Explore on a Budget:
Switzerland and Germany
Tours / Explore on a Budget: Switzerland and Germany
With an active agenda focused on the energetic, participants can celebrate the start of summer by hiking, biking and swimming in gorgeous Switzerland and Germany!
DATE
June 8-18, 2023
GROUP SIZE
8 People
TRANSPORT
Cars, Boat
ACTIVITY
Adventure
BOARD
Holiday Parks and Hotels
DURATION
11 Days
Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: TRAVEL DAY
International flights should be arranged to depart from the US on or before June 8th in order to arrive in Zurich prior to the tour start of 10:00 am on June 9th. Those arriving early are responsible for securing any needed hotel stays or transportation to the airport on June 9th.
DAY 2: ARRIVAL
Arrival at Zurich International Airport by 10:00 am. We will be traveling from Zurich to Todtnau to visit the elegant St. John the Baptist church and awaken our senses with an exciting alpine slide ride. Overnight in Herbolzheim.
DAY 3: ALSACE REGION OF FRANCE
We will spend the day in the Alsace, which boasts colorful half-timbered houses, sprawling vineyards and hilltop castles. At Haut-Koenigsburg, you will have time to roam through its impressive medieval castle. Then, we will travel to Strasbourg to see its beautiful gothic cathedral. Overnight in Herbolzheim.
DAY 4: COLMAR
Church services will be made available to those interested in attending. Alternate activities will be offered for those seeking them. We will visit picturesque Colmar. Its labyrinth of cobbled lanes and flower-lined canals make for an enchanting visit. Overnight in Herbolzheim.
DAY 5: GERMAN BLACK FOREST
We will start the day with a visit to Triberg, famous for its cuckoo clocks and waterfalls. Our day will continue with a tour of the cloister church in Birnau and a walk around the prehistoric Pile Dwellings on Lake Constance. Overnight in Lindau.
DAY 6: LINDAU
Lindau is a German island located at the foot of the Alps, home to a magnificent harbor, medieval architecture, and stunning lake. This will be a day to choose your own adventure, whether swimming or kayaking, shopping or simply soaking up the sun. Overnight in Lindau.
DAY 7: LUCERNE
Our journey takes us next to Lucerne, sitting aside a lake with an impressive mountainous panorama and known for its well-preserved medieval center and elegant historic buildings. The centerpiece of the town is Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest covered wooden bridges in Europe. Overnight in Interlaken.
DAY 8: LAUTERBRUNNEN
We will spend the day in Lauterbrunnen soaking in the beautiful scenery of this small alpine village. The roaring 300-meter high Staubbach Falls and nearby glacial waters of Trümmelbach Falls and the gigantic rock faces and mountain peaks surrounding the valley are simply stunning. Overnight in Interlaken.
DAY 9: INTERLAKEN
Built on a narrow stretch of valley, between the emerald-colored waters of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, Interlaken is a town encircled by stunning natural beauty. Its surrounding mountains, forests, alpine meadows, and glaciers will give us plenty of options for the day’s activities. Overnight in Interlaken.
DAY 10: BERN
Bern is known for its medieval architecture and pretty riverside location. We will visit the Old Town, with its ornate clock tower and imposing grand cathedral, see the town’s mascot bears and visit the Bern Switzerland Temple. Overnight in Zurich.
DAY 11: RETURN HOME
The tour concludes with hotel check-out by 11 a.m. Arrangements to the airport will be made for those leaving prior to 9 a.m. Early departures or later departures should plan their own transportation to the airport.
Housing
Reservations have been made in two holiday parks (Herbolzheim and Interlaken), one Youth Hostel and at one 3-star hotel (Zurich airport). Holiday Park stays will be in 3 bedrooms, 2 bath double wide caravans, set within each of the holiday park grounds. The park grounds have pools, restaurants, organized activities, and laundry facilities. Four individuals will share each caravan, which has a full kitchen, living room area and private outdoor patio with table and chairs. Food for breakfast will be purchased at grocery stores and can be prepared in the fully equipped caravans.
Pictures, floor plans and video of the caravans can be found here.
Tour Pricing and Payment Schedule
The Explore on a Budget: Switzerland and Germany tour scheduled for June 2023 will be $2,040 per person, based on quad occupancy. A $50 discount is given for payment in full at initial deposit; otherwise, the following payment schedule applies, per person:
Non-refundable deposit of $255 reserves spot
Payment of $255 due on Nov 1st, 2022
Payment of $255 due on Dec 1st, 2022
Payment of $255 due on Jan 1st, 2023
Payment of $255 due on Feb 1st, 2023
Payment of $255 due on Mar 1st, 2023
Payment of $255 due on Apr 1st, 2023
Final payment of $255 due on May 1st, 2023
If signing up after any deposit deadline, payment for any previous deposits will be due upon sign-up. Prompt payment is appreciated. Late payments are assessed a $25 late fee.
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
Included in the tour cost:
Pre-tour information, such as what to pack and how to exchange currency
Expertise of a tour guide throughout the tour
All sight-seeing and visits, as noted in the itinerary (unless otherwise specified)
All on-tour transportation, including trains, local flights, rental vehicles, and buses
One carry-on suitcase and one personal item due to car size restraints
Accommodations, based on quad occupancy in furnished 3-bed, 2-bath double-wide caravans
Not included in the tour cost:
Travel insurance
International airfare, including any taxes and fees
Expenses due to flight delays, strikes, inclement weather or other irregularities
Passport fees, visas and visa photos as required
Personal items such as souvenirs, laundry services, beverages, snacks, and healthcare
Optional excursions as indicated in the itinerary
Meals as indicated in the tour itinerary
Checked baggage fees and excess baggage charges
Seat requests and seat upgrades
Single traveler supplement
Refunds for tour services not utilized
Other items not specifically mentioned as included
Tour Information
Terms and Conditions
Please thoroughly review the Terms and Conditions on our website. Submitting a deposit for services constitutes a contractual agreement with Aticus Travel and represents your acceptance of the Aticus Travel, LLC Terms & Conditions.
Liability Waiver and Release Form
Please sign and return the Liability Waiver and Release Form for each tour participant. A parent or guardian must sign the form for any minor participants. A tour request is officially submitted when both the tour deposit and the Waiver and Release form are received by Aticus Travel, LLC for each tour participant.
Travel Insurance
Due to the strict cancellation policy, in order to protect your investment, and to provide you with peace of mind, we strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance. Many reputable companies exist and you can look into any of them, but here are a few recommendations to consider: Allianz Global Assistance, TravelEx, World Nomads and Travel Guard.
Packing Checklist and Tips
Please review the packing list for suggestions and tips on what to pack, how much you can take and what to leave at home.
View / Download Packing Checklist and Tips >