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Christmas & New Year tour
This 12-day tour starts and ends in Rome, and includes 2 nights accommodation in Rome. Celebrate Christmas in Amsterdam and New year's Eve in Rome. The rest of the itinerary is the same as the Christmas-only tour.
Christmas tour
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.
Discover the many festive delights of Europe at Christmas time! This 10-day Europe Highlights Christmas tour showcases top cities, hidden gems and spectacular scenery in 7 countries. Experience the charming Christmas markets, be dazzled by the impressive light displays and indulge in regional festive cuisine! Tick top sights in Venice, Munich, Florence and Paris off your bucket-list. Cruise the Rhine River, spend Christmas Day in Amsterdam and experience the beauty of the snowy Swiss Alps. This winter holiday will leave you with a lifetime of memories!
This tour starts and ends in Rome, but does not include any accommodation in Rome. For a similar itinerary that includes two nights in Rome, have a look at our Europe Escape Christmas & New Year tour.
Your festive journey through Europe begins today! Meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers in Rome early this morning and hop aboard the coach. Experience some stunning scenery while travelling towards Venice. Look forward to seeing top Venice attractions including St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge and the enchanting grand canal. The evening is free to explore some of the Christmas markets and soak up the festive Venetian vibe! Venice was made to be viewed from the canals so why not join the Evening in Venice optional excursion for a water taxi and gondola cruise followed by dinner?
Arrivederci Italy! After breakfast, the tour makes its way to Austria. Marvel at the beautiful countryside as we travel through the incredible Brenner Pass. Arrive in Innsbruck and enjoy an orientation tour of this charming city which is surrounded by breathtaking alpine nature. Later, travel onwards to the third country of the day; Germany! The tour will arrive in Munich, the Bavarian capital, later in the afternoon. Discover this fascinating and historic city and see some of its highlights on an orientation tour. This evening, get a taste of what Munich is perhaps best known for - Oktoberfest! Enjoy dinner in a traditional beer hall and say “Prost!” with some local beer.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
The festive adventures continue in Germany today! Get ready to celebrate Christmas Eve in style as the tour makes its way to the gorgeous Rhine Valley. Experience this region’s striking scenery on a cruise along the Rhine River! Look forward to magical views of vineyards, medieval towns and Gothic castles. The cruise comes to an end in Boppard where the group will enjoy an included wine tasting. You may even get a taste of eiswein, a sweet dessert wine only harvested in freezing temperatures. Tonight, indulge in a delicious Christmas Eve dinner.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
It’s Christmas Day! What better way to celebrate this special day than with more memorable travel moments? Bid Auf Wiedersehen to Germany and travel onwards to the Netherlands this morning. First stop is the iconic Riekermolen Windmill! Snap some fun pictures and then, see how Dutch cheese and clogs are made! Finally, arrive in Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands. Make your way into the city centre for a twilight canal cruise and admire the city’s famous landmarks from the water. The Amsterdam Light Festival takes place during this time of the year which means you’ll get to see some of the impressive light displays! Tonight, an included Christmas dinner awaits at a local restaurant.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
Today features another day jam-packed with bucket-list experiences! This morning, leave the Netherlands behind for Belgium. Visit Ghent and enjoy an orientation tour of this enchanting medieval city. Enjoy free time to get lunch - this is also the perfect time to try a Belgian waffle! Then, the “City of Lights and Love” is just waiting to be explored. Arrive in Paris in the evening and embark on a driving tour which will showcase icons of the city such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Get your first taste of French cuisine with an included dinner tonight.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
Paris offers so much to those who visit, from bucket-list attractions and world-class cuisine to charming cafés and fascinating museums. This day is free to experience Paris in whichever way you choose! Wander through the Christmas markets, get a hot chocolate in a café or do some shopping, the choice is yours. To tick multiple Parisien experiences off your bucket-list, join the Paris Like Locals optional excursion! Indulge in a macaron tasting, visit the Fragonard Musée du Parfum, experience the vibrant Latin Quarter and more! Tonight, why not join the Evening in Montmartre optional excursion and experience one of the most beloved neighbourhoods in Paris? Or, experience an optional cabaret show!
Meals: Breakfast
There’s one more French stop on the agenda before the tour travels onwards to Switzerland. Visit Beaune, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the wine capital of the Burgundy wine region. Here, taste some 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. Admire the alpine surroundings, snow-capped mountain peaks and sweeping countryside views. Arrive at tonight’s accommodation and enjoy an included dinner at the hotel.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
Good morning Switzerland! Make the most of this full 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, the highest train station in Europe and look forward to exceptional mountain vistas, year-round snow, an enchanting ice palace and many more fun activities and photo opportunities. Alternatively, stay in Interlaken and explore some of the surrounding villages and get a taste of authentic Swiss life. After a memorable day of explorations, choose to join the optional dinner tonight and indulge in delicious, cheesy Swiss fondue!
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, leave the Swiss Alps and head back to Italy! This time, the tour travels to the region of Tuscany which is known for its unique cuisine and wine culture as well as its historic art and architecture. First stop is the glamorous Lake Como. Discover some of the dazzling sights on the banks of this freshwater lake on an orientation tour. Why not find a scenic spot to enjoy lunch with a view? The last stop of the day is Montecatini, a Tuscan spa town. Settle into the hotel for the evening or explore the town with your free evening.
Meals: Breakfast
It may be the last day of tour but the journey isn’t over yet! First up on today’s agenda is a true icon of Italy - the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Be sure to get some creative pictures of you “holding up” the tower. Then, travel to Florence. This majestic city, known as the “Jewel of the Renaissance”, is home to many artistic masterpieces, including Michaelangelo’s David. Embark on a walking tour with a local guide and learn more about this top travel destination. Enjoy free time to explore or join the Taste of Tuscany optional excursion and have a delicious farewell lunch with the group. Later, head back to Rome where this tour will come to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
Your festive journey through Europe begins today! Meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers in Rome early this morning and hop aboard the coach. Experience some stunning scenery while travelling towards Venice. Look forward to seeing top Venice attractions including St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge and the enchanting grand canal. The evening is free to explore some of the Christmas markets and soak up the festive Venetian vibe! Venice was made to be viewed from the canals so why not join the Evening in Venice optional excursion for a water taxi and gondola cruise followed by dinner?
Explore Venice: Discover the magic of Venice, Italy’s unique floating city. Venice is full of iconic sights including St Mark’s Square, St Mark’s Basilica, St Mark’s Museum, Campanile, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Market and Scuola Grande di San Rocco. For the ultimate Venice experience, join today’s optional excursions!
Hotel
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 makes its way to Austria. Marvel at the beautiful countryside as we travel through the incredible Brenner Pass. Arrive in Innsbruck and enjoy an orientation tour of this charming city which is surrounded by breathtaking alpine nature. Later, travel onwards to the third country of the day; Germany! The tour will arrive in Munich, the Bavarian capital, later in the afternoon. Discover this fascinating and historic city and see some of its highlights on an orientation tour. This evening, get a taste of what Munich is perhaps best known for - Oktoberfest! Enjoy dinner in a traditional beer hall and say “Prost!” with some local beer.
Scenic drive along Brenner Pass: Cross spectacular mountain passes and experience some amazing mountain vistas en route to Innsbruck in Austria.
Visit Innsbruck: Enjoy a comfort stop to experience this beautiful Austrian city that lies in a valley between high mountains, making for an incredible backdrop.
Munich orientation tour: Enjoy an orientation tour of Munich, the capital and largest city in the German state of Bavaria, with your tour leader. See highlights such as Karlsplatz and Marienplatz, New Town Hall, Church of our Lady, and (if you visit in winter) the traditional German Christmas markets.
German beer hall: Tonight, enjoy dinner in a traditional German Beer Hall. Sample German beer, along with traditional German cuisine. Prost!
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
The festive adventures continue in Germany today! Get ready to celebrate Christmas Eve in style as the tour makes its way to the gorgeous Rhine Valley. Experience this region’s striking scenery on a cruise along the Rhine River! Look forward to magical views of vineyards, medieval towns and Gothic castles. The cruise comes to an end in Boppard where the group will enjoy an included wine tasting. You may even get a taste of eiswein, a sweet dessert wine only harvested in freezing temperatures. Tonight, indulge in a delicious Christmas Eve dinner.
Rhine River cruise: Cruise down the Rhine River and see the beautiful scenery and the largest concentration of gothic castles (Sterrenberg, Liebestein, Katz and Fortress Rheinfels) in Europe. Learn the story of the castles, many of which are now in ruins since the river barons left long ago.
Rhine Valley wine tasting: Visit a local wine merchant in one of Germany’s most famous wine-growing regions, and sample several types of delicious German wine. Popular varieties include Riesling, Spätburgunder and Pinot Noir. The region is also well known for eiswein (ice wine). It is a very sweet dessert wine made from grapes harvested in the freezing winter months.
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
It’s Christmas Day! What better way to celebrate this special day than with more memorable travel moments? Bid Auf Wiedersehen to Germany and travel onwards to the Netherlands this morning. First stop is the iconic Riekermolen Windmill! Snap some fun pictures and then, see how Dutch cheese and clogs are made! Finally, arrive in Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands. Make your way into the city centre for a twilight canal cruise and admire the city’s famous landmarks from the water. The Amsterdam Light Festival takes place during this time of the year which means you’ll get to see some of the impressive light displays! Tonight, an included Christmas dinner awaits at a local restaurant.
Windmill photo stop: Enjoy a photo stop at the Riekermolen Windmill. No visit to the Netherlands is complete without some fun photos of the iconic Dutch windmills!
Cheese and clogs demonstration: See how these famous shoes are traditionally made by hand and taste some fantastic cheeses. Take this opportunity to shop and stock up on unique Dutch souvenirs.
Cruise along the canals in Amsterdam: Sail along Amsterdam’s stunning canals at twilight and see the iconic sights that sit along the waterside - this is a perfect, relaxing introduction to Amsterdam! Better yet, you’ll get to see the elaborate displays of the Amsterdam Light Festival!
Christmas Dinner in Amsterdam: Celebrate Christmas alongside your new travel friends with an included group dinner in Amsterdam.
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
Today features another day jam-packed with bucket-list experiences! This morning, leave the Netherlands behind for Belgium. Visit Ghent and enjoy an orientation tour of this enchanting medieval city. Enjoy free time to get lunch - this is also the perfect time to try a Belgian waffle! Then, the “City of Lights and Love” is just waiting to be explored. Arrive in Paris in the evening and embark on a driving tour which will showcase icons of the city such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Get your first taste of French cuisine with an included dinner tonight.
Visit Ghent: Experience the beautiful city of Ghent - one of Belgium’s oldest cities! This cultural hub and university town is filled with magnificent medieval architecture. Enjoy some free time to explore and taste some authentic Belgian cuisine!
Driving tour of Paris: Enjoy a driving tour and discover the beauty of the “City of Lights”! Spot the Tuileries Gardens, the River Seine, l'Île de la Cité, the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Lovers Bridge, Sacré Cœur, Montmartre, Pigalle (the Red Light District) and the Moulin Rouge!
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
Paris offers so much to those who visit, from bucket-list attractions and world-class cuisine to charming cafés and fascinating museums. This day is free to experience Paris in whichever way you choose! Wander through the Christmas markets, get a hot chocolate in a café or do some shopping, the choice is yours. To tick multiple Parisien experiences off your bucket-list, join the Paris Like Locals optional excursion! Indulge in a macaron tasting, visit the Fragonard Musée du Parfum, experience the vibrant Latin Quarter and more! Tonight, why not join the Evening in Montmartre optional excursion and experience one of the most beloved neighbourhoods in Paris? Or, experience an optional cabaret show!
Breakfast
Hotel
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!
There’s one more French stop on the agenda before the tour travels onwards to Switzerland. Visit Beaune, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the wine capital of the Burgundy wine region. Here, taste some 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. Admire the alpine surroundings, snow-capped mountain peaks and sweeping countryside views. Arrive at tonight’s accommodation and enjoy an included dinner at the hotel.
Visit Beaune in Burgundy: Enjoy a stop in Beaune, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous wine-producing region. Take some free time to explore the beautiful medieval town centre and try some local food and wine.
Scenic Swiss Mountain Drive: Admire the spectacular views as the coach drives through mountain passes and alongside lakes, breathtaking mountain vistas and scenic views of quaint Swiss towns.
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
Good morning Switzerland! Make the most of this full 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, the highest train station in Europe and look forward to exceptional mountain vistas, year-round snow, an enchanting ice palace and many more fun activities and photo opportunities. Alternatively, stay in Interlaken and explore some of the surrounding villages and get a taste of authentic Swiss life. After a memorable day of explorations, choose to join the optional dinner tonight and indulge in delicious, cheesy Swiss fondue!
Breakfast
Hotel
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?
This morning, leave the Swiss Alps and head back to Italy! This time, the tour travels to the region of Tuscany which is known for its unique cuisine and wine culture as well as its historic art and architecture. First stop is the glamorous Lake Como. Discover some of the dazzling sights on the banks of this freshwater lake on an orientation tour. Why not find a scenic spot to enjoy lunch with a view? The last stop of the day is Montecatini, a Tuscan spa town. Settle into the hotel for the evening or explore the town with your free evening.
Lake Como lunch stop: Enjoy free time for lunch at Lake Como in Italy, one of the most beautiful and glamorous destinations visited on this tour!
Breakfast
Hotel
It may be the last day of tour but the journey isn’t over yet! First up on today’s agenda is a true icon of Italy - the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Be sure to get some creative pictures of you “holding up” the tower. Then, travel to Florence. This majestic city, known as the “Jewel of the Renaissance”, is home to many artistic masterpieces, including Michaelangelo’s David. Embark on a walking tour with a local guide and learn more about this top travel destination. Enjoy free time to explore or join the Taste of Tuscany optional excursion and have a delicious farewell lunch with the group. Later, head back to Rome where this tour will come to an end.
See the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa: See the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most famous cultural landmarks. Take some iconic pictures of you ‘holding up’ the tower!
Guided walking tour of Florence: Join an expert local guide on a walking tour and see the main sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David.
Breakfast
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.
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.
Unless marked as “Pre-Book”, all optional excursions can be booked on tour and paid for in cash (in the stated currency) to your tour leader. Prices and availability are subject to change.
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.
Venice was made to be viewed from the canals! So, hop aboard a water taxi from Piazzale Roma to San Marco and take an evening cruise along the iconic waterways. Venice water taxis feature comfortable leather upholstery, private drivers and open-air seating. Then, look forward to the most quintessential Venice experience - a traditional gondola ride! Be enchanted by romantic scenes from palazzos and old tavernas. Enjoy an included pizza or pasta for dinner at a local restaurant before returning to Piazzale Roma in the glow of the twinkling lights on a water taxi.
Explore the many highlights of Paris! Stroll among top attractions, taste macarons, smell perfume, discover the Latin Quarter and more.
Get ready for the ultimate exploration of Paris! Join your tour leader as you stroll along Paris’s most iconic streets, spotting top landmarks and experiencing Parisian life along the way. Start the day by tasting world-famous macarons. Then, visit a perfume museum for a guided tour. Next up is Galeries Lafayette, one of the world’s top shopping destinations! Refuel with an included lunch at a local crêperie. Then, walk to the Louvre and admire its striking pyramid before embarking on an orientation tour of the vibrant Latin Quarter. See famous landmarks including Tour Saint Jacques, Shakespeare and Company, Church Saint Séverin and more. You can even witness the reconstruction of the Cathédrale Notre Dame! End the day with some free time to further explore the Latin Quarter and its top sights.
Please Note: The price includes public transport between destinations.
Explore the vibrant Montmartre neighbourhood by night! See the Moulin Rouge and the Sacré-Cœur basilica and indulge in a three-course French dinner.
Spend an evening in the beautiful Montmartre neighbourhood, affectionately referred to as the ‘last village in Paris’. See the Moulin Rouge, stroll the cobbled streets and visit the charming village shops and romantic terraces. Admire views of the spectacular Sacré-Cœur Basilica before enjoying a three-course dinner filled with authentic French options (vegetarian options are available) finished off with a delicious local dessert!
Be amazed by colours, costumes and cancan at one of Paris’ top cabaret venues!
Experience a fantastic show and the famous French Cancan at one of the top Paris cabaret venues. The shows are lively, colourful and tastefully produced. With striking decor, beautiful costumes and a variety of classic and modern choreography this is a show you will not want to miss! The price includes the show and a glass of French champagne (soft drink option also available).
Travel to the “Top of Europe” - Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe! Enjoy exceptional views, year-round snow and a magical ice palace.
Experience a highlight of European travel when you journey to Jungfraujoch - the top of Europe! Take the Eiger Express cable car to 3,454m above sea level. Get ready for breathtaking mountain views as you go, the trip is part of the adventure! Arrive at Jungfraujoch which is the highest train station in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the year-round snow, take in the panoramic alpine scenery, marvel at the massive Aletsch Glacier and explore the magical ice palace and Sphinx Observatory! Return by cable car or Jungfraubahn train for even more spectacular mountain vistas. This optional excursion has been voted number one by Expat Explore travellers for several years and comes highly recommended!
Please Note: Certain departures will stay in a different region of the Swiss Alps, with the 'Swiss Alps Mountain Experience' excursion offered in place of Jungfraujoch. Please contact us for more information.
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?
What better way to enjoy an evening in Switzerland than with a traditional Swiss fondue dinner? Fondue is a dish popular in Switzerland, France and Italy, with friends and family gathering around a communal table to dip pieces of bread into a pot of melted cheese. Enjoy a taste of Switzerland with this classic fondue dinner.
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.
Tuscany’s food draws millions of visitors to the region every year! Join this incredible culinary experience in Florence to taste it for yourself. Try some special local culinary traditions, served in a sit-down, family-style meal, including Bistecca alla Fiorentina (charcoal-grilled steak served on the bone), Tagliatelle al Tartufo (pasta with truffle), Risotto ai Porcini (risotto with porcini mushrooms), Crostini al Pomodoro (crusty bread with tomatoes and olive oil) and a glass of Chianti red wine. Round off the meal with a traditional Tuscan digestivo.
2025 dates for this tour are now available to book online! Scroll down to view and pay just a 10% deposit to secure the lowest price
Start Date / End Date | Flexible Booking | Status | Price Per Person |
22 Dec 2024 - 31 Dec 2024 | Book now with low deposit | ||
22 Dec 2025 - 31 Dec 2025 | Book now with low deposit |
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 .
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