ef tours germany italy switzerland

Germany, Italy & Switzerland

Aerial view of a town on a bright blue lake surrounded by green hills and mountains in the background

What do you get when you combine picturesque Venetian canals, hilltop Bavarian castles, snow-capped Swiss mountain ranges, and bustling medieval cities? Some would say this trip and, sure, they’d be right. But what do you really get? A fairytale.

Picture yourself

Riding in a gondola through the canals of Venice

Yodeling from atop the majestic Swiss Alps

Raising a toast inside one of Munich’s legendary beer halls

Saying, “Hasn’t everyone been to Liechtenstein?”

Living a fairytale on the balcony of a hilltop castle

What you'll get

Round-trip flights & airport transfers (or book 'em yourself)

8 nights in handpicked accommodations

8 breakfasts

Expert Tour Director

24/7 support from our travel gurus

3 insider city tours with local guides

Map for the Germany, Italy & Switzerland tour

Pack your appetite for adventure (and pasta) and board your overnight flight to Italy. This is the time to rest up—new countries, cultures, and cuisines await.

Benvenuto (welcome) to the Venice Region, otherwise known as Veneto. Once one of the richest and largest maritime trade empires in the world, the sheer number of canals, bridges, and boats should come as no surprise. You’ll drop off your bags, stretch your legs, then venture over to an authentic neighborhood on the western side of Venice.

In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner of local cuisine and drinks with fellow travelers at an authentic local spot. Afterwards, you’re free to take the party elsewhere!

Today's highlights:

Land at the airport and meet a waiting EF representative.
Transfer to your hotel to check in and check out your room.
Get familiar with the area around your hotel with an introductory walk with your Tour Director.
Travel to and tour the Santa Margherita neighborhood of Venice.

On your first full day of adventure, you’ll arrive at the gorgeous St. Mark’s Square after a short boat ride into the city. You’ll be met by a local guide who’ll show you the famous sights of the city.

Arrive in true Venetian style at St. Mark’s square via the Giudecca Canal.
Stand in the footprints of history on the Rialto Bridge, the oldest spanning the Grand Canal.
See for yourself why the 15th century Scala Contarini del Bovolo staircase literally means ‘of the snail’.
Watch a local artist in action during a glass blowing demonstration.

Free time suggestions

Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal: What better way to experience a city known for its bridges and canals than with a gondola ride down the grandest of them all? Your Tour Director will point you in the right direction if decide you want a ride but finding the gondoliers yourself won’t be hard either—just look for their traditional uniform of black pants and striped shirts. Libreria Acqua Alta: Calling itself the most beautiful bookstore in the world, this gem is absolutely worth the visit. Wander through charming rooms stacked wall-to-wall with books in this unique shop that battles the nearly constant flooding by placing some of its books in waterproof basins, bathtubs, and boats.

Put the canals of Venice in the rearview and set your sights on the city known for Mozart and The Sound of Music . Along the way you’ll stop in the town of Innsbruck, Austria, a popular destination for winter sports featuring colorful architecture set against the jagged peaks of the Alps.

Travel by bus from Venice to Salzburg, gaining altitude and a newfound appreciation of the towering Alps as you go.
Take a deep breath of fresh mountain air while you explore the scenic town of Innsbruck with your Tour Director.
Arrive in Salzburg and enjoy a free evening to explore the city on your own.

Sitting on the northern boundary of the Alps, Salzburg is known for its well-preserved baroque architecture and stunning alpine setting. Its name literally means ‘salt castle’ but we suggest opting for a delicious local strudel instead.

Join a local guide for a tour of the city including Kapitelplatz, Residenzplatz, and Old Town.
Stand before Sphaera , a prominent piece of art featuring a large golden sphere with a man perched on top.
Browse Alter Markt, the oldest weekly market in the city known for its selection of dairy, cabbages, and herbs.

Hohensalzburg Fortress: Dominating the city’s skyline atop Festungsberg mountain, this fortress is the largest fully preserved castle in Central Europe. Built in 1077 and never once captured by foreign troops, it nonetheless provides an amazing vantage point for its visitors. Sound of Music Tour: Walk in the footsteps of the von Trapp family as you explore original shooting locations and pose for the camera—just remember to think about a few of your favorite things to make sure you’re in character.

Note: This excursion is seasonal and only runs from mid-May through mid-October. Availability is subject to your tour’s departure date and weather that day. Remember how much you loved the playground? Today will be like that, except the slide is nearly a mile and a half long and comes with magnificent panoramic views of the Alps.

Make your way to a major center of German art, music, and innovation. Considered by many to be the greatest beer destination in the world, it’s no wonder that it was rated as the world’s most livable city. And even if you’re not there during Oktoberfest, the beer still flows freely. Prost!

Follow a local guide on a tour of Munich’s main attractions including Frauenkirche, Marienplatz, and Glockenspiel.
Tempt yourself with the delicious array of food and drink in the massive farmer’s market and beer garden of Viktualienmarkt.
Stop by one of Munich’s famous beer halls and have a stein on your own dime.

Let your heart, or your stomach, take the lead on a day that’s completely up to you. Explore, sample the local fare (hint: sausages are wildly popular), and keep your eyes and ears peeled for a live show from a traditional Oompah band. Lederhosen optional.

BMW Museum: Pick up a ticket and discover an impressive collection of over 120 of BMW’s most valuable and attractive automobiles and motorcycles. The past, present, and future are all on display at this monument to German innovation and engineering. Bike through Englischer Garten: One of the world’s largest urban parks at over 900 acres, this English style garden has a lot to explore. Pedal your way by the Japanese teahouse, a stream with a standing wave surfed by locals, and more.

Dachau memorial site (extra cost)

Once a typical German town, Dachau was the first Nazi concentration camp during World War II.

Get ready to roll out of Germany—but not before making a photo stop outside a castle so picturesque it’s rumored to be the inspiration behind Cinderella’s castle. Then it’s off to Switzerland, home to some of the finest chocolate in the world.

Climb aboard the private bus for a scenic ride across the European countryside.
Visit Neuschwanstein Castle and snap some epic photos.
Check another country off your list as you arrive in Switzerland.

Breathe in fresh lake air with hints of fresh chocolate (it might only be your imagination) as you explore a charming city overlooked by the snow-capped peaks of the Alps. It won’t take long to see why so many people flock to Switzerland—and seemingly never want to leave.

Farewell Dinner Share some laughs and any stories you may have missed along the way at this included farewell dinner with the group.

Get introduced to the city with a guided tour from your Tour Director.
Stand in wonder before Löwendenkmal, an impressive sculpture of a wounded lion carved into a sheer rock cliff.
Stroll across the Kapellbrücke, a covered wooden footbridge featuring a series of paintings dating back to the 17th century.

Trip up the Swiss Alps (extra cost)

Take an amazing trip to the top of a mountain in the Swiss Alps and soak in the incredible panoramic views. Why wait? Save money by booking this optional excursion before your trip departs.

Auf Wiedersehen, Freunde! Translation: Goodbye, friends. Before you head to the airport, make sure to take one more group photo and grab that final drink. But this isn’t goodbye because you can always get the gang back together for another trip soon. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, we have a couple ways to keep your vacation going.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP 2 WAYS

1. Double the fun A lot of our trips line up back to back! Give us a call—we can help you add another and save big while you're at it.

2. Go ahead or stay behind Extending your trip is easy! During checkout, you'll have the option to fly to (or from) the gateway of your choice for an additional fee. We'll adjust your flights accordingly, but you'll be responsible to take care of your transportation, hotels, and other logistics outside of tour.

Note: Depending on your desired gateways, additional fees may apply.

Absolutely amazing!!

Best Trip Ever!!

I absolutely loved the trip! I loved the places we visited, excursions, the people, tour director, and the memories we created! I keep looking at my photos and videos trying to relive the experience!

Cant wait to book another

This trip was amazing! Im so glad I chose this for my first tour. Our tour director was so much fun and I loved my group.

Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland

This is a once in a lifetime trip and I’m so happy that I decided to go and to do it by myself. Every place we went was absolutely breath taking and the activities provided made it so much more. The group is what truly made it, the people I met on this trip were amazing and my expectations for other tour groups are set high now. I hope everyone gets to share... See more

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Germany, Italy & Switzerland

Member Savings

Test your yodeling skills in the pristine Swiss Alps
Visit Neuschwanstein, the majestic hilltop castle that inspired a familiar Disney icon
Wash down hearty Bavarian food with a stein. Or three.
Raise your glass in Munich’s lively beer halls
Cover six cities and five countries in 10 days
Float through the Venetian canals aboard a traditional gondola

What's this trip about?

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Travel themes.

National Parks
Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Switzerland

Attractions

Neuschwanstein Castle
Historic sightseeing

Trip includes

Round-trip flights & airport transfers
Multilingual Tour Director & local guides
Private deluxe motorcoach
8 nights in hand-picked accommodations
Welcome Mixer with appetizers & drinks
Daily breakfast & three-course Farewell Dinner
Metro pass in Munich
Entrance to Neuschwanstein Castle, St. Mark's Basilica & other select attractions

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A Walk to Remember end Amsterdam

Four days in Saint-Emilion, Margaux, Blaye & Cadillac

Board your overnight flight, bound for Europe.

A local guide will lead you on foot through the narrow streets and open piazzas of Venice. Start at St. Mark's Square and go inside the breathtaking Basilica. From there, you’ll see the top sites in Venice like the famous Grand Canal (and the Rialto bridge that crosses it), the spiraling Bovolo Staircase, and the 324-foot Campanile bell tower.

Visit Neuschwanstein Castle, which was the model for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and also home to one of the weirdest kings in Europe’s history.

Behold the majestic Swiss Alps, where it’s all about the scenery and the chocolate. With Lake Lucerne, the surrounding mountains and a famous covered bridge, this is classic Switzerland at its best.

Trip up the Swiss Alps (extra cost)

Board your coach to Frankfurt, where you’ll spend the rest of your trip. En route, stop in the Alsace Region of France for the chance to cross another country off your list and to catch more stunning views of the European countryside.

Introduction to Frankfurt

Your tour director will take you on a quick walk so you can get to know the area.

It's time to say your goodbyes. Head to the airport for your flight back home.

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Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
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Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with EF College Break (EF Ultimate Break) .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

EF College Break (EF Ultimate Break) Reviews & Ratings

Do not book with this company.

My trip was late March and was cancelled a few weeks prior by EF Ultimate Break. They won't give me ANY refund even when I begged for a partial refund! The travel in...

BEST TRIP EVER

I booked this sort of last minute and wasn't sure what to expect. It was absolutely amazing! The hotels were nicer than I thought they were going to be and that was ...

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Do not book if you are disabled

Lack of accessibility and no refund given

I would like to give 0 starts, but I guess I can’t. I booked a trip for the Highlights of Japan for May back in August of last year as a person with Cerebral Palsy. ...

Allison Burns

Morocco, one of the best EFUB trips I’ve been on

I've been on 11 EFUB trips and I have to say that Morocco was one of the absolute best trips I have ever been on. Morocco is such a beautiful and diverse country wit...

Fun and sun in Greece

Traveling with EF Ultimate Break three times now I have come to enjoy a premade itinerary, the local guided tours paired with free time, planned meals but also sugge...

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Tour operator, ef college break (ef ultimate break).

It’s time to stress less and travel more. EF Ultimate Break is the best way to experience the world for anyone 18-29. With any of our 60+ trips, we include everything from airfare and accommodations to flexible payment plans and free daily breakfasts. And when you can’t decide which trip is right for you—you have a team of Trip Experts to help you find the perfect one. Plus, your trip is led by a rock star Tour Director who will help you make the most of your time abroad. So stop waiting for your friends who say they’re going to travel but then never do and get ready for unforgettable/tasty/exciting/holy-crap-is-that-an-elephant types of moments.

EF Ultimate Break is part of the EF Education First family of products. EF was founded in 1965 and provides life-changing education for global citizens. For over 50 years, our mission has been to give confidence and freedom to people of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds. At EF Ultimate Break, we bring the fun of travel to 18 to 28 year olds, all with the support of a company of 50 years.

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About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip, travel confidently, what's excluded.

Rooming upgrades
Optional excursions
Travel Protection
Beverages, lunch, and dinner (except where specified in the itinerary)
Transportation to free-time activities
Customary gratuities (for your Tour Director, bus drivers and local guides)
Any applicable baggage-handling fees imposed by the airlines
Expenses caused by airline rescheduling, cancellations or delays caused by the airlines, bad weather or events beyond EF’s control (see Flight Information section for details)
Passport, visa and reciprocity fees
Fees associated with Special Travel Arrangements (See Special Travel Arrangements section)

You have 48 hours to cancel and receive a full refund. You can also switch trips up to 99 days before you leave.

The full amount paid upon enrollment is refundable if you cancel in writing within 48 hours of booking the tour. After 48 hours, the deposit is non-refundable and the following standard cancellation fees apply.

If you are booking 30 days or less prior to the scheduled departure date for your trip, you are required to pay in full at the time of booking and standard cancellation fees then apply; you are not eligible for the 48 hour risk-free period.

Based on the date EF receives written notification of your cancellation, you will be refunded for monies paid minus the cancellation fee and any non-refundable fees. (See refund and non-refundable Fee description above for more details.) In addition to notifying us of your cancellation in writing, we also recommend you call so that we can best review your options.

Days Prior to Departure and Cancellation Fee

30 days or less is all monies paid

30-60 days will be $2000

61-99 will be $1000

100-364 days is $450

365+ days will be $150

Breakfast Daily

Extend Your Trip 2 Ways

Add on another trip

A lot of our trips line up back to back! Give us a call and we can help you add on another trip.

Stay ahead or stay behind

Extending your trip for a few extra days before or after your tour is really easy. You can add anywhere from between one and 90 days. It's simple to do and all of your choices and prices are readily visible during the checkout process for this trip. We will book your flights per your specifications and you will handle the hotels, local activities and ground transportation during the extra portion of your stay.

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Round-trip flights
Handpicked Lodging
Guided Sightseeing
Transportation Between Cities

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Europe tours

On our trips to Europe, you can see it all on a sweeping journey across the continent, or get an in-depth look at a certain country that interests you.

4.7 out of 5 stars

views of the aegean sea from the greek islands with white buildings in the foreground

4.6 out of 5 stars

4.5 out of 5 stars

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Learn what's included when you travel on one of our Europe tours!

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We offer 200+ immersive, guided tours around the world. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll enjoy lots of advantages that make traveling with us different.

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While you’re deciding what to take, we’ll be busy arranging your hotels, meals, tickets, and more tour essentials. That’s what going guided is all about .

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What our travelers say about their trips to Europe

Travel guides for your next trip to europe.

Travel tips for our Europe tours

There are plenty of options when it comes to exploring the continent. Some of the most popular destinations to visit on a tour of Europe include Italy, Greece, Spain, and Ireland.

On our travel packages to Europe, you can choose to explore a particular location in depth, such as on a week-long Paris City Stay or a two-week Grand Tour of Italy .

If you're looking for a multi-country trip, you can join our Grand Tour of Europe: London to Rome , for a taste of several destinations. Our team of regional experts is available to help you find the adventure that aligns with your interests.

Discover six things to experience your first time traveling to Europe →

Europe is a year-round destination with varying climates across its many countries and regions. The best time to visit Europe depends on what type of experience you’d like to have and which destinations you’ll be visiting.

Summer. A popular time to travel to Europe is summer because warm, sunny days lend themselves to exploring the outdoors. In July, the average high temperature in London, England, is in the 70s Fahrenheit—while in Rome, Italy, the average high is in the 80s.
Spring and Fall. Some travelers prefer to travel on our Europe tour packages during the spring and fall because temperatures are more comfortable and popular sites are less crowded.
Winter. A wonderful time to take a European tour is the winter. During this time of year, travelers can stroll through festive holiday markets, visit excellent museums, and settle in for tasty meals of seasonal specialties. To take the stress out of planning a winter trip, we even offer Europe trip packages specifically designed for visiting Christmas markets .

One of the main benefits of joining our guided tours of Europe is having the opportunity to visit must-see sites with an expert leading the way. When you go guided with Go Ahead we’ll help you skip the long lines at popular landmarks. Here are some attractions you’ll get the opportunity to see on our group tours of Europe:

The Colosseum in Rome, Italy
The National Archaeological Museum in Naples, Italy
St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy
The Alhambra in Granada, Spain
The Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain
La Sagrada Família church in Barcelona, Spain
The Acropolis in Athens, Greece
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland
The Titanic Museum in Belfast, Northern Ireland
The Hungarian Parliament building in Budapest, Hungary
Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria
The Viking Ship Museum in Oslo, Norway
Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, Denmark

We recommend you spend at least six days in Europe. While our most popular Europe tours run from 10–14 days, you can enjoy a shorter trip if you limit your tour to one country or visit a handful of cities in neighboring countries.

Looking for ideas on where to spend a week in Europe? Check out our recommendations for Europe trips →

With its rich history, vibrant culture, and fantastic food, Italy is a popular destination for your first European trip. But plenty of other countries are worth visiting depending on your interests and concerns about international travel. For example, if the language barrier makes you nervous, Ireland, Scotland, or England make great first-time trips for visiting Europe.

Learn about the best international trips for first-time travelers →

Yes! On our Europe tours, you’ll get the chance to explore multiple countries. Europe’s compact size and efficient transportation network make it easier—and more enticing—to take in numerous countries on one trip.

Some of our popular multi-country trips to Europe are Italy & Greece ; England & France ; Portugal & Spain ; Scotland & Ireland ; Germany, Switzerland & Austria ; and Norway, Sweden, Finland & Denmark .

Check out the best multi-country trips to book now →

Experiencing Europe—for the first time or your 10th time—should be all about taking in the culture, the food, the history, and the sheer joy of new discoveries. Imagine doing all that without researching or booking any of these travel essentials. That’s the advantage of our all-in-one tour packages. Every Go Ahead tour includes an expert Tour Director and talented local guides to lead the way, so you can sit back, relax, and soak in the beauty, history, and culture of Europe. No figuring out transportation, researching hotels, or booking flights is required.

Read about the 10 big benefits of seeing Europe on a guided tour →

The typical timeframe to book a trip to Europe is about six months or more. However, there are plenty of benefits to planning even further in advance. On our European tours, you can set up an automatic payment plan, work out what you want to see and do in your free time, and even connect with fellow travelers on our free EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app .

Looking to travel to Europe soon? Shop our Last-Minute Specials →

Yes! The holidays are an exciting time to travel on our Europe trips because they offer an exceptional opportunity to visit Europe’s Christmas Markets and to experience countries’ unique holiday traditions. The holidays are a magical time in many European countries, allowing you to soak in the seasonal ambiance, enjoy festive food, and pick up unique gifts.

Thankfully, that’s a tough question to answer, as so many European countries offer delicious food. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference, so you’re sure to find something you love no matter which country you visit. One strong contender for the top spot, however, is Italy.

Best known for its pasta, pizza, cheeses, and gelato, Italy is a foodie’s delight. That’s because the purest expression of Italian cooking relies on farm-fresh ingredients, and the cuisine changes from region to region. Fresh, delicious, and unlike anything you’ve tried outside the country, Italian food never disappoints the palate.

Wondering what to eat in Italy? Check out these regional dishes →

Another foodie's favorite destination in Europe is France. From its boeuf bourguignon to its pain au chocolat, France is known for its world-class culinary scene and timeless favorite dishes. While you’re guaranteed to taste delicious dishes no matter where you travel to France , the type of French food you’ll find depends on the region and season. The north of France features heavier dishes; the south features fresh fish, lean meat, and grilled vegetables.

Wondering what to eat in France? Check out these delicious dishes →

While individual countries take pride in their languages, English is widely spoken in Europe.

For tips on using the euro while on a trip to Europe, check out our blog post about currency exchange →

We recommend packing light for your trip to Europe. One suitcase and one carry-on per person is a good guideline to follow; you should feel comfortable managing your baggage at the airport. After you’ve reserved one of our Europe tour packages, we’ll give you information about how to prepare for your particular trip and even share a packing list in our mobile app.

Sun protection. For all our trips, especially during the summer months in Europe, we recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect your face and the back of your neck from the sun.
Layers. For tours of Europe, we recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
Comfortable walking shoes. Because you’ll be exploring new destinations with local guides while on your trip, a comfortable pair of walking shoes is essential. Whether hitting the landmarks of London or on a walking tour of Amsterdam, you’ll be glad you brought your most comfortable footwear.
Dressier attire. You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance on any of our Europe trips.
Full-coverage layers for religious sites. In Europe, it is preferable not to visit churches, temples, or other religious sites with bare legs or shoulders, and entrance may be denied on this basis.
Other must-bring items. A camera to take photos during your journey, and a notebook for jotting down notes or recommendations your Tour Director shares.

Know where you want to travel to in Europe?

See the latest from our travelers @goaheadtours.

Switzerland, Germany & Italy

4.9 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 .†

Take the scenic route and weave your way across Europe’s most legendary landscapes.

Want to make the most of a European vacation? Whether it’s your first or fifth time crossing the pond, this trip fits the bill. As you pass through five countries, you’ll marvel at storybook vistas, like the sky-scraping peaks of the Swiss Alps and Venice’s serpentine network of gondola-laden canals, and plenty more in between. But don’t let your jaw drop just yet: Fairytale German castles, residences fit for Liechtensteiner royalty, and one of the oldest wineries in the world dot your route, too. Get your fill of unforgettable moments and meals—and if you aren’t quite ready to say goodbye (we wouldn’t blame you), extend your trip to the scenic shores of the Italian Lakes.

Your tour package includes

8 nights in handpicked hotels
8 breakfasts
3 dinners with beer or wine
1 wine tasting

Included highlights

Kapellbrücke in Lucerne
Liechtenstein
Neuschwanstein Castle
Nymphenburg Palace in Munich
Novacella Abbey & South Tyrol wine tasting

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! Transfer to your hotel in the Swiss Alps. Later, get to know your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s 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 unbelievable views of Pilatus, Rigi, and 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 back to medieval times.
Cross the famous Kapellbrücke, a covered wooden footbridge spanning the Reuss River, and view the Water Tower—a 13th-century work that’s one of the oldest structures in all of Lucerne.
See the Jesuit Church, the first large Baroque building of its kind to be built north of the Alps in Switzerland.

Enjoy a free afternoon in the Swiss Alps or add an excursion.

Mount Pilatus

From $185 per person

On your way to Munich, cross through Liechtenstein, a tiny Alpine principality that dates back to the Holy Roman Empire.

Visit the Liechtensteiner capital, Vaduz, and pass the royal family’s namesake castle. Perched atop a hill, Vaduz Castle has watched over the region since the 12th century, and serves as the royal residence to this day.
Enjoy free time in the town (and be sure to get your passport stamped!)

After, pass through the Bavarian Alps, making stops along the way.

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 scenic views of the Alps as you relax and explore during free time, or grab lunch in Schwangau, the town below Neuschwanstein.

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

Today, embark on a guided tour of Munich and experience daily life like one of its nearly 1.5 million inhabitants. 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—one of the largest urban parks in the world—and the fashionable Schwabing district, formerly home to Munich’s bohemian residents.
Enter Nymphenburg Palace, the Baroque home to past Bavarian royalty.
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 before heading to the Frauenkirche—a Gothic cathedral and the seat of the local archdiocese.
Take some free time to explore the Viktualienmarkt, where you’ll find fresh food, flowers, and other delicacies.

Spend a free afternoon in Munich or add an excursion.

From $55 per person

Enjoy a free day in Munich or add an excursion.

A Day in Salzburg

From $135 per person

Bid Bavaria ade (that means “farewell”) as you travel through the Austrian Alps en route to Italy’s mountainous Dolomites, also known as South Tyrol.

Visit Novacella Abbey, a prestigious Augustinian monastery and an important cultural landmark that has existed for almost 900 years.
Explore the abbey alongside a guide and stroll through its cloisters, museum, and famous library hall.
Learn about the monastery’s history as one of the world’s oldest active wineries.
Sit down for a light lunch of South Tyrol specialties, along with a wine tasting.

Continue to your hotel in The Dolomites and enjoy a free evening.

En route to Venice, stop in Verona with your Tour Director for a walk along its historic streets. Situated on the shores of the Adige River, this UNESCO-recognized city traces its origins back over two millennia and still shows well-preserved vestiges of its Roman heritage.

Stroll through the city’s Old Town and explore a rich heritage tracing back to the first century B.C.
Admire the 2,000-year-old Roman arena; the Piazza delle Erbe, which functioned as the town’s forum during Roman times; and the Gothic villa (complete with a balcony) that inspired William Shakespeare’s timeless Romeo and Juliet .

Enjoy free time in Verona before continuing on to Venice, where you’ll have free time for the rest of the evening.

Today, meet up with your local guide and explore the heart of Venice on foot and by vaporetto, or water taxi. Admire historic churches, winding waterways, and storied piazzas on a tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site of a city, which was established in the fifth century and is known as the Queen of the Adriatic.

Step onto iconic St. Mark’s Square and view the St. Mark’s Basilica—an opulent, domed church built in the 11th century to house the body of St. Mark the Apostle.
View the stately Doge’s Palace, a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic style that was built in 1340 and served as both the residence of the Doge (the supreme authority of the Republic of Venice) and the seat of the Venetian government.
Marvel at the Bridge of Sighs (or Ponte dei Sospiri in Italian), now a famous Venetian landmark that was built in 1600 to connect the Doge’s Palace to a prison situated just across the canal.
See a Murano glassblowing demonstration and learn about Venice’s most celebrated art form, whose roots in the city date back to the 10th century.

Then, enjoy a free afternoon in Venice or add an excursion.

Please note: Travelers should feel comfortable getting into and out of the water taxi.

Later, celebrate your trip at tonight’s farewell dinner, served with beer or wine.

Gondola Ride: Venice Canal Cruise

From $125 per person

Private Gondola Ride: Canal Cruise for Two

From $225 per person

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue on to explore the Italian Lakes.

Head north to beautiful Lake Como, located in the foothills of the Alps, where your Tour Director will introduce you to the waterfront city of Como.

Take in Como’s eclectic Rationalist architecture, along with its glittering lakefront and staggering mountain scenery.
View Como Cathedral, one of the last Gothic cathedrals built in Italy.

Later, head through the Italian countryside to Lake Maggiore, Italy’s second-largest lake.

Climb to Rocca di Angera, a massive castle that towers over Lake Maggiore from a commanding perch atop limestone cliffs.
Trace the stories illustrated by the 14th-century frescoes that adorn its historic rooms—some of the most important examples of Lombard Late Gothic painting in existence.
Wander through the medieval garden, where you’ll find beautiful flowers and medicinal herbs.

Continue to your hotel in the Italian Lakes and enjoy a free evening.

Spend a free day in the Italian Lakes region or add an excursion.

This evening, sip a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Lake Maggiore Cruise & the Borromean Islands

From $175 per person

Transfer to the Milan 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 4.9 out of 5

5 out of 5 stars

Had a nice time but I bought this trip especially for switzerland and we had the minimum time there and it fell on a Switzerland holiday. I was hoping to visit inside of a castle but we run out of time. Offering more meals provided with the package would be nice.

Traveler photos

Hotels, flights & FAQ

This charming hotel is located in the town of Engelberg within the Swiss Alps. Guests enjoy the sauna, fitness rooms, and stunning views of the surrou...

This centrally-located hotel is located in the heart of Munich. Guests enjoy the fitness center, Finnish style sauna, and an on-site restaurant. Nearb...

This beautiful hotel is located within Bolzano's main square in the Dolomites region. Guests enjoy the fitness center, spa, and spacious rooms. Nearby...

This classic hotel is located in Baveno on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Guests enjoy the private beach area, stunning views, and on-site restaurant. N...

This elegant hotel is located on the banks of the Grand Canal. Guests enjoy Venetian-style rooms complete with Murano glass work, the rooftop bar, and...

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, Liechtenstein, Germany, Austria, and Italy. 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 GSI.
You will walk for at least 2 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with few hills or stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times as well as getting in and out of trains.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Zurich and depart from Venice (or Milan on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost. (Please note that on the extension, the travel time between the Italian Lakes and Milan is approximately one hour and 30 minutes, and should be considered for travelers purchasing their own airfare.)
Water taxi rides in Venice are included in the price of your tour.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
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).
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov .
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
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 fresh 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.
Northern Italy is known for flavorful meats and pastries.
For more authentic meals, try local trattorias, small restaurants set away from the main piazzas. A typical Italian meal includes wines and the occasional beer, followed by a few sips of after-dinner drinks like grappa or limoncello.
All destinations visited on this tour operate on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins. You may also use a Type J plug with three small pins in Switzerland and a Type L plug with three small pins in Italy.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
All destinations visited on this tour are one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.
You will use the Swiss franc in Switzerland and the euro in Germany, Italy, and Austria.
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.
At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $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.
Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you’re on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for optional excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

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4.7 out of 5 stars

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Christmas Markets: Germany, Italy & Switzerland

Aerial view of a Christmas market in a city square at night

What do you get when you combine picturesque Venetian canals, hilltop Bavarian castles, snow-capped Swiss mountain ranges, and bustling Christmas markets? Some would say this trip and, sure, they’d be right. But what do you really get? A Christmas-time fairytale.

Picture yourself

Riding in a gondola through the canals of Venice

Yodeling from atop the majestic Swiss Alps

Raising a toast inside one of Munich’s legendary beer halls

Living a fairytale on the balcony of a hilltop castle

Snapping selfies in front of bright and festive holiday lights

What you'll get

Round-trip flights & airport transfers (or book 'em yourself)

8 nights in handpicked accommodations

8 breakfasts

Expert Tour Director

24/7 support from our travel gurus

3 insider city tours with local guides

Trips to Christmas markets in each destination

Map for the Christmas Markets: Germany, Italy & Switzerland tour

Pack your appetite for adventure (and pasta) and board your overnight flight to Italy. This is the time to rest up—new countries, cultures, and cuisines await.

In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner of local cuisine and drinks with fellow travelers at an authentic local spot. Afterwards, you’re free to take the party elsewhere!

Today's highlights:

Land at the airport and meet a waiting EF representative.
Transfer to your hotel to check in and check out your room.
Get familiar with the area around your hotel with an introductory walk with your Tour Director.
Travel to and tour the Santa Margherita neighborhood of Venice.

Arrive in true Venetian style at St. Mark’s square via the Giudecca Canal.
Stand in the footprints of history on the Rialto Bridge, the oldest spanning the Grand Canal.
See for yourself why the 15th century Scala Contarini del Bovolo staircase literally means ‘of the snail’.
Get in the Christmas spirit at Campo Santo Stefano, a square that is completely transformed into a Christmas village this time of year.

Free time suggestions

Travel by bus from Venice to Salzburg, gaining altitude and a newfound appreciation of the towering Alps as you go.
Take a deep breath of fresh mountain air while you explore the scenic town of Innsbruck with your Tour Director.
Arrive in Salzburg and enjoy a free evening to explore the city on your own.

Join a local guide for a tour of the city including Kapitelplatz, Residenzplatz, and Old Town.
Stand before Sphaera , a prominent piece of art featuring a large golden sphere with a man perched on top.
Browse Alter Markt, the oldest weekly market in the city known for its selection of dairy, cabbages, and herbs.
Head to Residenz Square with your Tour Director and experience one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets with over 100 stalls.

Follow a local guide on a tour of Munich’s main attractions including Frauenkirche, Marienplatz, and Glockenspiel.
Tempt yourself with the delicious array of food and drink in the massive farmer’s market and beer garden of Viktualienmarkt.
Stop by one of Munich’s famous beer halls and have a stein on your own dime.
Head back to Marienplatz, Munich’s famous square that happens to be completely Christmas-ified this time of year.

Once a typical German town, Dachau was the first Nazi concentration camp during World War II.

Climb aboard the private bus for a scenic ride across the European countryside.
Visit Neuschwanstein Castle and snap some epic photos.
Check another country off your list as you arrive in Switzerland.
Feel the Christmas cheer at Franziskanerplatz, where you can wander, shop, and stay warm with mulled wine.

Farewell Dinner Share some laughs and any stories you may have missed along the way at this included farewell dinner with the group.

Get introduced to the city with a guided tour from your Tour Director.
Stand in wonder before Löwendenkmal, an impressive sculpture of a wounded lion carved into a sheer rock cliff.
Stroll across the Kapellbrücke, a covered wooden footbridge featuring a series of paintings dating back to the 17th century.

Trip up the Swiss Alps (extra cost)

Take an amazing trip to the top of a mountain in the Swiss Alps and soak in the incredible panoramic views. Why wait? Save money by booking this optional excursion before your trip departs.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP 2 WAYS 1. Double the fun A lot of our trips line up back to back! Give us a call—we can help you add another and save big while you're at it. 2. Go ahead or stay behind Extending your trip is easy! During checkout, you'll have the option to fly to (or from) the gateway of your choice for an additional fee. We'll adjust your flights accordingly, but you'll be responsible to take care of your transportation, hotels, and other logistics outside of tour.

Note: Depending on your desired gateways, additional fees may apply.

Christmas Dream Trip

As my first time ever traveling abroad, it was very well paced and our group was amazing. Simone was always lightening up the mood and there was always something to do or try.

Once in a lifetime experience

I have been wanting to take this trip for years and finally did it this December. I have been on 3 EF tours so far and this one has been my all time favorite. This Christmas markets were magical and we got to go to at least 12, probably more but I lost count! This is a very fast paced trip but I still felt I had enough time to experience each city and market... See more

An Immersive Christmas Experience

This was my first trip with EF, and my goodness, I don’t think I could’ve picked a better one. It was truly otherworldly visiting the Christmas Markets because we don’t have anything like that in the US. The level of planning that EF representatives and our Tour Director put into this ensured that we had an incredible experience that we will never forget. I... See more

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Your One Stop Shop For Travel Planning

10 day europe itinerary: germany, italy, switzerland + austria.

Want to travel to Europe, but only have 10 days? With this itinerary, you will get to see 4 European countries in as little as 10 days! Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Austria are all very close together, making it super easy to see them all.

This was my first trip abroad without my family, so I opted in for a tour with EF College Break . What was so nice about this tour was that it was all college students, so I made a ton of friends and we did things my age group would enjoy. On top of all that, it was extremely inexpensive for all that we got to see!

If you want to do a tour, I would definitely recommend looking into EF College Break. If you want to explore Europe on your own time, you can still do this itinerary by yourself.

For all the self-guided travelers out there… I have an epic (yes, EPIC) itinerary to France where you will get to see all the highlights. This itinerary is self-guided where you get to see Paris, the French Riviera, Provence, and go champagne tasting in Champagne! You can read my 10 day France itinerary here !

Okay, you ready to read this amazing 10 day Europe Itinerary?!

When to go to Europe?

This is a tricky question that will completely depend on the type of trip you want.

Want to see the alps covered in snow and eat fondue? Winter will be best!

Want to avoid crowds? Early spring and late fall will be best!

Want to enjoy prime weather and loads of events? Summer will be best!

I traveled to Europe in late May and it was absolutely beautiful . The crowds were minimal in comparison to the high seasons of June-August, and the weather was ranging from 60-80 degrees (depending on the country). The crowds in Europe hot-spots (especially Venice) will be unbearably crowded. Before you book during the prime summer months, just take that into consideration!

Tour v. No Tour?

I think it depends on your budget and if you are traveling with someone. I didn’t feel comfortable driving in Europe at 19 years old, so the only other way to see multiple countries would be to take trains or fly, which can add up quick!

I loved this tour group because it was all college age students, so I made friends from all over the world and we did a lot of excursions people my age group would do. Also, this tour company gave us SO much free time so even if the tour doesn’t see everything you want, you still have the time to see it.

EF College Break Tour to Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany

Typically, I prefer to do self-guided travels because I can wake up as early as I want to see sights, mix and match what I want to see, eat when I want, etc. Of course there will be more stress planning your own trip abroad, but I think the benefit outweighs the cost!

What to Pack for Summer in Europe?

I keep a list of all my summer essentials and favorite finds on this guide here . I am constantly updated it after every warm destination – tried, true & tested! Also, I have a list of my 10 travel essentials I can’t live without, you can read those here !

As for specific things to pack for Europe, these are my top 3 must-have’s:

1. Travel Adapter

Yes, I know this is a very generic thing for a trip abroad, but this one is AMAZING. It is an all-in-one adapter that works on every country you will ever travel to. This is especially important with this itinerary because Switzerland doesn’t use the same plug as the rest of Europe! Click here for one that includes all of the USA, Europe, Australia and UK!

2. Curling Iron with dual voltage

True story… I was so confused about adapters and converters that I decided to just not buy a converter lol. When I turned on my blow dryer in this little hotel in Switzerland, I shut down the ENTIRE hotel because it burnt the circuits!! If you don’t want to worry about a confusing converter, I would just buy a dual voltage curling iron / blow dryer. This will come in handy on any trip you will ever do! Click here for a dual voltage curling iron.

3. Packing Cubes

Guys, this is so important when you are bouncing around between multiple hotels. Packing cubes saved my LIFE when I did my 10 day France trip because I stayed in three different hotels. Here’s a free tip: Pack the clothes you want to wear in each city (AKA hotel), so that way you only need to take out that cube at that hotel. Most hotels in Europe are super tiny, so saving you room will be a total life saver! PLUS, when you are done wearing those dirty clothes, you can stick them back in the packing cube so they don’t touch your clean clothes! Click here for packing cubes!

BONUS: Anytime I travel to abroad, I always get travel insuranc e so I am covered during my trip. Europe is known for reckless driving and lots of protests, so you want to make sure you have insurance in case of an emergency. Confused on what travel insurance is? I have a lengthy guide that will explain it in great detail !

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: overnight flight.

Day 2: Munich Sight Seeing

Day 3: Neuschwanstein Castle

Day 4: Drive to Venice + Lunch in Austria
Day 5: Explore Venice
Day 6: Drive to Swizerland + lunch in Verona
Day 7: Explore Switzerland + Mt. Pilatus

Day 8: Drive to Frankfurt

Day 9: Explore Frankfurt
Day 10: Fly home! 🙁

10 Day Europe Itinerary

Hopefully your flight won’t be as long as mine, but usually the entire first day is wasted traveling due to the time change + flight length.

Not being able to sleep on planes makes it feel extra long too. Is anyone else as dorky as me and get too excited to sleep before a vacation?

TIP: Bring Melatonin on your flight to help you sleep! It’s an all-natural vitamin that doesn’t make you feel groggy when you wake up. This also will help you sleep the first few nights you arrive.

Day 2: Arrive in Munich

We arrived at 7am in the morning.. yes. 7am. It was a rough first day because the time zone difference from Las Vegas was a whopping NINE HOURS . The entire day will be spent keeping yourself as busy as possible to fight that jet lag!

Spend your free day in Munich seeing street performers, watching surfing competitions at The Eisbachwelle , strolling through the cities English Garden, and enjoy lunch and German beer at the Hofbrauhaus !

As you can imagine, the Hofbrauhaus is extremely touristy and always busy! It is a HUGE restaurant, but you still might need to wait to be seated. If you do, just spend some time exploring the nearby shops to start your souvenir shopping early 🙂

End your first day in Germany with a Biergarten dinner at Zum Flaucher . There are SO many beirgartens in Germany that have outdoor seating, twinkly lights, picnic style seating and a relaxed atmosphere. Going to these for dinner was one of my favorite memories in Germany, so I would definitely make it a priority to go to one of them!

By far my favorite day out of the entire trip! This castle is unbelievably breathtaking. The Neuschwanstein ( say that ten times fast ) Castle is located less than 2 hours from Munich in a town called Hohenschwangau ( now say that 20 times fast ). You can either drive if you have a rental car, or there is a train that will take you from Munich to the castle in 2.5 hours. Click here to look at train times and prices! Or if navigating the trains terrifies you, you can sign up for a day trip with a tour company, click here for tour options .

Everything about Hohenschwangau just screams Disneyland. The adorable German Cottages (that people actually live in, oh my gosh!), glistening blue lake, horse and carriage rides, and a real life sleeping beauty castle nestled up on the mountain. Look at the view of the town from above:

Seriously though, this castle is the real life inspiration of the Disney movie, Sleeping Beauty. When you either walk or take your horse carriage ride to the top, you can take a tour of the castle and walk along the bridge to the castle viewpoint. From the viewpoint you are hanging on a bridge over a river that looks right at the castle and valley behind it. I have no words to explain how beautiful this place was.

Like this photo? Edit like me using my one-click Lightroom Presets !

After your castle tour , rent a paddle boat and enjoy the rest of the day on the lake! You can rent these for fairly inexpensive on the lake, no reservation needed. If you’re going with your significant other, grab picnic items from a local store and have lunch on your private boat. Or if you don’t have a significant other, a bff date will do just fine!

If you are planning a day trip from Munich like my tour did and more info, be sure to check out my friends guide on How to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich!

If you’re not too jet-lagged, end your night going out to German clubs – which if your from Las Vegas like me, will find hilarious! They’re all like little disco bars where everyone is dancing the night away to old American music. Here are the tops clubs in Munich:

Harry Klein

I wish I could have spent more days in Germany because I was blown away by how beautiful it was! I loved the culture, food, greenery, and the amount of hidden gems! If you want to extend your Germany stay, I would recommend checking out this guide: Things to do in Cologne Germany!

Day 4: Drive to Venice

There’s no sugar-coating that the drive from Munich to Venice is long and brutal. But, the scenery is out of this world and will make the 6 hour drive go by a lot faster! If you are not driving, there are direct trains that will take you from Munich to Venice at around 7 hours. Click here to search for train times!

If you are driving to Venice, that perfect pit-stop is Salzburg, Austria. You can see this colorful town filled with cobblestone streets, that is located along a river in the middle of the Austrian Alps! There are endless restaurants to choose from, so I would recommend walking around until you find somewhere that looks welcoming 🙂

We stayed in a small beach town outside of the actual island of Venice. I would highly recommend this because you get away from the touristy side of Venice to experience local restaurants and beaches. Doing this will make you feel like you are staying in an authentic Italian town with few tourists!

End your night indulging in pasta and pizza from the smallest hole in the wall you can find! And don’t forget about Italian gelato on the beach for dessert, because you’re in Italy! You’ve GOT TO have gelato everyday!

Day 5: Venice

The city that’s on everyone’s bucket list, Venice! I’ve dreamed about riding a gondola down the grand canal since, well, forever. Once you take the brief ferry ride to Venice island, you’ll take a tour of Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Murano Glass Museum before getting lost in the winding streets and canals of the city.

If you want to see more during your time in Venice, here are some recommendations:

Sign up for a food tour
See the colorful streets of Burano
Take a private gondola ride through the smaller canals
Have lunch on the Grand Canal at De Pesis!
Take a day trip to Prosecco Hills for wine tasting

I spent the day just wandering the streets of Venice with no plan and it was amazing! I carelessly roamed the streets, ate WAY too much food, took a gondola ride (or two), got gelato from every shop I saw, & got too many souvenirs!

TIP: Dress appropriately for the churches or else you’ll be forced to buy paper ponchos and skirts to wear inside. You need to cover your shoulders and wear and appropriate length bottom to enter.

Day 6: Drive to Switzerland

Another long drive, but it doesn’t count as a drive when you are winding through the Swiss Alps. The drive from Venice to Lucerne is a little over 5 hours and the train is roughly 6.5 hours.

The good thing about driving is there are so many towns you can stop in to break up the drive and see more sights! I would recommend stopping in either Verona or Milan (or both!) before heading to Switzerland.

Verona is a small, quaint town that is home to Romeo & Juliette’s famous balcony! While you are there, stop at a farmers market or grab some street food to enjoy under their balcony.

Romeo and Juliette's Balcony in Verona, Italy

From Verona to Lucerne, it will be about 4 1/2 hours of pure beauty! You will wind up the mountains passing through tunnels carved into mountains. After every tunnel pass, the scenery will be completely different and even more beautiful.

Check into your hotel and head into town for some dinner. We spent an actual hour hunting down fondue for dinner, apparently fondue isn’t a thing in the summer!? People were making fun of us but who cares! WERE TOURISTS AND WERE PROUD! We eventually found a fondue spot and it was amazing to say the least.

Day 7: Switzerland

Today you’ll be getting a little bit of everything. From adventure to beautiful scenery! Take the ferry over lake Lucerne to the gondola entrance for Mt. Pilatus . You’ll take the gondola up 7,000 ft (2132 meters) to get expansive views of the Swiss alps and Lake Lucerne.

I know the weather is unpredictable, but really try to do this on a clear day so you can get unobstructed views from the top! Once you are up there, there will be walking and hiking trails, a souvenir shop and food stands for you to grab a bight to eat.

On the way down comes the fun part… the steepest railroad in the world has a seat with your name on it. I promise it doesn’t go too fast and doesn’t feel too old. You can also take the gondola down if the train terrifies you, but traveling is all about pushing you out of your comfort zone 🙂

TIP: Don’t wear sandals to Mt. Pilatus because at the halfway point, there’s a type of “adventure park” with an alpine slide down the mountain, zip line and rope park. They are very strict at the zip line/rope park and will not let you on if you don’t have closed toe shoes!

Spend the afternoon hunting down some Swiss Chocolate for your loved ones back home, which is also very hard to find. I learned that everything I thought was stereotypical to Switzerland was just that, a stereotype.

Another day of driving and today’s pit stop will be the charming German village, Heidelberg. Are you all castled-out yet? Of course not! You’ll get to visit another older castle that is home to the world’s largest wine barrel!

The drive & train from Lucerne to Frankfurt is around 4 hours, but if you make a pit stop in Heidelberg for lunch, you will drive 3 hours and then 1 hour!

Once you arrive in Frankfurt you’ll soon see that it is a BIG city with lots of nightlife! Spend your night going out the local bars and enjoy one of your last nights in Europe.

Day 9: Frankfurt

We had a free day before our farewell dinner home, so some fun things to do in Frankfurt would be the Museumsufer (a cluster of 12 museums), Frankfurt Cathedral , Romerburg (a square with medieval homes), Palmengarten , and getting some last minute souvenirs!

Day 10: Fly Home

I can never sleep on planes mostly because I’m always too excited for the destination. I slept the entire 12 hour flight home, so that’s saying something about how “excited” I was to be going home!

Until next time Europe!

Before you go…. Want some more guides on Europe? I think you will love these!

10 Day France Itinerary
Champagne Tasting in Champagne, France
Ultimate Guide to the Louvre Museum
Ultimate Guide to the Gorges du Verdon
6 Day Iceland Road Trip

Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂

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myperfectitinerary

Best breweries in sacramento, california, 20 unique and thoughtful gifts for travelers, you may also like, a perfect weekend in scottsdale: 3 jam-packed days, best things to do in scottsdale for couples, 23 unique things to do in la fortuna..., 10 days in costa rica – explore the..., 27 things to do in buena park for..., weekend in vegas itinerary – a perfect 3..., a jam-packed capri day trip from the amalfi..., an epic 2 week italy itinerary (with amalfi..., a romantic lake como itinerary for your italian..., utah national parks road trip – 14 epic....

How much will be the total cost for Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Austria 10 days tour? Will you assist for the visa processing as well? Thanks

This is not a paid tour, a free itinerary to use for your own travel planning! 🙂

You are amazing. I’d love to stomp around Europe with you checking out cute hotels and trying the best food and wines.

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Tour de France 2024 riders and teams: Every cyclist at this year’s race

Mark cavendish and tadej pogacar are among those on the startlist for the three-week grand tour, article bookmarked.

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Mark Cavendish will ride his final Tour de France

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing

A packed peloton of the world’s best cyclists are set to do battle across 21 stages at the 2024 Tour de France .

An historic edition sees the Grand Tour start in Italy and end with a time trial in Nice for the first time since the race’s inception.

Defending champion Jonas Vingegaard is back to defend his yellow jersey after making a swift recovery from injury to bid for a third successive general classification crown, but familiar foe Tadej Pogacar will be out to usurp his old rival having already won the Giro d’Italia this year.

Mark Cavendish , meanwhile, is set to ride his final Tour as he targets a record 35th stage win after delaying his retirement from the sport.

In all, 176 riders from 22 teams will contest the Tour, with the 18 World Tour outfits joined by four Pro Tour invitees.

Here are all of the riders and teams at this year’s race.

Visma-Lease a Bike

Jonas Vingegaard (Denmark)

Wout van Aert (Belgium)

Tiesj Benoot (Belgium)

Matteo Jorgenson (United States)

Wilco Kelderman (Netherlands)

Bart Lemmen (Netherlands)

Christophe Laporte (France)

Jan Tratnik (Slovenia)

Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale

Felix Gall (Austria)

Nans Peters (France)

Dorian Godon (France)

Oliver Naesen (Belgium)

Sam Bennett (Ireland)

Nicolas Prodhomme (France)

Paul Lapeira (France)

Bruno Amirail (France)

Alpecin-Deceuninck

Jasper Philipsen (Belgium)

Mathieu van der Poel (Netherlands)

Jonas Rickaert (Belgium)

Axel Laurance (France)

Gianni Vermeersch (Belgium)

Robbe Ghys (Belgium)

Silvan Dillier (Switzerland)

Soren Kragh Andersen (Denmark)

Arkea-B&B Hotels

Arnaud Demare (France)

Kevin Vauquelin (France)

Cristian Rodriguez (Spain)

Luca Mozzato (Italy)

Dan McLay (Great Britain)

Raul Garcia Pierna (Spain)

Clement Champoussin (France)

Astana Qazaqstan

Mark Cavendish (Great Britain)

Michael Morkov (Denmark)

Davide Ballerini (Italy)

Cees Bol (Netherlands)

Yevgeniy Fedorov (Kazakhstan)

Harold Tejada (Colombia)

Michele Gazzoli (Italy)

Alexey Lutsenko (Kazakhstan)

Bahrain-Victorious

Matej Mohoric (Slovenia)

Wout Poels (Netherlands)

Pello Bilbao (Spain)

Phil Bauhaus (Germany)

Santiago Buitrago (Colombia)

Jack Haig (Australia)

Fred Wright (Great Britain)

Nikias Arndt (Germany)

BORA-hansgrohe

Jai Hindley (Australia)

Aleksandr Vlasov

Danny van Poppel (Netherlands)

Nico Denz (Germany)

Matteo Sobrero (Italy)

Primoz Roglic (Slovenia)

Bob Jungels (Luxembourg)

Marco Haller (Austria)

Bryan Coquard (France)

Guillaume Martin (France)

Ion Izagirre (Spain)

Jesus Herrada (Spain)

Simon Geschke (Germany)

Alexis Renard (France)

Axel Zingle (France)

Piet Allegaert (Belgium)

EF Education-EasyPost

Richard Carapaz (Ecuador)

Neilson Powless (United States)

Ben Healy (Ireland)

Marijn van den Berg (Netherlands)

Stefan Bissegger (Switzerland)

Sean Quinn (United States)

Rui Costa (Portugal)

Alberto Bettiol (Italy)

Groupama-FDJ

David Gaudu (France)

Kevin Geniets (Luxembourg)

Romai Gregoire (France)

Stefan Kung (Switzerland)

Lenny Martinez (France)

Valentin Madouas (France)

Quentin Pacher (France)

Clement Russo (France)

Ineos Grenadiers

Tom Pidcock (Great Britain)

Geraint Thomas (Great Britain)

Carlos Rodriguez (Spain)

Michal Kwiatkowski (Poland)

Ben Turner (Great Britain)

Jonathan Castroviejo (Spain)

Egan Bernal (Colombia)

Laurens De Plus (Belgium)

Intermarche-Wanty

Louis Meintjes (South Africa)

Biniam Girmay (Eritrea)

Laurenz Rex (Belgium)

Hugo Page (France)

Mike Teunissen (Netherlands)

Georg Zimmermann (Germany)

Kobe Goossens (Belgium)

Gerben Thijssen (Belgium)

Carlos Verona (Spain)

Giulio Ciccone (Italy)

Jasper Stuyven (Belgium)

Julien Bernard (France)

Mads Pedersen (Denmark)

Ryan Gibbons (South Africa)

Tim Declercq (Belgium)

Toms Skujins (Latvia)

Enric Mas (Spain)

Oier Lazkano (Spain)

Nelson Oliveira (Portugal)

Davide Formolo (Italy)

Alex Aranburu (Spain)

Fernando Gaviria (Colombia)

Javier Romo (Spain)

Gregor Muhlberger (Austria)

Soudal Quick-Step

Remco Evenepoel (Belgium)

Mikel Landa (Spain)

Ilan van Wilder (Belgium)

Louis Vervaeke (Belgium)

Jan Hirt (Czech Republic)

Casper Pedersen (Denmark)

Yves Lampaert (Belgium)

Gianni Moscon (Italy)

dsm-firmenich PostNL

Romain Bardet (France)

Warren Barguil (France)

John Degenkolb (Germany)

Nils Eekhoff (Netherlands)

Fabio Jakobsen (Netherlands)

Oscar Onley (Great Britain)

Frank van den Broek (Netherlands)

Bram Welten (Netherlands)

Jayco AlUla

Dylan Groenewegen (Netherlands)

Luka Mezgec (Slovenia)

Simon Yates (Great Britain)

Elmar Reinders (Netherlands)

Luke Durbridge (Australia)

Chris Harper (Australia)

Chris Juul-Jensen (Denmark)

Michael Matthews (Australia)

UAE Team Emirates

Tadej Pogacar (Slovenia)

Juan Ayuso (Spain)

Joao Almeida (Portugal)

Adam Yates (Great Britain)

Pavel Sivakov (France)

Marc Soler (Spain)

Tim Wellens (Belgium)

Nils Politt (Germany)

Israel-Premier Tech

Guillaume Boivin (Canada)

Jake Stewart (Great Britain)

Jakob Fuglsang (Denmark)

Stevie Williams (Great Britain)

Pascal Ackermann (Germany)

Derek Gee (Canada)

Hugo Houle (Canada)

Krists Neilands (Latvia)

Lotto Dstny

Arnaud De Lie (Belgium)

Victor Campenaerts (Belgium)

Maxim van Gils (Belgium)

Brent van Moer (Belgium)

Jarrad Drizners (Australia)

Harm Vanhoucke (Belgium)

Sebastien Grignard (Belgium)

Cedric Beullens (Belgium)

Uno-X Mobility

Magnus Cort (Denmark)

Johannes Kulset (Norway)

Rasmus Tiller (Norway)

Odd Christian Eiking (Norway)

Alexander Kristoff (Norway)

Soren Waerenskjold (Norway)

Tobias Halland Johannessen (Norway)

Jonas Abrahamsen (Norway)

TotalEnergies

Mathieu Burgaudeau (France)

Steff Cras (Belgium)

Anthony Turgis (France)

Jordan Jegat (France)

Thomas Gachignard (France)

Matteo Vercher (France)

Sandy Dujardin (France)

Fabien Grellier (France)

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Germany, Italy and Switzerland
Day 3: Rothenburg • Augsburg • Munich. Travel via Augsburg to Munich. Take a guided tour of Augsburg. Visit a castle as you drive along the Romantic Road. Take a walking tour of Munich. With your Tour Director you will see: Munich Cathedral. New Town Hall. Hofbräuhaus.
Germany, Italy & Switzerland
Dec 10 -Dec 19 $2,349 Essential. Dec 26 -Jan 4 $2,689 Essential. Dec 26 -Jan 4 $2,689 Essential. Dec 26 -Jan 4 $3,189 Plus. Dec 26 -Jan 4 $3,189 Plus. Only show dates with deals. This 10-day epic tour through Italy, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland will turn your dreams into reality. Book Germany, Italy, and Switzerland now!
Experience Germany, Italy and Switzerland
Includes airfare, hotels, meals, full-time Tour Director, and more. For your personalized price quote, call us at 800-637-8222. Get your personalized quote
Germany, Italy, Switzerland & France
13 days. Rothenberg, Neuschwanstein, Munich, Innsbruck, Venice, Verona, Adelboden, Heidelberg; Strasbourg and Paris. This tour departs: - The second week of July. - The fourth week of July. Encircling the Alps, each of these cities, towns, and villages inspires the imagination in its own unique way. The one-of-a-kind canals of Venice create a ...
Switzerland, Germany & Italy Guided Tour
Austrian Alps | 1 night. Munich | 2 nights. Salzburg | 2 nights. Vienna | 3 nights. From $3,849 $3,699*. View tour. On this guided tour of Switzerland, Germany and Italy see some of Europe's most legendary scenery. From the Swiss Alps to the Venice canals this trip has it all.
Germany, Italy and Switzerland
See what an EF tour is really like. Reviews. ... Switzerland and Italy 10 or 12 days. View tour. Germany & the Alps 9 or 11 days. View tour. Italy and Germany 9 or 11 days. Z. We're here to help, call us: Teachers and Group Leaders 1-800-387-1460. Students and Parents 1-800-263-2806. Careers at EF.
Germany, Italy and Switzerland
From magnificent mountains to crystal-clear lakes to world-class museums, Germany, Italy and Switzerland will wow you. Your group will travel to the mountains of Adelboden and visit the WAGGGS Centre Our Chalet, cruise the Venetian canals, and admire the architecture of Rothenburg and Munich. This tour departs:
Germany, Italy and Switzerland
Germany, Italy and Switzerland Enhance this tour. Make the most of your time abroad by adding a cultural excursion or staying a few extra days. Interested in recommendations? Call your dedicated EF representative at 1-800-387-1460
PDF GERMANY, ITALY & SWITZERLAND
GERMANY, ITALY & SWITZERLAND 10 or 13 days | Germany | Italy | Switzerland | Extension to France YOUR EXPERIENCE INCLUDES: Full-time Tour Director Sightseeing: 2 sightseeing tours led by expert, licensed local guides (5 with extension); 3 sightseeing tours led by your ... Tours are sold and operated by EF Education First, the world leader in
Germany, Italy & Switzerland
10 or 13 days. Munich, Innsbruck, Venice, Milan region, Lake Como, Lucerne region, Zurich, extension to Paris. Program designed to: Facilitate experiences in three distinct expressions of European culture, from the Baroque majesty of Munich's royal palaces and the Renaissance splendor of Venice's palazzi-lined canals to the Medieval charm ...
Germany, Italy & Switzerland
Itinerary. Day 1: Overnight Flight. Pack your appetite for adventure (and pasta) and board your overnight flight to Italy. This is the time to rest up—new countries, cultures, and cuisines await. Day 2: Arrive in Venice + Welcome Dinner. Benvenuto (welcome) to the Venice Region, otherwise known as Veneto.
Italy and Germany
Enjoy a guided tour of the city's Field of Miracles, where you can snap a picture of the 12th-century Leaning Tower, aslant ever since the third floor was built. This is where Galileo was said to have developed his laws of gravity. Also visit the adjacent cathedral and baptistery, which contain exquisite marble pulpits carved in the Gothic style.
Switzerland and Italy
See what an EF tour is really like. Reviews. ... Germany, Italy and Switzerland 10 or 13 days. View tour. Florence & Rome 8 or 10 days. View tour. Switzerland, Italy and France 11 or 13 days. Z. We're here to help, call us: Teachers and Group Leaders 1-800-387-1460. Students and Parents 1-800-263-2806.
Germany, Italy & Switzerland by EF College Break (EF...
61%. Download brochure. By EF College Break (EF Ultimate Break) none. USTOA. Cancellation Policy. Group Tour. Drift through the Venetian canals with a gondolier, explore the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle, then wash it all down with a stein in Munich's Hofbrauhaus. Whether an Alpine summit or a countryside drive, each breathtaking view ...
Europe Tours
Save up to $500. Don't miss out on some of the best travel deals of the year! Book your 2024, 2025, or 2026 tour by June 28.†. Shop the sale. A Week in Greece: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini. 9 days | 12 days with Rome extension. 1120.
Switzerland, Germany & Italy Guided Tour
On this guided tour of Switzerland, Germany and Italy see some of Europe's most legendary scenery. From the Swiss Alps to the Venice canals this trip has it all. ... Travel styles. About us. 1-800-719-9805 Menu. Tours. Europe. Switzerland, Germany &... Switzerland, Germany & Italy. ... Other EF Tours brands.
Switzerland and Italy
Day 5: Venice. Take a ferry to Venice. Take a guided tour of Venice. With your expert local guide you will see: St. Mark's Square. Grand Canal. Travel by water taxi to the island of Burano. See a glass-blowing demonstration. Explore Burano on your own.
Christmas Markets: Germany, Italy & Switzerland
Europe. Christmas Markets: Germany,... Christmas Markets: Germany, Italy & Switzerland. 10 days, 4 cities31. See dates and prices. From $2129withoutflightsPayments as low as $142. See all (21) Trip Type: Essential. orPlus.
10 Day Europe Itinerary: Germany, Italy, Switzerland + Austria!
Day 2: Munich Sight Seeing. Day 3: Neuschwanstein Castle. Day 4: Drive to Venice + Lunch in Austria. Day 5: Explore Venice. Day 6: Drive to Swizerland + lunch in Verona. Day 7: Explore Switzerland + Mt. Pilatus. Day 8: Drive to Frankfurt. Day 9: Explore Frankfurt. Day 10: Fly home!
Italy and Germany
See what an EF tour is really like. Reviews. ... Switzerland and Italy 10 or 12 days. View tour. Florence & Rome 8 or 10 days. View tour. Germany, Italy and Switzerland 10 or 13 days. Z. We're here to help, call us: Teachers and Group Leaders 1-800-387-1460. Students and Parents 1-800-263-2806. Careers at EF.
Tour de France 2024 riders and teams
In all, 176 riders from 22 teams will contest the Tour, with the 18 World Tour outfits joined by four Pro Tour invitees. Here are all of the riders and teams at this year's race. Visma-Lease a Bike
Student Trips to Switzerland
Explore charming villages and a booming economic hub on EF Switzerland tours. Cruise pristine lakes, peruse busy streets, and explore Alpine scenery on your student trip to Switzerland. ... Switzerland, Italy & France. See the Alps, the Grand Canal, the Sistine Chapel, and the French Riviera. ... Sustainable Living in Germany & Switzerland ...
Switzerland, Italy and France
See what an EF tour is really like. Reviews. ... Germany, Italy and Switzerland 10 or 13 days. View tour. Switzerland and Italy 10 or 12 days. View tour. The Alps & The Mediterranean Coast 11 or 13 days. Z. We're here to help, call us: Teachers and Group Leaders 1-800-387-1460.
Austria, Germany and Switzerland
Experience the elegance and grandeur of the traditional Austrian waltz, the world's oldest form of ballroom dance. During an optional two-and-a-half-hour lesson, you'll discover the long and complex relationship between dance and city as you learn to turn and step with the best. Enjoy a Wiener schnitzel dinner. Enjoy an evening of classical ...

Germany, Italy & Switzerland

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