germany and austria tours

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

This site uses cookies. For more information, please see our cookie policy.

Mon - Fri: 7am - 5pm PST

Closed Sat & Sun

Contact us HERE

North America

Central & south america, south pacific.

• Middle East

Multi-Country Tours

Today's top trips, best of italy, european whirl, national park wonders.

Best of Germany and Austria

Manage My Booking

• My GET Tour Log In
• Uniworld Express Check-In
• Travel Restrictions/Guidelines
• South America
• US & Canada
• Australia & New Zealand

Top Destinations

• Great Britain
• Switzerland

Collections

• Edinburgh Military Tattoo Tours
• Europe's Christmas Markets
• Multi-Country European Packages
• CostSaver Tours
• Insight Vacations Tours
• Trafalgar Tours
• Uniworld River Cruises
• Women-Only Tours

For more than 40 years, Grand European Travel has been providing a wonderfully simple, and genuinely personal, way to travel.

Meet Our Team

Our Travel Specialists make planning your trip fun and hassle free

Guided Vacations

Top 10 advantages of taking a guided tour

Guest Reviews

As you plan your trip read our unedited guest reviews

Travel Insurance

Protect your vacation with travel insurance.

Responsible Travel

Powered by our not-for-profit foundation, TreadRight

13 Day Germany & Austria Tour from Frankfurt

Germany, Austria

Frankfurt, Sankt Goar, Kamp-Bornhofen, Cologne, Berlin, Wurzburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Munich, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Vienna

1 Welcome Reception, 12 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners

Mainly 2–3-night stays in each location. Comfortable travel days with numerous stops. Requires 1-3 miles of walking per day that might involve some uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones and stairs.

If you like hassle free travel with everything handled for you – looking to meet great people, eat great food, enjoy great sightseeing, and have immersive experiences, Trafalgar is for you.  From the iconic not-to-be-missed to one-of-a-kind local experiences, including Be-my-Guest dining and stays with stories, you’ll connect deeper to your destination, and every tour has at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER immersive impact experience included advancing one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), offering you the chance to take a deep dive into culture and community. As the world’s leading tour company and trusted by more than 5 million guests, Trafalgar tours are simply the best value for your vacation dollar.

Modern cities, medieval towns and all the sights in between make this Best of Germany and Austria experience one you’ll remember. Beyond the beauty of the Rhine and Wachau, you’ll explore Vienna’s musical treasures, Alpine landscapes and the castle of a shy king.

Flexible booking 30-day deposit refund guarantee + no change fees See flexible booking terms >

Best Value Why touring is the easiest way to travel Learn more >

Current Entry Requirements Check your destination View Entry Guide >

Day-by-day itinerary

Embrace centuries-old heritage charm and modern style in the vibrant city of Frankfurt, our springboard for a delightful exploration of the best of Germany and Austria. Spend your day exploring the Altstadt and soaking up the atmosphere of a bygone era, before meeting your Travel Director for an orientation of the medieval Römerplatz and dynamic financial district. Later, we join our fellow travelers for a memorable Welcome Reception to launch our journey through the heart of Europe.

Spend the day exploring the sights of Frankfurt.

Iconic Experience

Explore Frankfurt

The legend of Loreley kick-starts our morning as we board a leisurely cruise along the mighty Rhine past castles and vineyard-clad hills. We stop to Connect With Locals over a Be My Guest lunch and hear tales of knights and feuding lords and ladies in a 13 th century castle perched high above the Rhine valley. Continuing to the cultural capital of the Rhineland, we view the spectacular Gothic spires of Cologne Cathedral. Spend the rest of the evening exploring the city's great artistic treasures and historic town squares.

In a medieval castle, enjoy an exclusive lunch and be transported back to a time of kings and knights.

Be My Guest

Lunch in a Medieval Castle High Above the Rhine River Valley

Cruise beneath the semi-ruined castles and terraced vineyards. Sleepy villages slip by as you saunter upstream to the Lorelei Rock where the enchantress lured sailors to their doom.

Rhine Valley Cruise

The towering Cathedral of Cologne is an impressive introduction to this riverside city. 

See the Cathedral of Cologne

This morning, we board a high-speed train to historic Berlin, whose once-turbulent history has shaped its rebirth as the charismatic capital of Germany. Join a Local Specialist for an exploration of 'East meets West' and delve into the story behind their reunification. See the imposing Brandenburg Gate, the Tiergarten, Unter den Linden and the Reichstag building, with its famous glass dome. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

During a sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist, admire Berlin landmarks like the Tiergarten and the neo- Renaissance Reichstag.

Berlin City Tour

Come along for a fun night of hearty food, wine, beer and music before we drive through the city as the sun goes down and the landmarks of this imp ...

Optional Experiences

Berlin by Twilight with Dinner

Come along for a fun night of hearty food, wine, beer and music before we drive through the city as the sun goes down and the landmarks of this impressive German Capital illuminate.

Pricing Info

How to book.

Optional experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked by your Travel Director while on tour.

Ascend the Berlin TV Tower for spectacular 360° views of the city from the Berlin TV Tower. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore the city on your own. Perhaps see the remnants of the Berlin Wall, visit the infamous Checkpoint Charlie or enjoy an Optional Experience to the District of Potsdam, the former Prussian royal seat.

Take in panoramic views of the city from the observation platform of the Berlin TV Tower.

Berlin TV Tower Visit

Uncover secrets of Berlin’s past with your Local Specialist on a guided tour of the city. View the Holocaust Memorial, touch a remaining section of ...

Berlin's Secret Past Revealed

Uncover secrets of Berlin’s past with your Local Specialist on a guided tour of the city. View the Holocaust Memorial, touch a remaining section of the Berlin Wall, see the site of Checkpoint Charlie, and learn more about Berlin’s WWII and Cold War past.

On the western outskirts of Berlin, we'll explore the area around Wannsee & Potsdam with our Local Specialist and discover the varied historica ...

Bridges, Lakes & Prussian Royalty

On the western outskirts of Berlin, we'll explore the area around Wannsee & Potsdam with our Local Specialist and discover the varied historical events and sights in this part of Germany. We stop on the shores of the Wannsee lake which was the setting for the infamous 1942 Wannsee Conference to plan the “Final Solution”. Continuing past harbors and houses we cross Glienicke Bridge, better known as the Spy Bridge from the Cold War era, and onto the beautiful and extensive gardens of Fredrick the Great’s summer palace Sanssouci, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To complete our journey across the centuries, we dine riverside in a former royal hunting lodge and enjoy regional specialties in a charming setting.

Celebrate beauty through your admiration of art and architecture in beautiful Würzburg, where you will see the Prince-Bishops' residence and Marienberg Fortress, on the banks of the Main. Continue to Rothenburg and dine tonight in your hotel. Your Stays With Stories accommodation this evening is the historic Prinzhotel, built in the traditional half-timbered style lying within the 15 th -century fortified town walls.

Step into 15 th -century Germany at the Prinzhotel, built in the traditional half-timbered style and ideally located within the city's famous fortified town walls.

Trafalgar Difference

Stays with Stories

See the Residenz Palace as you explore the old town with your Travel Director. Stand on the statue-lined Alte Mainbrucke and see the Marienburg fortress.

Würzburg Orientation

This morning, we embark on an orientation walk through the medieval center of Rothenburg, seemingly frozen in time and encircled by a fortified town wall that remains intact after centuries. Traveling south through picture-perfect landscapes of Bavaria, we arrive in Munich. We check into our Stays With Stories accommodation, the Arabella Sheraton Munich which once saw Led Zeppelin, Iggy Pop and Freddie Mercury belt out tunes in the then-hotel basement recording studio. Famous producer Giorgio Moroder founded a recording studio here in the early 1970s until the noise of the nearby subway trains forced the music to continue elsewhere.

The Arabella Sheraton Munich once saw Led Zeppelin, Iggy Pop, Freddie Mercury and other musical legends belt out record breaking tunes in the then-hotel basement recording studio.

Visit the medieval center of Rothenburg.

Visit Rothenburg

Stroll through the heart of Munich this morning, see the distinctive towers of the Cathedral as well as Marienplatz, the central square and the impressive town hall with its charming glockenspiel during your orientation. The 13th-century St. Peter's churchand the Viktualien food market square and a beerhall are only a short walk from here. Spend the rest of the day on your own, exploring the city's Baroque palaces and vibrant markets, or embrace the Bavarian region's rich beer brewing heritage at one of Munich's many beer halls.

During your orientation of the city with your Travel Director, see Feldherrnhalle in the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, the E ...

Munich Orientation

During your orientation of the city with your Travel Director, see Feldherrnhalle in the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, the English Garden, the Hofbräuhaus, St. Peter's Church and the famous Marienplatz.

Our Local Specialist will provide insight into Germany’s first concentration camp, opened immediately after Hitler’s rise to power, just outside Da ...

The Dachau Memorial Site

Our Local Specialist will provide insight into Germany’s first concentration camp, opened immediately after Hitler’s rise to power, just outside Dachau. We'll learn about the camp, now maintained as a memorial, and the part it played in this tragic period in history.

A great evening dining in the local atmosphere of a typical Bavarian restaurant.  Enjoy traditional Bavarian food and sample some of Munich’s best beer – Prost!

Bavarian Evening

Indulge in a world of fantasy and fables during your visit to Neuschwanstein Castle (Subject to Availability), built as a retreat for King Ludwig II to retire from public life. Wind your way through the countryside, climbing higher into the Bavarian Alps bound for Innsbruck, where you'll spend the next two nights. This evening, dinner is served at your hotel.

Admire the magical countryside at the Neuschwanstein Castle.

Neuschwanstein Castle Visit

This morning, you'll embark on a short orientation tour that includes views of the Old Town, Hofburg Palace and the ornate Golden Roof, built to commemorate the wedding of Emperor Maximilian I. Spend your free time exploring Innsbruck's iconic sites and delving into Tyrol's complex history and culture, or simply relax and admire this dazzling city with its magnificent Alpine backdrop. Next, admire the fascinating crystal installations and browse for precious gifts and souvenirs at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store. You could consider joining a traditional dinner and Tyrolean folklore show this evening.

A scenic train ride through the Tyrolean Alps with our Local Specialist takes us to the glamorous ski-resort of Seefeld. Here we'll enjoy a horse d ...

Grand Alpine Tour

A scenic train ride through the Tyrolean Alps with our Local Specialist takes us to the glamorous ski-resort of Seefeld. Here we'll enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride through spectacular scenery and taste some of the local schnapps. Later, we see the Olympic Ski Jump and marvel at the landscape of the beautiful Inn Valley as it stretches below us.

Enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Tyrolean cuisine before a lively folklore show, where singers, dancers and musicians dressed in national cost ...

Tyrolean Evening With Dinner

Enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Tyrolean cuisine before a lively folklore show, where singers, dancers and musicians dressed in national costume provide an evening of entertainment and fun. Drinks are included.

Travel to Salzburg where spires and domes rise in the shadow of Hohensalzburg Castle, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe. Join a Local Specialist for a fascinating walking tour of a city that featured in ‘The Sound of Music'. View Mozart's birthplace and family house in Getreidegasse, and the Domplatz dominated by Salzburg Cathedral. This evening, we dine at our hotel.

Join your Local Specialist to visit the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace and Residence Square - both locations used in 'The Sound of Music.' See t ...

Salzburg City Tour

Join your Local Specialist to visit the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace and Residence Square - both locations used in 'The Sound of Music.' See the imposing fortress, the immense cathedral and Mozart's birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse.

In Berchtesgaden National Park, we'll drive with our Local Specialist past farmhouses and picturesque villages, as we ascend the Obersalzberg. We'l ...

Eagle's Nest & The Bavarian Alps

In Berchtesgaden National Park, we'll drive with our Local Specialist past farmhouses and picturesque villages, as we ascend the Obersalzberg. We'll then transfer to special buses for the second leg of the journey, on a spectacular road that's been blasted out of the mountain side. Finally, we'll take an elevator to the Eagle's Nest, intended as a mountain retreat for Hitler and his inner circle. Once at the top, we'll learn its fascinating history and take in awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountain peaks, whilst enjoying a local refreshment!

Join us for a scenic tour with our Local Specialist in the Bavarian Alps to Berchtesgaden, within sight of Hitler's Bavarian Redoubt. Via the Hohen ...

Berchtesgaden And Hohenringstrasse Excursion

Join us for a scenic tour with our Local Specialist in the Bavarian Alps to Berchtesgaden, within sight of Hitler's Bavarian Redoubt. Via the Hohenringstrasse, we'll ascend 5,000 ft along one of the most beautiful mountain roads of Europe.

Today, with our Local Specialist, we'll marvel at the Alpine beauty of the Salzburg lake district, with its 76 glacier lakes and picturesque towns ...

Lake and Mountain Tour

Today, with our Local Specialist, we'll marvel at the Alpine beauty of the Salzburg lake district, with its 76 glacier lakes and picturesque towns like Sankt Gilgen. We'll also have the chance to see some of the major backdrops for the film "The Sound of Music".

Indulge in the Austrian tradition of koffee and kuchen at Wastlbauer eco-farm on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Meet Eva, the owner, for a tour of her self-sufficient farm and wet your appetite over freshly baked pastries. This experience advances UN Global Goal 12: Responsible production and consumption. Scenic landscapes provide a beautiful backdrop for our drive past Lake Mondsee to the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley. Sloping vineyards line the Danube from Melk Abbey to Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was held prisoner and subsequently found by Blondel, his faithful minstrel. This afternoon, we arrive in the imperial capital of Vienna. We have the evening at leisure to enjoy the sounds of the 'City of Music' or consider an evening of Viennese classical music.

Take in the beautiful landscapes of Wachau Valley.

Wachau Valley Scenic Views

Indulge in the Austrian tradition of koffee and kuchen at Wastlbauer eco-farm. Meet Eva, the owner, for a tour of her self-sufficient farm and wet ...

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Salzburg Farm Coffee and Cakes

Indulge in the Austrian tradition of koffee and kuchen at Wastlbauer eco-farm. Meet Eva, the owner, for a tour of her self-sufficient farm and wet your appetite over freshly baked pastries. This experience advances UN Global Goal 12: Responsible production and consumption.

A wonderful evening of all things Viennese! We'll enjoy a superb dinner with drinks, followed by a concert of Viennese classical music. With your ' ...

Dinner And Viennese Concert

A wonderful evening of all things Viennese! We'll enjoy a superb dinner with drinks, followed by a concert of Viennese classical music. With your 'A Class' tickets, you will experience works by Johann Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart performed in a classic, sumptuous setting and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or juice during the concert. Please note: on occasion, a small gift will be offered in place of a glass of sparkling wine.

Explore the splendor of Vienna at the exquisite Hofburg Palace, the former winter residence of the Habsburg Dynasty - one of the highlights of your guided sightseeing tour of Vienna with a Local Specialist. Enjoy views of the grand State Opera House and Ringstrasse, a beautiful sweeping boulevard built in the 19 th century to replace the city walls. Admire the ornate, colorful roof of St. Stephen's Cathedral, one of the city's most beloved icons, before spending the afternoon at leisure. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant to celebrate a beautiful sojourn through Germany and Austria.

Walk through the first district, Inner Stadt, as your Local Specialist reveals the historic core of the city. Tour the Ring Road to see the Hofburg ...

Vienna City Tour

Walk through the first district, Inner Stadt, as your Local Specialist reveals the historic core of the city. Tour the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.

The Imperial Summer Palace of Schönbrunn offers an amazing journey through the centuries of Habsburg rule. It is perfectly preserved and richly dec ...

Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens

The Imperial Summer Palace of Schönbrunn offers an amazing journey through the centuries of Habsburg rule. It is perfectly preserved and richly decorated with treasures from around the globe. Each room has a story to tell, so of course, you’ll have a Local Specialist to bring it to life and to make the most of your time. 

We bid farewell to our companions at the end of a wonderful holiday.

Select your date

Special departure, included highlights, top rated highlights.

Learn more about the landmarks, history and culture that makes your destination special.

About this trip

What to expect.

Sign up on tour for additional experiences that have been curated by your Travel Director from their own in-depth local knowledge.

Compare similar tours

Winter wonderland, 9 days from $2,675.

Sound of Music

9 days from $2,970.

Best of Germany

12 days from $3,195.

Country Roads of Bavaria, Switzerland and Austria

12 days from $4,926.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Official Languages across Germany and Austria German is the official language of Germany and Austria German is the official language of Austria.
• Currency used in Germany and Austria: Euro (€)
• Capital cities: Berlin (Germany) and Vienna (Austria)/li>
• Time Zone(s) in Germany and Austria: Central European Time Zone (CET), Central European Summer Time (CEST)

Germany and Austria passport, visa, and entry requirement information for US citizens.

• Passport: Your passport should have at least two blank pages for entry stamps. Your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip
• Visa Requirement: A visa is not required to enter Germany or Austria.
• Entry Requirements: You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to getours.com/travel-requirements-restrictions .

Germany experiences a temperate seasonal climate with four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Summers are generally mild to warm, with average temperatures ranging from 20° to 30°C (68° to 86°F). Winters can be cold, especially in the northern and eastern regions, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and occasional snowfall. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, although the summer months tend to be wetter. The coastal areas, such as Hamburg and Bremen, have a maritime climate with milder winters and cooler summers compared to the inland regions.

Austria has a diverse climate due to its varied topography, but it is predominantly characterized by a temperate continental climate. Summers are generally warm, with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). Winters can be cold, particularly in the mountainous regions, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and significant snowfall in the alpine areas. The western parts of Austria are influenced by the Alpine climate, with cooler temperatures and heavier precipitation, especially during the winter months. Precipitation is evenly distributed during the year, with slightly higher rainfall in the summer months.

On-Tour Luggage & Carry-On Bag Size Limits

Luggage : Each guest traveling may bring one suitcase no larger than 30” x 18” x 10" and weighing no more than 50 lb

Carry-On Bag : *Restricted to one piece per person, not to exceed 12” x 11” x 6”

• *Please note : A "carry-on bag" on a tour coach is not the same as a "carry-on" for a flight. Because our coaches have large windows to enjoy the view, there is minimal space to store large items securely overhead or under the seats. A "carry-on bag" may be a soft-sided daypack, purse, backpack, tote bag, or the like. Because we value our guests' safety, small rolling suitcases or bags with telescopic handles are not permitted. In order to guarantee a smooth trip, guests are not permitted to store an additional "carry-on" bag beneath the coach with the luggage. 

So your driver and any hotel porters can safely lift and transport your suitcase throughout your vacation, we strongly recommend that you test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances. 

Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline, and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.

Packing Tips for Your Tour

Packing for a guided tour will vary depending on the duration of the trip, the time of year, and the activities planned. Here is a general packing list to help you get started:

Passport and Travel Documents : Ensure you have your passport , travel insurance , and any necessary travel documents.

• Comfortable walking shoes: Cobblestone streets and uneven terrain require comfortable footwear.
• Lightweight, breathable clothing: Pack clothes suitable for the season. Bring a mix of short-sleeved tops, lightweight pants or skirts, and a few long-sleeved options for cooler evenings for the summer months, and long-sleeved and heavier layers for early Spring, Fall, and Winter.
• Layers: It's advisable to bring a light jacket or sweater and a scarf for layering, especially in Spring or Fall.
• Nice evening wear: You may wish to wear a dressier outfit if you plan on dining in an elegant restaurant, for example. Smart-casual clothes are usually acceptable for all included daytime and evening activities throughout your tour.
• Rain Gear: Depending on the season and the countries you're visiting, it's a good idea to pack a compact rain jacket or umbrella.

Sun Protection:

• Hat, sunglasses, UV-protective clothing.
• Sunscreen with high SPF. If you're visiting any coastal areas, bring reef-safe sunscreen formulated without harmful chemicals known to be damaging to coral reefs and marine life. Traditional sunscreens often contain ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been found to contribute to coral bleaching and negatively impact marine ecosystems. Look for sunscreens with certifications such as "Reef Safe," "Coral Safe," or "Ocean-Friendly" to ensure they are environmentally friendly .

Medications and First Aid:

• Any prescription medications you need. (See more below under Health & Wellness)
• Basic first aid kit with adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, etc.

Toiletries:

• Travel-sized toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, soap, and toothpaste.
• Travel towel (quick-drying and compact).
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
• A washcloth and carry bag (often not available in hotels abroad).

Electronics:

• A camera: You’re traveling to see extraordinary scenery and sites. So that you don't miss a single moment, bring a trustworthy camera. Check out our travel photography tips for capturing the best photos of your trips. If you feel comfortable, you can also try the camera on your phone . However, if you want to zoom in or capture moving objects, a camera might be your best bet.
• Mobile phone.
• Chargers for each electronic you bring.
• Travel adapter and/or voltage converter
• Portable power bank for charging devices on the go.
• Small travel hair dryer (make sure you have the correct converter and adapter).

Miscellaneous:

• A travel-friendly daypack or bag to carry your essentials during excursions.
• Insect repellent.
• Reusable water bottle. At GET, we’re all about caring for our planet , and with that in mind, we always recommend that you pack a reusable water bottle for your trip. Bringing your own reusable water bottle or asking for tap water at restaurants means you can make a difference by reducing your vacation plastic waste.
• A small travel alarm.
• A travel iron if you like your clothes to be pressed.
• A travel pillow.
• Scarf or shawl for visiting religious sites or to cover up in conservative areas.
• Light sleepwear.
• A new, blank journal to document your trip. Don't know your travel journal style? Find out here !
• Ziplock bags (storing snacks, toiletries, and keeping things organized).

Remember to pack light and versatile items that can be mixed and matched for different outfits. Laundry facilities are often available, or you can have your clothes laundered at hotels during your trip. It's also a good idea to pack a small bag or backpack to bring on the coach for day trips and excursions, leaving your larger luggage at the hotel.

Electricity

American appliances run on 110-120 volts at 60 Hz, while European appliances run on 220-230 volts at 50 Hz.

As a result, American appliances designed for use in the United States (typically 120 volts at 60 Hz) may not be directly compatible with the higher voltage used in European countries. Plugging a 120-volt appliance into a 220-240-volt outlet without the appropriate voltage converter or transformer can cause damage to the appliance or pose safety risks.

If you plan to bring American appliances to Europe, you will need a voltage converter or transformer to change the voltage to 220-240 volts from 110 volts. Additionally, you will likely need a plug adapter to fit the American-style plug into the European power outlets. All of Europe operates on the same two round-pronged outlets (Type C).

It's important to note that not all appliances are compatible with voltage converters, so it's essential to check the labels or user manuals of your devices before using them with a voltage converter. Some electronic devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and camera chargers, are dual voltage and can support 120V and 220-240V, so they may not require a voltage converter, but a plug adapter will still be necessary.

To avoid any issues with electrical compatibility during your travels, consider purchasing appliances specifically designed for the voltage used in the region you'll be visiting or use appropriate voltage converters and plug adapters to ensure the safe operation of your American appliances in Europe.

We recommend purchasing an adapter with a voltage converter so you can pack less. And to pick up any necessary adapters or converters for your electronic devices before departing on your guided tour and bringing them with you.

Hair Dryers in Your Hotel

Hair dryers are common accessories in hotels. Should you want to bring your own, though, you will need to bring an adapter and voltage converter or make sure it is dual voltage by checking the label for INPUT AC 120V - 240V or a switch that can be set to 125V or 250V. Many devices have this feature, so it's worth checking before you travel. If you need a hair dryer during your trip but can't find one in your hotel room, you can inquire with the hotel staff. Many hotels will be able to provide a hair dryer upon request, either at the front desk or through housekeeping.

Air Conditioning

Air conditioning is commonly available in European hotels, restaurants, and public spaces, especially in major cities and tourist areas, but it is worth noting that the settings will differ from what you are used to in the USA.

However, it's important to note that not all accommodations or historic buildings may have air conditioning, particularly in more traditional or rural settings. Most hotels in Europe can provide a portable fan for additional room cooling if requested. Your Travel Director will be on hand to assist you throughout your trip.

Traveling by coach

Our modern air-conditioned coaches have been selected with your comfort in mind. Your Travel Director will familiarize you with all the onboard features, including a washroom fitted for your convenience and comfort. Regular stops are made to stretch your legs, take refreshments, fill up your water bottles, and use the facilities.

Airport transfers

Airport transfers to and from the airport on the first and last days of your tour are complimentary only if you are traveling on a tour operated by Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, or Luxury Gold and   your flight times coincide with the shuttle-coach transfer timings. Learn more about Airport Transfers here .

To enable you to personalize your tour experience, you will find a number of Optional Experiences designed to complement the itinerary. These are designed to offer a deeper insight into the culture and character of the areas to be visited and provide some wonderful highlights to your travels. The optional program is designed to let you experience more of what interests you and to get the most from your vacation without replacing or overlapping with anything included in an itinerary.

The majority of Optional Experiences will be offered to you by your Travel Director at the beginning of your trip. Some may be subject to change, depending on the time you are traveling or local circumstances, including weather and days of the week. Your Travel Director will provide further information.

Usually, most Optional Experiences will be priced in the local currency, but please read through the details of individual optional experiences for specific information. Exact payment options will be advised locally by your Travel Director/Local Representative for each Optional Experience, but in many cases, cash, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are all accepted.

It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses while abroad.

In order to ensure a healthy and enjoyable trip, we strongly suggest that you pack a plentiful supply of any medication you may need while on vacation. Here’s what you need to know about traveling with medications .

Prior to traveling, please notify GET of any disability requiring special assistance or any specific dietary needs that you may have, and we will strive to accommodate these.

It's essential to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before traveling to any destination. Routine vaccinations may include vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and influenza.

When traveling with GET, baggage handling at hotels, service charges, and tips for hotel wait staff (for included meals) will all be taken care of by your Travel Director. There are, however, a few instances where individual tipping is welcome.

Local Specialists

It is customary to show appreciation for the insights, stories, and know-how shared with you by the Local Specialists, and we suggest a gratuity equivalent to $1.00-$2.00 USD per person per half day.

Your Coach Driver and Travel Director

The trip cost does not include gratuities for your Travel Director and Driver. At the end of your trip, you may express appreciation to your Travel Director and Driver for their excellent service and the personal attention you received. Gratuities are given at the discretion of each guest, and a suggested amount per person/per day is listed in your travel documents.

For your convenience and ease, there is an option to pre-pay gratuities for the Travel Director and Driver at the time of booking.

Hotel services

It is customary to tip hotel staff for room service delivery if the charge has not already been added to the bill. Where ice machines are not available, and you receive ice from the bar, a small tip to the bartender is always appreciated.

Your GET Wishlist

{{ tour.title }}, {{ tour.duration }} days from {{ tour.displayprice }}, find your perfect destination, 44 tours from $1,100.

Britain & Ireland

46 tours from $1,475.

Spain & Portugal

32 tours from $1,125.

29 tours from $2,099

10 tours from $2,138

United States

57 tours from $1,931.

9 tours from $3,784

12 tours from $3,175

Order Your Free Brochure

Sign up to order your FREE travel brochure subscription and get exclusive offers only available to our subscribers

Brochures can only be mailed to United States addresses. Please call us for assistance at 1-877-622-9109

Thanks for signing up to receive our latest brochure. As a subscriber, you'll be the first to receive our new brochures as they are released, plus great deals in your inbox.

Download Brochure

View brochure online.

Get $300 per couple Travel Credit toward your first trip when you sign up to our newsletter. *

Plus, receive travel inspiration, news and latest promotions.

You can unsubscribe at any time. Your Travel Credit will be sent by email.

Email Sign-up Travel Credit: Receive a $150 per person ($300 per couple) discount toward your first tour (operated by Trafalgar or Insight Vacations) when you sign up for GET emails; valid for each full-paying adult who signs up with a unique email address. Valid for new bookings only made from 01 January to December 31 2024 for travel from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2025. Discount is not combinable with any other discount or offer, including GETAWAY Deals, Limited Time Offers, AARP member discount, Past Traveler Global Tour Rewards discount, Groups or Multiple Trip discounts. Offer cannot be booked online. GET reserves the right to validate bookings and will remove any additional offers added online that are not combinable. Other conditions may apply.

• Europe Tours
• Austria & Germany Tours

Germany and Austria Tours and Trips 2024/2025

From the majestic Alps to historic cities such as Vienna, Munich and Frankfurt, Germany and Austria tours have so much to offer. Explore ancient castles like Schachen Castle in Bavaria and Aggstein Castle in Austria, cycle along the Danube all the way from Passau to Vienna, and explore some of the world’s most beautiful hiking trails among Wetterstein and Karwendel mountains in Austria and the Black Forest region in Germany. Our tours will take you through all the popular destinations and hidden gems of these two countries. Scroll down to check out our best tours to Germany and Austria.

39 Trips in Austria & Germany with 173 Reviews

• Starts Passau, Germany
• Ends Vienna, Austria

Cycling on the Danube from Passau to Vienna

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Private Tour
• Activities Bicycle tours & Adventure
• Accommodation Hotel
• Age Range 5-95 yrs
• Operated in English
• Apr 10 Only 8 seats left
• Apr 11 Only 8 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts Frankfurt, Germany

Best of Germany and Austria

• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Cultural, religious and historic sites Sightseeing Tours , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Cruise 'data-more-tripid='21017'>+1 more
• Transport Coach & Train
• Age Range 5-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 4,295
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 653
• Total Price from: US$ 3,642
• May 05 10+ seats left
• May 12 Only 9 seats left

Blue Danube Cycle to Vienna in Comfort

• Activities Bicycle tours & Family
• Transport Train & Boat
• Age Range 18-99 yrs
• Apr 10 10+ seats left
• Apr 11 10+ seats left

• Starts Vienna, Austria
• Ends Frankfurt, Germany

Highlights of Vienna Budapest Prague and Frankfurt

• Trip customizable
• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Transport Boat & Coach
• Age Range 8-95 yrs
• Apr 19 10+ seats left
• Apr 26 10+ seats left

A Piece of Europe

• Activities Explorer
• Transport Boat & Bus
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Apr 12 10+ seats left

• Starts Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
• Ends Innsbruck, Austria

Trans Tyrol - Garmisch to Innsbruck

• Activities Walking tours & Trekking and Hiking
• Accommodation Hotel & Hut
• Transport Private Vehicle & Bus
• Jun 16 10+ seats left
• Jun 17 10+ seats left

• Starts Bern, Switzerland

Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria

• Activities Mountains & City tour
• Accommodation Resort, Tent & Hotel
• Transport Train
• Age Range 1-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,949
• Special Deal (12%): - US$ 350
• Total Price from: US$ 2,599

• Starts Munich, Germany
• Ends Salzburg, Austria

Munich to Salzburg Cycle

• Activities Bicycle tours
• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Transport Boat
• Apr 14 10+ seats left
• Apr 21 10+ seats left

• Starts Berlin, Germany

Treasures of Germany, Prague and Austria

• Activities Art and architecture
• Apr 20 10+ seats left
• Apr 27 10+ seats left

• Ends Munich, Germany

The Best of Central Europe Self-Drive

• Tour Type Independent Tour
• Activities City sightseeing & Art and architecture
• Transport Private Vehicle & Boat
• Apr 18 10+ seats left
• Apr 25 10+ seats left

Passau to Vienna Cycling

• Age Range 18-95 yrs

Passau to Vienna Cycle Deluxe

• Ends Nuremberg, Germany

Authentic Danube (2024)

• Tour Type Cruise Tour
• Activities Cruise & River cruise
• Accommodation Ship Cabin
• Transport Cruise Ship
• Age Range 2-99 yrs
• May 15 10+ seats left
• May 22 10+ seats left

• Starts Prague, Czech Republic
• Ends Prague, Czech Republic

Beautiful Europe

• Transport Boat, Bus, Private Vehicle & Train
• Apr 15 10+ seats left
• Apr 22 10+ seats left

Austria & Germany Tour Reviews

• Ania Krysztofiak
• Mrs. Amanda M.

Traveling to Germany Vs Austria: An Overview

Germany and Austria tours are known for their stunning views over the Alps, ancient picturesque towns, ranging from Hallstatt to Bamberg, and great outdoor activities.

Getting from Austria to Germany

Start your journey in the capital of Austria, flying to the biggest airport in the country, Vienna International Airport. Spend a few days here, moving around either by rental car or relying on local buses. The best way to travel to Germany from Austria is by train. You can consider buying an Interrail pass, which will help you save plenty of money. You can also opt for bus companies, such as Flixbus if you are looking for a more budget-friendly travel option. Low-cost airlines also connect most major cities in both Germany and Austria.

Best time to visit Germany and Austria

May, June, and September are the best months to visit both Germany and Austria. You will find mild temperatures and fewer tourists during these months. If you like taking long hikes in nature and an unrushed sightseeing experience, these are the months to plan your trip. To enjoy the winter vibes in Austria and Germany, try to visit in early December, when the cities are decorated with Christmas lights. You will also get to visit Christmas markets, and, with a bit of luck, ski in some resorts in December.

More information: Best time to visit Germany Best time to visit Austria

Highlights of Germany and Austria trip

• Enjoy the winter at its fullest with a weekend skiing trip in Austria , which gives you the chance to level up your ski game. Head to Arber in Germany if you are a beginner.
• Opt for a city tour in Vienna and then head to Munich before ending your trip in Frankfurt.
• Embrace the hiker in you and explore all the best trails in Austria and Germany. The Rennsteig in Central Germany will lead you to the enchanted Thuringian forest, while the Schladminger Tauern High Trail in Austria will take you to crystal blue tarns and breathtaking waterfalls in the Niedere Tauern range.
• Head to the lake district in Austria and enjoy the baroque palaces and Renaissance gardens in Salzburg before heading to the stunning Lake Walchen, one of the deepest and largest alpine lakes in Germany.
• Get a taste of the authentic German and Austrian lifestyle by visiting small towns and villages, such as Rothenburg ob der Tauber, renowned for its medieval architecture, and Durnstein, a small Austrian village built between the banks of the Danube and the Alps.

Germany and Austria travel tips

• The ski season in Austria starts in December and ends in late March.
• Eurail Pass is an EU initiative that gives you access to great train ticket discounts in both countries. You can get a monthly pass allowing you to travel by train at a fixed rate. Eurail Pass will not only save you plenty of money but also give you way more options than the limited plane routes.
• Most SIM cards in Europe will give you free data to other European countries. Ask for roaming deals when buying your SIM card.
• Despite being two Western European countries, most people in Austria and Germany do not speak English. The good news is that German is the official language in both countries. Learning a few German phrases before your trip will help you a great deal.

At a Glance: Germany Vs Austria

Sign-in to unlock instant trip discounts. Create wish lists and save up to USD 1,500.

Travel to Europe your way

Pre arranged tours for individual travellers

9-Day Germany and Austria Rail Circle Tour (9R02)

This well-designed 9-Day Germany and Austria Rail Circle tour from/to Frankfurt Airport takes you to some of the most charming cities in Central Europe: Salzburg and Vienna in Austria, Munich , Nuremberg , Heidelberg and Regensburg in Germany. If you have a little more than a week our most popular rail tour  is a great way to explore many Highlights of Southern Germany (Bavaria and Heidelberg) and  Austria .

Imperial Castle Nuremberg © Thomas H. Giesick

The rail tour includes unrestricted 2nd-class Rail tickets (see the tableau this is already included in the price of your tour ) and there is an option to upgraded to 1st-class Rail for the long distance train rides . This is just an extra of US $ 239.00 per Person and includes seat reservations!  Here you also find everything else that is included:  transfers, rail tickets, tours and admissions.

Price per Person

Would you like to submit your personal information so we can check availability for your specific travel dates for this beautiful tour? On our BOOKING INQUIRY page you find a form which you may use to forward your personal information:

Day 1 Nuremberg

Your tour with us starts right from Frankfurt International Airport. Adjected to Terminal 1 you find the “ AiRail terminal ” from where the high-speed “ICE”-trains depart from. At the “AiRail terminal” you will also find the 1st-class lounge which you are entitled to use if you decide to upgrade your rail tickets to 1st-class. The “ICE” takes less than 2.5 hours from Frankfurt Airport right into the city center of Nuremberg. The trains run frequently and you have a variety of direct trains you can take. Your rail ticket will be unrestricted to take into consideration that intercontinental flights may be early or late.

Your hotel in Nuremberg is located in walking distance from Nuremberg Central Station (which is located just outside the Old City Wall surrounding Nuremberg Old Town and the Imperial Castle). Nuremberg’s history reaches back to the year 1050, its name “nourenberc” translates into “rocky hill”. Nuremberg’s famous landmark, the “Kaiserburg” ( Imperial Castle ), towers above the Old town, which is protected by the five kilometers long city wall, many towers and gates can still be visited. The medieval Castle is one of the most important imperial palaces dating from the middle ages from the 11th century (admission included). In the Third Reich Adolf Hitlers´Nazi Party had chosen Nuremberg for their  Nazi Rallies and if you are interested in that part of history you may want to visit the Documenation Center Nazi Rally Grounds which are located just south of the Old Town. When exploring the beauty of Nuremberg’s medieval Old Town you may want to start right at the Koenigstor (“Kingsgate”) which is the gate right across from Nuremberg Central Station. From where the timber framed buildings, the Gothic Church of  St.Lawrence and the Church of St.Sebaldus can be easily reached by foot. Right next to the Koenigstor is the Handwerkerhof (craft center), here you will feel like you are back in the medieval times, there are craft workshops like they used to have a long time ago as well as a gingerbread bakery. Make sure to enjoy a  Nuremberg Bratwurst along with a beer or a glass of “Frankenwein” (franconian wine).

St. Elisabeth’s Church, Imperial Castle and Heilig Geist Spital in Nuremberg ©Thomas H. Giesick

Day 2 Regensburg

In a little less than an hour the High-speed train (ICE) will take you from Nuremberg to Regensburg on Day 2 of your Germany and Austria Vacation Package. Your hotel is located in walking distance from Regensburg Central Station. You will be welcomed with legendary Bavarian hospitality into the best-preserved medieval city in Germany, where two thousand years of history remain alive today. Regensburg has a long history of imperial significance. The buildings, towers and churches offer an unspoiled peek into the past. You need not be a student of history to get a strong sense of what life was like in the days of old in Regensburg. Visit the dungeons , inquisition chamber and the exhibition of books and prints illustrating the history of the Imperial Diet. Castles, churches, monasteries and St. Peter’s Cathedral bear testimony to the grandeur of the prosperous medieval era, which is also brought to life in the many museums with their valuable and fascinating collections. The Stone Bridge and the Old Town Hall , set in the heart of the medieval city, are among the most important historic buildings in Germany.

Day 3 Vienna

After breakfast you High-speed train (ICE) will take you from Regensburg to Vienna, Austria´s Capital city. Travel time is about three hours. The price of your tour package already includes the 48 hour Vienna Card . With this card you enjoy more than  200 discounts in Vienna , at museums and sights, theaters and concerts, in shops, cafes, restaurants and also the “Heurige” wine taverns. But most importantly with this card you also enjoy unlimited free public transportation within Vienna. Even though your hotel is located in the City Center it is great to have the option to take the subway, a street-car or a public bus. On your first day in Vienna you may want to visit the Imperial Palace , for example, the “Hofburg Vienna”, the center of the former Habsburg Empire .  The Palace was Sisi´s Imperial home and household, and the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum and the Silver Collection can be visited here. At the Vienna Hofburg you also find the Spanish Riding School where you may want to watch a performance or join a practice session and also the Old Town Hall  which is close by. In immediate walking distance of the Hofburg you will find the State Opera House , definitely one of the world’s most famous Opera Houses where the Vienna Opera Ball takes place every year. St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna and it is a “must see” as well as smaller churches like the “Universitatskirche” ( Jesuits Church ) and the “Peterskirche” ( St. Peter’s Church ).

Schoenbrunn Palace and Church of Mariahilf in Vienna ©Österreich Werbung

Day 4 Vienna

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Vienna with your 48 hour Vienna Card . Maybe you want to visit the “ Ringstrasse ”, a circular road around the inner city districts of Vienna. In the 19th century the road was replacing the Old City Wall which had been built in the 13th century.  Many of the buildings you find along this road, the Austrian Parliament Building or the University of Vienna the for example, were built around the 1850´s. You may want to visit Schonbrunn Palace and its beautiful Garden. Your Vienna Card covers the fare to get there; the subway station “Schonbrunn” (subway line U4) is very close to the entrance of Schonbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the Habsburg family and home of Maria Theresa. The Rococo palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural and historical monuments in Austria and nowadays is one of the most visited sights in Vienna. It all started with the building of a mansion on hunting grounds in 1548 just outside of Vienna. The impressive Palace in its present form (it has 1,441 rooms !) was built and remodeled around the 1750s by Maria Theresa. Make sure to plan in some time for a visit of Schonbrunn Garden . There you also find the Neptune Fountain  and Gloriette , which was designed to symbolize the glory of the Habsburg power.

Day 5 Salzburg

In about 2 hours and 40 minutes the high-speed “ Rail Jet ” (RJ) will take you throughout Austria, from Vienna located in the east of Austria, close to the borders to Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, to Salzburg, all the way in the west of Austria, right at the German border. Salzburg, beautiful town close to the Alp Mountains , birthplace of Mozart is also the site of the popular movie “The Sound of Music”. Your hotel is located in walking distance of Salzburg Central Station and in the early afternoon – after you have checked in – you will join the English-speaking most unique 4-hour Sound of Music tour yourself! This tour is an ideal opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Maria von Trapp while taking in local historical sights both from the city of Salzburg and also the picturesque lakes and mountains surrounding the city. After the tour you may want to walk across the Salzach River to take a look at Mozart’s birth house and the small shopping streets in the area. Here you also find a wide choice of restaurants for dinner.

Neuschwanstein Castle © Romantische Strasse Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gbr, Linderhof Palace © Softeis via Wikimedia Commons and Munich Town Hall © Thomas H. Giesick

Day 6 Munich

On board of the high-speed “Rail Jet” (RJ) you will continue your travels along the Germany and Austria Rail tour back into Germany; it takes about 1:40 hours from Salzburg to Munich Central Station. Your hotel is located in short walking distance from the station. The price of your tour already includes admission to many sights in Munich ( Munich Residence and Residence Museum, Treasury, Cuvilliés-Theatre , Hall of Fame and Statue of Bavaria, Nymphenburg Palace and Park, Marstallmuseum, Museum of Nymphenburg Porcelain) and with your tour package you will also receive walking suggestions for a self-guided  walking tour through Munich City Center. Along this walking tour you will visit the Marienplatz  with the New Town Hall (with the “ Glockenspiel ”), the Konigsplatz (King´s Square), cultural center in the 19th century and later, during the “Third Reich”, site of Nazi Party mass rallies and location of the Nazi Party headquarters in Germany, the English Garden as well as the the State Opera House . You will be able to visit famous churches like Munich Frauenkirche , “Dom zu Unserer Lieben Frau (Cathedral of Our Dear Lady), with a height of 325 ft. a Munich landmark, St. Peters Church , built in the 14th century and the Asam Church , which was built as a private chapel and integrated into an apartment building. The tour will pass by the most famous Munich shopping streets (Kaufinger street and Neuhauser street) as well as by the “ Viktualienmarkt ”, a traditional farmers market (open every day except on Sundays). The tour will take you by the famous “Alois Dallmayr ” luxury delicatessen and coffee store as well as to the  Hofbrauhaus of course, probably the world’s most popular beer hall. This may be a great place to enjoy a hearty dinner and a fresh Mass of beer (one mug holds 33.8 US fl oz)!

Day 7 Escorted coach tour to the Royal Castles

Another highlight of your Europe Rail tour will be a visit of the world famous Neuschwanstein Castle . You will be on an all-day escorted coach tour which will first take you to Oberammergau for a photo stop (you may want take a look at the Festival Hall where the Passion Play takes place every ten years.) The coach will then take you to Linderhof Palace , the Royal Villa of King Ludwig II. The Palace and Park were inspired by Versailles and the rooms are beautifully decorated and furnished. After a short drive through Austria and back into Germany you will get to Neuschwanstein Castle. The picture of Neuschwanstein is probably present in everybody’s mind and Neuschwanstein really seems to be taken out of a fairy tale. You will join an English-speaking guided tour through the Castle. The tour of the interior, the Throne Hall , the Hall of the Singers , the Grotto and all of the private rooms which were built for King Ludwig II, will make the picture perfect! After the tour of the inside make sure to take some time to explore the castle grounds. The view of Neuschwanstein from the bridge behind the castle is like no other! Your luxury coach will take you back to Munich where you will arrive in time for dinner.

Day 8 Heidelberg

Today you continue your Germany and Austria Rail tour by taking an “ InterCity ” or “ EuroCity ” train from Munich to Heidelberg. The direct train takes a little less than three hours – it also passes by the cities of Ulm and Stuttgart and it is likely that you will see cargo trains running by carrying the latest models of Mercedes and Porsche cars which are produced Stuttgart. Since the rail station in Heidelberg is a little bit outside of the Old Town, where your hotel is located, your tour already includes a taxi transfer from Heidelberg Central Station to your hotel. Heidelberg is a beautiful historic town located along the banks of the Neckar River and the most significant sight is certainly the ruin of Heidelberg Castle , which is towering above the city. Since your hotel is located right inside of the Old Town of Heidelberg it is easy to explore historic Heidelberg by foot. Your tour package will include walking tour suggestions for the Old Town. Along the walking tour you will see the Old Bridge from where you have a nice view of the Old Town and the Castle ruins above. You will also pass by the “ Marktplatz ” (market place) which is the main square of Heidelberg, the “ Peterskirche ” (St. Peter´s Church) and the historic University of Heidelberg. Heidelberg´s University was founded 1386 and it is the oldest University in Germany and with more than 30.000 students it is still one of the most important universities in Germany today. If you want to enjoy a view over Heidelberg and the Neckar River you may want to walk up to the grounds of the castle ruins or – for a small fee, take  the  historic funicular up and down Heidelberg Castle.

Heidelberg Castle and Old Bridge Heidelberg © Wowox via Wikimedia Commons; Frankfurt Int. Airport © Thomas H. Giesick

Day 9 Frankfurt Int. Airport

Today your Germany and Austria Vacation Package ends. Depending on the departure time of your flight from Frankfurt International Airport we will arrange a transfer from your hotel to the airport. The airport shuttle bus will pick you up right at your hotel . Travel time from your hotel in Heidelberg to Frankfurt International Airport is about an hour.

 Would you like to download an overview of the 9 Day Germany and Austria Rail Circle Tour (9R02) as a pdf to print it out or to forward it to a friend? Please download it right here:   Download Itinerary

This is already included in the price of your tour

The tour package we provide includes a day by day itinerary as well as all tickets, vouchers and information necessary to enjoy a great independent tour. It also contains general information about the cities you visit which you can downloaded from our website once your tour is confirmed. Book Tour  

This is not included in the price of your tour

• Airfare from/to your origin to/from Frankfurt International Airport
• all meals other than breakfast (which is included)
• gratuities (tips)

You have booked the tour already and would like to download the to- europe tour package  for this tour now? Please download them right here:

Download Package The tour can be extended by adding extra nights in towns you visit along the tour.

Also, if you have two extra days, a day cruise on the Rhine River through the Upper Rhine Valley can be added (we will add two nights in Rudesheim am Rhein as well as the rail tickets needed) or a day trip by Rail to Lake Titisee/Black Forest can be addded (we will add two nights in Freiburg as well as the rail tickets needed – see our blog “ Day trip to scenic Lake Titisee and into the Black Forest ” for details). Please contact us for any customization requirements you may have – we will be happy to adjust the tour for you to Travel Your Way!

We are fortunate to have travelers from all over the world on our pre-packaged tours and we would love to have your feedback! If you have been traveling along this tour with us please leave us a review below – we greatly appreciate your time! (your Email address will not be displayed)

View more reviews

Create your own review

We booked the Germany-Austria circle rail trip with a few customizations. Every hotel was wonderful. Every breakfast was delicious. Every detail was considered in making this trip a success for my father, my sisters and I. I appreciated the flexibility of adding Dresden to our itinerary-a place my 80-year old father really wanted to see. And then based on some of our "wants" adjustments were made to stay longer in certain cities. To-Europe was very accomodating in making sure that we were able to visit all of the places we were determined to visit. Traveling by train rather than with a tour group gave us more flexibility but also came with a bit of a learning curve. I would highly recommend downloading the Deutsch Bahn app as it made things a lot easier for us. In the cities we were booked for one-night only, I wish we'd either taken earlier trains or booked additional days since there is always so much to see and enjoy. I followed the suggestions of one reviewer and printed all of our documentation, organizing by folder for each city. I also made the information available offline in my Google drive which proved very helpful as well. We had one glitch with our last train-a repair that closed the tracks and forced us to re-route. A quick phone call to the emergency number had us confidently making the adjustments needed and I apprecitated that he called back to make sure we were safely on our way. Definitley book the trip! Book the first-class tickets! Europe by rail was delightful and To-Europe did a first-class job of making it a memorable and enjoyable trip!

My wife and I just completed a customized 11 day 8 city train tour of Germany and Austria arranged by To-Europe.. The hotels (all including breakfast) were wonderful and outside of Heidelberg all were within walking distance to the train stations. Taxi vouchers were even provided in Heidelberg. Every detail was taken care of! We had one hiccup (our fault) that Thomas corrected immediately. If you'd like to experience Europe on your own by train I can't recommend To-Europe highly enough. Pro tips- Book first class train travel and print and organize your itinerary and vouchers in a folder before leaving. Don't hesitate book your amazing adventure with To-Europe!.

I highly recommend this tour agency especially our tour agent Thomas. He helped 5 of us plan a 2 week tour of Switzerland, Austria and Hungary, including the hotels arrangements and train itinerary. A special mention needs to be made of how helpful he was when I lost my handbag (and my passport) during day 6 of the trip. It was the Easter holidays but my friends and I were able to reach him and he was very empathetic and helpful. He rearranged our hotels and train transport because we needed to go to the Singapore Consulate in Munich, Germany to do my Document of Identity (a temporary replacement for my lost passport). I am deeply grateful for his assistance during this difficult time for me. Thank you again Thomas.

I would actually have given 4.5 stars. We found to-europe to be a great company to deal with during the planning process, for the documentation provided, for the selection of accommodation and for responsiveness to a question while we were travelling. We chose our route from Frankfurt, to Berlin, to Dresden, Nuremberg and Munich. In each city, the hotel was near the central train station and within walking distance of at least one Christmas market. The accommodation were all very well kept, the staff was polite and informative and the breakfasts excellent. Special shout out to the front desk staff in Berlin at the Adina for their directions and for finding a screwdriver my husband could us to fix his suitcase. Also the local transportation vouchers and attractions tickets were very helpful. Why not full 5 stars? The directions to the hotels were Google maps print offs and sometimes they were difficult to follow. Directions such as take the northeast exit from the train station are not helpful when we have no idea what direction that is. Overall though, I highly recommend this company.

Our trip was perfect thanks to the help we received from Michaela, Petra and Thomas at To-Europe. Our hotels were perfect, close the train station and offered all the amenities we needed. Every detail needed to successfully travel independently by train was clearly laid out for us. We had no issues and would use To-Europe again in the future. Thank you.

We wanted to sample a little bit of a lot of Germany and Austria and this trip fit the bill. It was fast paced and exciting and although there were places we would have liked to have stayed another day or two, we now know what towns we would like to return to and areas we would like to explore further. We were a bit overwhelmed by the rail system (our first train was cancelled) at first but quickly caught on, after that it is really quite simple. Just know that for each segment of your trip, you will get a Travel Plan which summarizes everything you need to know, also a seat reservation (for first class) for each train you take, and finally your ticket. The hotel choices were very good and we enjoyed all of them, but keep in mind that some are not air-conditioned, but our weather was cool to moderate. We didn't do the "Sound of Music" tour, after 3 hours on the train we didn't want to get on a bus for four hours and we wanted to spend every minute possible in Salzburg. Also we didn't really use the city passes except for taking the subway in Vienna, but the Castle Tour was great. We would definitely use To-Europe again

Their attentions to detail in planning our trip to Germany/Austria was phenomenal! They help you navigate the rail system with ease by providing detailed instructions and tickets for all your trains. The hotels they chose for our stay were all quite cozy and comfortable that included a delicious breakfast daily. They were also easy to walk to from each train station with the detailed walking directions provided. The information they provided on each city was very helpful in choosing what you wanted to see and do. They have an option of many tour choices as well. We did the Sound of Music Tour, which was not what we thought it would be (a bit corny) but a great way to see the sights of Salzburg. The Neuschwanstein Castle tour was very enjoyable, Our Eagle's Nest tour was cancelled due to an unfortunate weather related event, but they booked us on a tour to Hallstatt in its place. It did not disappoint! So breathtakingly beautiful there! We highly recommend to-Europe and will definitely use them again!!

The pre-planning and attention to detail by to-Europe was exceptional. The train reservations were accurately made. One recommendation would be to go to a DB office to request your tickets and not a kiosk, and make certain that they separate the reservation from the ticket. Hotels were walkable to the Train Stations and were clean and comfortable. Every city we visited was beyond beautiful. To-Europe did a first class job in every aspect.

We wanted a tour that was customized to our interests. to-europe arranged a trip that allowed us to do everything we imagined and more! We appreciated the ease of traveling the rail system. (For anyone going to Germany please remember the word for "ticket" in German is "Fahrkarten" and that the DB will issue 2 documents. One is reservation and the one which has Fahrkarten is the actual ticket. No big deal but we should have reviewed some essential German words before embarking on the trip!) Our accommodations were fine and usually near the train station. We appreciated the inclusion of 48 hr. transportation passes in several cities and the pass to get in to any museum, etc. The attention to details such as these made for a wonderful trip. If you are headed to Bavaria don't go without using to-europe to plan your trip. They will do as much or as little as you desire.

Great way to travel Europe for those with limited planning time and little experience planning train travel. The hotels and breakfasts were a great way to start the day and very close to all of the train stations. Accommodations were set up for triple and double occupancy with not difficulty. Communication was clear and our questions were answered quickly. We enjoyed all of our destinations! Thank you.

Great job by to-Europe in setting us up for our trip. Nice hotels, well-located, and the trains were a breeze thanks to having the coaches and seats booked in advance. The trip was well organized and stress-free. The only mistake was ours in not booking it for a longer stay!

Just got back a week ago from my Germany-Austria by rail trip. Had a great time and was impressed with how well organized T0 Europe was in setting us up. They were very responsive with emails before the trip and with one phone call I had to make with them during it. The hotels we were in were nice and they planned out all our train rides leading to the next city each day. They made it easy on us by planning it all out and even adjusted a few of the tours and added an extra day in Munich for us. Would recommend them to others and will definitely look at using them again. Good job!

Great tour! Excellent people to deal with! Would book another tour with them.

We completed our Germany/Austria vacation last month (July 2017) and had a fantastic time! The existing 9-day posted tour from to-europe.com was very close to what we were looking for, but we had booked flights for an 11-day visit. The to-europe.com team was very helpful in making alterations to accommodate us, adding a day each in Nuremberg and Heidelberg. For the extra Heidelberg day, they arranged an additional day-trip for us to visit the Black Forest. The big advantage of using to-europe.com is that they handled all the logistics for us regarding all hotels and rail transportation. It would have been a lot more work if we had to research and figure out our own hotels in each city, but this was all arranged for us. Without exception, we liked every hotel that was chosen for us, each with a good breakfast included. We did not want to book a tour where we would be stuck in a bus doing things as part of a big tourist group; we wanted to explore things ourselves at our own pace. This package was ideal for what we wanted because the arrangements were made for us, but the pace and choices for sightseeing were left up to us. (The two exceptions are the Bavarian castle day-trip, which was included for us as part of the package and was a definite highlight; and there was also a 4-hour Salsburg Sound-of-Music tour, which was an enjoyable overview of Salzburg sights in spite of temporarily being part of a captive audience.) The to-europe folks gave good detailed instructions for the rail system and walking maps to get us to our hotel from each train station; all hotels were conveniently located. This was our first time using to-europe, and we would absolutely use them again. I am confident that they would help customize the itinerary more if we wished -- for example, adding an extra day or two each in Vienna and Munich, given how much there is to see. They also communicated to us through personal email to help answer our extra questions. Highly recommended!

AWESOME! I would refer anyone travelling in this area to use t0-europe.com. Everything went smooth. From accommodation, to transportation, to tours. We are a group that was used to having a tour guide so this was a new experience for us, and after a little adjustment at the beginning this trip was AMAZING! Hotels couldn't have been better, train connections awesome, breakfast at the hotels were fantastic! Book your trip now! Can't wait to use this tour group again!

One word to describe our review - MAGNIFICENT with 5 stars! We had Thomas customised the 9 day to a full 15 days tour - adding additional nights in Vienna, Munich, Salzburg, plus a trip to Hallstatt and 2 nights in Rudesheim am Rhein. All arrangements went like clockwork once we follow his instructions properly (yes, there was the first day where we lost our way getting out of the train station to our hotel, but that was our own doing by taking the lift into the underpass instead of into the main hall! Requests on roomings were conveyed to all the eight hotels when we checked in. Hotels were of good standards and in great location, a couple were excellent. If I have to rack my brains to give a not-so-perfect comment, it would be that, we being Asians, would love a good hot breakfast. Three of the hotels we stayed in served only cold breakfast. Then again, this is just a matter of lifestyle preference. To-Europe's kind of 'tour' is not common amongst our friends and in Singapore, and in fact, it's the first we come across. This is the ideal 'tour' for us. We had professional help in the planning of our itinerary, some places would never had been under our radar. This saves me so much work as I used to work very hard, all by myself, in our previous holidays We followed most recommendations, yet we were able to take it easy, as and how we want our day to be. All the places recommended were full of surprises and charm (to be honest, I had doubts on some until we arrived!). We really do not have a ''review to give, other than that we simply love and were very happy with what To-Europe has done for us. From our first correspondence when we enquired till the receipt of all travel papers, all was prompt and efficient. Thank you Thomas, Petra, Michaela and Diana - for giving us such a good time in Germany and in Austria. Yes, we will recommend To-Europe. Yes, we will be looking at our next holiday with To-Europe.

After 6 weeks of business staying at Mannheim, my wife and I would like to have a few days traveling Germany and Austria. We were very fortunate to find this package from To-Europe site which shows us where to go sight seeing, arranging the train tickets (allowing a great deal of flexibility) and the hotels are just short walking distance from the train station. Overall, we had a wonderful experience on this tour and we would recommend to anyone interested in touring Germany and Austria. Thomas and his colleagues have been very helpful in all respects before and during the tour as well.

We were looking at doing a tour entirely by ourselves when we found the TO-Europe site. The services offered filled all those desired and allowed us to not have to worry about the details. TO-Europe allowed us to customize our tour, and we added a day in Frankfurt both at the beginning and the end of the trip to allow us some time to get accustomed to time change at the beginning and refresh ourselves from the trip at the end. We also added a day in Salzburg so that we could take a tour to the Eagles Nest. All of the hotels were convenient and the staffs at each location were very helpful. Travel by train was an eye-opener. Accustomed to traveling by auto and plane, we loved it that you could walk to the train station minutes before departure, get on and travel in comfort. We are already planning our future trips to be by train, if possible. The tours were uniformly informative and interesting. We loved having the freedom to explore on our own and find the out of the way restaurants that the locals went to. Our suggestion would be to add at least an additional day in Vienna if you can fit it in your schedule. We regretted not doing so. The scheduled tours were great, but one needs more time in that amazing city to visit all the sites! We loved the trip and TO-Europe delivered everything they promised. We're already looking at a return trip next year to Italy using TO-Europe's services

We had looked at various bus or boat tours when we found the to-europe site. The idea of travelling "on our own" combined with some structured tours along the way sounded good. To-europe was able to add more time at some cities and adjust other stops accordingly with no problem. The hotels were all pretty nice and conveniently located. Being able to do a 9 day trip of at least a 1000 miles with hardly ever being in a car was great. Having most of the planning and reservations covered made it an easy trip. We added a couple of tours (Danube River and Eagle's Nest) from some of the other plans listed here and didn't regret a choice. We were awed by the beauty of Austria and Bavaria and had a great time figuring out which schnitzel, bier or strudel we liked the best when we took breaks from the sights. The kid said it was the "Best Vacation Ever" and he's been to Disney World quite a few times!

Share this:

Photo Sources Sitemap Terms & Conditions Imprint

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Best of the Germanic Lands: Wonderful Austria, Germany, and Switzerland Tour

Customers rate Zicasso's travel referral service  5  on a scale of 1 to 5 based on  1532  reviews on Trustpilot

We match you with top tour companies that specialize in the trip you want,  whether it's a customized private tour or a group tour.

• Trip Overview

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Request a Quote

Countries Visited

Places visited, suggested duration.

Nourish your senses as you walk along classic wine trails and listen to the music of some of the world’s most celebrated composers. Travel through the splendors of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland on a custom tailored tour and immerse yourself in luxury and culture, chocolate and marzipan, fairytale castles and snow-capped mountains. Baroque palaces tower above cobblestone streets as half-timbered buildings hide chic, contemporary restaurants.

Customizable Itinerary

Vienna – contemporary and imperial vienna.

The corners of Vienna brim with impressive contemporary museums, chic restaurants, and imperial splendor from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Your flight lands at the Vienna airport, and your private transfer awaits your arrival. You will be escorted into the heart of the city to find historical streets that wind around the elaborate architecture of the State Opera House. The city has a deep connection with music, and operatic and ballet performances are staged hundreds of times each year. The current opera house was erected in the 19th-century in the style of Early French Renaissance.

What's Included:

Vienna – Museums and Monuments

In the morning, the Bohemian spirit fills the café known as Mozart’s favorite refuge and one of the last places the maestro performed in public. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingers along the cushioned booths as patrons engage in conversation. After breakfast, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to whisk you through Vienna’s captivating monuments and rich history. Pass the stunning black façade of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and marvel at the Late Romanesque style of the Heathen Towers gate remains from the 13th-century edifice. The majority of the structure was renovated in the 18th-century, but the nearly 450-foot tall tower was erected in the 1400s.

Vienna – Vienna’s Quarters and Restaurants

In the morning, the shops on the Mariahilf, one of Vienna’s busiest walking streets, opens to the public. Locals venture to the produce market to buy fresh fruits and vegetables as the aroma of fresh bread emanates from the bakery stands. Cheesemongers offer free samples to passersby as your private guide leads you on another tour of the city to reveal more of the opulent sites and monuments. On sunny days, locals gather on the Danube canal to sunbathe on the sandbank beaches with deck chairs and blankets to turn the canal shores into a resort atmosphere.

Salzburg – Transfer to Salzburg and Visit the Hallein Salt Mine en route

Locals around the old city venture to a cafe to enjoy a double mocha with a splash of herbaceous liqueur, known as the Mozart. The tarts and croissants add a buttery, sweet aroma to the rich scent of roasted coffee beans. Your private transfer meets you in your hotel lobby and escorts you to the stunning city of Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, with a stop at the Hallein salt mine along the way. The Baroque architecture in the town of Hallein adds a layer of luster beneath the towering figures of the mountaintops. Travel to the entrance of the mine and find a large doorway that leads into the mountain. The alpine air blends with the scent of stone.

Salzburg – Salzburg’s Charming Streets

The sunlight washes over the quiet district of New Town, located north of the Salzach River. The Mirabell Gardens and Mozart’s former home shine against what was once on the fringe of the historical city. Horses clop along the cobblestone streets of Old Town and pass the Baroque buildings of the 16th and 17th-centuries. Mozart left an impression on Salzburg that remains today as it emanates from the music that pours out of charming shops and fills the plaza of Market Square.  Follow your guide on an in-depth tour of Salzburg’s history and splendor that begins at Residenzplatz, the oldest square on the Salzach River’s left bank.

Munich – Visit Neuschwanstein Castle

The old merchant homes from the 15th-century that line the pedestrian avenue of the Getreidegasse continue to draw visitors from around the world. Wrought-iron shop signs dangle over doorways and cafes are filled with people in search of a freshly brewed cup of coffee. After breakfast, leave the charming city of Salzburg behind and make your way over the border into the Bavarian region of Germany. Before you reach Munich, stop in the town of Fussen, home to the Neuschwanstein Castle. King Ludwig II built the structure between 1869 and 1886 but spent only 170 days living on the grounds before his untimely death. The stories of Ludwig’s youth, along with the enticing tales of celebrated operas, inspired the castle’s fairytale design.

Munich – Tour the Bavarian Capital

Men walk through both the contemporary, and the historical, streets of Munich in lederhosen throughout the year and women enjoy the flowing fabric of dirndls. Cafes open to the cobbled streets of Old Town and the 950-foot tall television tower near Olympic Park watches over the entirety of Germany’s third-largest city. Your guide will lead you on an elaborate full day tour of Munich’s captivating old streets and its contemporary neighborhoods.

Baden-Baden – The Spa Town of Baden-Baden

The bustling outdoor market of Viktualienmarkt opens daily with 140 colorful booths filled with the unique flavors of Bavaria. The scent of fennel and radishes joins the aroma of honey and cured sausages as they dangle from the small rafters. Stroll through the avenues to find a rainbow of hues and sweet, freshly baked strudels. After breakfast, venture to the town of Baden-Baden, located in the famous German Black Forest. A neoclassical pump room was erected in the 19th-century to overlook the manicured grounds of Kurpark.

Baden-Baden – The Wine Region of Alsace

The Baroque buildings and fountains of Old Town come to light in the morning, framed by antique shops and lavish galleries. After breakfast, your guide will lead you across the western border in the Alsace region of France for a day among the medieval towns, award-winning restaurants, and mouthwatering wines. Travel the well known Route des Vin d’Alsace which begins in the town of Thann. The French, German, and Swiss use the Alsace as an easy weekend getaway to follow along meandering trails that hug the Vosges Mountains foothills and the banks of the Rhine River. The village of Obernai stands at the foot of Mont Sainte-Odile surrounded by the Ehn River.

Zurich – Visit the City of Basel

Today you will leave the lovely town of Baden-Baden and cross the border into Switzerland to discover the incredible cultural attractions and luxurious ambiance of Basel, with more than 15 square miles of museums. Six bridges arch over the Rhine River to connect the cobbled streets of Old Town with the manicured streets of the more contemporary neighborhoods. Basel joined the Swiss Confederation in the 16th-century, and its university became a center for distinguished scholars and teachers.

The Town Hall in Marktplatz marks the city center as a daily market takes place in the mornings and brims with pyramids of fruit and budding flowers. The Town Hall’s bright red walls dominate the square with a 16th-century Gothic style with its adorning clock constructed between 1511 and 1512. The Basel Historical Museum contains a collection of art and weaponry that spans more than two millennia beneath its cavernous vaulted ceilings. Your guide will lead you to a stunning 15th-century mural depiction of the “Dance of Death,” a medieval allegory on the universality of death, which in philosophers’ and artists’ minds, united the world.

Zurich – Explore the Sites of Zurich

Zurich springs to life in the morning as locals venture to work along the cobbled streets and electric trollies. The city stands at the heart of Europe, in the center of Switzerland, and emits a cosmopolitan flair while maintaining a deep connection to its alpine heritage. Old Town rises over the left bank of the Limmat River where the Romans first build their settlement, and the old streets of the city follow the grid of the fortified town. The aroma of coffee drifts out of the small cafes and blends with the scent of leather from the bound books inside the antique bookstores.

Your guide will lead you to the Kunsthaus Museum as run by the Zurich Society of Arts, a society of artists founded in the late 18th-century. The museum houses the largest collection of Monet’s work outside of Paris and specializes in exhibitions of quality over quantity. At the center of the Monet exhibit hang two of the artist’s larger water lily canvases, along with the 20th-century haystack series, which inspired Kandinsky’s style of non-figurative forms. The more contemporary neighborhood across the river contains the Bahnhofstrasse, a mile-long street with bank headquarters, exclusive fashion boutiques, and street cafes where people linger and watch the chic styles of passersby.

Lausanne – The Capital City of Bern

The winding roads of the Alps take you from the charm of Zurich, with its mixture of cosmopolitan culture and Swiss heritage, to the shores of Lake Geneva in the city of Lausanne. Before you reach the city, stop in Switzerland’s capital of Bern, home to a picture-perfect Old Town, Albert Einstein’s home, and a unique blend of historical streets set atop a sandstone plateau that overlooks the calm waters of the Aare River. Swiss flags hang along the half-timbered buildings of the old city and brush against the doorframes of hidden, chic bars. Cafes set tables along the cobblestone streets and provide patrons with decadent hot chocolate, delicious coffee, and indulgently sweet pastries.

Lausanne – Revel in a Full Day Tour of In and Around Lausanne

Wake up in the enchanting city of Lausanne, and it’s view of the glistening waters of Lake Geneva as framed by the rolling mountain peaks on the distant horizon. The blue copper spires of the Cathedral imitate the spiked peaks that surround the city. A timber-canopied staircase with a tiled roof rises alongside antique homes to the terrace and leads to the cathedral’s front door. Medieval streets, Gothic architecture, and diverse artistry mingle with the two renowned universities that bring a vibrant ambiance of the city.

Lausanne – Depart for Home

Locals venture to a nearby cafe in the morning, a charming coffeehouse nestled among the bustling streets of the Grand Pont. You can spend some extra time in the luxury of your hotel. When the time comes, your private transfer will meet you in the hotel lobby and escort you to the airport in Geneva for your international flights home.

Trip Highlights

• Indulge in the unique flavors of the landscape with visits to the cherished wine regions Alsace, on the French border, and Lavaux, near the Swiss Alps
• Venture deep into the heart of the Austrian mountains while touring the world’s oldest salt mine
• Witness the graceful allure of the imperial Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna
• Discover the fairytale edifice and inspiring frescoes of the Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany
• Enjoy the electric atmosphere of a traditional German beer hall in Munich, home to liter steins and mesmerizing music
• Sink into the relaxing, healing waters of Baden-Baden with a tranquil spa treatment in the historic baths
• Witness the elaborate artwork of Austrian masters in the Leopold Museum and along Museums Quartier
• View one of the largest collection of French Impressionist artwork in the world to find a stunning array of Monet’s large water lily pieces
• Absorb the culture and heritage of the Swiss Alps in Bern, host to a collection of museums providing insight into the region’s past that informs its present
• Relish the pleasures of private tour guides who specialize in catering each tour to your interests
• Immerse yourself in the comforts of luxurious accommodation located in the heart of cities, villages, and towns across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

Detailed Description

Private tours allow you the flexibility to explore the bustling streets of a city, linger in the charming alleys of a village, and enjoy the vibrant artwork of a museum you stumbled upon along the way. Your 15-day tour of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland allows you to follow your guide on individualized tours created with your personal tastes in mind. From stallion training at the Spanish Riding School to posing with epic operatic murals in the Neuschwanstein Castle, submerging in mineral waters of Baden-Baden to the Gothic cathedral of Lausanne, you will have the splendor of history and the beauty of landscape at your fingertips.

Your tour begins with your arrival in Vienna, Austria, home to the Hapsburg Palace and a renowned opera house. Your private transfer meets you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel in the heart of the city. Spend the next day on a tour of Vienna’s cultural heritage, from museums to churches as you enjoy the delicious cuisine and inviting nightlife. Continue the next morning with a half-day tour of Vienna to discover the opulence of the Hapsburg Palace grounds, along with a performance of the Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding School. Make your way to Salzburg by way of the Hallein Salt Mine the following day and dive deep into the caverns to see the extent of the mine and its history.

Continue as your guide will lead you on a full day grand tour of Salzburg, from Mozart’s birthplace to the Mirabell Palace and Gardens. Taste a delicious marzipan and enjoy a view of the Salzach River. Travel next to the Bavarian region of Germany to visit the Neuschwanstein Castle. The fairytale ambiance emanates from the elaborate architectural design and décor. Move next to a full day tour of the famous Glockenspiel and outdoor markets of Munich. Venture through the mixture of contemporary and antique streets to enjoy the delightful music and laughter of one of the city’s famous beer halls.

Journey next to the town of Baden-Baden in the Black Forest and stroll through the streets on an introductory tour before you relax in the hot and cold baths of one of the town’s celebrated, historical spas. Cross the border into France for a unique tour of the Alsace wine region and relish the sights of medieval towns and beautiful vineyards. You will then make your way into Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich. The ambiance combines its deep heritage with a contemporary style and architecture outside of the old town. En route to Zurich you visit the museum friendly city of Basel, celebrated for its art, bridges, and culture.

Traverse the streets of Zurich to experience the pleasures of the city at your preferred pace to take in the museums, the half-timbered buildings, and the elegant shopping streets. Stop in the city of Bern en route to Lausanne; the Swiss capital has two distinct districts separated by the Aare River. Once in Lausanne, relax in your luxurious hotel that overlooks Lake Geneva. You will then have time to enjoy the charms of Lausanne before you wander along the treasures of the Lavaux wine region, filled with delicious wineries and stunning vineyards. Conclude as your private transfer meets you at your hotel in Lausanne to escort you to Geneva Airport for your flight home

Starting Price

$5,455  per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.

Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

4.84 stars based on 38 reviews.

Reviewed By  Brian K.

Reviewed By  Y. H.

Reviewed By  Christine K.

Reviewed By  Susan D.

Reviewed By  Daniel H.

Reviewed By  Kevin G.

Expert Tips for Discerning Travelers

Your Dream Vacation

in 3 simple steps

Describe your dream trip

Get matched with top travel specialists

Book the trip

Help Me Plan My Trip

Free service - no credit card required

Deals of the Week   Green Hikes & Treks   Up to 50% OFF

Austria, Germany and Switzerland Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Austria, Germany and Switzerland. We've got 105 tours going to Austria, Germany and Switzerland, starting from just 6 days in length, and the longest tour is 30 days. The most popular month to go is July, which has the highest number of tour departures. 10 days in Germany  or 7 days in the Netherlands ? Check here the best travel itineraries.

Filters applied

105 austria, germany and switzerland tour packages with 1,121 reviews.

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Christmas & New Year

Magnificent Four

brilliant. The tour spent the perfect amount of time in each location, the tour guides - shout-out to both Gabby and Linus! - were so brilliantly customer focused, informative, patient, professional. They removed any hiccups and made the trip easy to just enjoy.

From Prague to Zurich

The hotels that we stayed in are nice. We had two guides throughout the 6 day tour.

Country Roads of Bavaria, Switzerland & Austria (Small Groups, 12 Days)

• Sightseeing

Exploring the Alpine Countries Austria - Germany - Switzerland (Vienna to Lucerne) (2024)

Exploring the Alpine Countries Austria - Germany - Switzerland (Vienna to Lucerne) (2023)

great tour, beautiful scenery

10-Days Cheese & Alps Euro Rail Trail: Milan, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Austria

Winter Wonderland (Small Groups, 9 Days)

• Self-Guided Cycling

Alpine Rhine Cycle

Grand Central Europe & Zurich (2024) (Zurich to Vienna, 2024)

The Best of Austria & Switzerland with Romantic Rhine 2024

CLASSIC ALPS GERMANY, SWITZERLAND & AUSTRIA

Grand Central Europe (2024) (Vienna to Basel, 2024)

Fall/Spring 5-Country Alpine Tour in a Porsche: Pre-set sat-nav guided

Enchanted Europe with 2 Nights in Budapest for Beer Enthusiasts (Westbound)

Summer 5-Country Alpine Tour in a Porsche: Pre-set sat-nav guided

What people love about austria, germany and switzerland tours.

• Fully Guided (92)
• Family (73)
• River Cruise (49)
• In-depth Cultural (25)
• Coach / Bus (18)
• Personalized (14)
• Private (8)
• Self-Guided (7)
• Train & Rail (7)
• Festival & Events (5)

Travel Styles

• Small Group (5)
• Luxury (18)
• Singles and Solo (39)
• For Couples (40)
• Seniors (32)
• 10 Day Tours (10)
• 2 Week Tours (8)
• 3 Week Tours (20)
• 1 Month+ Tours (5)
• Spring 2024 (16)
• Summer 2024 (24)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (22)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (7)
• Spring 2025 (11)
• Summer 2025 (11)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 (11)
• Winter 2025 / 2026 (5)
• April 2024 (13)
• May 2024 (18)
• June 2024 (17)
• July 2024 (24)
• August 2024 (19)
• September 2024 (17)
• October 2024 (18)
• November 2024 (10)
• December 2024 (7)
• January 2025 (5)
• February 2025 (5)
• March 2025 (7)
• April 2025 (4)
• May 2025 (11)
• June 2025 (8)
• July 2025 (10)
• August 2025 (7)
• September 2025 (7)
• October 2025 (5)
• November 2025 (6)

International Versions

• Deutsch: Österreich-Deutschland-Schweiz Rundreisen
• Français: Circuits en Autriche, Allemagne et Suisse
• Español: Circuitos y Viajes por Austria, Alemania y Suiza
• Nederlands: Oostenrijk, Duitsland en Zwitserland Rondreizen

A Week in Switzerland, Germany & Austria

4.7 out of 5 stars

You have up to 60 days to get a full refund

Feel good about putting a tour on the calendar today: Enroll in AutoPay or pay in full when you book, and if you change your mind,  you’ll get your money back .†

Experience the peaks of Central European culture across a trio of destinations.

Switzerland, Germany, and Austria—all mountainous, all momentous. From Lucerne’s riverside promenades to Bavaria’s natural majesty to Vienna’s cultured cafes, this weeklong itinerary showcases the best of three sensational countries. The castle that inspired Sleeping Beauty’s? You’ll find it here, along with landscapes that spurred some of the world’s finest classical compositions. And if you’re interested in architectural paradise, take up the trip’s extension to Prague and lose yourself among its whimsical spires.

Your tour package includes

• 7 nights in handpicked hotels
• 7 breakfasts
• 3 dinners with beer or wine
• 6 sightseeing tours
• Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

• Kapellbrücke
• Neuschwanstein
• Nymphenburg Palace
• Salzburg Cathedral

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

Day-by-day itinerary

Board your overnight flight to Zurich today.

Welcome to Switzerland—or, as they say in the local dialect, grüezi (“GROO-tsee”)! From the Zurich airport, transfer to your hotel in the Swiss Alps, where you’ll meet your Tour Director and the rest of your group. Unwind, then continue getting to know one another over a welcome dinner, served with beer or wine.

Set out into lakeside Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most populated cities, for a guided sightseeing tour and enjoy a taste of Alpine life—complete with clear views of Pilatus, Rigi, and the rugged ridges of other neighboring mountains.

• View the Lion Monument, a tribute to the Swiss Guards who sacrificed their lives in Paris during the French Revolution.
• Pass the hand-painted facades that line the cobbled streets of the Old Town—the traditional core of the city that dates to medieval times.
• Cross the famous Kapellbrücke (say it “ka-PELL-broo-kuh”), the covered wooden “chapel bridge” that spans the Reuss River, and view the adjacent Water Tower. Octagonal in shape and stone in build—with a complicated past as a sentinel’s post, state treasury, and prison—it predates the Kapellbrücke by roughly a century.
• See the Jesuit Church, the first large Baroque building of its kind to be built north of the Alps in Switzerland.

If you’d like, add an afternoon journey to the top of Mount Pilatus and explore Lucerne’s surroundings by ferry, cogwheel railway, and cable car. Alternatively, hang back in town and treat yourself to some rösti. Pronounced “ROO-sty,” this dish centers on grated, fried potatoes—kind of like a Swiss hashbrown. Top it with eggs or sausage to elevate it from a satisfying snack to a hearty meal.

Mount Pilatus

From $135 per person

Cross into Liechtenstein, a tiny Alpine principality that dates to the Holy Roman Empire. (And we mean tiny: With a population of just under 40,000 people, it’s the sixth-smallest nation in the world.) Visit the capital, Vaduz, and pass the royal family’s namesake castle. Perched atop a hill, it has watched over the region since the 12th century and serves as the royal residence to this day.

After getting your passport stamped, continue into the Bavarian Alps, a range of limestone mountains and valleys furrowed by retreating glaciers during the last ice age. Amid this expanse of rocky peaks and alpine forests, you’ll take a slight detour.

• Pause for photos of Neuschwanstein Castle’s unique mix of Gothic, Romanesque, and Byzantine architecture, and marvel at the fairytale retreat of “Mad” King Ludwig II.
• Revel in the trim fields, mirrored lakes, and soaring peaks of the Alps as you relax and explore during your free time, or grab lunch in Schwangau, the town below Neuschwanstein.

Travel on to Munich and sit down to an included dinner, served with beer or wine.

Today, embark on a guided tour of Munich. Founded in the 12th century and boasting traditional and cosmopolitan appeal, the capital of Bavaria is the third-largest city in all of Germany. It’s also home to the original Oktoberfest—a massive Volksfest that, to this day, remains the largest beer festival in the world.

• Travel past the 18th-century Englischer Garten—a gargantuan urban park that counts a Japanese teahouse and an open-air, Greek-style temple among its many monuments—and the fashionable Schwabing district, formerly home to Munich’s bohemian residents.
• Enter Nymphenburg Palace, the Baroque home to past Bavarian royalty, and walk through its elaborately carved halls on a guided tour.
• Walk from Odeonsplatz—Munich’s large central square, named after an adjacent former concert hall—through the well-manicured grounds of 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 clock. Maybe you’ll catch it as it chimes!

If you choose, join your group on a visit to Dachau—the former site of a notorious Nazi concentration camp—and gain sobering perspective on one of humanity’s darkest eras. If you’d prefer to stay behind, spend the remainder of your day at your leisure—perhaps sipping a pint of local ale at a biergarten.

From $55 per person

Depart Munich and head to Salzburg, Austria, a city famed for its churches and musical history. Upon arrival, a guide will lead you on a walking tour of its Old Town. Known locally as the Altstadt, Salzburg’s historic core has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, honoring its legacy as the confluence of Italian and German culture.

• Pass by the University of Salzburg—an institution of higher learning first established in 1622—and St. Peter’s Abbey. Operating in some form or another since 696, it’s the oldest continually operating monastery in German-speaking Europe.
• See a trio of famous squares: the Kapitelplatz, former site of the Cathedral Abbey; Residenzplatz, once home of the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg; and Alter Markt, where the city’s weekly market used to set up shop.
• Walk by the dashing yellow facade of the Mozarts Geburtshaus, the birthplace and childhood home of the virtuosic composer himself.
• Enter the richly ornamented Salzburg Cathedral. Although the current Baroque structure was built in the 17th century, the building’s roots go all the way back to 774, when Saint Rupert founded the church atop the remains of an old Roman town.

Want to make plans for the evening? Serenade your senses by opting for tonight’s dinner, served in one of Europe’s oldest restaurants and accompanied by live performances of Mozart’s music. Alternatively, relax in your hotel room and enjoy the sounds of the city.

Mozart Concert & Dinner

From $149 per person

Travel east to the Austrian capital of Vienna, stopping along the way in the little town of Melk for a guided tour of its Benedictine abbey. Built over the centuries following its foundation in 1089, this mammoth monastery typifies the Baroque style and offers immaculate views of the Wachau Valley’s stepped vineyards. Explore its pavilion, library, and chapel, then continue your journey through the Danube River Basin.

Arrive in Vienna and settle into your hotel. To bookend your day with some revelry, relaxation, and a glass or two of wine, take up tonight’s outing to the Prater—a historic amusement park in the heart of the city—before heading to a heuriger (a traditional Austrian tavern). Or, spend your evening strolling Vienna’s beautiful boulevards at your own pace.

Traditional Viennese Heurigen Evening

From $119 per person

Coffeehouse culture. The Age of Empires. Symphonies and orchestras. Vienna has influenced world affairs for centuries; today, you’ll enjoy the best of “The City of Dreams” on a guided sightseeing tour.

• Step inside Belvedere Palace, home to the world’s largest collection of paintings by artist Gustav Klimt, and admire acre upon acre of impressive gardens.
• Travel down the tree-canopied paths of the Ringstrasse—Vienna’s gorgeous Ring Road—passing the Austrian Parliament Building, Vienna State Opera, and Kunsthistorisches Museum as you go.
• See the grand Hofburg Palace. Once the seat of the Habsburg dynasty, it now serves as the official residence and office of the president of Austria.

Celebrate a memorable trip with your group at a farewell dinner this evening and toast your adventures with beer or wine.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home—or head to the Czech Republic, home of the pilsner and birthplace of famed author Franz Kafka, for two more days of history and fun in picturesque Prague.

Head for Prague by way of Bohemia, the Czech Republic’s westernmost region. Oaks and spruces in varying shades of green, along with fertile fields populated by free-roaming livestock, typify this pastoral landscape. Drink it all in as you drive to the Czech capital.

Upon arrival, unwind in your hotel before setting off into the city streets. If you choose, you’ll spend an evening atop the Vltava River, enjoying a dinner cruise. Otherwise, take an evening to yourself and meander through the city, snacking on sweet koláče—pillowy discs of yeast dough loaded with fruity fillings—as you go.

Evening in Prague: River Cruise & Dinner

From $99 per person

Today, develop a deeper understanding of Prague’s history on a guided sightseeing tour, led by a local guide.

• Begin with a visit to Prague Castle. Considered the largest ancient castle on the planet, this 1,150-year-old structure utilizes Gothic, Romanesque, and other architectural styles over its grounds. It isn’t just a relic, either: Once the seat of Bohemian kings, it currently serves as the presidential residence.
• Admire the Gothic vaults of St. Vitus Cathedral, the final resting place of Rudolf II, Charles IV, and other Holy Roman emperors.
• Walk down to the red shingles and Baroque buildings of the Malá Strana district. Originally founded by royal decree in 1257, the “Little Quarter” stands opposite the Old Town, just across the Vltava. Pop into a local cafe for a cup of coffee before continuing down to the riverbank.
• Cross Karluv Most—the elegant Charles Bridge. Hewn from Bohemian sandstone and lined by statues of Catholic saints, it has connected Malá Strana to Prague’s Old Town since the 15th century.
• Stroll through the Old Town Square to the Old Town Hall. There, on its southern wall, you’ll find Prague Orloj—the city’s famous Astronomical Clock. First hung in 1410, it’s the oldest timepiece of its kind still in use, marking each passing hour with a mechanized “Walk of the Apostles.”

Tonight, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Book for just $99 down

That’s all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†

Overall rating 4.7 out of 5

5 out of 5 stars

Enjoyed this introduction to three countries and found the fellow travelers kind and helpful, the driver outstanding and the tour director very knowledgeable. There was a good mix of directed touring and free time. Great scenery and good weather for late March.

My trip with EF Tours was excellent! Our flight delayed our arrival by a day and a half. It could have ruined the trip but our guide Jurgen, helped us catch up to the group. He gave us a brief tour of Lucerne (for the tour we missed) and took us to meet the rest of the group! I can't say enough ...

We were very busy on this tour. Our tour director, Juergen, was great. Very knowledgeable, helpful, and funny. Bus driver, Piotr, was very skilled. I would do this tour again.

Traveler photos

Hotels, flights & FAQ

This Belle Époque hotel is located near the lake promenade. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and outdoor terrace. Nearby, you’ll find Lake Lucerne, Cha...

This artsy hotel is located in the Obersendling district. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and sauna. Nearby you’ll find the Hellabrunn Zoo, the Theres...

This contemporary hotel is located in Salzburg city center. Guests enjoy the large garden, fitness center, and restaurant. Nearby, you'll find the Sal...

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...

This modern hotel is located in the Smíchov district of Prague. Guests enjoy a gym and sauna, restaurants with terraces, and tennis court. Nearby, you...

• 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
• 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.
• Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
• Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center .
• 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 SGA.
• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Zurich and depart from Vienna (or Prague on the tour extension).
• 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 if they are arriving or departing on the standard day.
• When you arrive in Zurich, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.

Physical Activity Level

This is a high physical activity-level tour. You can expect to be on the move on a regular basis throughout the course of the tour.

Tour Pacing

This is a brisk-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:

• One 1-night stay
• Most days full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
• Most transportation by motor coach
• Daily bus time varies and can be lengthy

Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements

• Travelers should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles per day- this includes city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
• Cobblestone streets can become slick when wet.
• During the visit to Neuschwanstein, travelers can expect to walk 25 minutes uphill on a steep incline to view the castle and further walking to get to the castles entrance, if they wish.
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
• Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.

Climate Considerations

• In the summer months from June to September, travelers can expect high temperatures from 70Fs -80Fs and lows from 50Fs-60Fs with occasional extreme heatwaves.

Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions

• Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
• Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
• If you have mobility concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team. We’re here to help!
• Most transportation on this tour is by private motor coach. Private motor coaches have steps required to board and often do not provide access to ramps or lifts.
• 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.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
• Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout tour as porters are not guaranteed. This includes at hotels and airports.
• 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).
• We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastic waste.
• 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.
• We recommend packing your Insurance Card (from your primary insurance provider) in your carry on luggage.
• Go Ahead handpicks every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm.
• Accommodations are typically three and four star hotels.
• All accommodations include a private bathroom.
• Most rooms will include a safe for valuables.
• Your hotels will have Wifi, but it may be limited to common areas.
• Elevators in hotels are not guaranteed.
• Some hotels on this tour require travelers to walk with their luggage a few blocks as buses cannot drop travelers off right out front.
• Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in European hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
• We cannot guarantee that your hotel accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with the hotel once they are confirmed about 30 days prior to departure.
• Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
• Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
• We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
• Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
• Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at cdc.gov .
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• 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.
• Most of our itineraries include headsets used during certain sightseeing tours so travelers can hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please visit our Help Center for more information or contact our customer experience team. Please note that at this time not all our destinations offer headsets due to supplier limitations.
• The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.
• This tour includes 3 dinners. Included meals may be plated set menus, buffet or family style depending on the location. Dinners include one glass of beer, wine, or soft drink and water, coffee and tea.
• Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
• 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.
• At the conclusion of your tour, it is 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 $10USD to $12USD 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.
• If you are traveling to multiple countries with different currencies and the same Tour Director, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip.
• The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
• You will use the Swiss franc in Switzerland and the euro in Germany and Austria (and 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.
• Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your tour director, local guides, and bus drivers. We also recommend keeping coins in the local currency on hand, as some public bathrooms may charge a fee for use.
• To ensure you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend you download the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. The app is free and provides important deadlines, entry requirements, your detailed itinerary, packing tips and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the chat feature in the app.
• Wifi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There is no Wifi on any of the motor coaches.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
• Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have the same Tour Director throughout your tour.
• The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
• Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
• This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
• As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
• Switzerland, Germany, and Austria (and the Czech Republic on the extension) are 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
• When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.
• When you travel with EF Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit, and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
• Travel, when done responsibly, can make an enormous socio-economic impact to communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at local businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
• Prepare for your trip: be aware of the monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market, learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette, and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
• When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
• EF Go Ahead Tours encourages our travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single use plastics. You can avoid single use plastics by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
• Environment: On this tour, we recommend the use of a reusable water bottle, as the local drinking water is safe for travelers. Your Tour Director can provide additional guidance on local water standards. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastics.

Compare similar tours

4.8 out of 5 stars

Emergency Banner Component

From the North and Baltic Sea coasts to the Bavarian Alps, including our Rhine River Cruises and more... our land and river journeys cover the diverse landscapes and compelling cultural traditions found throughout Germany.

• ITINERARIES
• FEATURED TOURS

Welcome to Germany

Epic Bavarian legends abound in storybook settings that date back to the 5th century in this fascinating destination filled with diverse landscapes and compelling cultural traditions. Cruise the mighty Rhine, Danube or Moselle rivers aboard a Tauck riverboat as you take in the culture and history that flows from the fabled surrounding cities.

Black forest cooking demonstration, learn secrets from chefs with an interactive black forest cooking demonstration.

Bavaria and the Black Forest region of Germany have contributed a wide range of local dishes to European cuisine, from spätzle, maultaschen (a filled Swabian pasta-like dish, sort of like Italian ravioli but usually larger), Schwarzwälder Schinken (Black Forest Ham) and grillwurst (spicy sausage made from ground pork and bacon) to brezels, flammkuchen and iconic Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cherry Cake). Learn some of the secrets of preparing some of these and other regional specialties at an interactive cooking demonstration with chefs in the Black Forest.

Tauck Exclusive – Evening at Schloss Ehreshoven

Enjoy an elegant dinner and tour at schloss ehreshoven, overlooking the rhine in germany.

Built in the 14th century and later expanded in the grand style of a Baroque manor house, Schloss Ehreshoven is surrounded by gracious 18th-century French gardens and a castle park. For nearly a century the castle has been the heart of a charitable foundation whose main mission includes providing a home for unmarried aristocratic ladies without means in their golden years. Frequently used as a location for movies and TV shows, the Schloss provides an elegant setting for Tauck's exclusive cocktail reception and dinner, hosted by a member of the family.

Tauck Exclusive – Evening at Burg Satzvey

Cross the moat for a special evening at burg satzvey.

Considered one of the best-preserved medieval moated castles in Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia region, Burg Satzvey (Satzvey Castle), not far from Köln, has been home to the same noble family for more than 300 years. We invite you to cross the moat and visit this 12th-century castle after hours for a Tauck Exclusive tour and gala evening with a reception, dinner and musical entertainment… to which you'll be welcomed by a member of the family.

Journey Collection

Experience Germany

Search Again

{{ title }}

{{shortDescription}}

{{longDescription}}

{{priceFrom}}

From Price, Per Person

Price shown is the lowest price per person, double, on most journeys.

No Tours Match Your Room Configuration

Itinerary Related Content

Take a look below for other tours

Please enter a valid search term

No results found for “ ”.

Make sure your words are spelled correctly or use less or different words.

We can't find any itineraries that match your departure date. Try broadening your search by choosing a different year or month.

The keyword's results do not contain the selected date. Please reset the date filter or choose a different date.

Featured River, Small Ship and Land Journeys

Land Journeys & River Cruises

Explore the Possibilities

{{whitepanel.eyebrow}}

{{whitepanel.title}}

{{whitepanel.copy}}

{{whitepanel.subtitle}}

{{whitepanel.numberoftours.landjourneys}}

LAND JOURNEYS

{{whitepanel.numberoftours.rivercruises}}

RIVER CRUISES

{{whitepanel.numberoftours.familytours}}

FAMILY TOURS

{{whitepanel.numberoftours.smallshipcruises}}

SMALL SHIP CRUISES

{{whitepanel.numberoftours.taucksevents}}

TAUCKS EVENTS

Epic legends and storybook images

From the North and Baltic Sea coasts to the Bavarian Alps and along the Rhine River Valley, the wonders of Germany delight as you discover these storybook lands famous for epic legends and fairy-tales. Travel by riverboat or on a land journey... the fascinating history and culture awaits.

The ultimate alps & dolomites, romantic germany, the rhine, swiss alps & amsterdam, the romantic rhine: basel to amsterdam, traveling with tauck, never settle for ordinary.

Travel Experiences that are as memorable as the places...

Leave Your Worries At Home

Tauck takes on all of details of travel – all of the planning, all of the logistics...

One Upfront Price

Get what you pay for and then some; no hidden costs, no options sold...

Travel In Good Company

Our Tauck Directors are the best in the industry, making every moment of your journey count...

Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

• Destinations
• Antarctica & the Arctic
• Australia & New Zealand
• Israel & Jordan
• Latin America
• United States
• Tours & Cruises
• Exclusive Partnership
• Family Journeys
• Guest Favorites
• River Cruises
• Small Groups
• Small Ship Cruises
• Awards and Accolades
• Our History
• Tauck Impact
• The Tauck Difference
• The Taucker Blog
• About Tauck
• Media Center
• Tutorial Video
• Agent Connect
• Register Your Agency
• General Information
• Travel Protection
• Newsletter Sign Up
• Order an eGift Card
• Request a Brochure
• Tauck Forums
• Travel and Health
• Travel Updates

Sign Up to Subscribe to Our Emails

Get the Hottest Deals First!

Exploring the Alpine Countries

About this tour.

Discover storybook castles and opulent palaces amidst stunning Alpine vistas as you explore Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Visit Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. Take a cruise along the legendary Danube. Stroll the quaint streets of Salzburg, the "City of Music." Spend two nights in the heart of the Black Forest. Visit Oberammergau, renowned for its 380-year tradition of producing a Passion Play every decade. Witness the beauty of Linderhof Palace and its perfect decorated gardens. From Vienna and the Black Forest to the Swiss Alps and Lucerne, explore the heart of Europe.

Your Tour Includes

• 5 Handpicked Accommodations
• 4 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

• Schönbrunn Palace
• Classical Concert
• Danube Cruise

Your Tour at a Glance

9 Breakfasts

Travel Style

Best time for travel, customize your tour.

Optional Excursions

Starting at $85.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Best time for travel exploring the alpine countries austria - germany - switzerland.

While just about any month is great to visit Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, there are a few prime times of the year for the Exploring the Alpine Countries tour. Here are some recommendations from our destination experts.

Spring: Fairly mild weather and fewer crowds make spring a great time to visit these countries.

Summer: Summer is a beautiful time of year to experience the region’s natural beauty and outdoor activities, even as popular sites and attractions draw crowds. It can get quite hot in the summer, so keep in mind there are very few hotels with air conditioning in the region. If the heat bothers you, you may prefer visiting in the spring or fall.

Fall: Fall is another great time to go on this tour. Although there are still a lot of crowds until mid-October, the weather is wonderful.

Travel Styles

Highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

• Come to know Vienna and its incredible Schönbrunn Palace.

Discover the capital of the Bavaria region, Munich.

Cultural Experiences:

Cruise along the legendary Danube River.

Enjoy a performance by opera singers and ballet dancers set to the music of Strauss, Mozart, and more, in Vienna.

Culinary Inclusions:

Savor a dinner of local Swiss specialties in Lucerne.

• Dine at the 1,200-year-old St. Peter's Restaurant, Austria's oldest.
• Dinner at St. Peter's Stiftskeller
• Choices on Tour
• Oberammergau
• Linderhof Palace
• Black Forest

Book with Confidence

* With Insurance Purchased

• *No Hassle Refunds
• Traveling Well Safety
• No booking fee, *no change fees
• Top Rated Travel Protection

Share This Tour

Looking to add your itinerary for friends and family? Share your Itinerary

Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

• Choice On Tour

Pre and Post Night Stay

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

In Salzburg, discover the city on a leisurely paced walking tour of the Old Town -OR- feel like you’ve joined the Von Trapp family on a city tour featuring iconic film locations from The Sound of Music.

In Munich, you have two choices. The first is a panoramic city tour of Munich by coach, where you’ll see the National Theatre of Bavaria, the Feldherrnhalle where the Beer Hall Putsch was defeated, the Nazi Documentation Centre museum, the University of Munich, the massive Alte Pinakothek gallery, and the English Gardens. The second is a walking tour of the lavish Treasury of the Munich Residence, where you can explore the vaulted halls to see over a thousand priceless works of art in gold, precious gems, ivory, and more. No matter which choice you make, you’ll end your tour with a viewing of the intricate Rathaus-Glockenspiel chiming at noon.

Hotel-Intercontinental Hotel Wien

Hotel-Radisson Blu Hotel Lucerne

A captivating place in history awaits you today as you travel to the Eagle's Nest - Hitler's former private refuge, built as a teahouse for his 50th birthday. Upon reaching the town of Obersalzberg, you will board specially designed coaches for the adventurous and breathtaking ride along the steep rock walls and gorges which lead to the base of the Kehlstein. A large brass elevator will carry you up the final 365 feet into the Eagle's Nest. From here, you are sure to enjoy the spectacular views in every direction.

Enjoy the splendor of pure nature while gliding over a clear landscape in panoramic gondolas and spectacular cable cars. Ascend Pilatus via a unique excursion on the steepest railway of the world with a gradient of 48%. Upon arrival at the top, soak in the magnificent Alpine view from 7,000 feet above sea level. During leisure time at the summit, stroll the walkway for views from a different vantage point, or enjoy Swiss culinary delights on your own in one of the various restaurants (lunch is not included). Return back down the mountain by panoramic gondola for yet another bird’s eye view.

Come to know Vienna and its incredible Schönbrunn Palace.

Dine at the 1,200-year-old St. Peter's Restaurant, Austria's oldest.

Accommodations

Arrive earlier.

Pre Night: Intercontinental Hotel Wien From $155 per night

Intercontinental Hotel Wien

Arcotel castellani salzburg, alte post hotel, hofgut sternen, radisson blu hotel, lucerne.

Nights 9-10

Stay Longer

Post Night: Radisson Blu Hotel, Lucerne From $225 per night

Trip Reviews

Live, Unedited, & Independent Traveler Reviews

Filter Reviews: All

Fellow Travelers on Tour

Related blog content, an alpine adventure with collette, my first guided tour with collette (i’m coming back for more), it’s time: 2024 travel inspiration, similar tours.

Magical Christmas Markets of Austria and Germany

Holland & Belgium Springtime River Cruise

Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria

London & Paris

Spotlight on Paris

Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains featuring a cruise on Lake Maggiore and scenic trains in Switzerland & Italy

Not seeing the date you want? We can help!

Call our Customer Care Team to inquire about dates beyond what's currently listed and to make an advanced reservation. You can find our full terms and conditions here .

Request a Quote

Please fill out the form below, and a Collette Expert will contact you shortly.

• Yes, I'm a Travel Professional
• Yes, I am working with a Travel Professional
• I am traveling with 8 or more travelers

Find a Travel Agency

Once you've found the perfect Collette tour, your local travel agent can assist you in making reservations. To find a preferred travel agent in your area, please enter your 5-digit zip code, then click Search.

Enter a Whole or Partial Zip Code

Please tell us everything, we want it all.

We really value your feedback, please be open an honest. Tell us where we can improve, how we can get better. This feedback is anonymous, but if you would like us to get in touch with you regarding an issue provide your email address as part of your feedback and we will get right back to you.

Talk to an Expert

View or download.

17 reported hurt after river cruise ship hits a concrete passageway on the Danube in Austria

Seventeen passengers were hurt when a Bulgarian river cruise ship lost steering and hit the sides of a lock on the Danube in Austria, the apa news agency reported Saturday. Eleven of the injured were taken to hospitals.

The ship with 142 passengers aboard, most of them from Germany, temporarily lost power to its electronics system and became unsteerable as it passed through narrow locks at 9:45 p.m. Friday, apa reported.

The ship’s power was restored but not before the bow and stern struck the concrete sides of the lock passage near the town of Aschach, a few miles upriver from Linz.

The ship sustained minor damage and continued to its next port. The cause of the loss of electrical power was under investigation.

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

0800 484 333

Best of Germany and Austria

418 reviews

Last Minute Deal

Save up to $1,064

Available Dates

Your itinerary

Dates & prices

13 Day Germany and Austria Tour from Frankfurt to Vienna

13 days, 2 countries and 11 cities

Accommodation

12 Breakfasts, 1 Welcome Reception, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners

View day-by-day trip itinerary

Modern cities, medieval towns and all the sights in between make this Best of Germany and Austria experience one you’ll remember. Beyond the beauty of the Rhine and Wachau, you’ll explore Vienna’s musical treasures, Alpine landscapes and the castle of a shy king.

Looking to book in a group of 9 or more?

Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details

Trip code: 

Low deposit from $200

Deposit protection

Free booking changes

Trip map & itinerary

Day by day itinerary

13 days itinerary trip from Frankfurt to Vienna visiting 2 countries and 11 cities

Download itinerary

Print itinerary

Expand all days

About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Berlin, Salzburg and Vienna with a Local Specialist

Discover Frankfurt, Cologne, Rothenburg, Munich and Innsbruck

Visit the Berlin TV Tower, Neuschwanstein Castle.

View Cologne Cathedral, the Golden Roof in Innsbruck, Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg, Hofburg Palace and St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna

See the Lorelei Rock, the Marienberg Fortress and the Prince-Bishops' residence in Würzburg and Melk Abbey

Scenic Cruise along the Rhine River

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

Airport Transfers

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

High-speed train from Cologne to Berlin

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

Find out more

Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLER REVIEWS

Best of Germany and Austria trip reviews

#ttgermanyaustria.

Real moments from real travellers, creating the greatest travel stories they’ll ever tell

Or search for something else

Help & Info

Unedited Reviews

Our Destination Management Companies

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Updates

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar is a proud member of   The Travel Corporation  family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

South Africa

Copyright 2024 Trafalgar. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy