Tours Eastern Europe Tours Best of Eastern Europe

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Summary

This 11-day Eastern Europe tour takes you on an unforgettable adventure through bucket-list destinations and hidden gems. Get ready for the world-famous canals of Venice and cruise along the waterways of Amsterdam. Discover the magic of fairytale cities like Prague, Vienna and Ljubljana. Bathe in geothermal springs in Budapest and soak up the vibrant, modern culture of Berlin. Indulge in delicious, authentic cuisines, uncover ancient history and experience new cultures and traditions. The best European trip packages combine action, intrigue and entertainment. This tour ticks all those boxes and more!

This tour forms the second half of our full-length Best of Europe tour; consider the full tour if you'd also like to visit other top destinations in the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland and more. Click here for more info.

Highlights

  • Enjoy free days to explore Vienna, Berlin and Amsterdam
  • Experience hidden gem destinations Ljubljana, Bratislava and Dresden
  • Guided tours of Vienna, Prague, Budapest and Berlin
  • Visit Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, and Bruges, a medieval Belgian city

Start Point

Hotel in Rome | 07:30 AM

End Point

Hotel in London | 07:00 PM
DAY 1: Start of tour in Rome - Venice

This morning, meet your Expat Explore tour leader and other travellers for the start of the tour. Then, it’s time to leave the churches and basilicas of Rome behind and head to the canals of Venice! On arrival, embark on an orientation walking tour with your tour leader. See top sights including the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. Then, witness a glass blowing demonstration. This is an incredible example of traditional Venetian craftsmanship! Afterwards, there is an option to explore Venice the traditional way - from the canals on a gondola ride or water taxi, which gives you a completely different perspective and appreciation for the amazing structure of this unique destination!

This tour includes no Rome hotel accommodation and forms the second half of the full-length Best of Europe 22-day tour, which starts and finishes in London - click here to see the full tour. There is an optional pre-tour add-on available on the Best of Eastern Europe tour which includes a 2-night pre-tour stay in Rome - please see the 'Optional Excursions' tab in our Help Section for more information.

DAY 1: Start of tour in Rome - Venice

This morning, meet your Expat Explore tour leader and other travellers for the start of the tour. Then, it’s time to leave the churches and basilicas of Rome behind and head to the canals of Venice! On arrival, embark on an orientation walking tour with your tour leader. See top sights including the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. Then, witness a glass blowing demonstration. This is an incredible example of traditional Venetian craftsmanship! Afterwards, there is an option to explore Venice the traditional way - from the canals on a gondola ride or water taxi, which gives you a completely different perspective and appreciation for the amazing structure of this unique destination!

This tour includes no Rome hotel accommodation and forms the second half of the full-length Best of Europe 22-day tour, which starts and finishes in London - click here to see the full tour. There is an optional pre-tour add-on available on the Best of Eastern Europe tour which includes a 2-night pre-tour stay in Rome - please see the 'Optional Excursions' tab in our Help Section for more information.

Experiences

Orientation tour of Venice: Your tour leader will take the group into the heart of this unique floating city perched across 118 islands for an orientation tour. Start off by tasting some gelato and then set off to see St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Museum, Campanile, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge and Scuola Grande di San Rocco.

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 2: Ljubljana - Zagreb

Today’s first destination is the Slovenian capital Ljubljana. Often thought of as a hidden gem of Europe, its castles, stunning architecture and natural beauty mean it packs a punch more powerful than its small size would suggest! Embark on an orientation tour through the city with your tour leader. Then, head to another capital city; Zagreb in Croatia! Arrive and join your tour leader on an orientation walk of this fascinating city. Next, enjoy free time to explore Zagreb’s unique mix of Hapsburg and Communist architecture, learn historical and cultural facts and get a glimpse of everyday life here. Check into the hotel and with time to freshen up before an included dinner this evening.

Experiences

Orientation tour of Ljubljana: Enjoy a visit to Slovenia’s capital city. Ljubljana is a compact destination filled with historic streets, impressive architecture, picturesque riverside neighbourhoods and a hilltop castle looking over it all. Embark on an orientation tour with your tour leader.

Orientation walk in Zagreb: Your tour leader will take you on an orientation walk of Croatia’s capital city. See the landmarks like the Museum of Contemporary Art, Maksimir Park, and the Mirogoj.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 3: Zagreb - Budapest

Today, cross the border into Hungary and stop at the scenic Lake Balaton before arriving in the capital city, Budapest! Cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest straddles the historic Danube River and boasts numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well as natural geo-thermal springs, drawing travellers from around the world. Enjoy a locally guided driving tour of the city followed by free time this evening to explore. Why not visit one of the city’s famous bathhouses, try the local food or simply stroll around the city admiring its magnificent architecture? Tonight, choose to see the city illuminated at twilight during the Danube Dinner Cruise optional excursion.

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, make 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.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 4: Bratislava - Vienna

This morning, travel to the Slovakian capital, Bratislava! Surrounded by mountains, vineyards, ski runs and wilderness, Bratislava is a stunning city. See if you can spot Bratislava Castle while embarking on an orientation tour of the city. Then, it’s on to Vienna! Arrive and join a local guide on a walking and driving tour of the Austrian capital. As a European centre for art and culture for centuries, Vienna was host to some of the world’s leading musical minds – including luminaries like Mozart and Beethoven. Along with its classical heritage, magnificent concert halls, palaces and museums, Vienna is also a modern city, with a vibrant nightlife culture. Taste authentic Viennese cuisine at a local restaurant tonight.

Experiences

Bratislava orientation tour: Join your tour leader 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: 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. The tour starts at the Golden Mile on the RingStrasse (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.

Dinner in a Viennese wine cellar: Enjoy dinner in a special location tonight! Tuck into a delicious meal in a historic Viennese wine cellar.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 5: Vienna: Free Day

Enjoy a free day to explore Vienna! Awash with imperial splendour, Vienna was once the centre of the powerful Habsburg monarchy, which dominated central Europe from the 16th-18th centuries. History fans should check out the incredible palaces of the era - Schönbrunn Palace and the Belvedere. Classical music lovers can opt to join today’s optional excursion to watch a concert by one of the greatest composers of the Viennese classical period, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 6: Vienna - Prague

Today the tour makes its way to the Czech Republic! Prague is a beautiful city, boasting elaborate Baroque, Gothic, Art Nouveau and Cubist architecture, and rewarding those who explore it with quirky bars, cobbled lanes and secluded courtyards. Known for its brilliant beer and abundance of history, any exploration of Prague will be a rewarding one. Arrive and set off on a walking tour with a local guide. Look forward to must-see sights including the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, St. Vitus Cathedral and the Charles Bridge. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore more at your own pace. This evening, enjoy the option of a four-course dinner along with a traditional Czech folk music and dance show!

Experiences

Prague walking tour: A local guide will introduce you to the must-see sights of Prague including the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, St. Vitus Cathedral and the Charles Bridge.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 7: Dresden - Berlin

The first stop today is in the German city of Dresden. Virtually rebuilt from the ground up after bombing attacks in WW2 destroyed the city centre, today Dresden is immaculate and stylish. Embark on an orientation walk of the city and enjoy some free time to explore. Try some of the local German food, such as Bratwurst, and have a wander around the beautifully paved streets. Then, head to Berlin, the capital of Germany. Arrive and head out on a driving tour. Visit poignant locations such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and Checkpoint Charlie.

Experiences

Explore the streets of Dresden: Enjoy a lunch stop in Dresden. During WW2 the city was almost completely destroyed by bombing attacks. Luckily, most of its treasures were removed beforehand and today, Dresden has been carefully rebuilt. It is full of beautiful and striking architecture and is home to amazing museums, arts and culture. Take a walk through the city centre and choose a local spot to enjoy lunch.

Driving tour of Berlin: Your tour leader will explain the amazing history of this vibrant city and show you all the must-see sights, including Alexanderplatz, Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the Berlin Wall and Reichstag. Take a note of those you want to explore further on your free day tomorrow!

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 8: Berlin: Free Day

Enjoy a free day to further explore the history of the German capital! The Berlin Wall stands as a sombre reminder of the controls imposed on Berlin during and after WW2, however, the bright street art that adorns it today seems to give it a peaceful purpose. Berlin also offers numerous free museums and galleries to visit, which all contribute to the understanding of this city's modern history. A great optional which showcases the highlights of the city is the Berlin+ tour. Join to visit some of the city’s top attractions and gain a deeper insight into Berlin’s history as well as its modern culture today.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 9: Berlin - Amsterdam

This morning, say auf Wiedersehen to Germany as the tour journeys on to the Netherlands. Watch as the landscape changes to windmills and waterways while approaching the capital city of Amsterdam. This evening, enjoy a twilight canal cruise, accompanied by interesting commentary about the city’s development and history. Afterwards, head for dinner at a local restaurant. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy the bars and cafés or even visit the famous Red Light District!

Experiences

Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Sail along Amsterdam's stunning canals at twilight. Cruise past famous landmarks and admire the scenery from the atmospheric canals. 

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 10: Amsterdam: Free Day

Enjoy a full free day to experience the delights of Amsterdam! There are numerous museums and art galleries to choose from - why not visit the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum? Alternatively,  join the Dutch countryside optional excursion to see how local Dutch cheese and clogs are made and visit quaint Dutch villages! Another optional excursion offers the opportunity to indulge in contemporary art at the MOCO Museum followed by a history lesson on Dutch gin with a delicious cocktail at the end! As tonight is the last night of the tour, adding the optional Dutch dinner to the itinerary is highly recommended! This is the perfect way to bid farewell to fellow travellers.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 11: Bruges - End of tour in London

After an Amsterdam adventure, there is one more stop before setting off for the UK. The Belgian city of Bruges is small but picturesque, with breathtaking architecture. Described as the ‘Venice of the North’, take some time to stretch your legs and indulge in a spot of sightseeing in beautiful Bruges. Don’t miss the opportunity to try an authentic Belgian waffle or beer while here! Afterwards, travel back to London, crossing the English Channel on the way. This is the perfect time to exchange contact details with new friends and travel buddies as you prepare to disembark in the capital. After 11 days of unforgettable travel highlights, this Eastern Europe tour comes to an end this evening in London.

Experiences

Visit Bruges: Stop in this beautiful medieval town and enjoy some free time to explore. Try the signature national dish of moules-frites, see or even climb the Belfry Tower, have a Belgian beer or waffle and buy some amazing Belgian chocolate to take home!

Meals

Breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 10 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
  • Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room

Meals

  • 10 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
    *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Transport

  • Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
  • Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

Tour Leader

  • Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
  • Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

12 Experiences!

  • Explore Venice on an orientation tour
  • Visit Ljubljana; Slovenia’s capital city
  • Discover Zagreb; capital city of Croatia
  • See the best-loved sights in Budapest on a driving tour
  • Visit Bratislava; Slovakia’s capital city
  • Discover Vienna on a walking and driving tour
  • Enjoy dinner in a Viennese wine cellar
  • Experience a Prague walking tour
  • Explore the historic streets of Dresden
  • Driving tour of Berlin, capital of Germany
  • Cruise the canals of Amsterdam 
  • Visit the medieval Belgian city of Bruges

Accommodation

Hotels are chosen closer to departure date. We do use a variety of hotels in each destination, so you may stay in a hotel different to that listed here.

Venice

Photos of the tour

Rome Add-on Pre-tour

Start your tour with a 2-night pre-tour stay in Rome, the historic capital of Italy. Two nights hotel accommodation, one dinner, a guided walking tour of Rome and the services of your Expat Explore tour leader are included:

  • Day 1 - Our local Roman tour guide will introduce you to the city and its many historic sights, including the Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Roman Forum and the Colosseum. This evening, enjoy an included dinner.
  • Day 2 - Enjoy a free day to explore Rome at your leisure.
  • Day 3 - The regular itinerary commences as the tour departs Rome. 

Please Note: This excursion must be pre-booked and paid for when the full tour payment is due  - please email us to book.

Optional Excursions

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

Dates & Rates

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Our pricing model: Lowest-priced seats are sold first, then the price increases slightly. The quicker you book, the less you pay. Select a date below to secure your seat.
Years
Start Date / End DateFlexible BookingStatusPrice Per Person
08 May 2024 - 18 May 2024Flexible booking date for 08 May 2024 - 18 May 2024Only 1 seat left at this price€ 2,010 € 1,730
29 May 2024 - 08 Jun 2024Flexible booking date for 29 May 2024 - 08 Jun 2024Last 2 seats left - Book Now!€ 2,010 € 1,770
19 Jun 2024 - 29 Jun 2024Flexible booking date for 19 Jun 2024 - 29 Jun 2024Only 1 seat left at this price€ 2,010 € 1,730
10 Jul 2024 - 20 Jul 2024Flexible booking date for 10 Jul 2024 - 20 Jul 2024Last seat left - Book Now!€ 2,010 € 1,770
31 Jul 2024 - 10 Aug 2024Flexible booking date for 31 Jul 2024 - 10 Aug 2024Only 4 seats left at this price€ 2,010 € 1,615
21 Aug 2024 - 31 Aug 2024Flexible booking date for 21 Aug 2024 - 31 Aug 2024Only 3 seats left at this price€ 2,010 € 1,615
11 Sep 2024 - 21 Sep 2024Flexible booking date for 11 Sep 2024 - 21 Sep 2024Only 4 seats left at this price€ 2,010 € 1,730
02 Oct 2024 - 12 Oct 2024Flexible booking date for 02 Oct 2024 - 12 Oct 2024Only 4 seats left at this price€ 2,010 € 1,730
23 Oct 2024 - 02 Nov 2024Flexible booking date for 23 Oct 2024 - 02 Nov 2024Only 6 seats left at this price€ 2,010 € 1,680
17 Apr 2024 - 27 Apr 2024Flexible booking date for 17 Apr 2024 - 27 Apr 2024SOLD OUT!

Number of travellers

Payment option

Flexible booking: flexible booking

Additional Information

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.

Additional Information Help Centre

Reviews

Reviews powered by: Power Reviews

31 reviews
T
Tom Verified Buyer 2023-10-01
Fantastic Adventure
A wonderful whirlwind of all the best of Eastern Europe that I enjoyed so much! The best tour guide ever. Wonderful family made along the way!
R
Repeat Customer Verified Buyer 2023-07-12
Fast and Furious--but well worth it!
Incredible sites, well organized with a very full itinerary. Averaged 15k steps per day! Gabi was incredible and rolled with the various challenges we encountered. Highly recommend if you want to see many of the ex-Soviet countries!
C
C Verified Buyer 2023-06-19
Wonderful sight-seeing experience!
The sites were amazing. The itinerary was great with all the capital cities.Venice was interesting but too fast. The negatives were that it was too busy, especially if do most optionals. Folk music night was fantastic. Venetian restaurant was cool. Tour guide, Emma, was super knowledgeable and informative. She also had a good sense of humour. She managed a group that had some difficult personalities too, which was no simple feat. Our driver, Damien, was absolutely fantastic - very safe driver and excellent skills in tight spaces. Both very kind and polite.
H
Haley Verified Buyer 2023-06-11
Perfection! I will be back!
I had an amazing time on this tour. Emma O. was absolutely amazing and went above and beyond to make sure everyone had everything they needed. She checked in each morning with everyone to see how they were doing and feeling and she actually cared and genuinely wanted everyone to have a great time. It was amazing to get to see how excited she got about showing us around all these different countries. This is a very fast paced tour so it may not be for everyone but it seemed like everyone of all ages enjoyed themselves. Damien is an absolutely amazing driver. I have a fear of driving in the mountains and he is such a safe and skilled driver I never once felt afraid. He went out of his way to make sure some nights we had a ride back to the hotel from different city centers even if one wasn't initially scheduled. I will definitely book a tour like this again. Thank you for such an amazing and safe trip!
K
Kelly Verified Buyer 2023-06-11
Great Trip
We had a great trip and got to explore so many different cities and countries. If you're looking for a fast paced trip with a lot to do, this is the trip for you!

Why this tour?

Eastern Europe trips are popular with every kind of traveller including singles, adults, couples, friends and families. This is thanks to this region being home to intriguing history, captivating culture, vibrant cities and charming old towns. There is no shortage of unique things to see and do! You’ll experience the highlights of 11 magnificent countries over 11 days on this Best of Eastern Europe tour. 

The package forms the second leg of our Best of Europe tour and you’ll start in Rome, travelling north through the heart of the continent. Look forward to seeing famous cities like Venice, Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Berlin and Amsterdam - definite highlights of East Europe tours! Enjoy stops in Ljubljana, Zagreb, Bratislava and Dresden and find out more about these fascinating destinations. Finish up with a stop in medieval Bruges before ending the tour in London.

The itinerary has been expertly designed to showcase an array of sights and optional activities; from locally guided tours of Budapest, Vienna and Prague, to cruising Amsterdam’s canals. You can choose to tour the Dutch countryside, enjoy a riveting Mozart concert in Vienna and more, as exciting optional add-ons. 

Join a fun and seasoned tour leader while you tour the continent on a modern, comfortable bus safely operated by our experienced travel crew. This is sure to be one of those trips you never forget!  

Travelling during the festive season? Why not spend Christmas and New Years in Eastern Europe and enjoy the unique Christmas markets, festivities and celebratory splendour of the region!