Highlights |
Escorted Package Includes
- Flights NYC-Frankfurt, Munich-NYC
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
- Airline fuel surcharges
- 7 nights Superior Tourist class accommodations
- 1 night Superior Tourist Class, Heidelberg
- 1 night Superior Tourist Class, Lucerne Area
- 2 nights Superior Tourist Class, Salzburg
- 2 nights Superior Tourist Class, Oberammergau Area - Plan A
OR 2 nights Guest House, Oberammergau Area - Plan B
- 1 night Superior Tourist Class, Munich
- 15 meals: 7 buffet breakfasts, 7 dinners, 1 lunch
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of an English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Services of local guides in all major cities
Special Features
- Category 2 seating arrangements for the Passion Play
- Heidelberg Castle
- Rhine Falls, Schaffhausen
- Lion Monument & Chapel Bridge, Lucerne
- Mozart's Birthplace, Salzburg
- Nymphenburg Palace, Munich
- Zugspitze
Also Available
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Itinerary |
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 DAY 1 - Depart the USA
Depart the USA for Germany. Your flight includes meals, drinks and in-flight entertainment
DAY 2 - Arrive in Frankfurt, Transfer to Heidelberg, Heidelberg City Tour
Upon arrival at Frankfurt airport enjoy a panoramic tour of the old town of Frankfurt before driving to picture book Heidelberg, the romantic medieval city on the banks of the River Neckar. Sightseeing will include a visit to the Castle Ruins, home of the Student Prince; you will also see the famous Stone Bridge and the University, one of the oldest in the world. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in the Heidelberg
Overnight: Heidelberg
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3 - Rhine Falls and Zurich Sightseeing En Route to Lucerne
This morning drive through the Black Forest, past Hansel and Gretel villages in the heart of the mysterious fairytale country. Enroute visit the roaring Rhine Falls of Schaffhausen, truly a photographer's paradise. Cross the border into Switzerland and drive to Zurich, Switzerland's largest city and one of the world's most important financial centers. See the Grossmunster Cathedral (Zwingli's Church), and the fine lakeshore district before continuing southwards to Lake Lucerne set in an indescribably beautiful mountain and lake setting. Evening dinner at hotel
Overnight: Lucerne Area
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4 - Lucerne City Tour, Travel to Oberammergau
Morning sightseeing tour of Lucerne will include the beautiful Lion Monument, the Chapel Bridge and the Spreuer Bridge as well as the elegant, flower covered promenades. Drive to the tiny principality of Liechtenstein, where you will view Vaduz Castle. Then on across the mighty Arlberg Pass to Inssbruck, Rococo capital of the Austrian Tyrol, where the sightseeing will include the famous Maria Theresiastrasse and the Golden Roof of the Emperor Mazzimillian. Continue this evening to Oberammergau area for overnight. Evening dinner at hotel
Overnight: Oberammergau Area
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5 - Passion Play Performance Oberammergau
The history of the Passion Play at Oberammergau goes back to 1634, when the village of Oberammergau was miraculously saved from the ravages of the Black Death. Since that date, the play has been performed every ten years on the decade. The full day is set aside for this event, which is literally a "once-in-a-lifetime" event. Lunch and Dinner at hotel
Overnight: Oberammergau Area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 - Travel to Salzburg
Today enjoy a drive through breathtaking alpine scenery and pass snow capped mountains and picturesque villages before reaching to the "Sound of Music" city of Salzburg. Dinner and overnight in Salzburg
Overnight: Salzburg
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7 - Salzburg City Tour
This morning's sightseeing will include the Cathedral, Getreidegasse pedestrian shopping street, Hohensalzburg Medieval Fortress and the Mirabell Palace. A visit will also be made to the birthplace of the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The balance of the day is at leisure. Evening dinner at hotel
Overnight: Salzburg
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8 - Travel to Munich, Munich City Tour
Today travel to Munich, the lively capital of the Bavarian region of Germany. Afternoon sightseeing will include the Marienplatz with the gothic Town Hall, Frauenkirche, Residenz Palace, Nymphenburg and other points of interest. Farewell dinner and overnight at hotel
Overnight: Munich
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9 - Depart for the USA
Transfer to Munich Airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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Optionals |
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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Rates & Hotels |
Step 1: Select Your Choice of Hotel Plans Step 2: Click a Date to Book Online
OR: Click here to create your own flexible vacation
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*Not Included:
Airport taxes & fees, optional tours, and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price includes arrival transfer, but does not include departure transfer. Arrival transfer however is not included if flight schedule does not meet the schedule below:
Arrival flights into Frankfurt must be before 3pm
Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
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| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. | |
| Passports and Visas | It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies.
| | Trip Preparation | A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement.
| | Health Information | Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 404-332-4559, web site www.cdc.gov.
| | Climate & Clothing | Austria - Spring and Autumn: 45–60ºF; Summer: 70–80ºF; Winter: 30–40ºF. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
Austria Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#austria-germany-europe-weather
| Germany - Spring and Autumn: 40 – 60ºF, Summer: 65 – 80ºF, Winter: 25 – 40ºF. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
Germany Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#austria-germany-europe-weather
| Switzerland - Spring and Autumn: 35–55ºF; Summer: 55–80ºF; Winter: 25–35ºF. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
Switzerland Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/switzerland-travel/weather/switzerland-weather.htm
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| E-tickets | Most airlines now require that we provide e-tickets in place of paper tickets. At check-in, you should be ready to provide your e-ticket itinerary and ticket numbers, as well as identification (valid passport) to the agent. In a few cases where e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive your tickets in a paper form.
| | Airline Flights | Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
Flight schedule changes are common and may occur anytime until departure. Therefore it is the responsibility of each passenger to reconfirm their flights 72 hours prior to departure for all flights.
| | Airline Luggage Restrictions | Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers however, typically on small aircraft, differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions. Many airlines have begun to apply charges for checked bags. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Airline policies vary and may change at any time. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any excess luggage/ weight charges levied by an airline.
| | Airline Seats | Airline seats are confirmed whenever possible. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only. Even when seats are pre-assigned however, we recommend that you contact the carrier one to two weeks prior to departure to reconfirm your seats. In many cases there are equipment changes after your initial booking which can cause airplane seating reconfiguration.
| | Airline Tickets | Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
| | Code-share Flights | Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Gate 1 Travel for clarification.
| | Luggage | All Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to airline handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
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| Arrival Procedures | Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.
| | What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed | Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, overseas or in the USA, the better we can respond. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.
| | Departure Procedures | If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.
| | Transfers | Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.
Escorted tour programs include transfers, providing you have purchased airfare from Gate 1 to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Gate 1 or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship. The cost of a transfer will generally be more expensive than hiring a taxi as the pre-arranged transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or a 'dead-leg'. Additionally the driver may have to wait at the collection point for up to an hour.
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| Hotels | | Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard. | | Hotel Check-in/ Check-out | | Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism | We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.
| | Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) | Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for checkin. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.
| | Shopping | Shopping in a foreign country can be a wonderful experience. We do include a few stops at recommended popular shops on every escorted tour, intended to enhance your cultural experience. As you explore the country independently, you may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
| Austria - Austria is renowned for its high quality winter sports equipment, wine, as well as an assortment of top-of-the-line, handcrafted items, including crystal, wood carvings, textiles, and fine leather. If you are traveling during the Christmas season, the Christmas markets are a must-see, not only for the goods but also for the hot mulled wine and unforgettable atmosphere.
| Germany - In addition to large department stores featuring a wide range of goods, Germany has many specialized shops that feature high quality items such as optical instruments, knives, glassware, china, handcrafted toys, and antique books and maps, among many others.
| Switzerland - Shopping in Switzerland offers a great chance to find the highest quality watches and knives, extravagant jewelry, and gourmet Swiss chocolates. Especially famous for cuckoo clocks, ranging from the simplest models to the most extraordinarily intricate, Swiss craftsmanship is unsurpassed.
| | Currency | We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus.
| Austria - The Euro is the currency of Austria.
| Germany - The Euro is the currency of Germany.
| Switzerland - The Swiss Franc is the currency of Switzerland.
| | Purchasing Tours Locally |
On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them.
Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below.
This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information.
http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional
| | Credit Cards | While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
| | Gratuities | This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
- Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide):
$6 or $7 per person per day - *Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage):
$3 per person per day - *Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program):
$2 per person per half day of sightseeing (2-3 hours) - *River Cruises:
$6 or $7 per person per day as indicated by each cruise line (see details regarding European River Cruises) - *Private car tours(small groups of 2-14 passengers):
$12 to $16 per person per day for each day of sightseeing - *Hotel Porter:
$1 per bag per person - *Wait staff:
$1.50 per person (lunch or dinner) - *Chamber maid:
$1 per person per day
Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
| Austria - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge.
| Germany - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge.
| Switzerland - Rounding up the bill is appreciated. Taxi drivers do not expect a gratuity and rounding up the fare is usually sufficient.
| | Your Safety is Very Important | Every effort has been taken by Gate 1 Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables laying loose in your room-use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe. If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
| | Local Emergency Phone Numbers | Austria
- General Emergency: 112 or 122
| Germany
- Ambulance/Fire: 112
- Police: 110
| Switzerland
- Ambulance: 144
- Fire: 118
- Police: 117
| | Languages | Austria - German is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
| Germany - German is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
| | Electricity | Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
| Austria - The voltage used is 230 volts.
| Germany - The voltage used is 230 volts.
| Switzerland - The voltage used is 230 volts.
| | Code of Conduct | Austria - Shaking hands is a customary greeting and normal courtesies should be observed. First names are not used when being introduced, but after a relationship exists, using first names is appropriate. Politeness is highly valued, and saying hello and goodbye is important even in shops and restaurants.
| Germany - Shaking hands is a customary greeting and normal courtesies should be observed. First names are not used when being introduced, but after a relationship exists, using first names is appropriate. Politeness is highly valued, and saying hello and goodbye is important even in shops and restaurants.
| Switzerland - Cleanliness is of utmost importance in Switzerland and even accidental littering can result in a public scolding. Shaking hands is a standard greeting. When being introduced, it is important to shake hands with everyone, including children. Standard courtesies should be observed, and conservative casual dress is appropriate.
| | Holidays - Austria |
| Holidays 2009 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Day |
Jan 6 |
Feast of the Epiphany |
Mar 21 |
Good Friday |
Mar 24 |
Easter Monday |
May 1 |
Labor Day and Ascension Day |
May 12 |
Whit Monday |
| May 22 |
Corpus Christi |
Aug 15 |
Feast of the Assumption |
| Oct 26 |
National Day |
Nov 1 |
All Saints' Day |
Dec 8 |
Immaculate Conception |
Dec 25 |
Christmas Day |
Dec 26 |
St Stephen's Day |
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| | Holidays - Germany |
| Holidays 2009 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Day |
Jan 6 |
Feast of the Epiphany |
Mar 21 |
Good Friday |
Mar 24 |
Easter Monday |
May 1 |
Labor Day and Ascension Day |
May 12 |
*Whit Monday |
| May 22 |
Corpus Christi |
Aug 15 |
*Feast of the Assumption |
| Oct 3 |
Day of Unity |
| Oct 31 |
*Day of Reformation |
Nov 1 |
All Saints' Day |
Nov 17 |
Day of Prayer and Repentance |
Dec 25 |
Christmas Day (First Day) |
Dec 26 |
Christmas (Second Day) |
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*Please note: Feast of the Epiphany, Corpus Christi, Feast of the Assumption, Day of Reformation, All Saints' Day and Day of Prayer and Repentance are not observed in all areas.
| | | Holidays - Switzerland |
| Holidays 2009 |
| Jan 1 | New Year's Day | | Apr 10 | Good Friday | | Apr 12 | Easter | | Apr 13 | Easter Monday | | May 1 | Labor Day | June 1 | Whit Monday | Jun 11 | Corpus Christi | Aug 1 | Swiss National Day | Aug 15 | Feast of the Assumption | Nov 1 | All Saints’ Day | Nov 11 | Independence Day | Dec 25 | Christmas Day | Dec 26 | St. Stephen’s Day | |
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