Europe Escape Christmas & New Year

Venice was made to be viewed from the canals! So, hop aboard a water taxi from Piazzale Roma to San Marco and take an evening cruise along the iconic waterways. Venice water taxis feature comfortable leather upholstery, private drivers and open-air seating. Then, look forward to the most quintessential Venice experience - a traditional gondola ride! Be enchanted by romantic scenes from palazzos and old tavernas. Enjoy an included pizza or pasta for dinner at a local restaurant before returning to Piazzale Roma in the glow of the twinkling lights on a water taxi.

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!

Please Note: Minimum numbers required.

Spend an evening in the beautiful Montmartre neighbourhood, affectionately referred to as the ‘last village in Paris’. See the Moulin Rouge, stroll the cobbled streets and visit the charming village shops and romantic terraces. Admire views of the spectacular Sacré-Cœur Basilica before enjoying a three-course dinner filled with authentic French options (vegetarian options are available) finished off with a delicious local dessert!

Experience a fantastic show and the famous French Cancan at one of the top Paris cabaret venues. The shows are lively, colourful and tastefully produced. With striking decor, beautiful costumes and a variety of classic and modern choreography this is a show you will not want to miss! The price includes the show and a glass of French champagne (soft drink option also available).

Experience a highlight of European travel when you journey to Jungfraujoch -  the top of Europe! Take the Eiger Express cable car to 3,454m above sea level. Get ready for breathtaking mountain views as you go, the trip is part of the adventure! Arrive at Jungfraujoch which is the highest train station in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the year-round snow, take in the panoramic alpine scenery, marvel at the massive Aletsch Glacier and explore the magical ice palace and Sphinx Observatory! Return by cable car or Jungfraubahn train for even more spectacular mountain vistas. This optional excursion has been voted number one by Expat Explore travellers for several years and comes highly recommended!

Please Note: Certain departures will stay in a different region of the Swiss Alps, with the 'Swiss Alps Mountain Experience' excursion offered in place of Jungfraujoch. Please contact us for more information.

What better way to enjoy an evening in Switzerland than with a traditional Swiss fondue dinner? Fondue is a dish popular in Switzerland, France and Italy, with friends and family gathering around a communal table to dip pieces of bread into a pot of melted cheese. Enjoy a taste of Switzerland with this classic fondue dinner.

Experience a wonderful evening in Montecatini complete with a Tuscan dinner and scenic views! Enjoy a return trip to Montecatini Alto on the Montecatini Funicular and admire the views of Montecatini Terme along the way. Arrive at the restaurant and sit down for a three-course meal. Select your choice of a starter and main and savour the authentic Tuscan flavours! Vegetarian options are available and the tour leader will escort the group throughout the evening. 

Please Note: During winter, the group will travel to Montecatini Alto by taxi as the funicular is closed from October to March.

Tuscany’s food draws millions of visitors to the region every year! Join this incredible culinary experience in Florence to taste it for yourself. Try some special local culinary traditions, served in a sit-down, family-style meal, including Bistecca alla Fiorentina (charcoal-grilled steak served on the bone), Tagliatelle al Tartufo (pasta with truffle), Risotto ai Porcini (risotto with porcini mushrooms), Crostini al Pomodoro (crusty bread with tomatoes and olive oil) and a glass of Chianti red wine. Round off the meal with a traditional Tuscan digestivo.

Explore Rome and truly “conquer the capital” on this optional excursion! Join your tour leader on a bucket-list ticking treasure hunt challenge around Rome’s city centre and walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators! Encounter iconic sites including the Largo di Torre Argentina, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, Hadrian’s Temple, Marcus Aurelius Square, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and the Colosseum. You’ll also get to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in the city (vegetarian and vegan options are available) and indulge in a gelato tasting!