My Way tours and airport-hotel transportation

Tour Hotels
In case you wish to book pre- or post-tour hotel accommodations, the contact information for the tour's first and last hotels is included in your tour confirmation email, as well as in the Itinerary section of your tour account. One month prior to the tour departure, you'll find the directions to your first tour hotel and a complete list of hotels where we'll be staying in the Documents section of your tour account.
https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/europe/my-way-alpine

I’m taking this tour later this year. I’m flying into Vienna and out of Zurich. From Vienna airport, I’ll take the train to Salzburg. Both Vienna and Zurich have train stations right inside airport.

Another good option is to fly into Munich.

I was just in Vienna last year, so I’ll spend a few extra nights in Salzburg before the tour. I have been to Switzerland many times and so just added 2 nights in Lucerne at the end for ease of my flight home. I’ll take the train from Chamonix to Lucerne. Another good option is to fly home from Geneva, Switzerland. I can get a nonstop from Zurich, so that’s why I chose that airport.

Adding that once you book the tour, you will be sent the names and addresses of the first and last tour hotel. The rest of the names come later. For me, first hotel is Hotel Hofwirt and last is Hotel Plan B. They don't always use the same hotels, so yours could be different.

Use public transportation or a taxi to get to the hotel. We always go two to four days in advance to adjust to jet lag on my time and not tour time. We don't find jet lag to be a big problem -- BUT -- we do follow a few practices. In the week prior to leaving we try to do a little time shifting -- maybe two to four hours if we have time. Second, we always take a nap mid afternoon for a MAX of two hours -- generally a little less. On arrival, other than the nap, try to spend as much time outside in the sun and walking. A sleep aid the first night or two can be helpful.

Just an FYI, Rick Steves does not provide transportation to and from airport and hotels for any tours. If this is an issue for you, perhaps a My Way tour is not for you. Take a look at full service tours from other companies like Odysseys Unlimited who will book your air travel and get you from airport to hotel and manage your luggage.

There's a current long thread on this topic by Laurie that would be worth your while to look at.

When we come in before our RS tours we usually get a taxi from the taxi stand or pre-arrange a driver to pick us up (depending on the city this may be no more expensive then a taxi). In the past RS has provided public transit info on how to get to your first hotel but neither of us sleep much on international flights so a cab or driver lessens the stress of getting to our hotel when our brains aren’t that sharp. And we normally come in two to three days ahead of the tour so we’re ready to go, go and go.

Vienna would be lovely to add to this trip! It’s a beautiful city, and there’s lots of of interesting sites & museums. Look up Vienna “To Do” on TripAdvisor for a quick look.

I was in Vienna again last December. At the airport, there’s a train or a CAT train on the lower level that will take you to the city center. And a metro to get you to locations. But if this feels like a stretch, just get a taxi when you’re there.

The train from Vienna to Salzburg is a little over two hours. Salzburg is one of my favorites. Trains are commonly used there.

Prior to going, you'll receive a copy of the RS Guidebook which will explain options on getting from the airport into town.

Yes to adding days onto both ends if possible! That way, If any flight delays you still have time to meet the tour group on time. And at the end of he tour you can toodle around at your leisure.

For my way alpine in June a few years ago, I flew into Venice for jet lag, and made my way by train to Kastelruth, and then on to Salzburg. I took a cab from train to Motel One bc it was so dang hot! Mid June- a heatwave there. Then next day a cab to Holfwirt - a bit wiped out after the amazing Frau Maria’s bike tour.
Yeah, I like the Dolomites enough to experience them twice in one trip!

I enjoyed the modern feel of Hofwirth as well as the kind staff. Even a packed breakfast for a very early outing to Lake Konigsee. Lots of cafes nearby. And transit.

On the other end, in Chamonix, we stayed at Plan B. A modern but “alpine lodge” vibe. Excellent and varied breakfast items. Fun games area and bar. Right next to the bus station. I took a bus to Annecy on the last afternoon. That gave me one more morning to take the cable car up Mont Blanc. I bought a two day pass for more chances for good weather. One day up top was cold and wet but next day was glorious! Several tour members were flying home from Geneva and Some took trains or buses on to ther next stops.

I was glad to have this bandana scarf filled with these little beads /somehow it stays cool around your neck. I got it at REI. I recommend something like that in the summer. And rain gear (I’m looking at you, Lauterbrunen!)!

You’ll have a blast. This was a trip I’d repeat in a heartbeat! 💗

The Alps My Way was our first trip to Europe. We flew into Prague for several nights, took the train and stayed in Vienna for a night, and then took another train to Salzburg on the day the tour started. We took the tour back when the stay in Lauterbrunnen was only 2 days, so we took trains back to Murren for several more days when the tour ended and eventually flew home from Zurich.

We realized after the fact that we should have added more time to Salzburg, so we did stop there for a few more nights the last time we were in Europe.

The escort will help you arrange transportation to the airport if you are headed home immediately after the tour ends.