Into the Alps
Germany, Austria, Italy & Switzerland
September 11 - September 23, 2026Into the Alps
September 11 - September 23, 2026Highlights
- Travel through Four Alpine Countries
- Stand atop the "Roof of Europe"
- Explore Italy's Lake District
- Visit "Mad King" Ludwig's Neuschwanstein Castle .
- Ride trains, gondolas, boats and more
- Time to explore personal interests
- Suggestions for things to see and do
- And More... See itinerary for details
Itinerary
Friday, 11 September 2026: Arrive Munich International Airport; Welcome Dinner (D)
Schedule your flight into Munich to arrive no later than 2:00pm and take local transportation (or purchase an optional private transfer) to the hotel. The tour begins with our Welcome Meeting at 5:00pm in the lobby of our hotel. After introductions, we will enjoy our Welcome Dinner together and get better acquainted. Overnight Munich - 2 nights
Saturday, 12 September 2026: Munich City Tour; Pretzel Making Workshop with Lunch (B,L)
Munich is the capital of Bavaria Germany. Today begins with a guided walking tour of the historic area. Stroll impressive squares and admire the architecture dating to the Middle Ages. Highlights include Karlsplatz Stachus (a famous square with fountains), Church Frauenkirche, Viktualienmarkt (well known food market) and Odeonsplatz Square. The tour ends at Marienplatz. Experience the magical Glockenspiel, a large mechanical clock that dates to 1908 and delights visitors throughout the day with its re-enactment of 16th-century tales. After lunch together, we enjoy a pretzel making class. This hands on experience teaches us the secrets of kneading the dough, shaping it into a pretzel and baking it for the perfect crust. No experience necessary. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. You can always rely on your Tour Leader to provide suggestions.
Sunday, 13 September 2026: Neuschwanstein Castle; Travel to Innsbruck (B,L)
This morning sit back and enjoy the alpine scenery as we are off to Hohenschwangau to visit Germany's most famous sight and the castle that inspired Walt Disney. The fairy tale Neuschwanstein Castle, perched atop a grand hill, was built by the most famous of the Bavarian kings, "mad" King Ludwig II, in 1868 but alas, he only lived here for 170 days. The interior was influenced by the operas of Richard Wagner, one of Germany's best-known composers. It is a short, somewhat steep walk to get to the castle. Leaving Bavaria, we make our way to Innsbruck, the Tyrolean capital nestled in the Austrian Alps. We expect to arrive Innsbruck late afternoon. Overnight Innsbruck - 2 nights
Monday, 14 September 2026: Swarovski Crystal World; Walking Tour of Innsbruck (B)
This morning, we visit the blingtastic Swarovski Crystal World where we'll see glittering works by artists such as Brian Eno, Keith Haring and Salvador Dali. There are so many surprising crystal art installations, including an enormous, crystal-covered Crystal Cloud at the entrance, 18 underground "Chambers of Wonder", and the beautiful Crystal Garden with art, a reflecting pool, and sculptures. We return to Innsbruck for a walking tour. This city is renowned for its ski resorts and regarded as a winter sports haven. But this "jewel of Tryol" is also stunning in other seasons. We'll stroll through the alleys of the old town, see the famous Golden Roof, peek into hidden courtyards and discover interesting architectural details. After our walking tour, the afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps you want to shop for some of the city's well-known crystal, spend time immersed in the history, or take the Nordkette Cable Car up the mountain for breathtaking 360-degree views. There is no shortage of things to do and see here.
Tuesday, 15 September 2026: Travel to Italy via the Brenner Pass and the Dolomites; Afternoon at Leisure (B,D)
We depart the Tyrolean Alps this morning to travel south across the imposing Brenner Pass into the Italian Dolomites. This is a long travel day but very scenic! Our final destination today is Verona, nicknamed "Little Rome." We'll get settled and have dinner together. Overnight Verona - 1 night
Wednesday, 16 September 2026: Travel to Lake Como (B)
It's another busy day as we leave the mountains behind for the famed Italian Lakes region. Our first stop is the charming village of Sirmione on Lake Garda where we'll enjoy a guided walking tour around the historic town center of what is often considered one of the prettiest and quaintest villages in all of Italy. We then travel on to the province of Como and make our way to Cernobbio. Located in the Lombardy region, Cernobbio is known for it's old town charm and beautiful lakeside promenades. The region is known for its dramatic scenery, set against the foothills of the Alps. Overnight Cernobbio - 2 nights
Thursday, 17 September 2026: Cruise around Lake Como (B)
Lake Como has been a popular retreat for the elite since the Roman times. To fully enjoy the beauty of Italy's most famous lake, we’ll take to the water for a cruise around Lake Como. As we glide past elegant pastel-colored villas, palm-lined shores, and snow-capped mountains, we’ll experience the charm that has made Lake Como world-renowned. We will disembark in Bellagio – known as the “Pearl of the Lake” – where there will be time to explore its steep cobbled lanes, lakeside gardens, and artisan shops. Later in the day, we’ll make our way back to Como for some free time in the historic center before returning to Cernobbio.
Friday, 18 September 2026: Travel to Tasch via Lake Maggiore (B,D)
We depart Italy today bound for Switzerland via the western banks of Lake Maggiore. We will stop in Stresa to stretch our legs and enjoy a small boat ride to Isola Bella where there will be time to visit the palace and the gardens. We then continue on through stunning mountain scenery to Täsch, Switzerland, situated 3 miles outside of Zermatt. Overnight Tasch - 2 nights
Saturday, 19 September 2026: Gornergrat Cog Rail (B)
This morning we take a shuttle train to nearby Zermatt, nestled at the base of the mighty Matterhorn. Zermatt is a car-free enclave and as such, we must walk the hilly streets. We're here to ride the Gornergrat cogwheel train which ascends the mountain via the highest open-air cog railway in Europe. At the summit, we view one of the most breathtaking mountain panoramas in the world including the towering pyramid of the Matterhorn plus 29 other 12,000-foot peaks. The view is unparalleled with mountains and glaciers as far as the eye can see. We return to Zermatt and then shuttle back to Tasch in the late this afternoon.
Sunday, 20 September 2026: The Roof of Europe - The Eiger (B,D)
Today is a long but rewarding day. We board the Jungfrau Railway for an unforgettable trip to the high-Alpine wonderland of eternal ice and snow. At a breath-taking (literally!) 11,300-feet in elevation, Jungfrau is Europe's highest-altitude railway station. This unique trip by modern cogwheel begins at Grindelwald Terminal. From here, it climbs to the station at Eigergletscher and then finally arrives on the Jungfraujoch in the heart of a glorious glacier world. This is the highlight of many highlights on this Alpine adventure as we stand on the very roof of Europe!. Superb views extend as far as the Vosges Mountains in France and the Black Forest in Germany. There will be time to spend as you wish and grab lunch on your own before we head back down to Interlaken. Overnight Interlaken - 1 night
Monday, 21 September 2026: Depart for Lucerne; City Walking Tour; Travel to Zurich (B)
This morning we depart for Lucerne, a compact city in Switzerland known for its preserved medieval architecture. The colorful Old Town is bordered by the Musegg Wall, a 14th-century rampart constructed to protect the city from attack. The unique landmark here is the Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe originally built in 1333. We will cross this bridge on on a guided walking tour of the city where we'll also see the dying Lion of Lucerne, one of the world's most famous monuments, which depicts a lion sculpted into a former sandstone quarry. After our walking tour enjoy some free time in Lucerne before we travel on to Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland and a global center for banking and finance. Overnight Zurich - 2 nights
Tuesday, 22 September 2026: City Walking Tour; Free Afternoon; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
We begin our day with a guided walking tour to get our bearings in Zurich We'll meander through the business and shopping center as well as the Old Town, and visit Spiegelgasse and Neumarkt, just outside the old city wall to see the Grossmünster, a church with distinctive twin towers. We'll also see St. Peters, boasting the largest church clock face in Europe, and the Opera House. After we are oriented, there will be time to spend as you wish before we regroup this evening for our Farewell Dinner to recap our adventure.
Wednesday, 23 September 2026: Return home from Zurich (B)
Sadly our time in the Alps has come to an end. Make your return flight home from Zurich to depart at your convenience. The easiest way to get to the airport is by train from the central station in Zurich. Trains run constantly throughout the day.
Into the Alps
September 11 - September 23, 2026Pricing
Room Share
$7,976.00Single Room
$9,471.00Non-Members
ADD $100.00Status of this Tour
More than 1/2 Full
Tour Pricing Includes
- All meals and activities expressly listed in the itinerary, PLUS...
- All tipping of local guides
- WTT Tour Leader to enhance the individual & group experience
- Arranged room sharing with another solo traveler
- Travel Dollar credits (a benefit of WTT membership) toward future travel with WTT
Not Included In The Price
- Airfare or other transportation to and from the tour
- Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
- Beverages other than coffee, tea & still water unless otherwise noted
- Arrival & Departure transfers
- Any personal expenses or expenditures
- Any pre- or post- tour arrangements
- Visa and/or passport fees
- Any gratuities for the WTT Tour Leader
- Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance
Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for This Tour
You have 3 days to cancel and receive a refund. Thereafter, the amount required at time of reservation is non-refundable and the following cancellation penalties will be enforced.
Sunday, 15 Mar 2026: Last day $750 deposit can be converted to a credit for use on a new reservation; thereafter the deposit is forfeited.
Wednesday, 3 Jun 2026: Balance Due. Cancellation after this date but before Monday, 13 Jul 2026 results in a cancellation penalty of 75% of your Total Tour Cost.
Monday, 13 Jul 2026: Cancellation on or after this date results in a cancellation penalty of 100% of your Total Tour Cost.
Using Parked Credits: If traveler cancels during the 3-day cancel without penalty period, used credits will be re-parked with the original expiration date(s). Thereafter, cancellation will result in forfeiture of the total amount of parked credits used. If applicable, additional cancellation penalties will be assessed based on date of cancellation.
To Cancel: Should you need to cancel after
your space on this tour is confirmed, you must use the Cancellation Form. Cancellation penalties are based on the date we receive your
cancellation form. No other method of communicating a cancellation will be accepted.
Insurance Reminder
Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance is not included in the cost of the tour. It is your responsibility to determine the amount and type of coverage you require to recoup some or all of your travel investment, whether you cancel, are unable to complete the tour, or the tour cannot operate. Section 4.0 of WTT Terms & Conditions explains what will happen to your payments in the unlikely event that your tour cannot operate.
WTT is not licensed to sell travel insurance. You can purchase travel insurance from any provider you choose. To get an idea of rates, please go to NTA Travel Protection Plan (Enter 206063 for the "Tour Operator Location #") or TravelGuard.
Into the Alps
September 11 - September 23, 2026Flights, Transfers & Lodging
Documents Required for this Tour
Passport: Travelers are required to have a valid passport. Most countries require your passport to be valid up to six months after your RETURN date, and have at least two consecutive blank pages.
VISA: US Citizens do not need a Visa to enter Germany, Austria, Italy or Switzerland. All other passport holders should check with the Country's Embassy website to determine if they need a VISA to enter these countries. VISA requirements are based on your country of residence.
In 2026, all US and Canadian citizens traveling to the EU and any Schengen member countries will be required to register online with ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). Cost is expected to be €7.
Arrival & Departure Information
Travelers will make their own air arrangements as follows:
When searching for flights for this trip, be sure to search "Multi-city" or "Multiple Destinations." For comparison, you may also want to search for one-way fares.
Arrival Airport: MUC - Munich, Germany (Munich Int'l Airport)
Arrival Date: Friday, September 11. Arrive no later than 2:00pm
Arrival Transfer: Transfer from airport is not included. Take local transportation. Optional individual private transfer available for purchase. Additional information will be provided in Final Travel Instructions.
Departure Airport: ZRH - Zurich, Switzerland (Zurich In't Airport)
Departure Date: Wednesday, September 23rd. Depart at your convenience.
Departure Transfer: Not included. Use local transportation. Your Tour Leader can assist with coordinating ride-sharing.
When to Book Your Air
Once you have booked your flights (or other transportation arrangements), use the Travel Arrangements Form to send WTT your flight details. Use the same form to update your information should it change. hange.
Airport Transfer Information
When arrival transfers are not included: WTT will provide suggestions to get to the hotel in your Final Travel Instructions about 2-3 weeks before the start of the tour. You'll also be able to see who else is arriving at the same time if you want to coordinate ride-sharing to the hotel.
This tour offers an Optional Arrival Transfer, listed as a choice on the Reservation Form.
Don't Worry. We're Expecting You: One of the reasons we ask for your travel arrangements is so we know when you're arriving and can approximate when you should be at the hotel. Your Final Travel Instructions will have instructions on what to do and who to contact if you flight is delayed.
Lodging / Hotels
Munich: Holiday Inn Munich City Centre
Innsbruck: Hotel Grauer Bar
Verona: Hotel Villa Malaspina - Verona, Italy
Cernobbio: Hotel Centrale - Cernobbio, Italy
Tasch: Hotel Tascherhof
Interlaken: The Hey Hotel
Zurich: Hotel Stoller
Whenever possible, we choose hotels that are near the city center and/or where there are things to do and places to eat within walking distance of the hotel. When the chosen hotel is not within walking distance of much, transportation options, at the traveler's expense, are typically available.
Please be aware that hotels outside the US may have smaller room sizes, likely involve steps to enter the hotel, and may not have air conditioning. While WTT strives to use hotels that are similar to US standards, we cannot guarantee it.
In the unlikely event WTT is unable to provide the hotel accommodation(s) listed, for whatever reason, WTT will substitute similar quality accommodation(s) at no additional cost to the traveler.
Want to Arrive a Day Early?
Worried about possible flight delays? Consider arriving one day before the official tour start date. Many of our travelers choose this optional service. Your pre-tour package includes:
- The room (standard check-in times apply)
- Breakfast the following morning
- Munich City Tour the following day
$233.00 Roomshare pp $465.00 Single Occupancy
Early Arrival Hotel: This tour uses the same hotel used on the first night of the tour.
Optional Purchases For This Tour
In addition to the Early Arrival Optional Package - available on all WTT tours - this tour offers the following optional purchases.
- Private Arrival Transfer to the Hotel $190pp
CANCELLATION TERMS: Cancellation of Optional Purchases, which become part of your Total Tour Cost, are subject to the same cancellation terms as the main tour.
Into the Alps
September 11 - September 23, 2026Destination Information
What do others say about this tour and traveling with WTT?
How Does Room Sharing Work?
Traveling Solo? 80% of the women on your tour will be traveling solo!
On the Reservation Form there are 3 choices regarding room-sharing.
Note: Certain room-types may be unavailable at the time you make your reservation. If a room-type is unavailable the choice will be greyed out.
- Select "Yes, I want to share a room" and WTT will assign you a roommate when Final Travel Instructions are sent.
- You can specify a roommate by entering her name where indicated. If your named roommate is not on the tour, for any reason, WTT will assign you a roommate unless you pay to have your own room, if available.
- Select "No, I do not wish to share a room" if you want to have your own room. Additional costs apply.
A few facts about sharing a room:
- All shared rooms have 2 beds
- All shared rooms are non-smoking
- No special requests about your roommate can be accommodated
- See "Frequently Asked Questions" TAB for more details
How Active is this Tour?
- 20% Easy
- 50% Moderate (multiple city walking tours, many one-night hotel stays)
- 30% Strenuous (walking on steep grades and negotiating many steps, high altitudes, possible weather and slippery surfaces)
Your Responsibilities as a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
What is the Group Size?
You will be introduced to the WTT Tour Leader when you receive your Final Travel Instructions, about 2-3 weeks before the tour begins.
Learn about your fellow travelers after final payment by visiting MyWTT. Room sharing assignments will be listed in the Final Travel Instructions.
What meals are included and how are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Each day of the itinerary lists the included meals for that day. When a meal is not included, the WTT Tour Leader will have suggestions for where to eat.
You do not have to dine alone unless it is your personal choice. You'll most likely be dining with new acquaintances you've made, or you can join the Tour Leader.
Dietary Restrictions on International Tours: WTT has limited to no control over food selections or variety from meal-to-meal, especially at hotels. While we do our best to accommodate dietary requests and ensure variety of options, we cannot guarantee either.
What clothing and items should I pack for this trip?
In general the temperature, rainfall and humidity levels vary based on the time of the year. We suggest you monitor weather apps leading up to the time you depart for the most current information.
For This Trip You May Want—
- Shoes that are comfortable for walking
- Refillable water bottle
- Smart-casual wear if you'd like to dress up a bit for dinners
- Lightweight but warm jacket/sweater for the cool mornings and evenings or the unusually brisk day
- Inexpensive rain poncho or travel umbrella, just in case
Good Packing Habits—
- Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping aids, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.
- Pack a limited amount of comfortable, casual clothing that layer and coordinate. Your fellow travelers will not mind or even notice – seeing you in the same clothing.
- Bring only two pairs of everyday shoes: one pair of well-broken-in walking shoes, and a second pair that could do double-duty as a walking shoe or a slightly dressy shoe.
- Pare down your beauty regimen to the bare minimum and always pack travel-sized toiletries.
- Pack medication in your carry-on and pack only as much as needed for the duration of your tour plus a few extra days as a precaution.
What are the luggage restrictions for this tour?
On every WTT tour, our policies regarding luggage restrictions are driven by the physical space limitations of the vehicles we use, the requirement that all travelers be able to manage their own belongings without assistance.
- It is best to travel as lightly as possible. Most travelers regret when they have packed too much.
- You may bring one suitcase plus a carry-on bag.
- We recommend your suitcase be no larger than 26 inches high as measured from the FLOOR to the top of the retracted handle to make it easy for you to handle yourself.
- You are responsible for managing your own belongings. We expect you to take your belongings from the coach to your room and to bring it back to the coach on days we change hotels. We do not provide luggage pulls; they are not safe and are inconvenient.
- Steps exist at most hotel entrances and boarding the train. On occasion the coach must unload passengers and luggage some distance from the hotel entrance.
What are the phone and internet recommendations for this tour?
- You should understand what your current cell phone plan includes in terms of data and minutes. Some, like certain T-Mobile plans, include an international package.
- Contact your cell phone service provider before departing about adding an international calling plan. Most carriers have flat daily rates which will allow your US-based phone to be functional upon arrival in a foreign country.
- Managing data while traveling internationally is important. Using WiFi when available and communicating through apps like What's App help you manage data usage while traveling.
- Learn how to make an international call BEFORE you leave. Consult your cell provider and check out the website www.HowtoCallAbroad.com.
What are the electricity requirements for this tour?
How much money should I bring on this tour?
Only you can determine the optimum amount of cash to take on tour. When budgeting for out-of-pocket expenses, there are several aspects to consider: whether the country you are visiting is a cash-based society, the number of meals you are responsible for, your individual shopping interests and habits, and tipping expectations.
- The official currency of Germany, Austria and Italy is the Euro (EUR). In Switzerland the currency is the Swiss Frank (CHF).
- ATMs are typically the best way of obtaining local currency; they are found in most airports and tourist destinations. ATMs of major banks often give much better exchange rates than currency-exchange kiosks.
- If using a debit card, it is good practice to limit the amount of cash available in the account and simply transfer money from another account if you need more at any point on tour. Always use caution when withdrawing money.
- Many travelers feel more comfortable having local currency before they depart for the tour. You can order local currency from your bank or AAA. This can take few days.
- Notify your credit card issuer that you will be traveling and provide dates of travel.
- Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, although many cards charge a foreign transaction fee. Be sure to investigate your card of choice as there are many that do not impose these fees and are better suited for international travel.
- If a merchant gives you the choice between making your transaction in USD or the local currency, always choose the local currency, to avoid dynamic currency conversion which includes a conversion fee.
What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?
- We suggest you read up on tipping culture in the various places you will be visiting so you can show your appreciation for any personal service provided with an appropriate gratuity.
- Germany & Austria—Gratuity and service charges are usually added to a restaurant bill. However, rounding up is common practice. For example if the bill is €28.50 you might want to round up to €30. A tip of 5-10% is a good rule of thumb for excellent service.
- Switzerland—There is no obligation to tip in restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels, etc. Swiss Federal law requires all service charges be included in published prices and waitstaff do not depend on tips for their livelihood. However, many in Switzerland do add a small tip as a token of appreciation for good service.
- Italy—Tipping is not expected except when exceptional service is given. A rule of thumb would be to leave change in most cases, but to tip 10% of the bill if in a fine restaurant.
- You may want to tip your WTT Tour Leader for an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $8-$10 per day.
Can I transfer my deposit to another tour?
To get off this tour and register for another tour, you must follow these steps - in the order shown:
2) WAIT before submitting your new reservation! You must receive the Cancellation Confirmation email before submitting your new reservation. This can take up to 2 business days. The Cancellation Confirmation email will list the amount of parked credits from this tour that are now available to use on a new reservation.
3) COMPLETE the new Reservation Form and USE the parked credits towards your deposit on the new tour.
Note: If you used Parked Credits to pay the deposit on this tour, these credits cannot be used a second time and are not eligible to be transferred.
What happens if I need to cancel this tour?
Into the Alps
September 11 - September 23, 2026SPACE RESERVATION REQUEST
If becoming a member and signing up for a tour at the same time, you only need to fill out this form.

Our Promise to You
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