Tours Christmas & New Year Tours Europe Escape Christmas & New Year

Europe Escape Christmas & New Year

Countries: 7 Days: 12 Per Day: US$ 186
Start Point:Rome
End Point:Rome
Transport:Private coach
Accommodation:Hotel
Ages:10 - 75+
WasUS$ 2,655
From US$ 2,235
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

Celebrate the 12 days of Christmas in style with this Europe Escape Christmas & New Year tour! Enjoy the best winter holiday on a fun, affordable and convenient Europe coach tour. Taste traditional festive foods, admire the twinkling lights and wander the many Christmas markets. Discover some of Europe’s most famous destinations including Paris, Venice and Munich. And that's not all, visit Germany's fairytale Rhine Valley, spend Christmas Day in Amsterdam, ring in the New Year in Rome and explore the majestic Swiss Alps. This is the best way to celebrate the festive season in Europe!

Highlights

  • Celebrate Christmas in Amsterdam and ring in the New Year in Rome
  • Enjoy free days in Paris, the Swiss Alps and Rome 
  • Visit Burgundy, Florence, Innsbruck, and Ghent
  • Cruise along the canals of Amsterdam

Start Point

Hotel in Rome | 07:30 AM

End Point

Hotel in Rome | 10:00 AM
DAY 1: 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. Keep an eye out for 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! See Venice the traditional way on a water taxi and gondola ride when you join the Evening in Venice optional excursion!

DAY 1: 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. Keep an eye out for 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! See Venice the traditional way on a water taxi and gondola ride when you join the Evening in Venice optional excursion!

Experiences

Explore Venice: Discover the magic of Venice, Italy’s unique floating city. Venice is full of iconic sights including St Mark’s Square, St Mark’s Basilica, St Mark’s Museum, Campanile, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Market and Scuola Grande di San Rocco. For the ultimate Venice experience, join today’s optional excursions!

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 2: 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!

Meals

BreakfastDinner

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Hotel


DAY 3: 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). This evening, celebrate Christmas Eve with an included dinner at a local restaurant! Afterwards, settle into the hotel for the evening.

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.

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BreakfastDinner

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DAY 4: 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 discovering two Dutch icons: cheese and clogs! Visit a local farm to learn how these items are crafted. Arrive 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!

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.

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

Meals

BreakfastDinner

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DAY 5: Amsterdam - Ghent - Paris

This morning, get ready to 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

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!

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BreakfastDinner

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DAY 6: 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 Like Locals optional excursion for a fun-filled day tour complete with a macaron tasting, visits to a perfume museum and Galeries Lafayette as well as 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 and a Cabaret show? C'est magnifique!

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On Tour Excursions

DAY 7: 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.

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BreakfastDinner

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DAY 8: 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.

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On Tour Excursions

DAY 9: Swiss Alps - Lake Como - Tuscany

Wave goodbye to the Swiss Alps this morning. Today, the trip continues to Italy! Make a stop at the famous Lake Como. This beautiful destination in the Italian Lake District is complete with picturesque lakeside villages, sparkling blue waters and impressive mountain backdrops. Not to mention it’s a popular vacation spot for many celebrities. Find a spot for lunch where you can soak up the dreamy scenery. 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. 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!

Meals

Breakfast

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DAY 10: Pisa - Florence - New Year's Eve in Rome

It’s New Year's Eve and this morning after breakfast, it’s time to visit the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. Be sure to have your best poses prepared and snap some pics! Then, it’s on to 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! Choose to join the Taste of Tuscany optional excursion for a delicious lunch before journeying back to Rome. Ring in the new year with your new travel friends during an included dinner tonight!

Experiences

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!

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.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

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DAY 11: 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.

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On Tour Excursions

DAY 12: 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!

Meals

Breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 11 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

  • 11 Breakfasts, 6 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 Venice, Italy’s floating city
  2. Marvel at the scenery along Brenner Pass
  3. Visit Innsbruck; a beautiful Austrian city
  4. Explore Munich; capital of Bavaria
  5. Enjoy dinner and drinks in a traditional German beer hall
  6. Cruise along the Rhine River
  7. Indulge in a wine tasting in the Rhine Valley
  8. Visit the iconic Riekermolen Windmill
  9. Enjoy a local cheese and clogs demonstration in the Netherlands
  10. Cruise the canals and see the displays of the Amsterdam Light Festival
  11. Enjoy Christmas dinner in Amsterdam
  12. Visit Ghent, a beautiful medieval city in Belgium
  13. See the sights of Paris on a driving tour
  14. Visit Burgundy; a French wine region
  15. Marvel at the views on a scenic Swiss mountain drive
  16. Stop at idyllic Lake Como
  17. See the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa
  18. Discover Florence with a local guide
  19. Spend New Year’s Eve in Rome

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 Rome, click here to book pre and post-tour accommodation through our partner Booking.com.

Rome

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.

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

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

32 reviews
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Christie Verified Buyer 2024-01-15
Magical Christmas & New Years with Expat Explorer
I just got back from the 12 Day Christmas and New Year's Europe Escape tour (2023/2024) & being the 1st time I've been away from home for the holidays, I found it simply magical, everything I hoped for plus more.. This tour is fast paced with plenty of early morning departures and plenty of walking, but the trade off is that you get to experience as much as possible in each of the cities along the way. As a solo traveler, I never felt unsafe or alone and the camadarie of the group was instant. I also appreciate that this tour allows you the freedom to choose between various pre-set excursions in any given city and/or the option to go off and explore on your own and/or workout a hybrid of such with your tour leader. If you are on the fence about booking an Expat Explorer tour, I say do yourself a favor and just book it.
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Cbear Verified Buyer 2024-01-03
So much packed in
I loved the tour. It was very fast paced but we saw so much. The meals that were included were for the most part excellent. The add on excursions were well chosen and packed in even more. It was very good value for money.
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Bry Verified Buyer 2024-01-02
Above and Beyond for our First Europe Tour
My girlfriend and I were a bit hesitant before on going on a guided tour/excursion due to time constraints and tight schedule, BUT our expectations were proven wrong, and beyond! It was an unforgettable experience for both of us! To sum it up- Tour Leader Luke + 7 European countries= A Match Made in Heaven!
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Zander Verified Buyer 2024-01-01
VIP Experience of a lifetime
The tour was incredible, the sights we saw, the attractions we went on and the people we meet were amazing.
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Hannopa Verified Buyer 2024-01-01
Awesome Time!
Our tour leader Luke was very engaging and informative throughout our time with him. He made the most out of each day with his endless energy and passion for history.