Skip to main content
logo
1-800-719-9805Help & contactEarn free travel
logo1-800-719-9805
Tours
Europe
Oktoberfest: Jewels of...
 

Oktoberfest: Jewels of Alpine Europe

14 days |  16 days with Salzburg extension
Group size1538 travelers
Reviews

4.5 star rating

14
Physical activity
lucerne switzerland
people drinking in german beer tent at oktoberfest in munich
colorful canoes docked in canal with people walking by
three swiss men standing on mountain playing traditional swiss trumpets
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
Fully Refundable Booking Period

Feel good about booking your tour today. Enroll in AutoPay or pay in full when you book and if you change your mind, you have 60 days to receive a full refund of your payment.

See terms

Experience rich culture and traditions against a backdrop of Alpine peaks.

Journey from Switzerland’s mountain-lined Lake Lucerne to France’s inspiring Lake Annecy. Take in the picturesque Chamonix Valley, stroll along Italy’s Lake Como, cross Liechtenstein, and hit the winter wonderland of Innsbruck. End your adventure in Munich, the lively capital of Bavaria, where you’ll join thousands of beer lovers from around the world in celebrating Oktoberfest.

Your tour package includes

  • 12 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 12 breakfasts
  • 5 dinners with beer or wine
  • 9 sightseeing tours
  • Expert Tour Director & local guides
Read more

Included highlights

  • Oktoberfest in Munich
  • Kapellbrücke
  • Interlaken
  • Chamonix
  • Mont Blanc
Read more
Start planning today

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Talk to a Tour Consultant

Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
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

From $169 per person

French Alps2 nights
Day 4: French Alps 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 make your way to your hotel
Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Annecy
Included meal: Breakfast

Travel north and get to know the lakeside town of 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

Then, return to your hotel in the French Alps and enjoy a free evening.

Lake Como Region2 nights
Day 6: Sightseeing tour of Chamonix
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

On your way to Italy, stop to explore and learn about 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

From $129 per person

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.

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.

Bavarian Alps Castle Visit & Lunch

From $155 per person

Munich3 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
  • 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
Day 12: Oktoberfest in Munich
Included meal: Breakfast

Join thousands of others in celebrating Oktoberfest this afternoon. Enjoy special admission to an Oktoberfest tent, where you can sample Bavarian delicacies along with steins of Munich’s famous beer.

Day 13: Free day in Munich
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a free day in Munich or add an excursion.

Then, celebrate your trip during a farewell dinner this evening.

Dachau

From $75 per person

Flight Home
Day 14: 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 14: 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
  • Enter the 17th-century Salzburg Cathedral, built in the Baroque style
  • Pass through scenery from the beloved film “The Sound of Music”
  • Enter the 17th-century Salzburg Cathedral, built in the Baroque style

Enjoy a free evening in Salzburg or add an excursion.

Mozart Concert & Dinner

From $195 per person

Day 15: 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

From $169 per person

Berchtesgaden: Salt Mines & Village Visit

From $105 per person

Flight Home
Day 16: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Munich airport for your flight home.

Show full itinerary
Book with peace of mind

We make it easy with down payments as low as $99, fee-free booking, and more

Read details

Reviews

4.5 star rating

Overall rating 4.5 out of 5

Based on 14 authentic traveler reviews
Sort by

    4.0 star rating

    9/20/22 by 4th-time traveler Dawn

    4.0 star rating

    9/20/22 by 1st-time traveler Adam

    4.0 star rating

    Alpine Europe
    9/19/22 by 4th-time traveler Russ

    Overall tour itself was very good. TD Alex was again amazing. We missed one day on our tour due to cancelled flights. A few of our hotels were very outside of the city centres. The pace was ok but this tour doesn’t have much “ down” time at all..go all day then eat dinner then get to hotel for night...

    Read more +
    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 10/14/22

    Case sent to CLE on 10/10 - Thank you for your rev...

    Read more +
    Show more reviews

    Traveler photos

    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.
    Grand Hotel Europe
    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...

    Read more +
    Mercure Chamonix Centre Hotel
    Mercure Chamonix Centre Hotel

    This contemporary mountain hotel is located in the center of Chamonix at the foot of Mont Blanc. Guests enjoy views of Mont Blanc and the Alps, roofto...

    Read more +
    NH Pontevecchio
    NH Pontevecchio

    This scenic hotel is located in Lecco, on the shores of Lake Como. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a gym, and restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find walking paths, ...

    Read more +
    Hotel Laudinella
    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,...

    Read more +
    Hotel Ramada Innsbruck Tivoli
    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...

    Read more +
    Holiday Inn Munich City Centre
    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...

    Read more +
    Arcotel Castellani
    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...

    Read more +

    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

    Print FAQ
    Passport, visa & entry 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.
    • 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 DAO.
    Was this information helpful?
    YesNo
    Tour pacing & mobility
    • 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 boats and 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.
    Was this information helpful?
    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.
    Was this information helpful?
    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.
    Was this information helpful?
    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).
    Was this information helpful?
    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 DAO.
    Was this information helpful?
    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.
    Was this information helpful?
    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.
    Was this information helpful?
    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.
    Was this information helpful?
    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.
    Was this information helpful?
    Currency
    • You will use the euro in France, Italy, 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.
    Was this information helpful?
    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 $8USD 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.
    Was this information helpful?
    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.
    Was this information helpful?

    More tours you might love

    Jewels of Alpine Europe
    13 days | 15 days with Salzburg extension

    4.6 star rating

    241
    From 
    $4,659*
     $4,139*
    View tour
    View tour
    Shop all tours