher.
• Efekta travel protection covers lost or stolen cash while on tour.
• Efekta travel protection covers the cost towards replacement of valuable documents—such as passports, airline tickets and visas while on tour.
• In the event that your roommate cancels for a reason covered under the policy, you will be reimbursed for the single supplement fee, should you still choose to travel.
• The following policies are also available to be purchased separately:
  • Medical & Accident: $70 CAD
  • Baggage & Property: $60 CAD

Extended Protection Plan
The Extended Protection Plan allows you to purchase extended coverage for any travel you do before or after meeting up with your Go Ahead Tours tour group (with flights arranged by Go Ahead Tours).

For more detailed descriptions of the benefits available under Efekta Insurance International LTD's Travel Protection Plans please call 1-800-597-0350 or download a PDF copy of the Efekta Travel Protection booklet here.

Passport & Visa

This tour includes the following countries: Switzerland, France, Italy, Austria, the principality of Liechtenstein (on transfer), and Germany. 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 to the United States. 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

Travelers should be aware of high-altitude conditions in this region. The elevation of Mount Pilatus in Lucerne is 7,000 feet, and Chamonix (on our optional excursion) is 3,400 feet. Some bus transfers may also pass through high altitudes. Consult your doctor or health-care provider for specific recommendations and upto- date overseas travel requirements.

Transportation / Walking on tour

Round-trip flights arrive in Zurich and depart from Munich. Included transportation on the “Jewels of Alpine Europe” is by private motorcoach. In your free time, the best way to explore the Alpine cities and towns is on foot, as most are small and built for walkers, with little public transportation.

You can break up the walking with rides on city buses in Lucerne and Innsbruck. Keep in mind that taxis are usually costly in Switzerland.

Clothing & Packing Tips

Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort when exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for sightseeing. In the off-season, waterproof boots might be a good choice. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and emergency rainwear are advised. If you plan to visit an especially elegant restaurant or attend the opera or theater, you will probably feel more comfortable with something more formal to wear.

Be sure to visit www.travelsmith.com, official outfitter for Go Ahead Tours. Please enter JY9220 in the field for Catalog Key Code when creating your account!

Currency

The currencies that you will be using on your tour are the Swiss franc in Switzerland and the euro in France, Italy, Austria and Germany.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Go Ahead Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s
currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/ CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.