Name: Oktoberfest: Jewels of Alpine Europe
Brand: Go Ahead Tours
SKU: DAO
Price: 5009 CAD
Rating: 4.7 (10 reviews)

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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

Included highlights

Oktoberfest in Munich
Kapellbrücke
Interlaken
Chamonix
Mont Blanc

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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.

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 $155 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 $109 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.

Neuschwanstein Castle & Lunch

From $145 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 $55 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
See the Kapitelplatz, Residenzplatz, and Alter Markt, in the city’s Old Town
Enter the 17th-century Salzburg Cathedral, built in the Baroque style
Pass through scenery from the beloved film “The Sound of Music”
Take the funicular to the hilltop Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe’s largest medieval castles

Enjoy a free evening in Salzburg or add an excursion.

Mozart Concert & Dinner

From $165 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 $135 per person

Berchtesgaden: Salt Mines & Village Visit

From $85 per person

Flight Home

Day 16: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Munich airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

Overall rating 4.7 out of 5

Based on 10 authentic and unedited traveler reviews

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WONDERFUL

09/16/18 by 1st-time traveler Kay

Best tour I have ever been on! PERFECT!!!

Jewels of the Alpine + Oktoberfest - mostly Green Bay, WI group

09/25/18 by 4th-time traveler Roger

I noted all these items on the evaluation sheet turned in to the Tour Director also. Hotels were generally good with the exception of either hard / flat pillows and kind of hard beds - not the most comfortable. In some hotels, the front desk didn't even have extra pillows to give out - they h...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 10/30/18

Dear Roger, Thank you for leaving us a review of y...

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09/25/18 by 2nd-time traveler Jill

I highly recommend this tour. Our tour guide was outstanding and added little side bits that enriched our experiences. Each day was better than the one before. The time management for excursions was exceptional. Octoberfest met more than our expectations. The extension to Salzburg was well worth t...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 10/23/18

Dear Jill, We are so glad this tour exceeded your ...

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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

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 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...

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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, ...

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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,...

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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...

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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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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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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 33 °FLow 26 °F

Chamonix, France

Weather averages

Today

High 27 °FLow 10 °F

Saint Moritz, Switzerland

Weather averages

Today

High 26 °FLow 0 °F

Innsbruck, Austria

Weather averages

Today

High 36 °FLow 17 °F

Munich, Germany

Weather averages

Today

High 34 °FLow 26 °F

Bern, Switzerland

Weather averages

Today

High 36 °FLow 22 °F

Lucerne, Switzerland

Weather averages

Today

High 35 °FLow 19 °F

Salzburg, Austria

Weather averages

Today

High 36 °FLow 19 °F

Annecy, France

Weather averages

Today

High 37 °FLow 24 °F

FAQ

Print FAQ

Passport & visa 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.

Tour pace

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.

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.

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.
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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Oktoberfest: Jewels of Alpine Europe

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

Day-by-day itinerary

Reviews

Traveler photos

Hotels, flights & FAQ

Hotels

Flights

Local weather

FAQ

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