More reasons to book with us

  • Flexible bookings: 30-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

The Europe Escape tour is the flagship tour that started it all! Journey to 7 top countries in Europe on this 12 day Europe trip. Discover the magic of Paris and the French countryside. Journey to the heart of the Swiss Alps and grab your chance to see the Top of Europe! Explore Pisa, Rome, Florence and Venice and experience the Italian way of life. Enjoy the beauty of Austria and Germany before exploring the vibrant streets of Amsterdam. Our Europe Escape package remains a firm favourite with our travellers!

For a similar itinerary that starts and ends in London, take a look at the Classic Europe tour.

Highlights

  • Enjoy free days in Rome, Paris, and the Swiss Alps
  • Visit Burgundy, Florence, Innsbruck, Munich and Ghent
  • Snap photos at the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • Cruise the canals of Amsterdam and the Rhine River in Germany
  • Taste local German wine and say prost in a traditional beer hall

Start Point

Hotel in Rome | 07:30 AM

End Point

Hotel in Rome | 10:00 AM
Day 1: Start of tour in Rome - Venice

Welcome to Rome! After meeting up with your tour leader and group it’s time to hit the road. Sit back and enjoy the scenery on the journey from Rome to Venice! Arrive in the “Floating City” and join your tour leader for an orientation walk. Enjoy a scoop of local gelato and see the iconic St. Mark's Square, Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. The evening is yours to enjoy authentic Italian delights, with hundreds of fantastic local restaurants and bars to choose from. Why not explore Venice the traditional way - from the canals? Choose to join a gondola or water taxi optional excursion to see Venice from a completely different perspective!

Day 1: Start of tour in Rome - Venice

Welcome to Rome! After meeting up with your tour leader and group it’s time to hit the road. Sit back and enjoy the scenery on the journey from Rome to Venice! Arrive in the “Floating City” and join your tour leader for an orientation walk. Enjoy a scoop of local gelato and see the iconic St. Mark's Square, Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. The evening is yours to enjoy authentic Italian delights, with hundreds of fantastic local restaurants and bars to choose from. Why not explore Venice the traditional way - from the canals? Choose to join a gondola or water taxi optional excursion to see Venice from a completely different perspective!

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.

Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions

Day 2: Innsbruck - Munich - Bavaria

Arrivederci for now, Italy! Look forward to some stunning scenery as the tour heads north towards Germany. Enjoy the views while crossing the dramatic Brenner Pass into Innsbruck, Austria. Arrive and enjoy an orientation tour of this city and marvel at the incredible mountain backdrop with time to visit the famous Swarovski store. Next, travel onwards to Munich. Get to know the capital of Bavaria on an orientation tour. Munich was largely rebuilt after WW2 and boasts a fascinating ancient and modern history. The city also hosts the famous Oktoberfest! For a taste of authentic beer culture, enjoy dinner in a traditional beer hall and say prost! with a local pint!

Experiences

Scenic drive along Brenner Pass: Cross spectacular mountain passes and experience some amazing mountain vistas en route to Austria.

Visit Innsbruck: Enjoy a comfort stop and experience a quick orientation tour of 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 of 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: Enjoy dinner in a traditional German Beer Hall. Sample German beer, along with traditional German cuisine.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

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Hotel


Day 3: Bavaria - Rhine Valley

Look forward to more German adventures today and travel towards the majestic Rhine River. Once in the Rhine Valley, set sail on a Rhine riverboat and cruise towards the accommodation for the night. Admire the views while the boat sails past the beautiful scenery. This picturesque region boasts the most concentrated stretch of castles in all of Europe! It's also home to quaint villages, rolling hills and vineyards.Once the cruise is over, visit a local wine merchant for an included wine tasting. Learn more about the local varietals and, if the harvest has been good, try eiswein (ice wine). This dessert wine is produced in very small quantities as it can only be harvested in below freezing temperatures!

Experiences

Cruise along the Rhine River: Cruise down the Rhine and see the beautiful scenery and the largest concentration of Gothic castles (Sterrenberg, Liebestein, Katz and Fortress Rheinfels) in Europe.

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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Hotel


Day 4: Rhine Valley - Amsterdam

Auf wiedersehen Germany! The tour continues to the Netherlands this morning. In the Dutch countryside, discover three of the most iconic Dutch products - cheese, clogs and windmills! Stop at the famous Riekermolen windmill for some memorable photos. Then, enjoy an entertaining cheese and clog-making display! Later, check into the hotel in Amsterdam. Then, head to the centre of Amsterdam for a twilight canal cruise. Admire this vibrant city and its unique architecture and landmarks from the water. An audio guide will explain these sights in more detail. Afterwards, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. The rest of the evening is free to explore the city to your heart's content.

Experiences

Visit the iconic Riekermolen windmill: No visit to the Netherlands is complete without some fun photos at the iconic Dutch windmills!

Enjoy a 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 Amsterdam canals: Cruise along Amsterdam’s stunning canals at twilight and see the iconic sights that sit along the waterside. An audio guide will describe these sights in more detail. This is a perfect, relaxing introduction to Amsterdam!

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BreakfastDinner

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Day 5: Amsterdam - Ghent - Paris

Bid vaarwel to the Netherlands and travel to the stunning Belgian city of Ghent. This port city is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and gorgeous pedestrianised city centre. While here, be sure to try an authentic Belgian waffle and grab some Belgian chocolate to take home! Then, it’s time to head to Paris, the ‘City of Lights’! Arrive and enjoy a driving tour showcasing some of the French capital’s top attractions and landmarks. See the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and more! After ticking off some bucket-list sights, enjoy an included group dinner in the city.

Experiences

Visit Ghent: Enjoy a stop in a different country and look forward to free time to explore and find a local place to enjoy lunch in this Belgian port city. Take this opportunity to taste authentic Belgian cuisine!

Driving tour of Paris: Enjoy a driving tour upon arrival - 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!

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BreakfastDinner

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Hotel


Day 6: Paris: Free Day

Enjoy a full free day to explore the French capital! Explore on your own or join a full day of exploration in Paris! The Paris+ excursion includes many quintessential Parisian experiences including a macaron tasting, a River Seine lunch cruise, visits to a famous parfumerie, the Champs-Élysées and much more! In the evening, why not experience the gorgeous Montmartre neighbourhood, home to the famous Moulin Rouge, or watch an exciting cabaret show? These optional excursions are sure to be unforgettable!

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Breakfast

Accommodation

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On Tour Excursions

Day 7: Paris - Burgundy - Swiss Alps

Say au revoir to Paris and see a different side to France with a stop in Burgundy, a stunning winemaking region. Here, visit the town of Beaune and discover the historic Hospices de Beaune or indulge in some local wine. Enjoy free time for lunch before hopping back on the coach for a scenic drive across the border into Switzerland. Travel into the breathtaking Swiss Alps and look forward to two nights of being surrounded by spectacular natural beauty. Settle into the accommodation and enjoy an included dinner at the hotel tonight.

Experiences

Visit 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 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.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

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Hotel


Day 8: Swiss Alps: Free Day

Today offers a full day to experience the wonders of the Swiss Alps! Why not take this opportunity to experience one of Expat Explore’s highest-rated optional excursions? The journey to Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in all of Europe, is one not to be missed! Admire incredible views on the train or gondola ride to the top. Arrive at the top and discover endless photo opportunities, play in the year-round snow and admire the magical ice palace carved into a glacier! Alternatively, spend the day exploring the local villages or shop for souvenirs. Warm up this evening with an optional Swiss fondue dinner.

Meals

Breakfast

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On Tour Excursions

Day 9: Lake Como - Pisa - Tuscany

Admire the last of the views of the Swiss Alps and travel towards Italy this morning. First stop is the luxurious Lake Como! Enjoy free time for lunch in this picturesque location. Admire the crystal clear waters of the lake as well as the surrounding mountains and villages. Then, head to one of the most iconic sights in Italy - the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Snap some fun pictures at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, travel to tonight’s accommodation in Montecatini Terme, a beautiful Tuscan spa town. Tonight, choose to explore this town further and enjoy a delicious Tuscan dinner with the Evening in Montecatini optional excursion.

Experiences

Stop at the idyllic Lake Como: Enjoy free time for lunch at Lake Como, one of the most beautiful and glamorous destinations visited on the tour.

See the 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!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

Day 10: Tuscany - Florence - Rome

After breakfast, head to Florence, a magical city known as “the Jewel of the Renaissance”! Arrive and embark on a walking tour of the city with a local guide. Discover the fascinating history and see top sights including the Ponte Vecchio and the replica statue of David! Then, visit a local leather and gold shop and admire the work of expert local craftsmen. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore further or choose to sample local cuisine with an optional family-style Tuscan lunch. Later, head back to Rome. This evening, enjoy an included dinner at the hotel.

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.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

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On Tour Excursions

DAY 11: Rome: Free Day

Explore the “Eternal City” to your heart's content today! Don't know where to start? Join one of the optional excursions on offer. Conquer the Capital with your tour leader to see the city’s most iconic sights, including the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon, and enjoy an authentic Italian pasta lunch. Alternatively, spend the day wandering the city on your own. Grab a gelato, do some shopping or simply soak up the buzzing atmosphere of Italy’s capital city.

Meals

Breakfast

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On Tour Excursions

Day 12: End of tour in Rome

Your 12-day Europe Escape adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Be sure to exchange details with your fellow travellers! A great way to stay in touch and to constantly relive the memories of the adventure with each other is to join your tour’s Facebook group. Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey onwards!

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

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

17 Experiences!

  • Visit Innsbruck; a beautiful Austrian city
  • Explore Munich; capital of Bavaria
  • Enjoy dinner and drinks in a traditional German beer hall
  • Cruise along the Rhine River
  • Indulge in a wine tasting in the Rhine Valley
  • Visit the iconic Riekermolen windmill
  • Enjoy a local cheese and clogs demonstration in the Dutch countryside
  • Cruise along the Amsterdam canals
  • Visit Ghent; a beautiful medieval city in Belgium
  • Discover the beauty of Paris on a driving tour
  • Visit Burgundy; a famous French wine region
  • Marvel at the views on a scenic Swiss mountain drive
  • Stop at the idyllic Lake Como
  • See the Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • Discover Florence with a local guide

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.

Rome

Photos of the tour

Venice Water Taxi

Something to add to your Venetian experience is a cruise of the canals on a classic water taxi. Cruise along in style on these wooden motorboats with their leather seats and private drivers. Explore the Grand Canal, the main highway of the Floating City, and see some of the main sights like the Santa Maria Della Salute church, the cemetery island of San Michele and the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore.

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 - 02 Jan 2024Flexible booking date for 22 Dec 2023 - 02 Jan 2024Alternate festive itinerary€ 2,555 € 1,975
24 Mar 2024 - 04 Apr 2024Flexible booking date for 24 Mar 2024 - 04 Apr 2024Only 5 seats left at this price€ 2,555 € 2,210
07 Apr 2024 - 18 Apr 2024Flexible booking date for 07 Apr 2024 - 18 Apr 2024Only 4 seats left at this price€ 2,555 € 2,055
21 Apr 2024 - 02 May 2024Flexible booking date for 21 Apr 2024 - 02 May 2024Only 2 seats left at this price€ 2,555 € 2,210
05 May 2024 - 16 May 2024Flexible booking date for 05 May 2024 - 16 May 2024Only 5 seats left at this price€ 2,555 € 2,145
19 May 2024 - 30 May 2024Flexible booking date for 19 May 2024 - 30 May 2024Last 6 seats left - Book Now!€ 2,555 € 2,260
02 Jun 2024 - 13 Jun 2024Flexible booking date for 02 Jun 2024 - 13 Jun 2024Last 3 seats left - Book Now!€ 2,555 € 2,260
16 Jun 2024 - 27 Jun 2024Flexible booking date for 16 Jun 2024 - 27 Jun 2024Only 6 seats left at this price€ 2,555 € 2,145
30 Jun 2024 - 11 Jul 2024Flexible booking date for 30 Jun 2024 - 11 Jul 2024Only 3 seats left at this price€ 2,555 € 2,055
14 Jul 2024 - 25 Jul 2024Flexible booking date for 14 Jul 2024 - 25 Jul 2024Only 3 seats left at this price€ 2,555 € 2,055
28 Jul 2024 - 08 Aug 2024Flexible booking date for 28 Jul 2024 - 08 Aug 2024Only 2 seats left at this price€ 2,555 € 1,955
11 Aug 2024 - 22 Aug 2024Flexible booking date for 11 Aug 2024 - 22 Aug 2024Only 3 seats left at this price€ 2,555 € 1,955
25 Aug 2024 - 05 Sep 2024Flexible booking date for 25 Aug 2024 - 05 Sep 2024Only 5 seats left at this price€ 2,555 € 1,955
08 Sep 2024 - 19 Sep 2024Flexible booking date for 08 Sep 2024 - 19 Sep 2024Only 5 seats left at this price€ 2,555 € 2,055
22 Sep 2024 - 03 Oct 2024Flexible booking date for 22 Sep 2024 - 03 Oct 2024Only 6 seats left at this price€ 2,555 € 1,955
06 Oct 2024 - 17 Oct 2024Flexible booking date for 06 Oct 2024 - 17 Oct 2024Only 4 seats left at this price€ 2,555 € 1,955
20 Oct 2024 - 31 Oct 2024Flexible booking date for 20 Oct 2024 - 31 Oct 2024Only 5 seats left at this price€ 2,555 € 1,835
10 Nov 2024 - 21 Nov 2024Flexible booking date for 10 Nov 2024 - 21 Nov 2024Only 6 seats left at this price€ 2,555 € 1,835
01 Dec 2024 - 12 Dec 2024Flexible booking date for 01 Dec 2024 - 12 Dec 2024Only 2 seats left at this price€ 2,555 € 1,835
22 Dec 2024 - 02 Jan 2025Flexible booking date for 22 Dec 2024 - 02 Jan 2025Alternate festive itinerary€ 2,555 € 1,975

Number of travellers

Payment option

Flexible booking: flexible booking

Additional Information

Please visit our help centre or contact us for more information about this tour.

Additional Information Help Centre

Reviews

Reviews powered by: Power Reviews

778 reviews
R
Regina Verified Buyer 2023-10-29
Wonderful experience ?
I enjoyed the Europe Escape with expat explorer. ? It was an adventure that was worth it! Started as group of strangers and now a group of friends! ??? Mayra was an Amazing tour leader! Chris and Alex were very good at driving through the whole of Europe. ????
V
Verma Verified Buyer 2023-10-12
Wonderful experience with full of Surprises!!!
Best experience ever had with people from around the world and amazing tour leader Ms Roma. Though the trip was very hectic but the way she organised everything, made it so smooth and a pleasant experience. In shortest possible way, covering so many destinations was next to impossible but due to well planned and organised made it happen.
K
Kono Verified Buyer 2023-10-05
Awesome tour
This tour was amazing. It allowed us to see many parts of Europe. Our tour leader, Aaron was terrific. He was funny and extremely knowledgeable. The free days in Venice, Paris, Swiss Alps and Rome were really fun and allowed us to explore. The additional excursions were also fun.
C
Craig Verified Buyer 2023-10-01
Great introduction to Europe for first timers
Rachelle was the best tour leader. Some hotels needs to be reviewed/replaced. Chris and Simon very professional drivers. All side excursions were worth the money. Planed meals were very good and represented the local flavor. Be prepared to pay to pee and all the labor strikes in Italy.
F
Fienie Labuschagne Verified Buyer 2023-09-28
Experience not to forget
The tour was well planned. Every reservation and all the extra excursions were well planned and on time. Travel buddies were always on time., ??

Why this tour?

There is a good reason that the Expat Europe Escape is our most popular tour! This 12 day Europe trip takes in the best countries in Europe and our Europe multi-country packages showcase incredible cities, monuments and activities. It is great for first time travellers to Europe as well as anyone who wants to enjoy an expertly curated, authentic and memorable selection of Europe’s must-see spots!

It is definitely worth going to Europe for two weeks or more. When deciding how many days you should spend in Europe - it will depend on what you would like to see, where you would like to visit and the activities you would like to enjoy. The Europe Escape 12 days itinerary covers highlights and must-sees including Paris, the Swiss Alps, Florence, Rome, Venice, Munich and Amsterdam; plus bucket-list sites including the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. One of our most popular optional activities gives you the chance to discover the Top of Europe on the Train to Jungfraujoch excursion. Other optional excursions include the Paris+, a Vatican City tour, gondola rides and much more! You get to pick and choose your optional add-ons as you wish.

The tour begins and ends in Rome, which is a wonderful city to discover at your leisure before and after your trip. Joined by a group of like-minded travellers and under the guidance of your Tour Leader, you will see top destinations in Europe. When wondering where to go and which European cities you should visit, rest assured that this itinerary has been designed to include popular tourist cities like Paris, Rome and Amsterdam. Destinations such as Beaune, Innsbruck and Ghent will charm you as you travel through the Europe countryside!

Included in this group tour you'll enjoy orientation tours in Florence, Venice, and Munich. For lovers of nature, scenic drives in the Swiss Alps and the Italian Dolomites mountains are sure to leave you breathless, while cruises along the Rhine River and Amsterdam’s canals will be great fun!

Wondering what the best month to visit Europe is? Well, it depends on what you would like to do and see! Our Europe Escape tours run throughout most of the year. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy the multi-country tour packages in the busy and hot summer months or in the quieter, milder and pleasant spring and autumn seasons. Travel Europe in winter for a festive feel! Join the Europe Escape Christmas and New Year tour to celebrate the holidays.

This is the best way to see Europe! Spend 12 days in Europe on a tour package from Rome by coach which offers the opportunity to travel with ease. This gives you the chance to admire the European countryside, small towns and cities as you travel from country to country aboard safe, comfortable and air-conditioned coaches. Our Europe tour packages from Rome include accommodation, transport, most meals and many activities. This flagship tour is tried and tested. It’s an affordable, fun, convenient and stress-free way to travel Europe!