ef tours switzerland and italy

Switzerland tours

Board the Bernina Express for a ride through the Alps and look over Lake Lucerne from the top of Mount Pilatus—our Switzerland tours are the best way to explore the country.

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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 Switzerland

Travel tips for switzerland trips.

What time of year is it best to visit Switzerland? It all depends on what you want to do! Late spring and early fall offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds at the must-visit sites in Switzerland, which can make for a more authentic experience. If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland in the winter, you can enjoy a festive atmosphere on special Christmas market and New Year’s Eve tours . Summer is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, because the mountains are clear of snow, and is a popular time of year for trips to Switzerland.

Our Switzerland tours are the best way to see the most popular sites. You’ll get to know idyllic Alpine towns firsthand, with the expertise of your local guides, and skip the lines at attractions that draw lots of visitors. Some of the highlights include:

• Lake Lucerne and the famous Kapellbrücke
• Interlaken, the gateway to the Alps
• A scenic trip on the Bernina Express
• Views of the Matterhorn from Gornergrat

On special trips to Switzerland, you can enjoy seasonal charms by visiting the country in winter. Shop for souvenirs and try local holiday treats at Christmas markets in Alpine towns or raise a toast on New Year’s Eve in Lucerne.

Switzerland is probably most famous for its chocolate and cheeses like gruyere and Emmental (which are definitely out of this world). The country’s regional cuisine also draws influences from France, German, and Italian cooking. Rösti is a dish that’s famous around the country, especially among Swiss-Germans. Rösti is made with grated potato and fried, so it’s a lot like hash browns—making it a popular breakfast option. Other favorites include fondue and raclette, two cheesy and melty dishes, and quiche.

On all our Switzerland tour packages, you’ll have included meals that introduce you to regional eats, as well as free time where you can seek out local favorites on your own. You can always count on your Tour Director to point you toward the best spots—each of our Switzerland escorted tours is led by an expert who knows the region in and out.

Our trips to Switzerland cover all seasons, which mean you can encounter everything from summer sunshine to snow. No matter what, on any Switzerland tours, you’ll want comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing, and packing layers is always a good idea. If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland in the winter, you’ll want cold-weather gear so you’re ready for spending time outdoors. We recommend having waterproof boots, a warm coat, and a hat and gloves.

Once you’ve reserved one of our Switzerland guided tours, we’ll give you more detailed packing tips, as well as all the other info you need to know before you know! Plus, you can download our Tour Companion app before you depart, so you’ll have all the info you need right in your pocket.

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Germany, Italy & Switzerland

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• 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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France, Switzerland and Italy Adventure Tour

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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Switzerland & Central Europe in 18 days - Enchanting Alps & Central Europe - SUPERIOR BY BUS

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. 

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

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

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

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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Best way to go to Machu Picchu

Worth every penny

Great experience and had a great group to travel with. Our guide, Angela, was AMAZING. Our hotel in cusco wasn't my favorite, the beds were very uncomfortable and th...

Traveling with Ef is easy and provides life-changing trips and opportunities.

I love Italy thanks to EF Ultimate Break

Loved every moment of this trip! Truly magical! Made new friends, saw the beauty of Italy and it’s culture, history, architecture, food, especially dessert and wine!...

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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.

Associations

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.

• Perfected stress-free travel
• Full-time Tour Director
• Round-trip flights
• Handpicked Lodging
• Guided Sightseeing
• Transportation Between Cities

Become a member

• Save up to $700 per person
• Access members-only specials
• Personalize trip recommendations

Tour Companies

Things to do, itineraries.

Christmas Markets: Germany, Italy & Switzerland

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

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’.
• 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

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.
• Head to Residenz Square with your Tour Director and experience one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets with over 100 stalls.

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.

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.
• Head back to Marienplatz, Munich’s famous square that happens to be completely Christmas-ified this time of year.

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.

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.
• Feel the Christmas cheer at Franziskanerplatz, where you can wander, shop, and stay warm with mulled wine.

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.

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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