Explore Europe’s top cities, hidden gems and spectacular scenery over 10 days. Tick off 7 countries in one festive trip!
Discover the delights of Europe at Christmas time! On this 10-day Europe Highlights Christmas tour, experience charming Christmas markets, dazzling light displays and festive cuisine. Tick Venice, Munich, Florence and Paris off your bucket-list. Cruise the Rhine River, spend Christmas Day in Amsterdam and explore the snowy Swiss Alps.
Hotel in Rome
Hotel in Rome
9 Nights, (3 & 4 star hotels)
9 Nights
(3 & 4 star hotels)
9 Breakfasts | 5 Dinners
9 Breakfasts
5 Dinners
Air-conditioned coach
Air-conditioned coach
Fully-guided tour
Fully-guided tour
Hotel in Rome | 07:30 AM
Hotel in Rome | 07:30 PM
Your festive journey through Europe begins today! Meet up with your tour leader and group in Rome early this morning and hop aboard the coach. Experience stunning scenery while travelling towards Venice. Italy’s “floating city” was made to be viewed from the canals so join the Evening in Venice excursion for a water taxi and gondola cruise followed by dinner!
Experience the magic of Venice, Italy’s floating city. Visit must-see sights like St Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Market, and more for an unforgettable experience.
Experience the magic of Venice, Italy’s floating city. Visit must-see sights like St Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Market, and more for an unforgettable experience.
Take a water taxi cruise and gondola ride of Venice’s iconic waterways. Soak up the romantic sights from the canals and enjoy an included dinner.
Take a water taxi cruise and gondola ride of Venice’s iconic waterways. Soak up the romantic sights from the canals and enjoy an included dinner.
Arrivederci Italy! After breakfast, the tour heads to Austria. Marvel at incredible scenery while travelling through the Brenner Pass. Explore Innsbruck, a charming city surrounded by breathtaking alpine views, on an orientation tour. Later, travel to Munich, the Bavarian capital. Discover this fascinating and historic city on an orientation tour. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a traditional restaurant.
Cross spectacular mountain passes and experience some amazing mountain vistas en route to Austria.
Cross spectacular mountain passes and experience some amazing mountain vistas en route to Austria.
Enjoy a comfort stop and orientation tour in this beautiful Austrian city that lies in a valley between high mountains, making for an incredible backdrop.
Enjoy a comfort stop and orientation tour in this beautiful Austrian city that lies in a valley between high mountains, making for an incredible backdrop.
Join your tour leader for an orientation tour of Munich and visit top sights including Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, Residenz, Viktualienmarkt and Kaufingerstraße.
Join your tour leader for an orientation tour of Munich and visit top sights including Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, Residenz, Viktualienmarkt and Kaufingerstraße.
Munich welcomes you with a delicious, three-course German dinner at a local restaurant. Indulge in traditional dishes like pork knuckle (eisbein). Vegetarian options available.
Munich welcomes you with a delicious, three-course German dinner at a local restaurant. Indulge in traditional dishes like pork knuckle (eisbein). Vegetarian options available.
Celebrate Christmas Eve in style as the tour makes its way to the gorgeous Rhine Valley. Experience this region’s striking scenery on a Rhine River cruise! Look forward to magical views of vineyards, medieval towns and Gothic castles. The cruise ends in Boppard where the group will enjoy a local wine tasting. Tonight, indulge in a delicious Christmas Eve dinner.
Admire beautiful scenery and the largest concentration of gothic castles (Sterrenberg, Liebestein, Katz and Fortress Rheinfels) in Europe on a cruise along the Rhine River.
Admire beautiful scenery and the largest concentration of gothic castles (Sterrenberg, Liebestein, Katz and Fortress Rheinfels) in Europe on a cruise along the Rhine River.
Visit a local wine merchant in this famous wine region, and sample German wine varietals. You may even get to try eiswein, a rare dessert wine.
Visit a local wine merchant in this famous wine region, and sample German wine varietals. You may even get to try eiswein, a rare dessert wine.
It’s Christmas Day! Bid Auf Wiedersehen to Germany and travel to the Netherlands. First stop is the iconic Riekermolen Windmill. Then, see how Dutch cheese and clogs are made! Arrive in Amsterdam and enjoy a twilight canal cruise. Admire the capital’s famous landmarks and striking displays of the Amsterdam Light Festival! Tonight, Christmas dinner awaits at a local restaurant.
Travel through the Dutch countryside and enjoy a photo stop at an iconic Dutch windmill.
Travel through the Dutch countryside and enjoy a photo stop at an iconic Dutch windmill.
See how these traditional shoes are made by hand, and taste Dutch cheese. Purchase some unique and authentic Dutch souvenirs during the visit!
See how these traditional shoes are made by hand, and taste Dutch cheese. Purchase some unique and authentic Dutch souvenirs during the visit!
See Amsterdam’s iconic sights that sit along the waterside at twilight. Better yet, admire the elaborate displays of the Amsterdam Light Festival!
See Amsterdam’s iconic sights that sit along the waterside at twilight. Better yet, admire the elaborate displays of the Amsterdam Light Festival!
Celebrate Christmas alongside your new travel friends with an included group dinner in Amsterdam.
Celebrate Christmas alongside your new travel friends with an included group dinner in Amsterdam.
This morning, travel to Belgium. Visit Ghent, an enchanting medieval city, for an orientation tour and free time. Then, the “City of Lights” is waiting to be explored. Arrive in Paris and embark on an evening driving tour. Spot icons such as the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Get your first taste of French cuisine at dinner tonight.
Look forward to free time in this Belgian port city which enchants with its medieval market squares. Take this opportunity to taste authentic Belgian cuisine!
Look forward to free time in this Belgian port city which enchants with its medieval market squares. Take this opportunity to taste authentic Belgian cuisine!
Take a guided drive through Paris, spotting iconic sights like L’Opéra Garnier, the Tuileries Gardens, the Seine, Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and more!
Take a guided drive through Paris, spotting iconic sights like L’Opéra Garnier, the Tuileries Gardens, the Seine, Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and more!
This day is free to experience Paris in whichever way you choose! Join the Paris Like Locals optional excursion to indulge in a macaron tasting, visit the Fragonard Musée du Parfum, and experience the vibrant Latin Quarter. Tonight, join the Evening in Montmartre excursion to experience one of the most beloved neighbourhoods in Paris. Or, experience a late-night cabaret show!
Explore the many highlights of Paris! Stroll among top attractions, taste macarons, smell perfume, discover the Latin Quarter and more.
Explore the many highlights of Paris! Stroll among top attractions, taste macarons, smell perfume, discover the Latin Quarter and more.
Explore the vibrant Montmartre neighbourhood by night! See the Moulin Rouge and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and indulge in a three-course French dinner.
Explore the vibrant Montmartre neighbourhood by night! See the Moulin Rouge and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and indulge in a three-course French dinner.
Be amazed by colours, costumes and cancan at one of Paris’ top cabaret venues!
Be amazed by colours, costumes and cancan at one of Paris’ top cabaret venues!
Leaving Paris, visit Beaune, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the wine capital of Burgundy. Here, taste local wine, grab some lunch or visit the Hospices de Beaune. Afterwards, look forward to some truly spectacular scenery as the tour crosses the border into Switzerland. Arrive at tonight’s accommodation in the Swiss Alps and enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Stop in Beaune, Burgundy’s UNESCO-listed wine capital. Enjoy free time to explore the medieval town or sample regional cuisine and wines.
Stop in Beaune, Burgundy’s UNESCO-listed wine capital. Enjoy free time to explore the medieval town or sample regional cuisine and wines.
Marvel at the spectacular views on a drive through mountain passes and alongside lakes, breathtaking mountain vistas and scenic views of quaint Swiss towns.
Marvel at the spectacular views on a drive through mountain passes and alongside lakes, breathtaking mountain vistas and scenic views of quaint Swiss towns.
Make the most of this free day in the Swiss Alps by joining one of our highest-rated optional excursions - a journey to the “Top of Europe”! Travel to Jungfraujoch and experience exceptional mountain vistas, year-round snow, and an enchanting ice palace. After a memorable day of explorations, join the optional dinner tonight and indulge in delicious, cheesy Swiss fondue!
Travel to the “Top of Europe” - Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe! Enjoy exceptional views, year-round snow and a magical ice palace.
Travel to the “Top of Europe” - Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe! Enjoy exceptional views, year-round snow and a magical ice palace.
Get an authentic taste of Switzerland and warm up with an authentic Swiss fondue dinner! Is there anything better than a pot of melted cheese?
Get an authentic taste of Switzerland and warm up with an authentic Swiss fondue dinner! Is there anything better than a pot of melted cheese?
This morning, leave the Swiss Alps and head back to Italy! First stop is the glamorous Lake Como in the Italian Lake District. Discover the dazzling sights on the banks of this freshwater lake on an orientation tour. The last stop is Montecatini, a Tuscan spa town. Settle into the hotel or explore the town with your free evening.
This is one of the most beautiful and glamorous destinations in Italy! Lake Como is famous for its dramatic scenery and luxury resorts.
This is one of the most beautiful and glamorous destinations in Italy! Lake Como is famous for its dramatic scenery and luxury resorts.
First up on today’s agenda is a true Italian icon - the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Then, travel to Florence. Embark on a locally-guided walking tour of this majestic city, known as the “Jewel of the Renaissance”. Join the Taste of Tuscany excursion for a delicious, family-style farewell lunch. Later, head back to Rome where this tour comes to an end.
Tick the Leaning Tower of Pisa off your bucket list and snap iconic photos of yourself ‘holding up’ this world-famous landmark!
Tick the Leaning Tower of Pisa off your bucket list and snap iconic photos of yourself ‘holding up’ this world-famous landmark!
Explore this historic, Renaissance city. See highlights like Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo, and the replica of Michelangelo’s David.
Explore this historic, Renaissance city. See highlights like Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo, and the replica of Michelangelo’s David.
Get a true taste of Tuscany with this culinary experience in Florence! Sit down for a family-style meal and indulge in classic Tuscan dishes.
Get a true taste of Tuscany with this culinary experience in Florence! Sit down for a family-style meal and indulge in classic Tuscan dishes.
Take a water taxi cruise and gondola ride of Venice’s iconic waterways. Soak up the romantic sights from the canals and enjoy an included dinner.
Travel to the “Top of Europe” - Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe! Enjoy exceptional views, year-round snow and a magical ice palace.
Admire beautiful scenery and the largest concentration of gothic castles (Sterrenberg, Liebestein, Katz and Fortress Rheinfels) in Europe on a cruise along the Rhine River.
See how these traditional shoes are made by hand, and taste Dutch cheese. Purchase some unique and authentic Dutch souvenirs during the visit!
Take a guided drive through Paris, spotting iconic sights like L’Opéra Garnier, the Tuileries Gardens, the Seine, Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and more!
This tour is available in multiple options – choose your preferred option using the buttons below:
This 10-day tour starts and ends in Rome, but does not include any accommodation in Rome. Celebrate Christmas in Amsterdam, and end the tour in Rome on the morning of New Year's Eve. The rest of the itinerary is the same as the Christmas & New Year tour.
You'll Love
Enhance your tour with these carefully selected optional experiences. Each one is designed to add depth and excitement to your journey, allowing you to customize your adventure according to your interests.
Take a water taxi cruise and gondola ride of Venice’s iconic waterways. Soak up the romantic sights from the canals and enjoy an included dinner.
Explore the many highlights of Paris! Stroll among top attractions, taste macarons, smell perfume, discover the Latin Quarter and more.
Explore the vibrant Montmartre neighbourhood by night! See the Moulin Rouge and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and indulge in a three-course French dinner.
Be amazed by colours, costumes and cancan at one of Paris’ top cabaret venues!
Travel to the “Top of Europe” - Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe! Enjoy exceptional views, year-round snow and a magical ice palace.
Get an authentic taste of Switzerland and warm up with an authentic Swiss fondue dinner! Is there anything better than a pot of melted cheese?
Get a true taste of Tuscany with this culinary experience in Florence! Sit down for a family-style meal and indulge in classic Tuscan dishes.
If you are planning to travel a different year, please select here to view the relevant itinerary:
Price is based on a sharing twin room. Single room (optional).
We partner with a range of hand-picked hotels in each destination. The hotels listed below are those we stay at most frequently. However, you may stay at different hotels of a similar standard.
A confirmed list of hotels is emailed to all travellers prior to their tour departure. To extend your stay in Rome, click here to book pre and post-tour accommodation through our partner Booking.com.
My girlfriend and I were a bit hesitant before on going on a guided tour/excursion due to time constraints and tight schedule, BUT our expectations were proven wrong, and beyond! I...
The tour was incredible, the sights we saw, the attractions we went on and the people we meet were amazing.
Our tour leader Luke was very engaging and informative throughout our time with him. He made the most out of each day with his endless energy and passion for history.
Explore more with our diverse selection of tours, featuring similar adventures with unique destinations and unforgettable experiences.
For pre-departure and visa information, as well as frequently asked questions regarding preparing for and travelling on this tour, please visit our Help Centre.
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination for the first day of your tour. Make sure you keep departure times and possible delays in mind when booking flights. Please click here to visit Skyscanner - a useful tool for comparing prices from the vast majority of airlines.
When you book for more than one person, we will by default group you together in the same room(s), unless you request single supplements or specifically request us not to.
If there are unequal numbers (3, 5, 7 etc.) then the remaining traveller will be roomed with another passenger of the same gender. Please note that minors under the age of 18 cannot share with another traveller outside of your group's booking.
If you are making separate bookings and would like to share the same room(s), please send us an email with the booking references for each of the travellers and the details of your preferred rooming allocation.
Yes, and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance. Passengers and their personal property travel with Expat Explore solely at their own risk. A suitable insurance policy should provide adequate cover for medical expenses arising through illness or accident prior to or during the holiday, and loss of holiday monies through cancellation or curtailment of the holiday or other insurable reasons. Clients should ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities in their tour.
For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries. To receive a quote from our preferred travel insurance partner please visit World Nomads*.
For more information on what to look for in a travel insurance policy, click here.
While Expat Explore cannot assist with booking pre or post-tour accommodation, we have partnered with Booking.com for affordable accommodation options prior to and after the tour.
If you would like to receive the hotel list in advance so that you can book accommodation at or nearby the start hotel, please request this by sending an email to info@expatexplore.com with your booking reference.
Expat Explore can provide travellers requiring visas with visa support documents on a request basis. Please note that you are required to pay for your tour in full in order to receive the documents. This is an embassy/consulate requirement by law. Once you have received confirmation that your booking has been paid in full, you can request your visa support documents by emailing info@expatexplore.com - please allow up to 10 working days to receive these documents.
All travellers are required to carry their own bags. Our walking tours can last up to 3 hours and certain places involve walking up and down stairs. We want you to enjoy your tour, so read through the itinerary thoroughly and make your own conclusions as to whether you feel that you are fit and healthy enough.
Our tours are not suitable for young children, so we set a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email for consideration. Expat Explore reserves the absolute right to accept or decline a booking at our discretion.
Your deposit secures your spot on tour and locks in the price you pay. Although the deposit you pay at the time of booking is non-refundable, you're protected by our 10-Day Money-Back Guarantee – a full refund if you cancel within 10 days of making your booking.
For more information, please refer to the 10-Day Money-Back Guarantee in our Terms & Conditions.
Before the tour starts, you will receive an email from us requesting your dietary requirements. There is always a vegetarian option available. We try as much as we can to offer you the traditional local cuisine.
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting point for the first day of your tour. We have partnered with Welcome Pickups to secure a hassle-free service. You will be met at the arrivals gate by your driver. Your driver will track your flight, so they'll wait for you even if it's delayed. Please click here to book an airport transfer.
This is up to you and will vary depending on how much you wish to spend on snacks, drinks, souvenirs etc. We do not include entrance fees to attractions and museums. We do, however, provide you with free time to see everything you want, and our tour leaders will have all the information on pricing and locations so you can manage your own budget. Please refer to your tours specific pre-departure information and optional excursions guide for further details.