Alpine Splendours of Switzerland & Bavaria - Additional information

Entry into Europe
Please ensure that your passport has at least 6 months' validity from your return date. No extra visas are required for entry into Europe for Australian passport holders.
The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of Europe, is expected to start in October 2025. 

Continue to monitor www.smartraveller.gov.au for the most up-to-date information.

 

Weather
Central European Spring will see temperatures reaching around 18℃ during the daytime in May, falling away to single figures at night. 

 

What to Pack
With the varying weather in Spring, being prepared is the way to go, and the best way to do this is by layering up. Bring short-sleeved shorts, long-sleeved shirts, cardigans, leggings, skirts, dresses, jeans, trousers and a scarf. Then mix and match your outfits so it’s easy to peel off layers when inside, and it’s just as easy to get them back on when outside if needed.

Travel for comfort rather than for style.  Comfortable walking shoes are a must. 

 

Currency
Since Switzerland is not a member of the EU, the national currency is the Swiss franc (CHF). In many places, however, prices are displayed in Euros and Swiss Francs. Very often, it is also possible to pay in Euros (your change will be in CHF). The exchange rate might not be very favourable if you pay in Euros.
Austria's currency is the Euro (EUR).
Germany’s currency is the Euro (EUR).

ATMs are widely accessible, and most major credit and debit cards are widely accepted.

 

Tipping
Tipping for your Tour Manager and Driver have been included in your tour costing. Sisterhood Womens Travel tipping system on all Group Tours involves passengers contributing to a kitty, which is paid to your tour hostess at the beginning of the tour, who then distributes it daily to service providers on your behalf. This avoids the need for you to consider individual tipping situations daily throughout your trip. Please allow approximately 50 EUR for tipping of local guides and local coach drivers.
 

Winding Roads
This tour includes some sections of windy roads. If you're prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking appropriate precautions such as travel sickness tablets or wrist bands. While we understand the preference for front seats, allocation will be at the discretion of your Sisterhood hostess to ensure fairness and comfort for all travellers.

 

Luggage
Please keep your luggage to a minimum. Do not take what you cannot handle yourself. Where available, the hotel staff will assist with taking your luggage to your room (for a tip), so please keep this in mind when packing.

 

Health While Travelling
There is always a risk to your health when travelling, and it is better to be prepared. It is recommended to take with you some diarrhoea medication in case you come down with a stomach bug. We also recommend Travelan to help protect your stomach from any nasties (available over the counter at any pharmacy). For any other vaccination/health/medical concerns with regards to travelling, please consult your GP or visit a Travel Doctor.

 

Travel Insurance
It is mandatory for travellers to have comprehensive travel insurance; please ensure you have provided Sisterhood Womens Travel with a copy of your policy, including a 24/7 Emergency Contact Number.
 

 

WhatsApp Group
Please make sure you download WhatsApp onto your phone prior to departure. This App will be your communication tool whilst on tour and your tour hostess will contact you prior to departure to set you up in your tour WhatsApp group.  It’s also a lovely way to remain in touch with friends upon your return.

 

Changes to Itinerary
We do our best to give Sisters an enjoyable, trouble-free tour experience but, occasionally, even the best-laid plans can go awry.  We cannot rule out any changes to the itinerary and ask that you maintain a positive, upbeat and flexible attitude.

 

Updated: 9 July 2025