DAY 1: London - Cambridge - Yorkshire
![London - Cambridge - Yorkshire]()
This unforgettable Europe and Great Britain tour begins today! Meet your tour leader and fellow travellers in London and get ready to travel through the scenic English countryside to Cambridge, a city famed for its impressive university. Admire some of the historical buildings, browse a few of the university museums, and go punting on the river! This is the best way to relax and enjoy the scenery before continuing on to York. An afternoon in York offers a fascinating orientation tour with historic stories and views of fine English architecture. End your day with a group dinner where you will be served a traditional roast dinner at a local restaurant with all the trimmings, including Yorkshire pudding!
Experiences
Punting in Cambridge: Try out this age-old tradition and go punting in a riverboat (a punt is a long flat-bottomed boat). There is no better way to admire the scenery!
York walking tour: Enjoy an orientation tour with your tour leader and discover the highlights of this historic walled city. York was founded by ancient Rome and boasts impressive medieval architecture. See highlights including Micklegate Bar, the city walls, Ouse, Shambles, York Chocolate Story, Swinegate, Barley Hall and York Minster.
York traditional dinner: Sit down for an authentic meal, delight in traditional dishes like roast beef and Yorkshire pudding! Dessert is included and vegetarian options are available.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Ibis York Centre Hotel
DAY 2: Hadrian's Wall - Jedburgh - Edinburgh
![Hadrian's Wall - Jedburgh - Edinburgh]()
Today begins with a visit to the Angel of the North. This striking steel sculpture is 20m tall! Then, move on to Hadrian’s Wall, which was built by hand in 122 AD. Jedburgh is your next stop. This city is most notable for its links to historical warfare and royalty. Explore the captivating city, and marvel at the architecture lining the streets. Jedburgh Abbey is a must-see. Finally, sit back and watch the gorgeous Scottish landscapes roll by as you make your way to Scotland’s capital city. Once in Edinburgh, your tour leader will take you on an orientation tour and evening drive through this spectacular city. End the day with an included dinner at a local Italian restaurant.
Experiences
See the Angel of the North: Make some memories with a photo stop at the Angel of the North statue and appreciate this fascinating sculpture. This is one of North England’s top attractions!
Visit Hadrian’s Wall: Take some time to view and learn more about the defensive wall built by Emperor Hadrian during his reign in 122AD. Hadrian’s Wall acted as the north west frontier of the Roman Empire for nearly 300 years!
Visit Jedburgh: Explore this gorgeous Scottish border town and absorb the many historical tales and views of old-world architecture. Don’t miss out on a visit to the Jedburgh Abbey ruins!
Orientation tour of Edinburgh: Take a walking tour combined with a driving tour through Scotland’s mesmerising capital city with your tour leader. Marvel at the cobblestone streets, Gothic architecture and, of course, the iconic Edinburgh Castle!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Novotel Edinburgh Park Hotel
DAY 3: Edinburgh: Free Day
![Edinburgh: Free Day]()
Today is free to spend as you wish! Edinburgh offers magnificent memorials, architecture, and art galleries. The cobbled streets of the Royal Mile provide an old-town feel to the busy city. Alternatively, sign up for the optional Conquer the Capital excursion with your tour leader. On this tour, enjoy a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle and wander its historic walls! You’ll also enjoy a scenic drive with views of Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Palace before visiting the Scott Memorial and the picturesque Princes Street Gardens. For dinner, there’s the option to indulge in a four-course meal along with a traditional Scottish performance!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Novotel Edinburgh Park Hotel
Optional Excursions
- Spirit of Scotland Show i £85
- Conquer the Capital Edinburgh i £60
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 4: Loch Ness - Scottish Highlands
![Loch Ness - Scottish Highlands]()
This morning, we’re heading to the Scottish Highlands. First stop, Loch Ness! Here, admire the views from the banks of the loch or, enjoy the option of embarking on a 1-hour cruise of Loch Ness, where you can try to spot ‘Nessie’, the famed Loch Ness Monster! Back on dry land, you can see Britain’s highest mountain - Ben Nevis. Later, enjoy a tour of one of Scotland’s oldest licensed whisky distilleries in the town of Fort William and taste some authentic Scotch whisky! Before reaching the hotel, stop at the striking glen (deep valley), Glen Coe. This is the place where the Massacre of Glencoe took place in 1692. Dinner will be at your hotel this evening.
Experiences
Scenic drive through the Cairngorms National Park: Drive through the spectacular Cairngorms National Park and admire the many views of mountains, forests and lochs.
Visit the world-famous Loch Ness: Visit the world-famous Loch Ness! Enjoy the option to take a cruise of the Loch, explore the area, and learn more about the legends of the Loch Ness Monster.
See Glen Coe, Scotland's most scenic valley: Snap impressive photos of this beautiful valley in the Scottish Highlands, infamous for the tragic events of the Massacre of Glencoe that happened here in 1692.
Taste whisky in one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries: Visit one of the oldest distilleries, set in the shadow of Ben Nevis Mountain, taste the delicious golden dew, and learn more about how it is made.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Arrochar
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 5: Gretna Green - Lake District - Liverpool
![Gretna Green - Lake District - Liverpool]()
Today, the coach is bound for Liverpool. This city is the home of The Beatles and two internationally-famed Premier League football clubs! En route, take in the last divine views of the Scottish Highlands from the coach window. Stop over at Gretna Green, a town famous for weddings, and the idyllic English Lake District National Park. Later, arrive in Liverpool and embark on a driving tour. Enjoy free time to explore this evening. The local English pubs offer the perfect setting for a traditional dinner, and there are also numerous locations related to The Beatles to explore.
Experiences
Drive through Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park: Enjoy the views on the drive through the Scottish Highlands en route to Liverpool.
Stop at world-famous Gretna Green: Stop off at this parish on the Scottish side of the border between England and Scotland. Years ago, young lovers would use this spot to get married without their parents’ permission!
Visit the English Lake District: Stopover in the idyllic English Lake District en route to Liverpool. The beauty of the English Lake District inspired many renowned poets and writers such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.
Liverpool driving tour: Drive through Liverpool with your Expat Explore tour, and view top attractions such as Albert Dock and locations connected to The Beatles.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Ibis Liverpool Centre Albert Dock Hotel
Optional Excursions
- Windermere Cruise and Steam Train i £45
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 6: Stratford-Upon-Avon - Wales
![Stratford-Upon-Avon - Wales]()
Depart Liverpool this morning as the coach travels towards Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare! Here, there’s time to explore on your own and see the many locations that hold significance in the life of Shakespeare. There’s also the option to join an excursion to the writer’s childhood home! Then, it’s back on the road and onwards to Wales. Stop along the way to snap a few pictures of a medieval castle! Next, travel to Cardiff, capital city of Wales, where your hotel awaits after an insightful city driving tour with your tour leader. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner with the group.
Experiences
Visit Stratford-Upon-Avon: Make a stop in this quaint town, which is the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Wander the city during your free time, and view many of the Shakespearean attractions, including the house where the famous writer grew up.
Castle photo stop: Along the road to Cardiff, take the chance for a short stop at the medieval Raglan Castle and capture some photos.
Orientation driving tour of Cardiff: Arrive in the Welsh capital, and go on a driving tour of the city. Your tour leader will show you all the best highlights before you head back to the hotel.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Park Inn by Radisson Cardiff City Centre
Cardiff North Hotel by Accor
Optional Excursions
- Shakespeare's Birthplace i £18
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 7: Bath - Stonehenge - London
![Bath - Stonehenge - London]()
The tour makes its way back to London today, with captivating stops along the way! Visit Bath and enjoy a tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll get to view some of the most exquisite architecture in Europe. Choose to discover the Roman Baths along with their ancient history on an optional excursion. Then, get ready for a breathtaking trip to Stonehenge! A visit to this prehistoric monument is an opportunity of a lifetime, and we advise that you have your cameras ready. For a closer look at this legendary sight, join the Stonehenge optional excursion. Finally, arrive in Greenwich, London where you’ll check into the hotel and have some free time to explore the city.
Experiences
Bath orientation tour: Your tour leader will point out some of the main attractions of Bath, a historic city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Top sights include the Circus, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Novotel London Greenwhich
ibis London Greenwich
Optional Excursions
- Stonehenge i £22
- Roman Baths i £28
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 8: London - Paris
![London - Paris]()
After meeting some new travel buddies, hop back on the coach and get ready to travel to continental Europe. Crossing the English channel, arrive in Paris by late afternoon with just enough time to embark on a driving tour of the “City of Lights”! See top sights like the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and more important landmarks throughout Paris. Once the drive is over, and our cameras are full of photos, the tour group will all enjoy a French meal together. Finally, travel back to the hotel for a restful night before the free day tomorrow.
Experiences
Driving Tour of Paris: Spot all the iconic sights as we drive through the city; the Tuileries Gardens, Place de la Concorde, the Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and more!
Taste French cuisine: Enjoy an included dinner and get your first taste of French cuisine with the group in Paris.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hôtel Kyriad Paris Nord Porte de Saint Ouen
DAY 9: Paris: Free Day
![Paris: Free Day]()
Today is free to explore the “City of Love” to your heart’s content! Why not join your tour leader for a jam-packed day of exploring on the Paris+ optional? This excursion includes visits to a famous French Perfumery and an authentic macaron shop, a lunch cruise on the River Seine and much more! Then, take in the breathtaking view of the city below from the Montparnasse Observation Deck. More optional excursions are available this evening. Choose to watch a dazzling cabaret show or explore the beautiful streets of the Montmartre area by night!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hôtel Kyriad Paris Nord Porte de Saint Ouen
Optional Excursions
- Paris+ i €60
- Parisian Cabaret with drinks i €85
- An Evening in Montmartre i €45
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 10: Burgundy - Swiss Alps
![Burgundy - Swiss Alps]()
Bid Paris au revoir as the tour moves on to the charming French town of Beaune, a UNESCO World Heritage site and capital of the Burgundy winelands! Enjoy a delightful lunch stop and take this opportunity to try some of the delectable French wine this region is known for. A visit to the stunning Hospices de Beaune is also highly recommended. After lunch, it’s time to head into Switzerland. The drive to the Swiss Alps offers gorgeous views all the way into the authentic Swiss mountain village that will be our home for the next two nights. You’ll be staying in the popular Jungfrau region, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the largest glacier in Europe. Enjoy dinner at the hotel tonight.
Experiences
Lunch stop in Burgundy: Stop off for a relaxing lunch in Burgundy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and renowned winemaking region. Explore the medieval town centre during some free time and taste local food and wine.
Scenic mountain drive to Switzerland: Take a picturesque drive through the Swiss country. You’ll be treated to scenes of lakes, breathtaking mountain vistas, and spectacular views of quaint Swiss towns!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Alpina Kandersteg
Alpenrose Hotel and Gardens, Wilderswil
DAY 11: Swiss Alps: Free Day
![Swiss Alps: Free Day]()
Prepare yourself for a day of captivating exploration! The day is yours to experience the Swiss Alps as you wish. Expat Explore highly recommends enjoying the Jungfraujoch optional, one of our most popular excursions, which travels up to the highest train station in Europe! The views of charming Alpine villages and surrounding mountains are truly unbeatable. At the top, play in the year-round snow and discover a magical ice palace carved out of the Jungfrau glacier! Once back in the village, be sure to head into town for Swiss chocolate shopping, and warm up with the option to savour an authentic Swiss fondue this evening.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Alpina Kandersteg
Alpenrose Hotel and Gardens, Wilderswil
Optional Excursions
- Jungfraujoch: Journey to the Top of Europe i €195
- Swiss Fondue Dinner i €40
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 12: Swiss Alps - Rhine Valley
![Swiss Alps - Rhine Valley]()
Leave Switzerland this morning and head to the next beautiful destination - Germany’s Rhine Valley! Sit back and enjoy the last views of the Swiss Alps as you drive to Germany. Arrive and embark on a peaceful riverboat cruise along the Rhine River. The Rhine Valley is home to Europe’s most concentrated stretch of castles! Admire these castles along with small medieval towns, towering cliffs and surrounding vineyards. Visit a local wine merchant for an included wine tasting, which may include the rare eiswein (ice wine). Travel on to your hotel for an evening at your leisure in the Rhine Valley region.
Experiences
Rhine River Cruise: Cruise down the Rhine River and admire the beautiful scenery complete with winelands and medieval architecture from the water. The Rhine Valley is home to over 40 castles! Try to spot Sterrenberg, Liebenstein, Katz and Fortress Rheinfels.
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 from the surrounding area and neighbouring regions include Riesling, Spätburgunder and Pinot Noir. The region is also well-known for eiswein (ice wine), a very sweet dessert wine made from grapes harvested in the freezing winter months.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Super 8 Koblenz
Comfort Hotel Frankfurt Airport West
DAY 13: Rhine Valley - Amsterdam
![Rhine Valley - Amsterdam]()
Today, we leave the Rhine Valley behind for the Netherlands! Get ready for some truly authentic Dutch experiences in the countryside. Capture photos of historic windmills, watch a cheese-making demonstration and discover how traditional clogs are made. Afterwards, head to Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands. Enjoy some free time before joining a cruise down the picturesque Amsterdam canals. Your tour leader will point out all landmarks and attractions, as well as enlighten you with facts and insights as you cruise along. Enjoy one last dinner at a local restaurant afterwards. The rest of the evening is free. Discover Amsterdam nightlife in the Dam Square, and make the most of the final evening of the tour.
Experiences
Visit the Riekermolen windmill: Explore the Dutch countryside and see one of the country’s most iconic symbols. Get a photo with the historic Riekermolen windmill.
Cheese and clogs demonstration: Visit a local farm and witness local Dutch cheese being made. You will even get to taste some! Enjoy a clog demonstration to discover the craftsmanship behind this traditional footwear.
Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Cruise along Amsterdam's stunning canals at twilight. These atmospheric canals are a highlight for many and the views of the city from the water are unmatched.
Farewell dinner in Amsterdam: Enjoy one last dinner with your group at a local restaurant in Amsterdam.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam - Schiphol
DAY 14: Bruges - London
![Bruges - London]()
Wave goodbye to the Netherlands, our next stop is Bruges in Belgium! This city is famous for its chocolate, waffles, moules et frites and beer, making it the ultimate place for a lunch break. Walk around the town’s cobbled streets lined with old-fashioned churches and grand towers. Fill up on great food and some last-minute souvenirs before hopping back onto the coach for the very last leg of the tour. It’s back into London for a friendly farewell before we part ways until your next Expat Explore trip!
Experiences
Visit Bruges: Stopover in this beautiful medieval town and enjoy some free time for lunch. Be sure to try the national dish of moules et frites (mussels and French fries), see (or climb) the Belfry Tower, have a Belgian beer or buy some amazing Belgian chocolate.