ToursEurope Multi-Country ToursBest of Western Europe

Best of Western Europe

Reviews
Countries
7
Days
10
Per Day from
€ 172
Start Point:
London/
End Point:
Rome/
Ages:
10 - 75+
Accommodation:
Hotel
Transport:
Private coach

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Was€ 2,235
From € 1,720
View Dates & Rates

Price per adult twin share room.

Our Price Beat Promise is to give you the lowest prices for our tours - guaranteed! Show us the lower price and we’ll do more than match it, we’ll beat it! Learn More

More reasons to book with us

  • Flexible bookings: 30-day money-back guarantee & free date changes Learn More
  • Low deposit secures your booking
  • Services of your Expat Explore tour leader
  • Pay the remaining balance off in instalments
  • FREE Wi-Fi in hotels

Summary

Encounter the highlights and hidden gems of western Europe on this fast-paced tour. Enjoy free days in Paris and Lucerne, renowned European cities. Discover the allure of France’s Champagne region and the mystical Black Forest in Germany. Gaze in awe at the Rhine Falls in Switzerland and Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa. Amble along the road less travelled and enjoy bucket list experiences! Along the way, your tour leader will introduce you to locals and hand-selected destinations that epitomise each region. This is an immersive tour that's tailor-made for foodies and history buffs! 

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

Highlights

  • Enjoy full free days to explore Paris and Lucerne
  • Experience the famous Champagne region of France and the Rhine Falls in Switzerland
  • Visit the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, Pisa and Florence
  • Explore Siena, Innsbruck and Heidelberg

Itinerary View Full ItineraryDownload PDF

Start Point

Hotel in London | 10:00 AM

End Point

Hotel in Rome | 11:00 AM
DAY 1: Start of tour in London

Welcome to London and the first day of the tour! Meet your tour leader at the starting hotel before setting off on the first excursion for today: a city tour of London! England’s buzzing capital city is full of things to see, do and enjoy! From historic monuments and world-famous landmarks to royal castles and sprawling palaces, London has it all. Tick top sites off your bucket list during a drive through the city, find a spot to enjoy London’s foodie scene with free time for lunch and embark on a tour of Westminster which is home to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey! Tonight, enjoy an included group dinner at a traditional British pub.

Meals: Dinner

DAY 1: Start of tour in London

Welcome to London and the first day of the tour! Meet your tour leader at the starting hotel before setting off on the first excursion for today: a city tour of London! England’s buzzing capital city is full of things to see, do and enjoy! From historic monuments and world-famous landmarks to royal castles and sprawling palaces, London has it all. Tick top sites off your bucket list during a drive through the city, find a spot to enjoy London’s foodie scene with free time for lunch and embark on a tour of Westminster which is home to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey! Tonight, enjoy an included group dinner at a traditional British pub.

Experiences

Driving tour of London: See London’s top sights and learn more about its history on a driving tour of the city! London is home to rich history, royal relics and buzzing modern areas! See some of the city’s most popular boroughs, keep an eye out for landmarks like Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Cutty Sark, and enjoy free time for lunch. Plus, enjoy an included tour of Westminser - this borough is home to London icons such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Palaces of Westminster. You’ll also get to tick “See Buckingham Palace” off you bucket list too! 

Dinner in a traditional British pub: Tonight enjoy an included welcome dinner at a historic local pub, where you can try typical British dishes like fish and chips, bangers and mash (sausages and mashed potato) or a seasonal vegetarian dish.

Meals

Dinner

DAY 2: London - Paris

Depart London and cross the English Channel to travel on to 'The City of Lights and Love' - Paris! Arrive and enjoy an introduction to all the key Parisian sites on a relaxing driving tour of the city. Keep an eye out for iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe - take a mental note of what you wish to explore further on the free day tomorrow. This evening, enjoy an included group dinner at a restaurant in the city. Then, after a fun-filled day of travel, it’s time to head to the hotel. Get some rest tonight to be ready for a full day of Parisian adventures tomorrow!

Experiences

Enjoy a driving tour of Paris: Spot the Tuileries Gardens, The River Seine, l'Île 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!

Meals

BreakfastDinner

DAY 3: Paris: Free Day

Enjoy a full free day to explore the French capital to your heart’s content! Join in the Paris+ optional for a unique and exciting experience of the city with your tour leader. The excursion includes a macaron tasting, a guided tour of a renowned perfumery, a sightseeing cruise along the River Seine with lunch on board, a trip to the top of the Montparnasse Tower for incredible views of Paris, and more! Tonight, join the Evening in Montmartre optional excursion to see famous sights including the Sacré Coeur and Moulin Rouge and enjoy dinner in this gorgeous neighbourhood. Finally, why not complete this free day with a night at a Parisian cabaret? C’est magnifique!

Meals

Breakfast

On Tour Excursions
Paris+

Spend the day ticking off Parisian highlights! Today includes top attractions, macarons, perfume, a River Seine Cruise and much more.

An Evening in Montmartre

Explore the vibrant Montmartre neighbourhood by night! See the Moulin Rouge and the Sacré-Cœur basilica and indulge in a three-course French dinner.

Parisian Cabaret with drinks

Be amazed by colours, costumes and cancan at one of Paris’ top cabaret venues!

DAY 4: Champagne region - Luxembourg - Heidelberg

This morning depart Paris and make a stop in the Champagne region. Here, enjoy a tasting of one of France’s most famous and highly prized exports - champagne! Then, the journey continues on to Luxembourg, where there will be free time to explore the capital of one of Europe’s smallest countries. The final destination of the day is Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town which is renowned for its Altstadt (old town), ruined Renaissance hilltop castle and romantic riverside cityscape. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city centre and some free time to explore the old town before an included group dinner tonight.

Experiences

Champagne Tasting in Reims: Savour the taste of one of France’s most important exports - champagne. Admire the bubbles and taste of this highly-prized wine. 

Visit Luxembourg: Enjoy free time in the capital of one of Europe’s smallest countries! Luxembourg City features a charming UNESCO-listed centre with plenty of restaurants and cafés.

Orientation tour of Heidelberg: Your tour leader will take you on an orientation tour of Heidelberg’s Altstadt (old town), a medieval town with cobblestoned roads and infectious charm. See the ruined Renaissance hilltop castle and romantic riverside cityscape.

Overnight in Heidelberg: A university town with a beautiful Baroque old town and vibrant nightlife, Heidelberg is the capital of the Romantic road, a route that travels through the Romantic towns of Germany.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

DAY 5: Black Forest - Lake Titisee - Rhine Falls - Lucerne region

This morning, head into the heart of Germany’s Schwarzwald (Black Forest), home of delicious Black Forest gâteau, cuckoo clocks and Hansel and Gretel! Enjoy a stop at a local family business in the heart of the forest for the chance to purchase an authentic German cuckoo clock. Then, arrive on the shores of Lake Titisee with free time to explore the spa town of Titisee and grab some lunch. Next, travel into Switzerland and stop at the stunning Rhine Falls, the largest plain waterfall in Europe. Enjoy time to explore, with the option to take a boat ride on the falls. Later, arrive in Lucerne and embark on an orientation tour of the city before travelling to tonight’s accommodation.

Experiences

Explore Germany’s Schwarzwald (Black Forest): Stop off at a family owned cuckoo clock centre in the heart of the Black Forest, the perfect opportunity to pick up a souvenir and shop for Swiss and German brands like Swarovski, Victorinox and Goebel, and have a cup of coffee with a slice of Black Forest gâteau cake.

Visit Titisee: Enjoy some free time to explore the historic centre of the Titisee spa town on the shore of Lake Titisee, and grab some lunch from one of the many cafés and restaurants.

Experience the Rhine Falls: Enjoy some free time to experience the dramatic Rhine Falls in northern Switzerland and take in views of Wörth Castle. An optional boat ride is offered which will take you into the falls and allow you to climb onto Rheinfallfelsen, the large rock at its heart.

Orientation walk of Lucerne city centre: Your tour leader will walk you through the centre of Lucerne and point out some of the highlights you can explore further on your free day tomorrow, such as the Lion Monument, Church of St Leodegar and the famous Chapel Bridge.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

On Tour Excursions
Rhine Falls Cruise

Take a boat ride to see the Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall, up close! Climb to the viewing platform (+-100 steps) for 360-degree views!

DAY 6: Lucerne: Free Day

Today is a free day to enjoy the Lucerne region. Renowned as one of Switzerland's most beautiful cities, Lucerne is one place photographer’s paradise! All the ingredients for the quintessentially picturesque Swiss experience are here - a cobalt lake and well-preserved old town complete with waterfront promenades, covered bridges and perfect plazas are surrounded by the natural skyscrapers of the Swiss Alps. It's really no wonder that Goethe, Queen Victoria and Wagner savoured the stunning views that Lucerne has to offer! There's charm and grace around every corner, but it's not all about history - there's certainly enough of a pulse here to keep things current, with carnivals, concerts and exhibitions aplenty.

Meals

Breakfast

On Tour Excursions
Mount Pilatus Excursion

Travel to Pilatus Kulm and admire lush meadows, sparkling mountain streams and fascinating rock faces. This is the world’s steepest cogwheel railway!

Lake Lucerne Panoramic Cruise

Enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne and admire the mountain scenery and the picturesque town of Lucerne from the water on this hour-long boat trip.

DAY 7: Liechtenstein - Neuschwanstein Castle - Innsbruck

Four countries in one day! Depart Switzerland for the first stop in the Alpine principality of Liechtenstein, the sixth smallest nation in the world. Stopping in the capital Vaduz, take time to stroll around and enjoy the scenery. Next, it’s time for a highlight of the tour - a visit Neuschwanstein Castle! This 19th century German hilltop castle was built by Ludwig II of Bavaria and was the inspiration for the famous Disneyland castle. Entrance to the castle is included in the tour package price. Today’s final destination of the day in Innsbruck, Austria. Tonight, enjoy a taste of Austrian culture with the Tyrol Folk Evening & Dinner optional excursion.

Experiences

Comfort Stop in Vaduz: Visit Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. This tiny country may only be the size of Manhattan, but it's skyscrapers of a different kind that dominate the skyline!

Explore the famous Neuschwanstein Castle:  Enter the incredible Neuschwanstein Castle interior and enjoy a tour of this magical structure! This castle looks like it's straight out of a fairy tale - which incidentally isn't far from the truth: Neuschwanstein Castle served as the inspiration for Disney’s famous Sleeping Beauty castle.

Orientation tour of Innsbruck: Enjoy an introduction to this vibrant Austrian city. Innsbruck is home to intricate imperial architecture along with modern buildings. It is also a popular winter sports destination!

Meals

Breakfast

On Tour Excursions
Tyrol Folk Evening & Dinner

Experience traditional Tyrolean music and dancing along with an authentic, three-course Austrian dinner!

DAY 8: Modena - Siena

This morning, Itay is calling! Board the coach, travel south and cross the border. One of the most visited destinations in the world, Italy serves up centuries of incredible history, rich culture and, of course, fantastic food! On the way to Siena, enjoy a visit to Modena for an included balsamic vinegar tasting for which the region is famous! Arriving in Siena this afternoon, join your tour leader for a short orientation tour of the historic city centre. Afterwards, make the most of free time in Siena to enjoy the sights, sounds and flavours of this historic Italian destination.

Experiences

Taste traditional balsamic vinegar in Modena: Enjoy a taste of traditional balsamic vinegar in Modena, which has been produced in Modena and Reggio Emilia since the 11th century.

Orientation tour of Siena: Enjoy an orientation tour of Siena with your tour leader. This historic Italian city is home to beautiful architecture, wonderful art and delicious food and wine. Siena is famous for hosting the Palio horse race twice a year!

Meals

Breakfast

DAY 9: Pisa - Florence - Siena

Visit and explore two of the undoubted highlights of the Tuscan region: Pisa and Florence! The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the first stop. It’s a classic sight in Italy that is more than 800 years old. Take a moment to explore the grounds and get that essential travel selfie with the tower. Afterwards, travel through the countryside to Florence, the capital of this region. Take an orientation walking tour of the city to explore its many iconic sights. These include the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and the replica of the statue of David. Then head to a genuine Italian leather factory and shop. Italian leather brands have dominated the fashion world for centuries and the quality of handmade leatherware in Tuscany is something to behold. Spend some time over lunch exploring the city at your leisure before returning to Siena.

Experiences

Leather-making demonstration: Visit a local leather factory and shop to learn more about the historic art of leather-making!

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. 

See the Leaning Tower of Pisa: Enjoy a stop at this famous Italian icon which is more than 800 years old! Be sure to snap some photos of you “holding up” the tower!

Meals

Breakfast

On Tour Excursions
Taste of Tuscany

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.

DAY 10: End of tour in Rome

After 10 experience-filled days, the tour ends today in Rome. Make sure that you have swapped contact details with your fellow travellers before you part ways! Please note: This tour includes no Rome hotel accommodation and forms the first 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 post-tour add-on to extend the Best of Western Europe tour with a 2-night post-tour stay in Rome - please see the 'Optional Excursions' tab in our Help Section for more information.

Meals

Breakfast

On Tour Excursions
Rome Add-on Post-tour

Extend your stay in Rome by two nights with accommodation, breakfast, dinner, a walking tour of Rome and services of tour leader included.

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 9 nights' accommodation in twin rooms with private en-suite facilities
  • Single travelers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room

Meals

  • 9 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

19 Experiences!

  • Explore London’s top sights on a driving tour 
  • Enjoy dinner at a traditional British Pub
  • Head out on a driving tour of Paris
  • Champagne tasting in Reims
  • Spend free time in Luxembourg City
  • Orientation tour of Heidelberg
  • Overnight in Heidelberg; capital of the Romantic Road
  • Stop off at a cuckoo clock centre in the Black Forest
  • Lunch and free time in the historic centre of Titisee
  • Spend free time at th Rhine Falls
  • Orientation walk of Lucerne city centre
  • Stop in Vaduz; capital of Liechtenstein
  • Enter and explore the famous Neuschwanstein Castle
  • Explore Innsbruck at your leisure
  • Taste traditional balsamic vinegar in Modena
  • Visit Siena; home of the famous Palio horse race
  • See how Florentine leather is crafted
  • Visit Florence; Italy’s famous Renaissance city
  • Photo stop at the Leaning Tower of Pisa

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.

London

Photos of the tour

Paris+

Join your tour leader on an unforgettable day out in Paris! Look forward to enjoying classic French experiences. These include tasting macarons at the world-famous Ladurée, strolling through the beautiful Place Vendôme and a guided tour of the Fragonard Musée du Parfum. You’ll also visit Montparnasse Tower for panoramic views of Paris, take in the impressive views of the Eiffel Tower from Champ de Mars, enjoy a sightseeing River Seine cruise with food and drinks on board, and visit the vibrant Latin Quarter where the tour ends. Here, you’ll have free time to explore and glimpse the reconstruction of the Notre Dame Cathedral!

Optional Excursions

All optional excursions are booked on tour and paid in cash to your tour leader, unless stated otherwise. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Dates & Rates

Our Price Beat Promise is to give you the lowest prices for our tours - guaranteed! Show us the lower price and we’ll do more than match it, we’ll beat it! Learn More

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 Oct 2023 - 17 Oct 2023Flexible booking date for 08 Oct 2023 - 17 Oct 2023Last 3 seats left - Book Now!€ 2,235 € 1,930
06 Apr 2024 - 15 Apr 2024Flexible booking date for 06 Apr 2024 - 15 Apr 2024Only 3 seats left at this price€ 2,235 € 1,875
27 Apr 2024 - 06 May 2024Flexible booking date for 27 Apr 2024 - 06 May 2024Only 2 seats left at this price€ 2,235 € 1,875
18 May 2024 - 27 May 2024Flexible booking date for 18 May 2024 - 27 May 2024Only 2 seats left at this price€ 2,235 € 1,875
08 Jun 2024 - 17 Jun 2024Flexible booking date for 08 Jun 2024 - 17 Jun 2024Only 3 seats left at this price€ 2,235 € 1,875
29 Jun 2024 - 08 Jul 2024Flexible booking date for 29 Jun 2024 - 08 Jul 2024Last 6 seats left - Book Now!€ 2,235 € 1,930
20 Jul 2024 - 29 Jul 2024Flexible booking date for 20 Jul 2024 - 29 Jul 2024Only 2 seats left at this price€ 2,235 € 1,800
10 Aug 2024 - 19 Aug 2024Flexible booking date for 10 Aug 2024 - 19 Aug 2024Only 5 seats left at this price€ 2,235 € 1,720
31 Aug 2024 - 09 Sep 2024Flexible booking date for 31 Aug 2024 - 09 Sep 2024Only 2 seats left at this price€ 2,235 € 1,875
21 Sep 2024 - 30 Sep 2024Flexible booking date for 21 Sep 2024 - 30 Sep 2024Only 1 seat left at this price€ 2,235 € 1,800
12 Oct 2024 - 21 Oct 2024Flexible booking date for 12 Oct 2024 - 21 Oct 2024Only 5 seats left at this price€ 2,235 € 1,720

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

25 reviews
S
SK Verified Buyer2023-07-31
Jam packed adventure
Did alot that I didn't even know existed, like Modena balsamic vinegar...wow. I thought the tour leader was very accommodating for folks with different energy levels .
C
Carolina sisters Verified Buyer2023-07-27
What a Whirlwind Trip
Emma C. And James were top-notch. They kept us organized and safe. We were well informed and thoroughly enjoyed this trip.
K
Kara Needham Verified Buyer2023-05-03
Great Trip!
Branden and Bobby were amazing! They are both very highly recommended!! The tour was very fast paced when we weren't on the bus though and there was a lot of time on the bus with very early mornings and late nights… But we saw a lot of amazing sites in 10 days and met a lot of great people
C
Canadians Verified Buyer2022-08-03
Trip of a lifetime!!
My niece and I absolutely loved ever minute of this trip!! Our guide and driver were exceptional and the locations we visited were beyond beautiful!! I have been recommending Expat since I got home and looking forward to one day traveling with them again!
A
Amanda Verified Buyer2022-08-02
Trip of a Lifetime
My daughter and I had the most Amazing trip with memories that will last a lifetime!

Why this tour?

Immerse yourself in the best that West Europe has to offer over 10 days. Buckle up and join us on the Best of Western Europe one-way tour, beginning in London and ending in Rome. This western Europe itinerary is jam-packed with top attractions, incredible scenery, historical sites, authentic experiences and tonnes of fun!

See the highlights of seven countries including the United Kingdom, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy plus a stop in Liechtenstein! 

Hop aboard this Western Europe tour and enjoy a number of highlights:

  • See historic European landmarks! Explore Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany and find out why it is said to have provided inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle! You’ll also get to snap photos of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. These are longstanding favourites for travellers on Western European tours.
  • Experience the natural beauty of Rhine Falls in Switzerland - one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls.
  • Visit the Champagne region in France where you will enjoy a Champagne tasting in Reims.
  • Enjoy free days in Paris, Lucerne and Tuscany - some of the best places to visit in Western Europe - and explore at your leisure.
  • Take in the sights of the “City of Love” on a driving tour of Paris. Exploring Paris is a real highlight of Europe package deals!
  • Enjoy several authentic European experiences: See how cuckoo clocks are made in Germany’s Black Forest, taste balsamic vinegar in Modena and take in a leather-making demonstration in Florence.
  • Complete your Western Europe vacation with visits to Siena, Innsbruck, Heidelberg, Titisee and Vaduz! 

Is this the right tour for me?
What can I expect from the accommodation on tour?
You’ll spend 9 nights in twin-share rooms with private en-suite bathrooms. Travellers will be paired up with someone of the same gender. Looking for some privacy? No problem! A single room supplement is available to purchase.

What should I pack? 
Pack according to the time of year you are travelling through Western Europe. Summer can become hot so pack light, breathable clothing. For winter, bring along warm clothing including a thick jacket or coat. In spring and autumn, layers are a good idea. Be sure to pack sturdy walking shoes for city tours as well as sun protection and a rain jacket/umbrella for all times of year - it’s best to be prepared!   

How much time will be spent travelling by bus? 
Our western coach tours’ itineraries have been designed to maximise travel experiences! There are no major driving days and drive times will include comfort stops. Luckily, the Western European scenery is sure to keep you captivated as we travel between destinations! 

What are the best cities in Western Europe to visit? 
Where do we even begin? Western Europe is home to a number of amazing cities to visit. Top destinations include Paris, London, Lucerne, Florence and Rome which are all included on this tour. 

Expat Explore’s Western Europe tour packages are an excellent way to experience this captivating part of the world. Enjoy a holiday that is hassle free with accommodation, transport, most meals and a number of unforgettable activities included in the tour price! The Best of Western Europe tour is an affordable, convenient and fun way to travel; filled with history, great food and amazing sites. Pack your bag, buckle up and you are ready to go west with the best!