Tours Christmas & New Year Tours Europe Christmas Taster

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Summary

Enjoy a short but sweet European Christmas adventure! There's nothing like a winter exploration of some of the continent's most popular and enchanting cities. Walk along the vibrant streets of Paris and Amsterdam - they are just as magical as you can imagine during the festive season! Celebrate a Swiss Christmas while soaking up the splendour of the snow-clad Alps. Explore castles and drink wine among the rolling hills of Germany's Rhine Valley and explore a medieval Belgian city. This tour is sure to be an unforgettable taste of Europe at Christmas!

Highlights

  • Enjoy a white Christmas in the snowy Swiss Alps
  • Explore Paris with a full free day
  • Visit the beautiful Rhine Valley in Germany
  • Cruise through Amsterdam’s iconic canals and see the festive sights

Itinerary View Full ItineraryDownload PDF

Start Point

Outside Novotel London Greenwich hotel | 06:30 AM
Hotel lobby at Holiday Inn Express London - Greenwich | 07:00 AM
Hotel in Paris | 05:00 PM (approx.)

End Point

Outside Novotel London Greenwich hotel | 08:00 PM
DAY 1: London - Paris

Welcome to London and this Europe Christmas Taster tour! Leaving London behind, cross the English Channel and travel to Paris. Arrive in the ‘City of Lights’ in the afternoon and embark on a driving tour of the French capital; get your cameras ready - you’ll be seeing some of the city’s most treasured landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, with the bonus of the city being decked out for the festive season! Later, enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the city. After a fun-filled first day, it’s time to travel back to the hotel and get some rest before the free day in Paris tomorrow.

Meals: Dinner

DAY 1: London - Paris

Welcome to London and this Europe Christmas Taster tour! Leaving London behind, cross the English Channel and travel to Paris. Arrive in the ‘City of Lights’ in the afternoon and embark on a driving tour of the French capital; get your cameras ready - you’ll be seeing some of the city’s most treasured landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, with the bonus of the city being decked out for the festive season! Later, enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the city. After a fun-filled first day, it’s time to travel back to the hotel and get some rest before the free day in Paris tomorrow.

Experiences

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'Ile de la Cité, the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Lovers Bridge, Sacre Coeur, Montmartre, Pigalle (the Red Light District) and the Moulin Rouge!

Paris dinner: Enjoy a delicious Parisian meal. Take some time to chat to your tour leader about which optional excursions to join on the free day tomorrow.

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 2: Paris: Free Day

Enjoy a full day to explore Paris at Christmastime! The Paris+ optional excursion is a fantastic way to experience the highlights of this ever-popular destination - join and enjoy a macaron tasting, a guided tour of a famous perfume museum, a lunchtime cruise down the River Seine and much more! Alternatively, explore at your own pace. Stroll along the Champs-Élysées and shop at the Christmas markets. Discover famous artworks in the Louvre, visit the Eiffel Tower or try local dishes in a cosy Parisian restaurant. Tonight, choose to see the twinkling decorations on an optional evening tour of Montmartre and complete the night with an optional cabaret show. Today is the day to live the Parisian dream!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 3: Burgundy - Swiss Alps

Au revoir Paris! It’s Christmas Eve and time to sample a taste of small town France with a lunch stop in Burgundy. Visit the town of Beaune with free time to see the beautiful Hospices de Beaune and try the famous French wine. After lunch, admire the views on a long scenic drive across the border into Switzerland. Arrive in the heart of the Jungfrau Region at a typical Swiss mountain village which will be the tour’s home base for the next two nights. Jungfrau is one of the most-visited regions of the Alps and also a World Heritage site, containing Europe's largest glacier. The area is truly beautiful! Get into the Christmas spirit during an included group dinner tonight.

Experiences

Burgundy lunch stop: Enjoy a stop in Burgundy, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous wine-producing region. You will have some free time to explore this beautiful medieval town centre and the opportunity to try local food and wine.

Scenic mountain drive of Switzerland: Spectacular views as during a drive through this amazing country alongside lakes, breath-taking mountain vistas and scenic views of quaint Swiss towns.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 4: Swiss Alps: Free Day (Christmas Day)

Merry Christmas! Embrace the festive atmosphere on a free day in the Swiss Alps. Looking for a memorable way to spend Christmas Day? The Jungfraujoch optional excursion is highly recommended. Journey to the “Top of Europe” to visit the continent’s highest train station and enjoy the snowy landscapes, incredible views, Ice Palace and Sphinx Observatory. Be sure to snap lots of photographs while there! Down at lower altitudes, visit the local shops and markets, explore nearby towns, take in the Christmas decorations or simply sit back, relax and toast to a wonderful Christmas Day spent in the Swiss Alps! Tonight, why not end the free day on a tasty note with an optional Swiss fondue dinner?

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 5: Swiss Alps - Rhine Valley

This morning, board the coach once more and make for Germany’s famous Rhine Valley! Arrive in St Goar and relax on board a Rhine riverboat while cruising through the heart of the Rhine Valley. Here, marvel at the most concentrated stretch of castles in all of Europe, as well as vineyards, lofty cliffs and a charming medieval towns. Arrive in Boppard and visit a local wine merchants for an included wine tasting. If the harvest has been good, you may get to try eiswein (ice wine). This sweet dessert wine is produced in very small quantities and can only be harvested when the temperature drops below freezing.

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.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 6: Rhine Valley - Amsterdam

It’s time to head to The Netherlands! Arrive first at a historic windmill for a photo stop. Next enjoy a traditional cheese-making demonstration, and learn about how that most quirky and quaint of footwear choices – the clog – is made, before travelling onward to Amsterdam. Check in to the hotel before joining a complimentary Amsterdam canal cruise! Get on board and get those cameras ready; this is the best way to experience the city of Amsterdam, with its 17th century architecture, fascinating museums and cafes. Watch the city drift past as you sail by, and listen out for interesting insights into the city from your tour leader. Tonight, enjoy an included farewell dinner with the group and reminisce about your incredible time on tour!

Experiences

Visit the Riekermolen WindmillEnjoy 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: Enjoy a visit to a local farm and see how these famous shoes are traditionally crafted by hand. You will also see how Dutch cheese is made and get to taste some fantastic cheeses! This is a great place to shop for some unique 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!

Dinner in Amsterdam: Enjoy dinner alongside your new travel friends with an included group dinner in Amsterdam.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 7: Bruges - London

After breakfast, bid farewell to Amsterdam and travel back to London via the Belgian city of Bruges. Famous for its beer, waffles, chocolate and moules et frites, this is definitely a good place to be if you’ve brought your appetite. Bruges is a popular medieval city home to cobblestone streets, historic old churches and lofty towers, making it a great city to explore and a good spot to pick up any last-minute souvenirs. Enjoy free time before heading back to the coach for the final leg of the journey back to London.

Experiences

Visit Bruges: Make a stop in this beautiful medieval town with some free time so you could try the signature national dish of moules et frites, see or even climb the Belfry Tower, have a Belgian beer or buy some amazing Belgian chocolate.

Meals

Breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 6 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

Meals

  • 6 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

11 Experiences!

  • Driving tour of Paris
  • Enjoy dinner in Paris
  • Explore Burgundy, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Scenic mountain drive in Switzerland
  • Cruise along the Rhine River
  • Taste German wine in the Rhine Valley
  • Visit the Riekermolen Windmill
  • Enjoy a Dutch cheese and clogs demonstration
  • Cruise the canals and see the displays of the Amsterdam Light Festiva
  • Enjoy dinner in Amsterdam
  • Visit Bruges, a medieval city in Belgium

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.

Paris

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

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

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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
22 Dec 2023 - 28 Dec 2023Flexible booking date for 22 Dec 2023 - 28 Dec 2023Last 6 seats left - Book Now!€ 2,195 € 1,230
22 Dec 2023 - 28 Dec 2023Flexible booking date for 22 Dec 2023 - 28 Dec 2023Last 6 seats left - Book Now!€ 2,195 € 1,230
22 Dec 2024 - 28 Dec 2024Flexible booking date for 22 Dec 2024 - 28 Dec 2024Seats selling fast - Book now!€ 2,195 € 1,230
22 Dec 2024 - 28 Dec 2024Flexible booking date for 22 Dec 2024 - 28 Dec 2024SOLD OUT!

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

24 reviews
D
Dan & Nea Verified Buyer 2023-03-02
Great Experience
We went as a couple, and this was our first trip with Expat. Pleasantly surprised with the organisation of the entire trip, and the comfort of the coach. Our tour leader Steve did amazing work, such a great storyteller,our driver Alex made sure we had a smooth ride and an undisturbed sleep :D.
Y
Yvonne and Rex Verified Buyer 2023-01-06
Exceptional Experience
Our experience as first time travellers with Expat Explore was amazing. My husband and I have only positive words for the service performed both by our tour guide Steve and Our coach driver, Alex. Steve was so knowledgeable of the.history of each of the countries we visited. He was so pleasant and we were so engaged listening to him tell the story of the country. The trivias, tips, and at one point story telling we're all so helpful. Very calm and organize guy. Alex was so friendly, helpful and caring too to us travellers. Expat Explore you did not disappoint us.
S
Sall Verified Buyer 2023-01-04
Good for a short time limit
Alex our driver was amazing, great personality and exceptional driving skills. Steve was very easy going and his knowledge on the history of each place was exceptional, I learnt a lot! It's a jam packed tour and you see only a very small amount of each location given the nature of the itinerary. Jungfrau is an ABSOLUTE MUST DO! It was the true highlight of the tour by far! Long days of sitting on the bus and a tight schedule makes it a perfect tour for the time poor who want to see multiple European countries
S
Suzette Verified Buyer 2023-01-04
Thank you Expat Explore!
It was a different experience from others because of Christmas Holidays timing. I am fully satisfied with Steve as our tour leader. He led us on being respectful, courteous and friendly. Alex is a jolly, optimistic bus operator. Full of energy and always prepared for the next task. Alex and Steve are great team together. I trust them both..
P
Paula Verified Buyer 2023-01-02
Awesome Holiday
The whole experience was awesome, this was our first expat tour and I really enjoyed the whole experience. Loved everything, don't regret anything, It was unforgettable! Thank you for putting such a beautiful itinerary together. The accommodation in Paris was a bit poor, room was really tiny, no space to open the bags. Very hot, and breakfast area extremely hot. They were not ready to accommodate our group, not enough plates or cups. On the last day, some unused cutlery was left on one table and because I could not find a person to assist (waiter or someone in charge not visible at all during both breakfasts to help guests) I took cutlery and rinsed it myself in bar area!! All the other hotels were absolutely beautiful, spacious and comfortable. Food served in Switzerland was very good.