Europe Escape

Countries: 7 Days: 12 Per Day: US$ 182
Start Point:Rome
End Point:Rome
Transport:Private coach
Accommodation:Hotel
Ages:10 - 75+
WasUS$ 3,335
From US$ 2,185
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

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. 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 the An Evening in Venice optional excursion to see Venice from a completely different perspective with a water taxi and gondola ride!

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. 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 the An Evening in Venice optional excursion to see Venice from a completely different perspective with a water taxi and gondola ride!

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!

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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.

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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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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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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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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 Like Locals excursion includes many quintessential Parisian experiences including a macaron tasting, visits to a famous parfumerie, Galeries Lafayette, the Latin Quarter 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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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.

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BreakfastDinner

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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.

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Day 9: Swiss Alps - Lake Como - 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. 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

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

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Day 10: Tuscany - Pisa - Florence - Rome

After breakfast, 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. Then, Florence, “the Jewel of the Renaissance”, awaits! 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

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!

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.

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BreakfastDinner

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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. Another excellent optional experience is a guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, where gladiators and emperors once walked centuries ago! In the evening, explore the enchanting neighbourhood of Trastevere on the optional excursion which includes a delectable Roman dinner. 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.

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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!

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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

17 Experiences!

  • Explore Venice, Italy’s floating city
  • Marvel at the scenery along Brenner Pass
  • 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
  • Visit the picturesque Lake Como
  • See the Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • Discover Florence with a local guide

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.

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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

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

Note: As the 22 December 2024 departure date takes place over the festive season, the itinerary will feature special festive experiences! Click here to view.

Additional Information Help Centre

Reviews

Reviews powered by: Power Reviews

776 reviews
2
2 Aussie Sheilas Verified Buyer 2024-10-01
Europe tour
Super comfortable bus with fantastic driver! Tried to get us as close to where we needed to get off as possible. We had the flexibility and freedom to leave the group when we wanted to do our own sightseeing and Mario (tour guide) would send us location details via whatsapp, of where to meet the group and what time. Everyone was counted at each stop before getting back on the bus so there was no way anyone could be left behind.
L
Linder Sue Verified Buyer 2024-09-21
Excellent Adventure
We had a great time on our 12 day Europe Escape tour. Our tour guide, Antonio Veiga was outstanding. He was exceptionally organized, kept us on schedule, educated us about all the sites we visited, and thoroughly entertained us. We had mostly good weather which was a plus! We had a super group to travel with and made many new friends.
G
Ghie Verified Buyer 2024-09-18
Amazing Tour
The tour itinerary is packed with beautiful and interesting places to visit and activities that make the tour more exciting and memorable. Our tour guide, Antonio Veiga was amazing, full of energy, knowledgeable, organized, helpful and super fun. Our drivers made our travel safe and price is an affordable. Will definitely use Expat Explore again.
M
Marisol Verified Buyer 2024-09-17
Amazing tour
Our tour guide Antonio Veiga was excellent providing guidance during the duration of the tour. Always willing to give the extra mile. He was alway warning us and giving advice to keep safe and be alert. Thanks to him we did not have negative situation during our trip.
p
pdlg Verified Buyer 2024-09-16
Amazing trip!
Lots to see and experience. Tour is fast paced, but so worth it! My only regret is that I wish I had more time to book more trips.

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!