11-Day Tour of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria with Airfare

This 11-day guided tour begins in Mainz before taking travelers on a whirlwind adventure through the Rhine Valley and into the Swiss Alps, ending in the picturesque and culture-saturated cities of Salzburg and Munich. This vacation includes:

• Round-trip airfare from New York City
• Airline taxes and fuel surcharges 
• 1 night of accommodations at Hilton Mainz in Mainz
• 1 night of accommodations at Crowne Plaza Heidelberg City Centre in Heidelberg
• 2 nights of accommodations at Grand Hotel Europe or Hotel Waldstaetterhof in Lucerne
• 2 nights of accommodations at Hotel Grauer Bar and Hilton Innsbruck in Innsbruck
• 1 night of accommodations at Castellani Parkhotel Salzburg in Salzburg
• 2 nights of accommodations at Holiday Inn Munich - Centre City, Maritim Hotel Munich, or Sheraton Munich Westpark Hotel in Munich
• Hotel porterage
• All transfers
• 13 meals: 9 breakfasts and 4 dinners
• Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
• Services of local guides per itinerary
• Entrance fees per itinerary

Day 1: Depart for Germany

Day 2: Frankfurt and Mainz, Germany

After a day of traveling, you’ll arrive in Frankfurt on the morning of day 2 before transferring to your hotel in Mainz. Spend the day exploring the city’s squares and admiring the architecture before enjoying a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers.

Day 3: Mainz and Heidelberg, Germany

The day begins in Mainz, with a picturesque cruise of the Rhine River. You’ll then move on to Heidelberg, a picturesque medieval town that’s home to the oldest university in Germany.

• Heidelberg Castle: Built in the 13th century in the gothic and renaissance styles, the castle was once home to the king of Germany.
• Philosophers’ Way: Once known as a favorite of Heidelberg’s poets and academics, this mountain walk along the Neckar River still holds stunning views of the city.

Day 4–5: Lucerne, Switzerland

After leaving Heidelberg, you’ll make a quick stopover in the Black Forest to admire traditional homes and the majestic Rhine Waterfall before continuing on to Lucerne, which is nestled between sparkling lakes and the majestic Swiss Alps.

• Lion Monument: Carved straight into the rock at one of Lucerne’s limestone quarries, this moving monument commemorates the sacrifice of Swiss Guard soldiers killed during the French Revolution.
• Take a stroll over Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden structure featuring 14th-century paintings.
• Optional tour: Take a cable-car ride 7,000 feet in the air to the top of Mount Pilatus for a bird’s-eye view of the region ($102/person).

Day 6-7: Innsbruck, Austria

Another quick stop brings you into the fourth country of the trip: tiny Liechtenstein. Then it’s back to back to Germany to see “Mad” King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein Castle before ending the day in Innsbruck, Austria.

• Neuschwanstein Castle: This 19th-century abode is said to be the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s castle in Disneyland as well as an homage to Wagner and his music.
• Fern Pass: Traveling down this famous road brings groups through the Tyrolean Alps, providing up-close views of the Zugspitze—the highest peak in Germany.
• Optional tour: Visit King Ludwig’s Linderhof Palace and the village of Oberammergau ($59/person); take in an evening of Tyrolean folk music and dancing with drinks ($52/person)

Day 8: Salzburg, Austria

Next, the tour heads to Salzburg—the birthplace of Mozart and the setting of The Sound of Music. You’ll explore its charming avenues on a city walking tour, complete with sightings of the famed 11th-century Hohensalzburg Fortress.

• Old Town: Salzburg’s ancient, narrow streets still teem with life, including charming boutiques, cafes, and galleries. You might even spy Mozart’s house.
• Salzburg Cathedral: There’s been a cathedral on this spot since 774; the Baroque masterpiece you’ll see dates from 1628.

Day 9-10: Salzburg, Austria and Munich, Germany

After exploring Salzburg or taking the optional tour, you’ll head back to Germany for your final stop: Munich. Crisscrossed with cobblestone streets and studded with medieval hilltop castles, this capital of Bavarian culture holds everything from ornate churches to the scores of biergartens and brauhauses.

• Rathaus-Glockenspiel: This massive clock tower’s 32 life-size figurines spring to life once a day (three times a day during the summer), reenacting scenes from Munich’s history.
• Optional tour: Explore the ruins of a former Nazi mountain retreat before taking in Hitler’s notorious Eagle’s Nest ($61/person)

Day 11: Return to the United States

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much would it cost to fly from an airport not listed as part of this deal?  Airfare is available from NYC. The supplemental fee to depart from a city that isn’t included is subject to departure date and availability at the time of booking.

2. Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates for the deal?  Yes, you may extend your trip for a supplemental fee at the time of booking. Please call Gate 1 Travel for more information.

3. How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available?  The dates available are listed on each option

4. What happens if I buy the Groupon and my travel dates are not available?  You can either choose another date or be refunded by Groupon. We suggest calling Gate 1 Travel to redeem your vouchers as soon as possible so that you do not run into this problem.

5. Does my child need a Groupon, and can they stay in my room? All travelers, including children, must purchase a voucher in order to travel. For information on child rates, please call 800-682-3333. Different occupancy arrangements may be requested with Gate 1 Travel at the time of reservation.

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