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Experience a centuries-old tradition in the heart of Bavaria.
Explore the vibrant cultures of Hungary, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland on this one-of-a-kind journey. From dynamic Budapest, make your way through the Austrian countryside to visit the cities of Vienna and Salzburg. Then, continue on to lively Munich and end your trip in the charming lakeside city of Lucerne. 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
12 nights in handpicked hotels
12 breakfasts
1 lunch
6 dinners with beer or wine
7 sightseeing tours
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Included highlights
Hungarian Parliament Building
Mönchsberg Lift
Nymphenburg Palace
Passion Play in Oberammergau
Hohenschwangau Castle
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Start planning today
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Welcome to Hungary! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.
Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Budapest
Included meal: Breakfast
Discover the major landmarks of both Buda and Pest in the city that straddles east and west.
Trace this nation’s stormy history at Heroes’ Square
Tour the lavishly decorated Hungarian Parliament Building
Cross the Danube and ascend Castle Hill
Take in the breathtaking views from Fisherman’s Bastion
Visit the medieval Matthias Church, once the site of Hapsburg coronations
Spend a free afternoon in Budapest or add an excursion.
Wine Cellar Dinner & Unicum Liqueur Tasting
From $129 per person
Vienna3 nights
Day 4: Vienna via Szentendre
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel west through the Danube basin en route to Vienna, Austria.
Make a stop in the small, charming Hungarian town of Szentendre, home of chocolates, cafes, parks, and pastries.
Stop to view Visegrad Castle and Esztergom Basilica, before crossing the Austrian border (stops are weather-dependent)
Continue on to Vienna and sit down for an included dinner.
Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Vienna
Included meal: Breakfast
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 a free afternoon in Vienna or add an excursion.
Please note: Belvedere Palace will be replaced with Schönbrunn Palace if the guided sightseeing falls on a Monday.
Traditional Viennese Heurigen Evening
From $129 per person
Day 6: Free day in Vienna
Included meal: Breakfast
Enjoy a free day in Vienna or add an excursion.
Danube River Cruise & Bratislava
From $149 per person
Salzburg2 nights
Day 7: Salzburg via Melk
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Make a photo stop at Schönbrunn Palace, the Rococo Hapsburg home, before traveling west through the Danube basin en route to Salzburg.
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 Salzburg and sit down for an included dinner this evening.
Please note: On some departures the photo stop at Schönbrunn Palace will be replaced with entrance to Schönbrunn Palace on day 5 depending on the day of the week.
Day 8: Free day in Salzburg
Included meal: Breakfast
Spend a free day in Salzburg or add an excursion.
Eagle's Nest & Salt Mines
From $149 per person
Munich2 nights
Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Salzburg & transfer to Munich
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Discover Salzburg, a city famed for its churches and musical history, 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
Pass through scenery from The Sound of Music
Ride the Mönchsberg Lift and enjoy panoramic views of the city and its fortress
After, travel to Munich, Germany and sit down for an included dinner.
Day 10: 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
From $59 per person
Oberammergau1 night
Day 11: 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 12: Swiss Alps via Hohenschwangau Castle & Liechtenstein
Included meal: Breakfast
On your way to the Swiss Alps, pass through the Bavarian Alps making several stops along the way.
Make a photo stop at Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairy-tale retreat of “Mad” King Ludwig II
Revel in scenic views of the Alps as you relax during free time for lunch in the town below Neuschwanstein
Enter Hohenschwangau Castle, the former summer and hunting residence of the Bavarian royal family
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.
Day 13: Sightseeing tour of Lucerne
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
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 the Swiss Alps or add an excursion.
The, celebrate your trip during a farewell dinner.
Mount Pilatus
From $155 per person
Flight Home
Day 14: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the Zurich airport for your flight home or extend your tour to visit Germany’s Rhine Valley.
Extension to Rhine Valley
Take to the countryside and join your Tour Director to discover the charming Rhine Valley, home to some famous wines and storybook scenery. Stop in Heidelberg, then explore the small towns nestled along shores of the famous Rhine River.
Rhine Valley2 nights
Day 14: Transfer to Heidelberg & sightseeing tour
Included meal: Breakfast
Travel to Heidelberg this morning and take a guided sightseeing tour to immerse yourself in the city’s romantic views and Baroque architecture.
Wander through Heidelberg’s elegant Market Square in the city’s Old Town
Explore the grounds of Heidelberg University, the oldest university in Germany
Take a funicular ride to the city’s rose-colored hilltop castle for panoramic views of the Old Bridge and the Rhine River below
Day 15: Free day in the Rhine Valley
Included meal: Breakfast
Spend a free day in Rhine Valley or add an excursion.
Rhine River Cruise & Wine Tasting
From $145 per person
Flight Home
Day 16: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the Frankfurt airport for your flight home.
Based on 14 authentic and unedited traveler reviews
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Featured
Very Interesting Countries with lots of history
06/30/10 by 1st-time traveler Carole
It was a very good trip. The guides knew a lot about the areas and the historical backgrounds to what had gone on there. One guide had very personal family experience which made her talks very touching and interesting. It was nice to go to some smaller towns to get an idea of the country as well. Th...
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Trip of a Lifetime
06/30/10 by 1st-time traveler Mary
The trip was great and our tour director was first rate. Our flights to and from were not very comfortable...too crowded. The hotels were very nice and the breakfasts in every place were top notch.
A Unique Experience
07/02/10 by 3rd-time traveler Diana
This was a terrific tour. They were all places I had not been before and were well worth the time. Prague, the city of Spires, was my favorite. It had not been bombed during the war and that meant the old buidings are still standing as they were. Really neat! Budapest is lovely and has lots of bridg...
Read more +
Show more reviews
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.
Radisson Blu Beke Hotel
This elegant, traditional hotel is located in Terézváros. Guests enjoy an indoor swimming pool, laundry services, and a restaurant. Nearby, you'll fin...
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MAXX by Steigenberger Hotel Vienna
This convenient hotel is located in the city center of Vienna, Austria. Guests enjoy the fitness area, on-site bar and restaurant, and spa. 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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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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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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Mercure Wiesbaden City
This modern hotel is located in the city center. Guests enjoy room service, free Wi-Fi, and a bar. Nearby, you’ll find Wilhelmstrasse, Museum Wiesbade...
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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
This tour visits Hungary, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. 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.
You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code VIO.
Tour pacing & mobility
You will walk for at least 2 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with a 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.
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 Budapest and depart from Zurich (or Frankfurt 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 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
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.
You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code VIO.
Cuisine
Hungary claims goulash as its national dish, but also is known for excellent salamis, cheeses, nut-flavored pancakes, freshwater fish, and preserved fruits.
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.
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.
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 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 Hungarian forint in Hungary, the euro in Austria and Germany, 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.
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