Tours Europe Multi-Country Tours Best of Western Europe

Best of Western Europe

Countries: 7 Days: 10 Per Day: US$ 177
Start Point:London
End Point:Rome
Transport:Private coach
Accommodation:Hotel
Ages:10 - 75+
WasUS$ 2,680
From US$ 1,775
check-greenFlexible booking: 10-day money-back guarantee

Price per person in twin share room

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

More reasons to book with us

  • Flexible bookings: 10-day money-back guarantee & free date changes
  • 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

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. Enjoy an included lunch at an authentic British pub before embarking on a locally-guided tour of Westminster which is home to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey! Tick top sights off your bucket-list including Buckingham Palace. Tonight is free to explore this captivating city at your own pace.

Meals: Lunch

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. Enjoy an included lunch at an authentic British pub before embarking on a locally-guided tour of Westminster which is home to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey! Tick top sights off your bucket-list including Buckingham Palace. Tonight is free to explore this captivating city at your own pace.

Experiences

London Guided Tour: See London’s top sights and learn more about its history on a guided city tour! London is home to rich history, royal relics and buzzing modern areas! See some of the city’s most popular boroughs and keep an eye out for iconic landmarks. Plus, enjoy an included tour of Westminster - 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 your bucket list!

Lunch in a traditional British pub: This afternoon, enjoy an included welcome lunch at a historic local pub, where you can try a typical British roast! Vegetarian options are available.

Meals

Lunch

Accommodation

Hotel


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

Accommodation

Hotel


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

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

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

Accommodation

Hotel


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

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

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

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

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

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

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

Accommodation

Hotel


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

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

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

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 9 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 (subject to availability)

Meals

  • 9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 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!

  1. Explore London’s top sights on a guided tour
  2. Enjoy lunch at a traditional British Pub
  3. Enjoy a driving tour of Paris
  4. Champagne tasting in Reims
  5. Spend free time in Luxembourg City
  6. Orientation tour of Heidelberg
  7. Overnight in Heidelberg; capital of the Romantic Road
  8. Stop off at a cuckoo clock centre in the Black Forest
  9. Lunch and free time in the historic centre of Titisee
  10. Spend free time at th Rhine Falls
  11. Orientation walk of Lucerne city centre
  12. Stop in Vaduz; capital of Liechtenstein
  13. Enter and explore the famous Neuschwanstein Castle
  14. Explore Innsbruck at your leisure
  15. Taste traditional balsamic vinegar in Modena
  16. Visit Siena; home of the famous Palio horse race
  17. See how Florentine leather is crafted
  18. Visit Florence; Italy’s famous Renaissance city
  19. Photo stop at the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Accommodation

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 London and Rome, book pre and post-tour accommodation through our partner Booking.com.

London

Photos of the tour

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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.

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Dates & Rates

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

Our pricing model: Whether you book early or take advantage of our special promotions, you’ll always get fantastic value when you choose to travel with us.
Years
Start Date / End DateFlexible BookingStatusPrice Per Person
21 Mar 2025 - 30 Mar 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-03-21Book now with low depositUS$2,680 US$1,775
11 Apr 2025 - 20 Apr 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-04-11Book now with low depositUS$2,680 US$1,775
02 May 2025 - 11 May 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-05-02Book now with low depositUS$2,680 US$2,165
23 May 2025 - 01 Jun 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-05-23SOLD OUT!
13 Jun 2025 - 22 Jun 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-06-13SOLD OUT!
04 Jul 2025 - 13 Jul 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-07-04Book now with low depositUS$2,680 US$2,165
11 Jul 2025 - 20 Jul 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-07-11SOLD OUT!
25 Jul 2025 - 03 Aug 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-07-25Book now with low depositUS$2,680 US$1,985
15 Aug 2025 - 24 Aug 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-08-15Book now with low depositUS$2,680 US$1,985
22 Aug 2025 - 31 Aug 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-08-22SOLD OUT!
05 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-09-05Book now with low depositUS$2,680 US$1,985
26 Sep 2025 - 05 Oct 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-09-26Book now with low depositUS$2,680 US$2,055
03 Oct 2025 - 12 Oct 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-10-03SOLD OUT!
20 Mar 2026 - 29 Mar 2026Flexible booking date for 2026-03-20Book now with low depositUS$2,605 US$1,895
10 Apr 2026 - 19 Apr 2026Flexible booking date for 2026-04-10Book now with low depositUS$2,605 US$1,895

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
N
Nurse Verified Buyer 2024-11-13
Amazing
Levy our guide it was a lot of fun, very informative and friendly
P
Pinkie Verified Buyer 2024-11-13
Fun, exciting, memorable
Beautiful places, tour guide (Levy) was fun and knowledgeable, love the activities
T
Tess Verified Buyer 2024-07-14
Awesome tour!
Our tour guide Emma and the captain of the bus James are awesome and they provided excellent service.
C
Candy Verified Buyer 2024-05-28
Fabulous holiday!!
Once in a lifetime!! Very quick paced but you get to see all the best stuff in a short time. Definitely great for a first time visit!
Y
Yogi Verified Buyer 2024-05-14
Very good, enjoyable tour. Thank you
We had a good tour leader in Emma that made the tour very interesting, informative, enjoyable; learnt about various places visited including history. Excursions offered were worthwhile.