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SWITZERLAND & OKTOBERFEST
SEPTEMBER 19 - 27, 2027
Experience the spectacular beauty of Switzerland, the charming villages of the Alps, and the lively traditions of Bavaria and Austria on this unforgettable European adventure with Lee Valsvik! From cruising across Lake Lucerne and riding a historic cogwheel railway to the summit of Mount Pilatus to exploring fairytale castles, witnessing a traditional Alpine harvest festival, and celebrating Oktoberfest in Munich, this journey brings together incredible scenery, fascinating history, and authentic European traditions.
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Highlights & Inclusions:
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7 nights of accommodations at selected hotels.
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13 total meals included, Daily breakfast, 2 included lunches, including lunch atop Mount Pilatus and a traditional Bavarian lunch at Oktoberfest.
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Professional tour escort throughout the European itinerary.
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Private deluxe motorcoach transportation as outlined in the itinerary.
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Airport transfers upon arrival in Zurich and departure from Munich (if purchase air package or on the same group flights).
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Guided walking tour of Lucerne
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Beautiful Lake Lucerne
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Historic Lucerne & Chapel Bridge
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Mount Pilatus Golden Round Trip
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Scenic Swiss Alps
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Charming Village of Grindelwald
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Lauterbrunnen Valley
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Scenic Mountain Train to Wengen
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Fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle
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Bavarian Town of Garmisch
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Traditional Austrian Almabtrieb Harvest Festival
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Historic Innsbruck & Golden Roof
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Munich's Famous Oktoberfest
Day 1:
Fly Zurich, Switzerland
Our European adventure begins today! Guests who purchase our airfare-included package will depart from Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) for an overnight flight to Europe.
Guests booking the land-only package will arrange their own flights to Zurich, Switzerland, arriving September 20 to join the tour (returning from Munich, Germany).
Overnight: In flight
Day 2:
Arrive in Switzerland
Welcome to Switzerland! Upon arrival at Zurich Airport, we'll meet our tour escort and driver before traveling to the beautiful lakeside city of Lucerne.
Discover the charm of this historic Swiss city during a guided walking tour featuring the famous Chapel Bridge, the picturesque Old Town, and the remarkable Lion Monument. Enjoy views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains before checking into our hotel.
This evening, we'll gather for a welcome dinner as we begin our European adventure together.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight: Lucerne
Day 3: Lake Lucerne & Mount Pilatus
Today promises to be one of the scenic highlights of our journey!
We'll experience the famous Mount Pilatus Golden Round Trip, beginning with a beautiful cruise across Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad. From here, board the world's steepest cogwheel railway for an unforgettable ride up Mount Pilatus.
At the summit, take in spectacular Alpine views and enjoy an included lunch surrounded by the Swiss mountains.
Our adventure continues as we descend by panorama gondola and aerial cable car before returning to Lucerne. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Overnight: Lucerne
Day 4: Into the Swiss Alps: Lucerne to Grindelwald
Enjoy some free time in Lucerne this morning before we travel into the spectacular Bernese Oberland region, home to some of Switzerland's most breathtaking mountain scenery.
Our destination is Grindelwald, a charming Alpine village surrounded by towering peaks, lush valleys, and traditional Swiss chalets.
After checking into our hotel, enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, taking in the beautiful mountain setting.
This evening, we'll gather for an included dinner at our hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight: Grindelwald
Day 5: Lauterbrunnen Valley & the Alpine
Today we'll discover one of Switzerland's most beautiful Alpine valleys.
Our first stop is Lauterbrunnen, renowned for its dramatic cliffs, green meadows, and cascading waterfalls. We'll have time to admire the impressive Staubbach Falls, which plunges nearly 1,000 feet from the surrounding cliffs.
Next, board a scenic mountain railway for the journey up to Wengen, a picturesque village perched above the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Enjoy free time to explore the village, have lunch at your leisure, and admire views of the surrounding peaks, including the famous Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger mountains on clear days.
Later, we'll return by mountain train to Lauterbrunnen before heading back to Grindelwald.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Grindelwald
Day 6:
Neuschwanstein & Bavaria
Today we say goodbye to Switzerland and travel into Germany's beautiful Bavarian countryside.
Our highlight is a visit to the magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle, one of Europe's most recognizable landmarks. Built by Bavaria's King Ludwig II, this extraordinary castle inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Enjoy an included guided tour inside the castle, where we'll learn about its fascinating history and extravagant royal interiors.
We'll also have free time to explore the charming town of Füssen before continuing to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a picturesque Bavarian mountain town surrounded by the Alps.
The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Day 7:
Austria's Almabtrieb festival & Innsbruck
Today we cross into Austria to experience one of the Alps' most colorful autumn traditions!
We'll visit Reith im Alpbachtal for the traditional Almabtrieb celebration, when cattle are brought down from their summer mountain pastures. Decorated with colorful flowers and large bells, the cattle return to the valley in a celebration of Alpine farming traditions and local culture.
After enjoying this unique experience, we'll continue to Innsbruck, the beautiful capital of Austria's Tyrol region.
A guided walking tour introduces us to the city's historic Old Town, including the famous Golden Roof, charming streets, and hidden courtyards.
Enjoy some free time before gathering for dinner at a local restaurant. We'll return to Garmisch-Partenkirchen for the evening.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight: Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Day 8:
Munich Oktoberfest! Prost!
Today we head to Munich for an unforgettable finale to our European adventure!
We'll begin with a guided introduction to Munich's historic Old Town before heading to the world-famous Oktoberfest celebration.
Experience the lively atmosphere of Bavaria's greatest festival, where traditional music, colorful costumes, authentic food, and festive crowds come together in a uniquely German celebration.
We'll enjoy reserved seating inside a traditional Oktoberfest dining venue, with an included Bavarian lunch and refreshments.
Take in the sights, sounds, and traditions of Oktoberfest before we depart for our hotel near Munich Airport.
This evening, we'll gather for a farewell dinner and share memories of our incredible journey through the Alps.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Munich Airport area
Day 9: Auf Wiedersehen! Return Home
After breakfast, we'll transfer to Munich Airport for our return flights home, bringing with us wonderful memories of Switzerland's spectacular mountains, Bavaria's fairytale castle, Austria's Alpine traditions, and an unforgettable Oktoberfest celebration!
Meals included: Breakfast
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13 Included Meals
All breakfasts in Ireland are included as well as welcome and farewell dinners
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Accommodations
2 Nights Lucerne, 2 nights in Grindewald Switzerland area, 2 nights Garmisch, 1 night Munich airport area
Unique Itinerary
Carefully curated as a one-of-a-kind travel experience for Defined Destinations travelers
Local Guides
Benefit from our guides as they handle the details, including exciting ideas for leisure-time activities and restaurant suggestions for meals on your own, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the very best of Ireland
Tour Price:
DOUBLE - LAND-ONLY RATE
$5999
PER PERSON
(Based on double occupancy)
LAND-ONLY RATE – AIRFARE NOT INCLUDED - GROUP AIRFARE WILL BE AVAILABLE IN DECEMBER 2026
SINGLE OCCUPANCY – LAND-ONLY RATE
$7399
SINGLE RATE
(Based on single occupancy)
LAND-ONLY RATE – AIRFARE NOT INCLUDED - GROUP AIRFARE WILL BE AVAILABLE IN DECEMBER 2026
Trip Deposit
A $500 nonrefundable deposit per person is due at the time of registration. After final payment, all monies are nonrefundable. Travel insurance is available and HIGHLY ENCOURAGED. Rates do not include a credit card processing fee. The rates listed are based on payment by cash or check. A credit card processing fee will be added at checkout.
Final Payment
JUNE 11, 2027
