Germany and Switzerland Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Germany and Switzerland tour packages
- What people love about Germany And Switzerland Tours
- Travel Germany and Switzerland your way
- Discover Germany and Switzerland tours for every budget
- Germany and Switzerland tours for every type of group
- Top Germany and Switzerland travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Germany and Switzerland
- Contact our Germany and Switzerland travel experts
- What our customers ask about Germany and Switzerland Tours & Trips
The best Germany and Switzerland tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaGermany and Switzerland travel expert at TourRadar
Historic Heidelberg Castle stands proud above the Rhine Valley's medieval towns. The Black Forest reveals cuckoo clock craftsmanship before Switzerland welcomes with two nights in Lucerne, showcasing the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument, plus optional mountain adventures.
Duration 7 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Trafalgar From $3,695
10% Off- NZ$3,326You save $370
Medieval German towns like Cochem and Speyer lead to Switzerland's cultural centers. Mainz Cathedral, the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, and Basel's Market Square dazzle visitors. Zurich's lake cruise reveals the Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches.
Duration 12 days Destinations France, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Viking Cruises From
10% Off- NZ$7,236
Duration 10 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
10% Off- NZ$8,871+$396 upfront costs
The route from Germany's historic Speyer Cathedral to Switzerland's Basel and Zurich unfolds in style. The UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, medieval Cochem Castle, and Lake Zurich captivate passengers. Seven nights aboard Viking longships feature premium staterooms and guided tours of Fraumünster's Chagall windows and Grossmünster church.
Duration 12 days Destinations France, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Viking Cruises From
10% Off- NZ$7,236
The historic Rhine cities of Germany lead to Switzerland's Basel aboard Emerald Cruises' Star-Ship. Highlights include Heidelberg's Renaissance castle, the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, and Black Forest's culinary delights in Freiburg. Includes 7 nights luxury accommodation with panoramic suite options.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $12,665
50% Off- NZ$6,332You save $6,332
What people love about Germany And Switzerland Tours
- Switzerland
Overall, it was a fabulous trip to the major sights of Switzerland and bordering towns. My favorites were visiting the city of Berne, exploring the Chillon castle, walking around the village of Gruyere, exploring the Alps by Grindewald and visiting the Rheine waterfall. Some suggestions would be to reduce the number of destinations. We went to a lot of villages and towns in which there was not a lot to see or do. Other towns and destinations could have used more time, such as the Chillon castle and Stein Am Rheine. We stayed overnight in gorgeous Gstaad, but we were not given any time to walk around and take pictures there. I attended this trip as a solo traveler, but this group consisted of families and couples. It wasn't exactly the experience I was looking for, but I made the best of it. Everyone was friendly and our tour guide was awesome.
- Winter Wonderland (Classic)
Tour guide Gary from Insight Vacations had an amazing amount of knowledge, everything was taken care of, tour guide was helpful accommodating and flexible making changes if required. Bus drivers, driving skills were impeccable. Accommodation were central locations & in most cases good size rooms
- Country Roads of Bavaria, Switzerland & Austria (Classic)
Munich, Dachau (an extra), Salzburg, Vienna, Bernina Express (an extra), Glacier Express were tops but other stops were "oversold" as to sights to see. Final dinner in Lucerne was superb, but other dinners were ordinary. Accommodations in Oberammergau and Villach were not 4-star. Guide was adequate but scatter-brained.
Travel Germany and Switzerland your way
Cruise gently along the Rhine and Moselle rivers, absorbing the beauty of German vineyards and Swiss alps. Visit historic German castles, taste Swiss chocolates in Zurich, and join local festivals in Rhine valley villages for a rich cultural experience.
See all River Cruise toursCoach tours through Germany and Switzerland follow routes that mix city life with mountain views nicely. Our customers love having their hotels booked ahead of time, though they often suggest staying closer to city centers for evening walks. The best tours include local experts at places like Schönbrunn Palace who know all the hidden corners, plus fun stops at Mozart's birthplace for music sessions and dinner at proper Bavarian beer halls. What works well is the timing - you get enough hours in places like Lucerne and Interlaken to really see them properly. Based on what our guests tell us, having both guided activities and free time to explore makes these trips work so well.
Several excellent tours take you deep into Switzerland and Germany, covering 17 Swiss stops along the way. You'll cross Lake Geneva by boat to reach medieval Yvoire and walk high above the ground on suspended bridges at Glacier 3000. Our travelers really enjoy the side trips to Heidi's House and Vaduz Castle in Liechtenstein. Some people prefer focusing on specific areas - like the route from Prague through Bavaria into Switzerland, which combines city exploring with mountain scenery. The local guides make these places come alive, especially at spots like Prague Castle and Munich's historic center where they share stories you won't find in guidebooks.
Select from our extensive range of 339 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Germany and Switzerland with our expert guides leading the way.
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Discover Germany and Switzerland tours for every budget
Rhine River cruises don't have to break the bank - we've got several routes that give you great value and include everything you need. Our travelers love starting in Basel and cruising through France, Germany and up into the Netherlands. You'll join local guides walking through medieval towns, taste wines in Breisach and discover the Black Forest's fascinating open-air museums. There's also a nice route from Prague to Zurich that blends city culture with mountain scenery. While some hotels are a bit outside city centers, our customers consistently praise the comfortable rooms and staff who go above and beyond. The guides really shine when sharing local stories, especially around Prague Castle and Munich's historic areas. What makes these tours work for budget-conscious travelers is the smart mix of guided activities and free time to explore on your own.
Our luxury river cruises along the Rhine deliver refined experiences with thoughtful touches throughout. Guests stay in elegant suites with panoramic views, dining on gourmet meals paired with regional wines. The routes include private tours of Heidelberg Castle, exclusive wine tastings at Castle Vollrads and intimate visits to Strasbourg's cathedral. One standout cruise includes a special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus for spectacular Alpine views. Another luxury option features access to Keukenhof Gardens in spring, with private guides explaining the artistry behind the famous Dutch tulip displays. What our travelers particularly value are the personalized experiences - like private concerts in historic venues and after-hours museum visits that avoid the crowds.
Germany and Switzerland luxury tours42 tours
Starting from
$520
per day
Germany and Switzerland tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
387 tours in Germany and SwitzerlandGroup tours through this region balance efficiency with flexibility nicely. The most popular routes run 7-10 days, giving you enough time in key spots like Lucerne, Heidelberg and the Black Forest. Our travelers appreciate having local guides who know exactly when to visit busy sites and where to find the best viewpoints. Several tours include hands-on cultural activities - you might learn traditional butter-making in the Black Forest or join a Riesling tasting in Rüdesheim's vineyards. While the groups tend to change slightly as people join and leave at different cities, this actually adds an interesting social dynamic that many guests enjoy. The guided portions cover the main attractions, but you'll also have free evenings to explore charming town centers and find local restaurants.
Private / Personalized
18 tours in Germany and SwitzerlandEnjoy the exclusivity of our private Germany and Switzerland tours, tailored to your own group, preferences and pace
Top Germany and Switzerland travel itineraries to fit your plans
The 7-day routes through Germany and Switzerland each have their own character. One popular path takes you from Prague to Zurich, hitting seven key spots that our guests really connect with. You'll start at Prague Castle and float down the Vltava River before heading to Munich's old town center. Along the way, you'll find some interesting stops - there's this amazing crystal garden at the Swarovski Museum and a suspended bridge in Grindelwald that puts you right up close to the glaciers. If cycling's more your style, there's a different 7-day route around Lake Constance that connects three countries on well-marked paths. You'll ride through the rich wildlife areas of the Rhine delta and visit some real cultural gems like the ancient abbey library in St. Gallen, a UNESCO site. Our cyclists tell us they love mixing up the active riding with cultural visits, especially climbing the steep vineyard paths in medieval Meersburg and exploring Lindau's old harbor.
The 10-day river cruises give you time to really sink into both countries at a relaxed pace. Starting from either Basel or Amsterdam, you'll follow the Rhine as it winds through ever-changing scenery. Our passengers particularly love how the trip balances city discoveries - like Cologne's massive Gothic cathedral and Strasbourg's charming La Petite France - with peaceful sailing past castles and vineyards perched on hillsides. Many trips include local experiences like tasting wines in Rüdesheim's vineyards and watching traditional butter-making in the Black Forest. What makes these longer journeys special is the mix of guided walks through cities with plenty of free time to explore places like Heidelberg's Renaissance castle, Lucerne's old bridges and also its medieval churches.
Don't miss out on visiting:
Zurich, Lucerne, Basel, Breisach, Colmar, Kehl, Strasbourg, Rastatt, Baden-Baden, Ludwigshafen, Heidelberg, Koblenz, Rudesheim am Rhein, Mainz, Frankfurt-am-Main, Berlin
Demographics
The Rhine river cruises really hit the mark for couples who want quality time together. Starting in Basel, the ships wind their way through France and Germany before reaching Amsterdam - giving you perfect views right from your private balcony. The onboard restaurants serve excellent local dishes paired with regional wines, and our guests often tell us how much they appreciate the crew's personal attention. You can hop off to explore places like Rüdesheim's wine country or wander through Colmar's canals and half-timbered houses. The pace lets you properly take everything in, whether you're exploring medieval towns together or just sitting on deck watching castle-topped hills drift by.
Swiss Alpine tours deliver exactly what active young travelers are after. The routes mix city exploration with proper outdoor experiences - you'll walk across suspension bridges at Glacier 3000 and trek through the impressive rock walls of Aare Gorge. There's enough free time built in to discover local spots like Munich's traditional beer halls and Basel's art scene. Our younger guests particularly like the multi-country routes that might start in Prague, wind through Germany's Black Forest and end up in the Swiss mountains. You get a good mix of guided tours and time to explore on your own, which keeps things interesting without feeling rushed.
Our Rhine cruises work perfectly for senior travelers - you get to see multiple countries while unpacking just once. The ships come with elevators between decks and roomy cabins that have plenty of storage space. The daily outings make sense: you might spend a morning at Heidelberg Castle then enjoy lunch while passing vineyard-covered hills. Our older guests tell us they really value how the crew looks after everyone and how the tours adapt to different walking speeds. The cultural experiences are well chosen - like visiting the Netherlands' Open-Air Museum or exploring Strasbourg's historic La Petite France - and the relaxed pace means you can properly appreciate each place you visit.
- Solo Travelers273 tours
- Couples289 tours
- Seniors (50+)241 tours
Best time to visit Germany and Switzerland
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn creates perfect conditions for discovering Germany and Switzerland, with several standout tours running during this season. Multi-country routes begin in Prague and wind through Bavaria into Switzerland when summer tourists have dispersed, making temperatures ideal for walking explorations. Our travelers speak highly of visiting 17 Swiss destinations in fall, where stops include the medieval charm of Yvoire and crystal-clear mountain views from suspended bridges at Glacier 3000. Basel's Rhine cruises shine particularly bright in autumn as you float past hillsides draped in golden vineyards, explore the enchanting La Petite France quarter in Strasbourg and join the wine harvest celebrations in Rüdesheim. Active visitors love Lake Constance's cycling paths in autumn, where you can pedal across three countries on well-marked trails, visit remarkable sites like St. Gallen's abbey library and discover medieval harbors while enjoying mild weather and quieter paths. The combination of pleasant temperatures, seasonal festivals and reduced crowds makes autumn an excellent choice for exploring these regions, whether you're interested in guided city walks or combining urban discoveries with mountain excursions.
- popular 57 tours
- 34 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter brings out something special in these regions. Our most popular winter tour takes you through Bavaria and the Swiss Alps, where you'll explore the medieval lanes of Rothenburg ob der Tauber before heading to Munich's Marienplatz with its famous Glockenspiel. Several tours include Salzburg, where you can taste traditional Lebkuchen with warming Glühwein at the Christmas markets. The Rhine Valley routes are particularly magical in winter - you'll cruise past frost-dusted castles and visit traditional wine cellars for tastings. One standout tour combines Heidelberg's Renaissance charm with Black Forest traditions, including a demonstration of cuckoo clock making. Our travelers especially love the evening dinners in historic beer halls and the horse-drawn carriage rides through snowy Alpine villages.
- popular 28 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring tours really shine when the tulips bloom along the Rhine. River cruises from Basel to Amsterdam are incredibly popular, with stops at Breisach for wine tasting and Strasbourg for walks through the historic La Petite France quarter. The highlight for many guests is visiting Keukenhof Gardens - you can take a boat through the tulip fields or cycle around the surrounding countryside. Several tours include special spring activities in the Swiss Alps, where you'll ride cable cars up to Glacier 3000 and walk across dramatic suspension bridges with snow-capped peaks all around. Our travelers particularly enjoy the spring tours that combine Paris and Swiss destinations, starting with visits to Versailles and ending with scenic train rides along Lake Zurich.
- 36 tours
- 52 tours
- popular 74 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer tours across Germany and Switzerland blend outdoor activity with rich cultural immersion in thoughtful ways. The comprehensive 17-day routes take you across Lake Geneva by boat to explore medieval Yvoire, and let you walk suspended bridges high above Alpine valleys at Glacier 3000. Around Lake Constance, Switzerland's network of cycling paths offers an active way to discover three countries during warm months. Our travelers consistently highlight the summer rail experiences, particularly the Bernina Express with its panoramic cars showcasing mountain meadows at peak bloom. From Basel, Rhine river cruises combine urban discoveries in places like Strasbourg's La Petite France district, and peaceful sailing past hilltop castles and sloping vineyards. Many guests choose the 7-10 day mixed-transport routes that pair guided walks through Munich's historic heart with relaxed evenings to discover local beer gardens and traditional dining spots. The magic of these summer itineraries lies in maximizing long daylight hours, giving you time for both structured activities and independent exploration of charming town centers.
- 83 tours
- 90 tours
- popular 97 tours
Contact our Germany and Switzerland travel experts
Sulu
Expert in Germany and Switzerland at TourRadar
Sulu is one of our seasoned Germany and Switzerland Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Germany and Switzerland tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Germany and Switzerland Tours & Trips
How do you get around Germany and Switzerland, and what's the best way to plan your routes?
Getting around Germany and Switzerland is actually really easy thanks to their amazing train networks. Deutsche Bahn in Germany and SBB in Switzerland run super-reliable services every half hour or so between the main cities. You can zip from Frankfurt to Munich in about 3.5 hours on those sleek ICE trains and Zurich to Geneva takes just 2.5 hours. If you're planning to explore Switzerland grab a Swiss Travel Pass it starts at 232 CHF for 3 days and you'll get unlimited travel plus free entry to loads of museums. Over in Germany the Bayern Ticket is a real bargain at 25€ especially if you're exploring Bavaria. For something really special hop on the Golden Pass line from Lucerne to Montreux where you get these cool rotating seats in panoramic carriages or take a Rhine cruise between Koblenz and Rüdesheim it's a 5-hour journey past all these incredible medieval castles.
What are some hidden gems in Germany and Switzerland that tourists often miss?
You know there are these amazing places that don't get nearly enough attention. Take Stein am Rhein with its incredible medieval center those 16th-century buildings with their detailed frescoes are just stunning and there's this fantastic castle Hohenklingen looking down over the Rhine. The Aare Gorge near Meiringen is absolutely spectacular you can walk through this 1.4km canyon with limestone walls shooting up 200 meters high. Over in Germany's Black Forest there's this charming town called Gengenbach where they transform their town hall into the world's biggest advent calendar each December. The Gotthard Pass area is fascinating with its historic Devil's Bridge and this amazing 12th-century tower in Hospental while Feldkirch just over in Austria feels like stepping right back into Habsburg times.
What local traditions can you actually experience in Germany and Switzerland?
You've got to experience the real beer culture at Munich's Hofbräuhaus it's been around since 1589 and locals still gather at these big communal tables every evening for the brass band at 7. Between November and April head to Gruyères for proper traditional fondue made with authentic Vacherin Fribourgeois AOP cheese it's just incredible. In Triberg's Black Forest you can visit these family workshops where third-generation craftsmen show you how they make cuckoo clocks using techniques passed down for centuries. And if you're in Basel during winter don't miss the Morgestraich carnival it kicks off at exactly 4 AM and it's quite an experience.
Which natural areas should you visit beyond the big cities and how do you get there?
Take the cable car from Col du Pillon to Glacier 3000 it's just 45 minutes from Montreux and features this incredible peak-to-peak suspension bridge at 3000 meters up. The Black Forest National Park is fantastic with 10000 hectares of protected wilderness you can reach it on the Black Forest Railway from Offenburg. The Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO site is absolutely stunning take the historic cogwheel railway from Kleine Scheidegg it runs all year when weather permits. Don't miss Berchtesgaden National Park in Bavaria Germany's only Alpine national park you can catch hourly buses from Salzburg and take beautiful boat tours on Lake Königssee.
What local foods should you try and where can you find the real deal?
You've got to try proper Bavarian Schweinshaxe at Munich's Augustiner-Keller they slow-roast it for 4 hours using this recipe that's three centuries old. In Basel head to the historic Läckerli Huus bakery for authentic Basler Läckerli these amazing spiced honey cookies that are actually protected by law. When you're in Valais try real Raclette at places like Du Pont in Brig where they melt this AOP-certified cheese by an open fire just like they've always done. And make sure to get proper Rösti in Bern's Kornhauskeller it's this beautiful baroque granary where the dish actually started out as a farmer's breakfast.