DAY 1: Start of tour in Rome - Venice
![Start of tour in Rome - Venice]()
Ciao! Welcome to this Europe Escape Christmas & New Year tour. Meet up with your tour leader and the rest of the group and get ready to hit the road. Relax and enjoy the scenery of vineyards, orchards and countryside on the journey to Venice. Arrive in Venice and prepare to be wowed! This famous floating city is perched across over 100 islands and connected by numerous canals. Explore the city on an orientation tour with your tour leader. See St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal. Tonight is free to spend as you wish. Enjoy the piazzas, art, food and unique Venetian vibe! Embark on a gondola ride optional excursion to see Venice the traditional way.
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.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Venezia
Hotel Ambasciatori & Delfino
Russott Hotel
Hotel Residence Elite
Optional Excursions
- Venice Gondola Ride i €25
- Venice Water Taxi i €25
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 2: Innsbruck - Munich - Bavaria
![Innsbruck - Munich - Bavaria]()
Say farewell to Italy for now and continue onto the next exciting destination on the itinerary - Innsbruck in Austria! Take a trip through the spectacular Brenner Pass and admire the gorgeous countryside en route. Make a comfort stop in Innsbruck before arriving in Munich, Germany, this afternoon. Set off on an orientation tour of the city with your tour leader and discover more about Munich which was largely rebuilt after WW2. See the highlights and find out more about Munich’s most famous event - Oktoberfest! This evening, enjoy an authentic taste of Germany during an included dinner at a local beer hall. Prost!
Experiences
Scenic drive along Brenner Pass: Cross spectacular mountain passes and experience some amazing mountain vistas en route to Innsbruck in Austria.
Visit Innsbruck: Enjoy a comfort stop to experience this beautiful Austrian city that lies in a valley between high mountains, making for an incredible backdrop.
Munich orientation tour: Enjoy an orientation tour of Munich, the capital and largest city in the German state of Bavaria, with your tour leader. See highlights such as Karlsplatz and Marienplatz, New Town Hall, Church of our Lady, and (if you visit in winter) the traditional German Christmas markets.
German beer hall: Tonight, enjoy dinner in a traditional German Beer Hall. Sample German beer, along with traditional German cuisine. Prost!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Niu Loco
Bento Inn Messe
Achat
Leonardo Hotel Nuremberg
DAY 3: Bavaria - Rhine Valley (Christmas Eve)
![Bavaria - Rhine Valley (Christmas Eve)]()
It’s Christmas Eve and the German adventures continue today as the tour travels onwards to the picturesque Rhine Valley! Arrive and embark on a Rhine River cruise en route to the hotel located in the heart of the region. Admire the views of the dramatic cliffs, medieval towns and castles along the river banks. After the cruise, visit a local wine merchant for a complimentary Rhine Valley wine tasting where you may even get to taste eiswein (ice wine). Enjoy free time once the wine tasting is complete and spend the evening exploring local sights. Why not embrace the festive atmosphere at the nearby Boppard Christmas market and enjoy the lights, decorations and traditional German food?
Experiences
Rhine River cruise: Cruise down the Rhine River and see the beautiful scenery and the largest concentration of gothic castles (Sterrenberg, Liebestein, Katz and Fortress Rheinfels) in Europe. Learn the story of the castles, many of which are now in ruins since the river barons left long ago.
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 include Riesling, Spätburgunder and Pinot Noir. The region is also well known for eiswein (ice wine). It is a very sweet dessert wine made from grapes harvested in the freezing winter months.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Wyndham Garden Koblenz Hotel
Rheinlust Hotel
Seminaris Bad Honnef
DAY 4: Rhine Valley - Amsterdam (Christmas Day)
![Rhine Valley - Amsterdam (Christmas Day)]()
Merry Christmas! Celebrate this festive holiday with the unique gift of travel! Start the day in the Rhine Valley before travelling onwards to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Enjoy a photo stop at an iconic Dutch windmill before arriving in Amsterdam later today. Then, head to the centre of the city for a twilight canal cruise. This is an ideal way to be introduced to this famous destination! Better yet, the Amsterdam Light Festival is out in full blast at this time of year, and a cruise offers the best views of the elaborate displays. Join the group for a delicious Christmas dinner before enjoying a free night in this ever-popular city!
Experiences
Windmill photo stop: Enjoy a photo stop at the Riekermolen Windmill. No visit to the Netherlands is complete without some fun photos of the iconic Dutch windmills!
Cruise along the canals in Amsterdam: Sail along Amsterdam’s stunning canals at twilight and see the iconic sights that sit along the waterside - this is a perfect, relaxing introduction to Amsterdam! Better yet, you’ll get to see the elaborate displays of the Amsterdam Light Festival!
Christmas Dinner in Amsterdam: Celebrate Christmas alongside your new travel friends with an included group dinner in Amsterdam.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam - Schiphol
Best Western Plus Plaza Almere
DAY 5: Amsterdam - Ghent - Paris
![Amsterdam - Ghent - Paris]()
This morning, get ready to experience two Dutch icons: cheese and clogs! Enjoy a visit to a local farm to discover how these items are crafted before waving goodbye to the Netherlands. Next, experience Ghent, Belgium. This picturesque port city is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and is also a cultural hub! Grab a bite to eat and stroll through the historic city centre. Next up on the itinerary is Paris! Arrive in the “City of Lights'' and embark on a driving tour of the French capital. See iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and the Arc de Triomphe. Finish up the driving tour as the group heads out for an included dinner tonight.
Experiences
Cheese and clogs demonstration: See how these famous shoes are traditionally made by hand. You can also taste some fantastic cheeses and get the chance to shop and stock up on unique Dutch souvenirs.
Visit Ghent: Experience the beautiful city of Ghent - one of Belgium’s oldest cities! This cultural hub and university town is filled with magnificent medieval architecture. Enjoy some free time to explore and taste some authentic Belgian cuisine!
Driving tour of Paris: Enjoy a driving tour and discover the beauty of the “City of Lights”! Spot the Tuileries Gardens, the River Seine, l'Île de la Cité, the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Lovers Bridge, Sacré Cœur, 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 6: Paris: Free Day
![Paris: Free Day]()
Today is yours to explore Paris any way you like. Whether you’re after a trip to the Eiffel Tower, a chance to explore the city’s Christmas markets or a few hours in one of its countless museums – Paris awaits! Join the highly recommended “Paris +” optional excursion for a fun-filled day tour complete with a macaron tasting, photo stops at the Arc de Triomphe and Opéra Garnier, a visit to a renowned perfume museum, a River Seine lunch cruise, a visit to the Montparnasse Tower for incredible views of the city and free time in the Latin Quarter. It’s a fabulously French outing! The evening is yours to spend as you wish. Why not finish off with an evening in Montmartre? C'est magnifique!
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
- An Evening in Montmartre i €45
- Paris+ i €60
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 7: Paris - Burgundy - Swiss Alps
![Paris - Burgundy - Swiss Alps]()
It’s time to depart the “City of Love”. But our love affair with France is not over! Enjoy a lunch stop in Burgundy which is the heart of French wine country. Here, try the famous wine or visit the beautiful Hospices de Beaune. After lunch, cross the border into Switzerland. Prepare to be amazed by the views of the Swiss Alps! Later, arrive at the home-base in the Swiss Alps for the next two days. Breathe in that fresh Alpine air and take in the magnificent views. Snow-capped peaks, Alpine forests and crystal-clear lakes are all around! Enjoy the surroundings and festive spirit!
Experiences
Visit Beaune in Burgundy: Enjoy a stop in Beaune, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous wine-producing region. Take some free time to explore the beautiful medieval town centre and try some local food and wine.
Scenic Swiss Mountain Drive: Admire the spectacular views as the coach drives through mountain passes and alongside lakes, breathtaking mountain vistas and scenic views of quaint Swiss towns.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
The Bear Inn Wilderswil
DAY 8: Swiss Alps: Free Day
![Swiss Alps: Free Day]()
Make the most of a free day in the Swiss Alps! Don’t miss the chance to join the ‘Jungfraujoch: Journey to the Top of Europe’ optional excursion! With the snowy landscapes, magnificent scenery and a breathtaking journey to the highest train station in all of Europe, this excursion is what bucket list experiences are made of! At Jungfraujoch, you can play in the snow, visit the Sphinx Observatory and even explore an Ice Palace! Back at lower altitudes, why not wander through a local village and see what winter-time festivities you can find? Sip gluhwein, enjoy the snowy surroundings and absorb Switzerland’s festive atmosphere – it doesn’t get much more Christmassy than this! Warm up tonight with the optional Swiss Dinner.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
The Bear Inn Wilderswil
Optional Excursions
- Swiss Fondue Dinner i €40
- Jungfraujoch: Journey to the Top of Europe i €195
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 9: Lake Como - Pisa - Tuscany
![Lake Como - Pisa - Tuscany]()
Wave goodbye to the Swiss Alps this morning. Today, the trip continues to Italy! Make a lunch stop at the famous Lake Como. This beautiful destination is complete with picturesque lakeside villages, sparkling blue waters and impressive mountain backdrops. Next stop today is the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. Be sure to have your best poses prepared and snap some pics! Afterwards, it’s onwards to Tuscany. This region of Italy is famous for its food, wine, art and architecture. Settle in at the hotel for tonight in Montecatini which is a spa town north-west of Florence. Why not sip on a glass of something local tonight?
Experiences
Lake Como lunch stop: Enjoy free time for lunch at Lake Como, one of the most beautiful and glamorous destinations visited on this tour!
See the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa: See the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most famous cultural landmarks. Take some iconic pictures of you ‘holding up’ the tower!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Massimo D'Azeglio
Optional Excursions
- An Evening in Montecatini i €45
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 10: Tuscany - Florence - New Year's Eve in Rome
![Tuscany - Florence - New Year's Eve in Rome]()
It’s New Year's Eve and this morning after breakfast, it’s time to visit the enchanting city of Florence. Join an expert local guide for a walking tour of Florence and learn more about the city that was the birthplace of the Renaissance. See top sights including the Ponte Vecchio and Florence Cathedral! Enjoy free time in Florence before the final leg of the journey back to Rome. Excitement will be in the air as La Festa di Roma begins tonight! Ring in the new year with your new travel friends during an included dinner tonight! Be sure to watch the midnight fireworks which go off from Palatine Hill. Circus Maximus is the best place to take in the show!
Experiences
Florence guided tour: A local guide will take the group on an orientation walking tour to introduce Florence’s main sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David.
New Year’s Eve dinner in Rome: Say goodbye to the year in style! Before ringing in the new year in bella Roma, enjoy a delicious Italian meal at the hotel with the group.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Warmthotel
Excel Roma Montemario
B&B Hotel Roma San Lorenzo Termini
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 11: Rome: Free Day
![Rome: Free Day]()
Kick off the brand new year with a full free day in Rome. Known as “The Eternal City”, Rome was once at the centre of the Roman Empire. Today, it is a destination filled with ancient history, culture and world-famous cuisine. Experience the city decked out in its finest festive decorations today! View the facades of iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon while exploring the city. Stroll through the famous piazzas, climb the Spanish Steps and find a local trattoria to enjoy a delicious Italian meal. La Festa di Roma continues on until this evening and you could also venture to St. Peter’s Square where thousands gather to celebrate and receive the Pope’s New Year’s Day blessing.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Warmthotel
Excel Roma Montemario
B&B Hotel Roma San Lorenzo Termini
Optional Excursions
- Rome Conquer the Capital i €50
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 12: End of tour in Rome
![End of tour in Rome]()
After 12 days filled with festive Christmas and New Year fun, the tour comes to an end after breakfast today in Rome. We hope you have enjoyed this festive trip and that we can welcome you back to Europe again in the future! Be sure to swap details with your fellow travellers before you say farewell for now!