Overview Itinerary Dates & prices Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Central Europe for Solo Travelers

with Prague extension

Duration: 9 or 11 days
Group size: 15-28

Join fellow solo travelers to see the cities and sites of Alpine Europe.

Discovering the world and meeting like-minded people go together like The Sound of Music and the Austrian countryside. Whether you’re excited to see Bavarian castles or sample Swiss chocolate, you’ll enjoy all the perks of a guided tour as you travel through Switzerland, Germany, and Austria—and make new friends along the way.

Your tour package includes

7 nights in a private room at handpicked hotels
7 breakfasts
3 dinners with beer or wine
5 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

Kapellbrücke
Neuschwanstein Castle
Nymphenburg Palace
Mirabell Gardens
Spanish Riding School

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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 Swiss Alps

Included meal: Farewell dinner

Welcome to Switzerland! Transfer to your hotel in the Swiss Alps. Then, gather with your Tour Director and fellow group members at a mixer and mingle with everyone as you enjoy a welcome dinner of traditional Swiss fondue.

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
Sample decadent Swiss chocolate at a local shop

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

Travel through the mountains of Bavaria en route to Munich, Germany. Along the way, stop for a guided tour of Neuschwanstein Castle, 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.

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

Make your way to Salzburg, Austria and explore the scenery from the beloved film The Sound of Music on a guided tour this afternoon.

Visit Mirabell Gardens, where the scene of the von Trapp family singing Do-Re-Mi was filmed
Pass Salzburg Cathedral and Nonnberg Abbey to see where Maria von Trapp planned to become a nun
Snap a photo of Leopoldskron Palace and visit Hellbrun Palace to view the gazebo featured in the scene where Liesl von Trapp and Rolf sing 16 Going on 17
Stop in the village of Sankt Gilgen to admire views of Lake Wolfgang and enter Mondsee Abbey, where the movie’s iconic wedding scene took place

Enjoy a free evening in Salzburg or add an excursion.

Mozart Concert & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Vienna2 nights

Day 7: Transfer to Vienna & Spanish Riding School

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel to Vienna and make a photo stop at Schönbrunn Palace, the Rococo Hapsburg home.

Then, visit the Spanish Riding School.

Take a guided tour of the Winter Riding School and the summer stables
Learn about the history, tradition, and training of the Lipizzaner horses

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Vienna

Included meals: Breakfast, 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

Spend the evening exploring Austria’s capital city.

Board the Prater Ferris Wheel and take a breezy ride to the top, for a one-of-a-kind view of the city
Visit the picturesque village of Grinzing
Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local Heurigen, or wine tavern, and try some of the tavern’s own locally made wine

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.

Spend a free evening in the Czech capital or add an excursion.

Prague State Opera Performance

Excursion (additional cost)

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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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.

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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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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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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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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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

Zurich, Switzerland

Weather averages

Today
High 38°F Low 29°F

Vienna, Austria

Weather averages

Today
High 37°F Low 34°F

Munich, Germany

Weather averages

Today
High 35°F Low 29°F

Lucerne, Switzerland

Weather averages

Today
High 36°F Low 24°F

Salzburg, Austria

Weather averages

Today
High 34°F Low 26°F

Prague, Czech Republic

Weather averages

Today
High 35°F Low 25°F

FAQ

Print FAQ

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.

Dates & prices

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2020