DAY 1: London - Amsterdam
![London - Amsterdam]()
This 21-day Europe and Great Britain tour starts off with a scenic trip from London. Crossing the channel, arrive in rural France and drive through Belgium to reach Amsterdam. By late afternoon you’ll be in Amsterdam, where you can check into the hotel. Once checked in, join your tour leader and fellow travellers for an included canal cruise! Enjoy views of the city’s charming 17th-century architecture combined with the bustle of an early evening during a cruise down the canals. Your knowledgeable tour leader will be on hand to share facts and tips with you about the city’s history and culture along the way.
Experiences
Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Sail along Amsterdam's stunning canals at twilight and enjoy a delicious pizza as you cruise. A perfect introduction to Amsterdam you will cruise along Amsterdam's atmospheric canals.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam - Schiphol
Best Western Plus Plaza Almere
DAY 2: Amsterdam - Rhine Valley
![Amsterdam - Rhine Valley]()
This first morning in Amsterdam promises to be captivating and insightful. Attend a cheese-making demonstration and view the age-old traditional process that is still used today! Next, move on to see the carving of authentic Dutch clogs. Afterwards, take the chance to stop off at the Riekermolen windmill to take photos and appreciate the beauty of the Netherlands. Then, travel to Rhine Valley and board a riverboat to make the trip by water from St Goar to Boppard. After a picturesque journey down the river, enjoy a complimentary wine-tasting at a local wine merchant.
Experiences
Visit Riekermolen windmill: Capture a memorable moment in front of an iconic windmill.
Cheese and clogs demonstration: See how these famous shoes are traditionally made by hand and taste some fantastic cheeses.
Cruise down the Rhine: Cruise down the Rhine River and see the beautiful scenery and the largest concentration of gothic castles (Sterrenberg, Liebestein, 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
Carat HotelTraube Rudesheim
NH Wiesbaden
DAY 3: Nuremberg - Prague
![Nuremberg - Prague]()
Today, make your way to Prague, stopping off in the Bavarian city of Nuremberg first. Full of architectural beauty and historic significance, Nuremberg offers a captivating visit, especially for those interested in the city’s famous artists or its centuries-old tales of German kings. Arriving in Prague, the entire group is in for intricate architecture, this time more baroque, cubist, gothic, and art nouveau origins. There is some time to view the cobbled lanes and courtyards lined with quaint bars, before sitting down as a group to savour a genuine Czech dinner in a local eatery.
Experiences
Orientation tour in Nuremberg: Your tour leader will show you all the iconic sights in this Bavarian city. Start at Kaiserburg and finish in Hauptmarkt.
Prague guided walking tour: This evening, enjoy a locally guided walking tour of the capital city of the Czech Republic. See the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, Charles Bridge, Church of Our Lady before Týn, Rudolfinum (concert hall) and a view of Prague Castle.
Prague dinner: Experience authentic Czech cuisine at a local restaurant. You will also have the option to try the famous Czech beer. Budweiser anyone?
DAY 4: Prague
![Prague]()
Your full day in Prague gets off to a delightful start as the group is joined by a local tour guide and taken on a walking tour of the city. You’ll see popular landmarks such as the Old Town Square, St Vitus Cathedral, and Wenceslas Square, ending off at the Charles Bridge. The rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish. There are many sights for you to see at your leisure, including concert halls, opera houses, and gorgeous churches. Prague castle is a must-see! You can choose to enjoy lunch as you cruise down the Vlatava River before embarking on a guided tour of the Prague castle and Malastrana district this afternoon!
Experiences
Orientation tour in Nuremberg: Your tour leader will show you all the iconic sights in this Bavarian city. Start at Kaiserburg and finish in Hauptmarkt.
Prague guided walking tour: This evening, enjoy a locally guided walking tour of the capital city of the Czech Republic. See the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, Charles Bridge, Church of Our Lady before Týn, Rudolfinum (concert hall) and a view of Prague Castle.
Prague dinner: Experience authentic Czech cuisine at a local restaurant. You will also have the option to try the famous Czech beer. Budweiser anyone?
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Krystal
Hotel Duo
Optional Excursions
- Traditional Czech Folk Music & Dance Evening i €40
- Prague+ Tour i €50
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 5: Prague - Bratislava - Vienna
![Prague - Bratislava - Vienna]()
Next up on this incredible journey is the enchanting city of Bratislava, the Slovakian capital! Here we’ll get to marvel at the beauty of the surrounding mountains and wilderness. Not to mention the attractive ski runs and lavish vineyards. Once we’ve gazed, admired, and taken postcard-style photos of the city’s very own medieval castle, we’ll move on to Vienna in Austria. Once we arrive, we will embark on a guided walking tour of the city. Learn about the history of the city famous for music, culture and royalty. Make the most of your night in this city famous for classical music with an optional Mozart concert!
Experiences
Bratislava Orientation Walk: Your tour leader will take you on an orientation tour to see some of the landmarks and historic sights of the city, including a photo stop at Bratislava Castle, which overlooks the city.
Walking and driving tour of Vienna: On the drive into Vienna, Austria’s capital city, you will see the Schonbrunn Palace before reaching the Inner City and one of the best vistas from Belvedere Hill. Vienna is known as the 'City of Music’ due to its classical heritage and the prodigies that worked there including Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Brahms to name a few as your local guide on your walking tour will tell you. The tour starts at the Golden Mile on the Ring Strasse (Parliament, City Hall, Burgtheater). Then discover the courtyards and passages around the Hofburg (Imperial Castle) and St. Stephen’s Cathedral which is Vienna’s geographic and historic centre.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Roomz Hotel Vienna
Hotel Lenas Donau
Rainers21
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 6: Vienna - Budapest
![Vienna - Budapest]()
It’s Auf Wiedersehen to Vienna today and hello Hungary! We travel through to the capital city Budapest. Originally two separate cities, Buda and Pest, this scenic city is a bohemian mix of Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture with the Danube River running through the centre. A driving tour is your first introduction to the city. Keep an eye out for highlights including Fisherman’s Bastion and the impressive Houses of Parliament. The afternoon is yours to explore Budapest at your leisure. Explore Buda and the castle, wander the streets, try out some local cuisine at the central market hall or relax in one of the city’s thermal bathhouses!
Experiences
Driving tour of Budapest: Meet up with a local guide who will accompany us on a driving tour of the city and point out all the best-loved sights. Learn more about Hungarian culture and language and the city's fascinating history. Drink in incredible views from atop Gellert Hill and the Citadel, take a stop at Heroes Square and get an eyeful of other must-see attractions like Budapest Parliament, St Stephen's Basilica, the State Opera, the castle district, and more.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Ibis City
Ibis Heroes Square
Ibis Styles Budapest Citywest
Optional Excursions
- Danube Dinner Cruise i €52
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 7: Budapest - Lake Balaton - Ljubljana
![Budapest - Lake Balaton - Ljubljana]()
Today we travel from Budapest to the beautiful Lake Balaton - a popular holiday destination in Hungary! This is the largest lake in central Europe boasting almost 200km of coastline. During the long, hot summer months it is the perfect place to spend the day relaxing! After exploring some of Lake Balaton, we head towards the Slovenian capital city Ljubljana! Get familiar with this fairytale-like city on a walking tour led by a local guide. Ljubljana feels like it is straight out of a storybook, explore the castle, cobbled streets, winding river, stunning architecture and beautiful greenery that surrounds the city. Spend the afternoon seeing the city as you wish during free time.
Experiences
Visit Lake Balaton: Meander around the beautiful Lake Balaton and tick the largest lake in central Europe off your bucket list!
Lunch stop in Maribor: Explore the beautiful city of Maribor in Slovenia and enjoy a delicious lunch and stop at the City Museum.
Guided walking tour in Ljubljana: Join an expert local guide for a tour of Ljubljana - the City of Dragons! Encounter the inimitable scenery of the medieval old town, Preseren Square, City Centre, the Riverfront, Dragon Bridge and Cobblers Bridge. When the formal tour is done, there will still be some time to explore on your own. We recommend that you make your way to the 13th-century St. Nicholas Church - it's Baroque architecture is truly spectacular!
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 8: Ljubljana - Venice
![Ljubljana - Venice]()
Today, we leave from Ljubljana early, travel to Venice and enjoy a fantastic day in the Italian city. Start off with an exciting walk around the city, getting familiar with popular attractions and landmarks. Become acquainted with the city as the tour leader points out St Mark’s Square, the Grand Canal, and Rialto Bridge, and enjoy some fine Italian cuisine. Afterwards, feel free to explore Venice for the rest of the afternoon. We suggest hopping onto a gondola or a water taxi before ending your day!
Experiences
Orientation tour of Venice: Your tour leader will take you into the heart of this unique floating city for an orientation to help you explore and see St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Museum, Campanile, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Market and Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Optional Excursions
- Trip T-shirt or Hoodie i €21-32
- Venice Gondola Ride i €20
- Venice Water Taxi i €20
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 9: Florence - Tuscany
![Florence - Tuscany]()
Embarking on another scenic drive, we travel to Florence through the enchanting hills that surround the Tuscan capital. There’s so much to see in Florence, we’ve dedicated an entire day to sightseeing! Set off on foot as your tour leader takes you on an orientation tour of the city, see the replica statue of David, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria, and of course, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. See an authentic Italian leather factory in town before heading off on your own sightseeing adventure through the city. Before nightfall, we’ll all head into the Tuscan countryside for a delicious meal and a good nights’ rest.
Experiences
Orientation tour of Florence: Your Expat Explore tour leader will take you on an orientation tour to introduce you to the main sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David.
Leather demo in a local shop: Step inside the world of Italian leather crafting as you visit a leather demo in a local leather shop and factory, Leonardo Leather and Gold. Italy has been famous for leather production for centuries.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Belvedere
Hotel Piccadilly
Hotel Nuovo Savi
Hotel Manzoni
Parma & Oriente
Hotel Montebello
DAY 10: Pisa - Swiss Alps
![Pisa - Swiss Alps]()
Leaving Florence behind, traipse onward to Pisa! Home to one of the world’s most famous buildings, the leaning tower, this is where we suggest that you warm up your fingers and have your cameras ready. Visit the tower, learn its backstory, and enjoy ample time to take plenty of photos. After this exciting encounter, it’s time to make travel over to the Alps. This evening enjoy an included Swiss dinner. The hotel you’ll be staying at is in a quaint Swiss Alpine town, with excellent views of the contrasting greenery below the snow-capped mountains.
Experiences
View the Leaning Tower of Pisa: This is your chance to see the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, or even take some iconic pictures of you ‘holding up’ the tower.
Scenic Mountain Drive: Enjoy spectacular views as we drive through mountain passes and alongside lakes, breath-taking mountain vistas and scenic views of quaint Swiss towns.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Hoheneck
DAY 11: Swiss Alps: Free Day
![Swiss Alps: Free Day]()
If an undivided day to roam in the Swiss Alps sounds like a dream come true, you’re going to be pinching yourself today! Enjoy spending the day exploring nearby villages, visiting a scenic lake, indulging in truly Swiss fondue, or shopping for chocolates and cuckoo clocks. We also recommend taking advantage of an optional excursion and journey up the Swiss Alps, take in the surrounding splendour and spend a pleasant morning enjoying the year-round snow and breathtaking views.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Hoheneck
Optional Excursions
- White-Water River Rafting i CHF108
- Sky-diving i €345
- Paragliding i €155
- Swiss Alps Mountain Experience i € various
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 12: Swiss Alps - Paris
![Swiss Alps - Paris]()
Today calls for an early rise as we wave goodbye to the Alps and head towards the bustling city of love, Paris. We will arrive in the city by late afternoon and will be treated to a driving tour of Paris’ most iconic attractions. See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and the famous Notre Dame! After that, sit down as a group and enjoy dinner at a Latin Quarter restaurant, enjoying the vibe of the eclectic neighbourhood. Finally, experience the world-famous metro system in Paris to journey back to your hotel.
Experiences
Driving tour of Paris: Enjoy a driving tour upon arrival - spot the Tuileries Gardens, The River Seine, l'Ile de la Cité, the Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Lovers Bridge, Sacre Coeur, Montmartre, Pigalle (the Red Light District) and the Moulin Rouge!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel ibis Paris La Défense Centre
B&B Hôtel Paris Porte des Lilas
B&B Hôtel Paris Italie Porte de Choisy
Hôtel Kyriad Paris Nord Porte de Saint Ouen
DAY 13: Paris: Free Day
![Paris: Free Day]()
Paris has plenty for everyone to see and do! This is why Expat has planned a free day in the city. Head out on a self-guided adventure to visit the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, the L’Opéra Garnier, or the Tuileries Gardens. Join us for an optional River Seine cruise, or pay a visit to Champs Elysees, and the famous Arc de Triomphe. For a unique adventure, explore the catacombs, or the graves of Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison. The day is yours to do with as you see fit, and the Expat tour leader is always there to help with suggestions.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel ibis Paris La Défense Centre
B&B Hôtel Paris Porte des Lilas
B&B Hôtel Paris Italie Porte de Choisy
Hôtel Kyriad Paris Nord Porte de Saint Ouen
Optional Excursions
- Cabaret Show i €70-90
- Paris + Tour i €50
- An Evening in Montmartre i €50
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 14: Paris - London
![Paris - London]()
Today the road leads back to the UK as you cross the English Channel once again. But there is much more still to come! Keep an eye out for the White Cliffs of Dover during the ferry trip. Once in London, and checked into the hotel, take a free evening to unwind before the British part of the tour kicks into full gear!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Ibis Greenwich
DAY 15: London - Cambridge - Yorkshire
![London - Cambridge - Yorkshire]()
Wake up to a London morning, enjoy a hearty English breakfast, and get a full dose of caffeine. Today, head out of the city and into the fresh air of the countryside! After a pleasant ride, arrive in Cambridge, where there’ll be time to punt along the River Cam and admire the impressive historical buildings set against the stunning scenery. Then continue on to York to enjoy a walking orientation tour with stories of the city. Check into your hotel before sitting down to enjoy a traditional British Sunday Roast accompanied by Yorkshire pudding!
Experiences
Cambridge punting: Take part in the age-old tradition of punting down the river in a riverboat.
Walking orientation tour of York - Take a walking tour around this historic walled city with your Expat Explore tour leader.
Traditional York dinner: Savour the traditional tastes especially of the iconic Yorkshire pudding.
DAY 16: Hadrian's Wall - Jedburgh - Edinburgh
![Hadrian's Wall - Jedburgh - Edinburgh]()
Back on the road, and it’s a trip to Hadrian’s Wall first thing this morning. This landmark has been around since 122 AD and played a significant part in Great Britain's history. The next stop, Jedburgh, is close by and offers some amazing sightseeing opportunities. Spend some time exploring this town, and be sure to check out the Jedburgh Abbey ruins. Afterwards, we make our way through picture-perfect Scotland to the city of Edinburgh. Enjoy an evening driving and walking tour of the city before going back to your hotel room for the night for some rest and relaxation.
Experiences
Angel of the North: Photo stop at the incredible steel structure of the Angel of the North.
Hadrian’s Wall: Marvel at the defensive wall built by during Emperor Hadrian’s reign.
Jedburgh: Visit the picturesque border town.
Dinner at an Italian restaurant: Indulge at Edinburgh’s best Italian restaurant.
Orientation tour of Edinburgh: Join your tour leader as they take you on a driving and walking tour through Edinburgh
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Holiday Inn West
Novotel Edinburgh Park Hotel
DAY 17: Edinburgh: Free Day
![Edinburgh: Free Day]()
Today you have the chance to see the best of Edinburgh. There are numerous art galleries, monuments, and landmarks to peruse at your leisure. The city offers a wonderful selection of pubs where one can enjoy the Scottish culture as well, and Princes Street is the ideal place to shop. The Royal Mile, Grass Market, and Edinburgh Castle are other attractions not to be missed. Don’t turn in too early, as the best of Edinburgh can be seen once the sun goes down. Opt-in for a night of traditional Scottish food and entertainment during the Spirit of Scotland Show. Enjoy a pint or a Scotch whiskey, maybe even try some haggis and make some friends as well as memories!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Holiday Inn West
Novotel Edinburgh Park Hotel
Optional Excursions
- Spirit of Scotland Show i £65
- Edinburgh - Conquer the Capital i £50
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 18: Loch Ness - Whisky Distillery - Glencoe - Scottish Highlands
![Loch Ness - Whisky Distillery - Glencoe - Scottish Highlands]()
Prepare for a day of adventure and wonder! Travel through the Scottish Highlands and make a stop at Loch Ness with the option to embark on a 1-hour cruise. Perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Unwind with a whiskey tasting at Fort William, one of Scotland’s oldest licensed whiskey distilleries. See Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis; visit Glencoe and learn about it’s dark yet fascinating past. Tonight’s accommodation is nestled deep in the heart of the Highlands, and we recommend embracing your last night in magical Scotland.
Experiences
Visit Loch Ness, with free time to explore, or join an optional boat tour.
Whisky tasting at one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries in Fort William.
As we head back south behold the grandeur of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, and Glen Coe, a spectacular glen with a fascinating history.
Scottish Highlands: Enjoy an overnight stay in the iconic Scottish Highlands.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Arrochar
Loch Long Hotel
DAY 19: Gretna Green - Lake District - Liverpool
![Gretna Green - Lake District - Liverpool]()
Travel back to England and enjoy the views of the Scottish landscape on the way. The Lake District is our lunch stop, the perfect place to relax and take in the scenery. Once full of renewed energy, find yourself on the road to Liverpool. Home of The Beatles and world-famous football clubs, this city offers an adventurous visit. After checking into your hotel, enjoy an evening of self-guided exploring. Stop in at one of the pubs for a wholesome meal before heading off to find the many places of interest around the city.
Experiences
Comfort stop at the world famous Gretna Green: Found on the Scottish side of the border between England and Scotland - this is where lovers used to get married without their parent’s permission.
Lunch in the English Lake District National Park: This is truly lunch with a view - enjoy the last bit of Scottish landscape before heading back to England.
Optional Excursions
- The Beatles Story & Museum i £17.50
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 20: Liverpool - Stratford-Upon-Avon - Cardiff
![Liverpool - Stratford-Upon-Avon - Cardiff]()
There is so much to see and do today, so there’s no time to waste. The day begins with a driving tour of Liverpool and the tour guide will point out all the most interesting spots. Next, venture out to Stratford-Upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Enjoy a walking tour of this medieval market town before taking advantage of some free time to wander and roam. There is an optional excursion for those who’d like to visit Shakespeare’s childhood home before moving on to Cardiff, the capital of Wales. Keep an eye out for a medieval Welsh castle on the road!
Experiences
Liverpool driving tour: Take a driving tour and see some of the city's highlights including the Albert Dock and a variety of locations connected to The Beatles.
Visit Stratford-Upon-Avon: Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare. You will have free time to wander the city and visit some of the Shakespearean attractions, such as the historic 16th-Century house where he grew up.
Castle photo stop: Enroute to Cardiff, take a step back in time and enjoy a quick photo stop at a medieval castle.
Orientation driving tour of Cardiff: We continue on to the Welsh capital where we will drive through the city sights before we head to our hotel
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Park Inn by Radisson Cardiff City Centre
Cardiff North Hotel by Accor
Optional Excursions
- Shakespeare's House i £17
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 21: Bath - Stonehenge - London
![Bath - Stonehenge - London]()
It’s the very last day of this magical tour! Enjoy a delightful drive from Wales back to London, with gorgeous views and tons of sightseeing along the way. First, visit Bath, a charming city filled with amazing architecture. Take a walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and learn all about the historic significance of the city. Back on the road, there’s one last optional excursion to head out to Stonehenge and enjoy seeing the mystical stones of this famous landmark. Then it’s time to say goodbye to your newly made travel group friends as the group arrives in London and our tour comes to a bittersweet end.
Experiences
Bath Orientation tour: learn all about Bath and its top attractions with your tour leader.
Optional Excursions
- Roman Baths i €20
- Stonehenge i £19
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.