How exactly do I go about visiting Switzerland, Germany, and Austria again?

Question

I went about 2 years ago with a tour group my german teacher found. I want to go again, but I don't know how to find tour groups, I wouldn't know whether or not they were good, I wouldn't know what was a good deal. Where can I find all this information about tour groups? prices? I'm also looking for something maybe around $3,000/person.

Or does anyone know anything that wouldn't quite be with a tour, but would have places and transportation set up for us?

Answer 1

Well first, the great thing about europe (especially about the parts your talking about ) is that you don't need a tour! Its easy to travel around on trains and through cheap discount air prices. In addition without a tour group you will really see much more of the places and get off the beaten path. But this type of traveling is not for everyone.

But if you insist on going with a tour group, a popular tour group (both budget and more higher quality) with many tours in europe for younger people from around the world is Contiki (www.Contiki.com)

I went on a trip with them. I met a bunch of australians, and other cool people but at the same time I wish I would of went by myself, off the beaten trail. While it was not for me, I am convinced that this is one of the better tour companies.

Good Luck, Happy Holidays and Happy Travels! :)

That said if I was going to pick a tour group, for me (being a 21 year old American male) I would pick Contiki

Answer 2

From personal experience, I would not go with a tour group. I have found it a lot easier to see things that I want to see without being on any kind of strict schedule. I have also been able to travel all over Germany for less than $3,000. You may not be able to stay in as nice of a hotel as the tour group would have, but there are many comfortable hotels that include breakfast for around 30 euro per person or less.

For those three countries, you could also buy a Eurail Selectpass, which will allow you to take any train you want for whatever price you paid for the ticket. For instance, taking the ICE from Berlin to Munich and then EC to Vienna, and it would not cost you extra because that's included with the pass.

Most of the larger German cities (I'm sure this is also true with most other cities in Europe) have some kind of pass for tourists that includes unlimited rides on the public transportation for two or three days, depending on the city. Unlike most places in the United States, European public transportation is generally clean, almost always on time, and you can get to within a short walking distance of almost anywhere you want to go. The only thing that I know has a hard time with being punctual is the Deutsche Bahn rail system.

Answer 3

You talk about "us", so you're probably not planning on going alone. One more reason not to travel with a tour group. It's more fun making your own plans, you'll be able to stay longer in places you like, make some detour to see less touristic sites, meet other travellers at youth hostels, etc. It will be more of a valuable experience to you than travelling with a "guided tour".

Best way to travel in germany, austria and switzerland is going by train. I'd suggest looking e.g. at http://www.bahn.de for "rail pass" to get some information. Maybe try also this direct link
http://www.bahn.de/-S:PtVORN:ejAzNNNNjvyeNdNNNOtM/p/view/international/englisch/travelservice/backpackers.shtml

For accommodation (you can find more sites like these):
http://www.jugendherberge.de/de/
http://www.hostelmania.com/
http://www.hostelworld.com/
http://www.hostels.com/en/index.html

For preparation go to a good bookshop and look for a (backpacker) guide. If you have any further questions feel free to write an eMail - I'm living close to Frankfurt at the moment.

Answer 4

I've been to all 3 countries, and all have exceptional places and countryside scenes. The Ludwig castles in Germany are not to be missed. Nor the Covered Bridge in Lucerne, Switzerland. Vienna, Austria is a wonderful city, but you must check out the Saltzkammergut area and all the seas there in Gmunden, and go to the top of Dachstein - you're on top of the world there! Enjoy!