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This tour is available in multiple options - choose your preferred option using the buttons below:
Europe Explorer tour
Combine both single legs into the full-length, 18-day combo tour to experience top European destinations
Amsterdam to Rome tour
Travel on the 1st leg of the combo tour and visit 7 countries in 11 days
Rome to Amsterdam tour
Travel on the 2nd leg of the combo tour and visit 4 countries in 10 days
Explore Europe’s best destinations on this exciting 18-day tour! In just over two weeks, travel through France, Spain, Switzerland and more. Embark on classic European excursions and see the glittering lights of Paris, stroll through the streets of Rome and treat your taste buds in Tuscany. Soak up the sun along the French Riviera and see Gaudi’s magnificent Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Marvel at the views in the Swiss Alps and Germany’s fairytale-like Black Forest. Cruise along the Rhine River, Amsterdam’s canals and Venice’s waterways. Exploring Europe has never been more fun-filled or unforgettable!
This tour is also available in shorter, half-length itineraries; the Amsterdam to Rome tour and the Rome to Amsterdam tour.
Welcome to the beginning of an epic tour through Europe! Meet your tour leader and group at the Amsterdam hotel in the morning. Once everyone arrives, it’s time to set off! Today’s first stop is Ghent in Belgium. Enjoy free time to explore this charming city and grab some lunch. This evening, the tour arrives in Paris and a spellbinding driving tour of the “City of Lights” is on the cards! Marvel at the sites of this world-famous city including the Arc de Triomphe, the River Seine and the Eiffel Tower! Later, it’s time to sit down for a group dinner in the heart of Paris.
Meals: Dinner
Paris is yours to explore on your free day! Today’s top optional excursion is the Paris+ Tour. This includes plenty of sightseeing as well as a macaron tasting at Ladurée, a guided tour of renowned parfumerie Fragonard Musée du Parfum and a River Seine cruise. The excursion continues with a trip up Montparnasse. Towering high above Paris, it offers sweeping views of the “City of Lights”. End it off with free time to explore the Latin Quarter. This evening, enjoy an optional cabaret show or see the iconic Moulin Rouge on an optional evening in Montmartre complete with a three-course French dinner!
Meals: Breakfast
Today, travel from Paris to Toulouse with a wine tasting in a small medieval town along the way! Drive past rolling crop fields, forests, pastoral landscapes and pretty towns. The wine tasting will showcase some of the region's robust red wines. Then, it's onto Toulouse, the fourth largest city in France. Here, enjoy a guided tour. Situated along the Compostela Pilgrimage route, it’s known for incredible Renaissance buildings. It's also home to a beautiful 17th-century canal and more. Dinner is included this evening - be sure to try something local!
Meals: BreakfastDinner
Au revoir Toulouse! Today, head south and cross the border into Andorra from the north. Grab lunch and then travel onward to Barcelona. Next stop is the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region. Barcelona is renowned for its art and architecture, such as the fantastical Sagrada Família church and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí. The driving tour will introduce you to a few of the city's top visitor attractions.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
Today is free to spend as you like! To see Barcelona’s top highlights, join the Highlights of Barcelona featuring the Sagrada Família optional excursion. Take a peek at Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece: the glorious La Sagrada Familia and discover the picturesque Palau Güell. Then, visit Barcelona’s most famous food market, La Boqueria, before embarking on a tour of the historic Barrio Gótico (Gothic Quarter). Alternatively, wander around the city at your own pace, go shopping or relax on the beach! This evening, why not see a Flamenco Show? This optional includes a buffet dinner and unlimited drinks!
Meals: Breakfast
Adiós Barcelona! Today, travel to Avignon. En route, stopover in Sète, a port town in the South of France known for its canals. Take an orientation walk with your tour leader and enjoy free time for lunch here. Next stop is the centuries-old Pont du Gard. The ancient Roman aqueduct bridge was built in the first century AD to carry water over 50 kilometres to the Roman colony of Nemausus. Afterwards, head onwards to Avignon. Situated in the heart of picturesque Provence, Avignon used to be the centre of the Roman Catholic world. Enjoy an optional evening around town. See the impressive Palais des Papes and its gardens before enjoying a three-course Provençal dinner.
Meals: Breakfast
A real highlight of the tour and trips to France is on the itinerary today – the French Riviera! Departing Avignon, head towards one of the most glamorous destinations in the world! Explore Monaco with your tour leader upon arrival just before midday. Discover top attractions like the Prince's Palace and the Casino de Monte-Carlo. Later, visit the French village of Eze and enjoy a workshop at the Fragonard perfume factory! Finally, embark on an orientation tour of Nice, one of the region’s most stunning cities, to see top attractions like the Promenade des Anglais and Vieux Nice (the Old Town). Then, enjoy some free time to relax or explore as you wish.
Meals: Breakfast
Travelling back inland, head for nearby Italy. Have your cameras ready for a visit to the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa! Next up is Florence. Here, learn about the city’s history and see landmarks dating back to the Renaissance and even the Roman times on a guided walking tour of the city. Snap photos of Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, the Basilica of Santa Croce, the Florence Baptistry and the replica of Michelangelo’s famous statue of David which stands in the Palazzo della Signoria (the original can be seen in the nearby Accademia Gallery.) After exploring Florence, make for the hills of Tuscany, for an overnight stay in the south of Tuscany.
Meals: Breakfast
It’s time for the group to make its way to the country’s capital, Rome. Arrive and embark on a guided walking tour for an introduction to the incredible history of this unique city, which once reigned supreme as the focal point of the Roman Empire. Highlights today include the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
Rome boasts ancient ruins, historical landmarks, religious buildings and a buzzing atmosphere! Today is free to spend as you wish! Explore Rome at your own pace. A visit to the Colosseum is highly recommended; offering fabulous views of the city and an unbelievable feeling of drifting backwards in time to when gladiators, chariots and lions dominated the arena. You could even visit the Vatican City - seat of the Pope and the smallest country in the world! Inside the walls, explore the museums, visit the Sistine Chapel and admire the famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo, and marvel at the numerous art pieces dotted around the buildings. The choice is yours!
Meals: Breakfast
Today’s first stop is the Tuscan town of Siena - famous for its cuisine, wine, art, museums and medieval cityscape. It’s also the home of the Palio horse race held here twice a year. Explore the town before the journey continues through Italy. In the early evening, arrive in Venice, a city which has been immortalised in literature, film and art for centuries! Venice is sure to capture your heart and imagination! The timeless waterways and artistic masterpieces make the “Floating City” truly unique. There is no shortage of incredible food and culture here either! Enjoy a free evening to relax at the hotel, or opt to join your tour leader on a twilight water taxi cruise along the Venetian canals.
Meals: Breakfast
Today offers a free day to explore this unforgettable city at your leisure. Want a classic Venetian experience? Add the optional gondola ride to your to-do list today! Explore more of the city on an optional trip further out into the lagoon to visit Murano and Burano. These islands are famous for their glass-blowing and lace-making crafts respectively, and rows of beautiful multi-coloured houses. Why not enjoy both of today’s optional excursions to experience the best that Venice has to offer?
Meals: Breakfast
Crossing the border into Switzerland, travel onward to the Swiss Alps. On the way to tonight’s accommodation, enjoy a stop in Lucerne, a picturesque Swiss city. Embark on an orientation tour with your tour leader and enjoy free time to explore. Then, admire the alpine views as the coach climbs higher into the mountains to the accommodation in a typical Swiss mountain village in the Jungfrau region. This region is a great introduction to the magic of the mountains and is one of the most popular alpine destinations! Enjoy dinner with the group at the hotel and get some rest tonight before tomorrow’s free day which promises more adventures in the Swiss Alps!
Meals: BreakfastDinner
Explore the splendour of the Swiss Alps today! There is so much to see and do. Choose to join the ever-popular “Jungfraujoch: Journey to the Top of Europe” excursion which takes travellers to the highest train station in Europe and offers countless adventures at the top. Take in the year-round snowy vistas, including glaciers and dramatic mountaintops, visit the Ice Palace and take tons of photos! Return to lower altitudes where you can enjoy an optional Swiss fondue dinner tonight.
Meals: Breakfast
Bid farewell to the magnificent Alps as more scenic adventures await! Depart the Interlaken region, travel to Germany and enjoy a journey through the spellbinding Black Forest. This scenic drive complete with quaint towns and beautiful natural scenery is unlike anything you've encountered before! Enjoy a photo stop at Lake Titisee before visiting Triberg with free time for lunch. Next, snap a photo of the world’s largest cuckoo clock before arriving in Freudenstadt and enjoy free time to explore the town’s beautiful market square. The hotel in the Black Forest region awaits at the end of today’s scenic Black Forest drive and dinner is included this evening.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
Leaving the Black Forest behind, travel into the heart of the world-renowned Rhine Valley. Stop in Saint Goar and enjoy a ride aboard a cruise vessel to Boppard. The scenery along the river is truly amazing. Keep an eye out for the vineyards, impressive castles and towers, and thick groves of the forest along the riverbanks. Afterwards, treat your taste buds to a Rhine Valley wine tasting experience and enjoy famous Rhine Valley wines like Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Next, travel onwards to the bustling city of Amsterdam. Enjoy an included group dinner and the rest of the night is free to explore Amsterdam as you wish!
Meals: BreakfastDinner
Start today with a cruise along the iconic canals of Amsterdam. This is a great way to get to know the city! The rest of the day is free to further explore Amsterdam. Marvel at the artworks in the city’s famous museums, hire a bicycle, visit the cafes or simply stroll along the canals and see what the next corner brings! Alternatively, opt for a Dutch countryside tour with your tour leader. This excursion will take you to a nearby fishing village, Volendam, the famous historic windmill neighbourhood of Zaanse Schans and a local cheese farm and clog factory. Finally, choose to enjoy a delicious farewell Dutch pancake dinner with the group tonight.
Meals: Breakfast
After 18 incredible days in Europe, the tour comes to an end this morning. Enjoy one last breakfast with the Europe Explorer group in Amsterdam before everyone continues with their journeys. Now is the time to swap details with your travel friends before everyone heads home. We hope to welcome you to Europe again soon!
Meals: Breakfast
Welcome to the beginning of an epic tour through Europe! Meet your tour leader and group at the Amsterdam hotel in the morning. Once everyone arrives, it’s time to set off! Today’s first stop is Ghent in Belgium. Enjoy free time to explore this charming city and grab some lunch. This evening, the tour arrives in Paris and a spellbinding driving tour of the “City of Lights” is on the cards! Marvel at the sites of this world-famous city including the Arc de Triomphe, the River Seine and the Eiffel Tower! Later, it’s time to sit down for a group dinner in the heart of Paris.
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 free time to explore the historic streets and find a spot to have lunch - why not try some traditional 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!
Dinner
Hotel
Paris is yours to explore on your free day! Today’s top optional excursion is the Paris+ Tour. This includes plenty of sightseeing as well as a macaron tasting at Ladurée, a guided tour of renowned parfumerie Fragonard Musée du Parfum and a River Seine cruise. The excursion continues with a trip up Montparnasse. Towering high above Paris, it offers sweeping views of the “City of Lights”. End it off with free time to explore the Latin Quarter. This evening, enjoy an optional cabaret show or see the iconic Moulin Rouge on an optional evening in Montmartre complete with a three-course French dinner!
Breakfast
Hotel
Spend the day ticking off Parisian highlights! Today includes top attractions, macarons, perfume, a River Seine Cruise and much more.
Explore the vibrant Montmartre neighbourhood by night! See the Moulin Rouge and the Sacré-Cœur basilica and indulge in a three-course French dinner.
Be amazed by colours, costumes and cancan at one of Paris’ top cabaret venues!
Today, travel from Paris to Toulouse with a wine tasting in a small medieval town along the way! Drive past rolling crop fields, forests, pastoral landscapes and pretty towns. The wine tasting will showcase some of the region's robust red wines. Then, it's onto Toulouse, the fourth largest city in France. Here, enjoy a guided tour. Situated along the Compostela Pilgrimage route, it’s known for incredible Renaissance buildings. It's also home to a beautiful 17th-century canal and more. Dinner is included this evening - be sure to try something local!
Wine tasting in Toulouse: Taste some of the vintages that have placed Toulouse on the world wine map!
Guided tour of Toulouse: Join a local guide on a tour of this beautiful French city. See the highlights of this destination and learn more about its history and rich culture. Find out how it earned its nickname “La Ville Rose” (The Pink City)!
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
Au revoir Toulouse! Today, head south and cross the border into Andorra from the north. Grab lunch and then travel onward to Barcelona. Next stop is the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region. Barcelona is renowned for its art and architecture, such as the fantastical Sagrada Família church and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí. The driving tour will introduce you to a few of the city's top visitor attractions.
Visit Andorra: Enjoy a comfort stop in this tiny country with free time to explore and grab lunch in the sixth-smallest nation in Europe.
Barcelona Driving tour: Barcelona is renowned for its art and architecture, such as the fantastical Sagrada Família church and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí. Our driving tour will introduce you to a few of the city's top visitor attractions.
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
Today is free to spend as you like! To see Barcelona’s top highlights, join the Highlights of Barcelona featuring the Sagrada Família optional excursion. Take a peek at Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece: the glorious La Sagrada Familia and discover the picturesque Palau Güell. Then, visit Barcelona’s most famous food market, La Boqueria, before embarking on a tour of the historic Barrio Gótico (Gothic Quarter). Alternatively, wander around the city at your own pace, go shopping or relax on the beach! This evening, why not see a Flamenco Show? This optional includes a buffet dinner and unlimited drinks!
Breakfast
Hotel
See Barcelona’s iconic highlights including the Sagrada Família and Parque Güell! Visit the famous La Boqueria market and the historic Barrio Gótico.
Enjoy a vibrant Flamenco performance along with a buffet dinner serving up Spanish delights and unlimited drinks!
Adiós Barcelona! Today, travel to Avignon. En route, stopover in Sète, a port town in the South of France known for its canals. Take an orientation walk with your tour leader and enjoy free time for lunch here. Next stop is the centuries-old Pont du Gard. The ancient Roman aqueduct bridge was built in the first century AD to carry water over 50 kilometres to the Roman colony of Nemausus. Afterwards, head onwards to Avignon. Situated in the heart of picturesque Provence, Avignon used to be the centre of the Roman Catholic world. Enjoy an optional evening around town. See the impressive Palais des Papes and its gardens before enjoying a three-course Provençal dinner.
Visit Sète: Enjoy an orientation tour of this scenic coastal city in the South of France. Sète is famous for its canals and seafood!
Visit the Pont du Gard: See the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge that crosses the Gardon River. The bridge has three tiers of arches, stands 160 ft tall, and once carried 44 million gallons of water a day to the fountains, baths and homes of the citizens of Nîmes.
Orientation tour of Avignon: Embark on a walking orientation tour of Avignon with your tour leader. See the Palais des Papes, the old Avignon town walls, Notre-Dame des Doms and Pont d’Avignon.
Breakfast
Hotel
Experience an unforgettable evening in Avignon with a tour of the incredible, historical architecture and an authentic three-course Provençal dinner!
A real highlight of the tour and trips to France is on the itinerary today – the French Riviera! Departing Avignon, head towards one of the most glamorous destinations in the world! Explore Monaco with your tour leader upon arrival just before midday. Discover top attractions like the Prince's Palace and the Casino de Monte-Carlo. Later, visit the French village of Eze and enjoy a workshop at the Fragonard perfume factory! Finally, embark on an orientation tour of Nice, one of the region’s most stunning cities, to see top attractions like the Promenade des Anglais and Vieux Nice (the Old Town). Then, enjoy some free time to relax or explore as you wish.
Scenic French Riviera drive: Marvel at the views along this famous coastline as the tour travels towards Nice! The French Riviera is renowned for its dazzling coastline and glamorous seaside towns.
Orientation tour of Monaco: Despite the small size, this beautiful sovereign city-state is home to a number of exciting sights! Experience the glitz and glamour during a visit to Monaco’s most well-known attractions with your tour leader. See top sights including the Prince's Palace, Casino de Monte-Carlo, Oceanography Museum and the Cathedral of Monaco.
Visit Eze Fragonard Perfumery: Stopover in the medieval seaside village of Eze. Here, enjoy a relaxed perfume creation workshop at the impressive Fragonard Perfumery!
Visit Nice: Join your tour leader for an orientation tour of Nice! This gorgeous seaside city is located on the French Riviera and boasts beautiful beaches as well as sunshine almost all year round. Some of Nice’s most famous attractions include the Promenade des Anglais, several museums and the city’s Old Town.
Breakfast
Hotel
Travelling back inland, head for nearby Italy. Have your cameras ready for a visit to the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa! Next up is Florence. Here, learn about the city’s history and see landmarks dating back to the Renaissance and even the Roman times on a guided walking tour of the city. Snap photos of Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, the Basilica of Santa Croce, the Florence Baptistry and the replica of Michelangelo’s famous statue of David which stands in the Palazzo della Signoria (the original can be seen in the nearby Accademia Gallery.) After exploring Florence, make for the hills of Tuscany, for an overnight stay in the south of Tuscany.
See the Leaning Tower of Pisa: This is your chance to see the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, or even take some iconic pictures of you ‘holding up’ the tower!
Orientation tour of Florence: Learn more about Florence on an orientation tour with your tour leader. See the main sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David.
Breakfast
Hotel
Get a true taste of Tuscany with this culinary experience in Florence! Sit down for a family-style meal and indulge in classic Tuscan dishes.
It’s time for the group to make its way to the country’s capital, Rome. Arrive and embark on a guided walking tour for an introduction to the incredible history of this unique city, which once reigned supreme as the focal point of the Roman Empire. Highlights today include the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.
Walking tour of Rome: This city has so much to see and do that we can’t list everything here! Enjoy a walking tour of Rome with a professional local guide, a great introduction for further exploration of the city during the free day tomorrow. Visit the Roman Forum, Arch of Septimus Severus, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps.
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
Rome boasts ancient ruins, historical landmarks, religious buildings and a buzzing atmosphere! Today is free to spend as you wish! Explore Rome at your own pace. A visit to the Colosseum is highly recommended; offering fabulous views of the city and an unbelievable feeling of drifting backwards in time to when gladiators, chariots and lions dominated the arena. You could even visit the Vatican City - seat of the Pope and the smallest country in the world! Inside the walls, explore the museums, visit the Sistine Chapel and admire the famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo, and marvel at the numerous art pieces dotted around the buildings. The choice is yours!
Breakfast
Hotel
Today’s first stop is the Tuscan town of Siena - famous for its cuisine, wine, art, museums and medieval cityscape. It’s also the home of the Palio horse race held here twice a year. Explore the town before the journey continues through Italy. In the early evening, arrive in Venice, a city which has been immortalised in literature, film and art for centuries! Venice is sure to capture your heart and imagination! The timeless waterways and artistic masterpieces make the “Floating City” truly unique. There is no shortage of incredible food and culture here either! Enjoy a free evening to relax at the hotel, or opt to join your tour leader on a twilight water taxi cruise along the Venetian canals.
Visit Siena: Visit the Tuscan town of Siena, famous for hosting the Palio horse race and also for its incredible cuisine and culture!
Breakfast
Hotel
Take a water taxi night cruise of Venice’s iconic waterways. Soak up the sights and sounds from the palazzos and tavernas.
Today offers a free day to explore this unforgettable city at your leisure. Want a classic Venetian experience? Add the optional gondola ride to your to-do list today! Explore more of the city on an optional trip further out into the lagoon to visit Murano and Burano. These islands are famous for their glass-blowing and lace-making crafts respectively, and rows of beautiful multi-coloured houses. Why not enjoy both of today’s optional excursions to experience the best that Venice has to offer?
Experience Venice: Look forward to a full free day in this 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!
Breakfast
Hotel
No visit to Venice is complete without a traditional gondola ride! Experience an ancient Venice tradition as you cruise the city’s famous canals.
Take a private boat across the lagoon to Venice’s colourful islands. Enjoy a glass-making demonstration in Murano and learn about lace-making in Burano.
Crossing the border into Switzerland, travel onward to the Swiss Alps. On the way to tonight’s accommodation, enjoy a stop in Lucerne, a picturesque Swiss city. Embark on an orientation tour with your tour leader and enjoy free time to explore. Then, admire the alpine views as the coach climbs higher into the mountains to the accommodation in a typical Swiss mountain village in the Jungfrau region. This region is a great introduction to the magic of the mountains and is one of the most popular alpine destinations! Enjoy dinner with the group at the hotel and get some rest tonight before tomorrow’s free day which promises more adventures in the Swiss Alps!
Visit Lucerne: Join your tour leader on an orientation tour of this picturesque Swiss city, known for its medieval architecture. See some of Lucerne’s top sights and enjoy some free time afterwards to explore further.
Scenic mountain drive: Enjoy the spectacular views on a drive through mountain passes and alongside lakes, breathtaking mountain vistas and scenic views of quaint Swiss towns.
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
Explore the splendour of the Swiss Alps today! There is so much to see and do. Choose to join the ever-popular “Jungfraujoch: Journey to the Top of Europe” excursion which takes travellers to the highest train station in Europe and offers countless adventures at the top. Take in the year-round snowy vistas, including glaciers and dramatic mountaintops, visit the Ice Palace and take tons of photos! Return to lower altitudes where you can enjoy an optional Swiss fondue dinner tonight.
Breakfast
Hotel
Travel to the “Top of Europe” - Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe! Enjoy exceptional views, year-round snow and a magical ice palace.
Get an authentic taste of Switzerland and warm up with an authentic Swiss fondue dinner! Is there anything better than a pot of melted cheese?
Bid farewell to the magnificent Alps as more scenic adventures await! Depart the Interlaken region, travel to Germany and enjoy a journey through the spellbinding Black Forest. This scenic drive complete with quaint towns and beautiful natural scenery is unlike anything you've encountered before! Enjoy a photo stop at Lake Titisee before visiting Triberg with free time for lunch. Next, snap a photo of the world’s largest cuckoo clock before arriving in Freudenstadt and enjoy free time to explore the town’s beautiful market square. The hotel in the Black Forest region awaits at the end of today’s scenic Black Forest drive and dinner is included this evening.
Scenic Black Forest Drive: Enjoy a beautiful drive through the Black Forest region, with stops at quaint villages along the way.
Photo stop at Lake Titisee: Visit Lake Titisee - the largest natural lake in the Black Forest! Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the beautiful lake and surrounding scenery during a photo stop.
Visit Triberg: Enjoy free time to visit one of the most popular destinations in the Black Forest! Enjoy the traditional architecture and welcoming vibe. While in Triberg you can also see the Triberg Waterfall and the Black Forest Museum.
See the world’s largest cuckoo clock: Nearby Triberg, you can visit the world’s largest cuckoo clock! The structure was completed in 1994 and has held the title in the Guinness Book of World Records since 1997.
Visit Freudenstadt: Enjoy free time in this charming town in southern Germany. Freudenstadt is home to the largest market square in the country which is surrounded by pretty historic buildings.
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
Leaving the Black Forest behind, travel into the heart of the world-renowned Rhine Valley. Stop in Saint Goar and enjoy a ride aboard a cruise vessel to Boppard. The scenery along the river is truly amazing. Keep an eye out for the vineyards, impressive castles and towers, and thick groves of the forest along the riverbanks. Afterwards, treat your taste buds to a Rhine Valley wine tasting experience and enjoy famous Rhine Valley wines like Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Next, travel onwards to the bustling city of Amsterdam. Enjoy an included group dinner and the rest of the night is free to explore Amsterdam as you wish!
Rhine Valley River Cruise: Cruise down the Rhine and see the beautiful scenery and the largest concentration of gothic castles in Europe (See Sterrenberg, Liebenstein, Katz and Fortress Rheinfels).
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 from the surrounding area and neighbouring regions include Riesling, Spätburgunder and Pinot Noir. The region is also well-known for eiswein (ice wine), a very sweet dessert wine made from grapes harvested in the freezing winter months.
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
Start today with a cruise along the iconic canals of Amsterdam. This is a great way to get to know the city! The rest of the day is free to further explore Amsterdam. Marvel at the artworks in the city’s famous museums, hire a bicycle, visit the cafes or simply stroll along the canals and see what the next corner brings! Alternatively, opt for a Dutch countryside tour with your tour leader. This excursion will take you to a nearby fishing village, Volendam, the famous historic windmill neighbourhood of Zaanse Schans and a local cheese farm and clog factory. Finally, choose to enjoy a delicious farewell Dutch pancake dinner with the group tonight.
Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing sightseeing cruise along Amsterdam’s charming canals. An audio guide is included to provide more information about the architectural sights and points of interest as seen from the water.
Breakfast
Hotel
Experience the Dutch countryside! Enjoy cheese and clog-making demonstrations, visit Volendam and see the windmills of Zaanse Schans.
Delight in one of the most delicious Dutch delicacies, Dutch pancakes, with a three-course dinner at a beautiful local restaurant in Amsterdam!
After 18 incredible days in Europe, the tour comes to an end this morning. Enjoy one last breakfast with the Europe Explorer group in Amsterdam before everyone continues with their journeys. Now is the time to swap details with your travel friends before everyone heads home. We hope to welcome you to Europe again soon!
Breakfast
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 Amsterdam, click here to book pre and post-tour accommodation through our partner Booking.com.
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.
Spend the day ticking off Parisian highlights! Today includes top attractions, macarons, perfume, a River Seine Cruise and much more.
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!
Please Note: Minimum numbers required.
Explore the vibrant Montmartre neighbourhood by night! See the Moulin Rouge and the Sacré-Cœur basilica and indulge in a three-course French dinner.
Spend an evening in the beautiful Montmartre neighbourhood, affectionately referred to as the ‘last village in Paris’. See the Moulin Rouge, stroll the cobbled streets and visit the charming village shops and romantic terraces. Admire views of the spectacular Sacré-Cœur Basilica before enjoying a three-course dinner filled with authentic French options (vegetarian options are available) finished off with a delicious local dessert!
Be amazed by colours, costumes and cancan at one of Paris’ top cabaret venues!
Experience a fantastic show and the famous French Cancan at one of the top Paris cabaret venues. The shows are lively, colourful and tastefully produced. With striking decor, beautiful costumes and a variety of classic and modern choreography this is a show you will not want to miss! The price includes the show and a glass of French champagne (soft drink option also available).
See Barcelona’s iconic highlights including the Sagrada Família and Parque Güell! Visit the famous La Boqueria market and the historic Barrio Gótico.
Experience Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, the famous Sagrada Família, along with an array of Barcelona’s highlights. Tour Palau Güell (another Gaudí creation) and admire the city views from the rooftop. Discover Barcelona’s most famous market, La Boqueria, and taste authentic croquetas. Embark on a guided tour of the historic Barrio Gótico (Gothic Quarter), sampling sweet traditional churros en route, before it’s time to marvel at and step inside one of Europe’s most visually astounding monuments - the Sagrada Família! This excursion includes transport, a local guide, entrance to the Sagrada Família and free time for lunch at La Boqueria.
Enjoy a vibrant Flamenco performance along with a buffet dinner serving up Spanish delights and unlimited drinks!
Enjoy a late-night show on La Ramblas in the heart of Barcelona. Flamenco is a world-famous style of Spanish folk music and dance including cante (singing), toque (guitar playing), baile (dance) and palmas (handclaps). Experience the passion, power and excitement of the performers within the vaulted nazari styled interior. The price includes the show, a buffet dinner of dishes from all over Spain and unlimited drinks throughout your meal.
Experience an unforgettable evening in Avignon with a tour of the incredible, historical architecture and an authentic three-course Provençal dinner!
Experience an unforgettable evening in Avignon! Start with a tour by admiring the impressive Gothic architecture of the Palais des Papes, which was home to the Popes in the 14th Century, and stroll through the enchanting garden. Then, get a taste of Provençal cuisine at a local restaurant in Avignon! Enjoy a delectable three-course dinner with an included drink. Each course includes vegetarian options and features a selection of delectable Provençal dishes. Bon appétit!
Get a true taste of Tuscany with this culinary experience in Florence! Sit down for a family-style meal and indulge in classic Tuscan dishes.
Tuscany’s food draws millions of visitors to the region every year! Join this incredible culinary experience in Florence to taste it for yourself. Try some special local culinary traditions, served in a sit-down, family-style meal, including Bistecca alla Fiorentina (charcoal-grilled steak served on the bone), Tagliatelle al Tartufo (pasta with truffle), Risotto ai Porcini (risotto with porcini mushrooms), Crostini al Pomodoro (crusty bread with tomatoes and olive oil) and a glass of Chianti red wine. Round off the meal with a traditional Tuscan digestivo.
Take a water taxi night cruise of Venice’s iconic waterways. Soak up the sights and sounds from the palazzos and tavernas.
Venice was made to be viewed from the canals! So, hop aboard a water taxi and take a night cruise of the softly-lit waterways. Be enchanted by the romantic scene of the lights and sounds from the palazzos and old tavernas. It's your opportunity to see La Serenissima at her twilight best.
No visit to Venice is complete without a traditional gondola ride! Experience an ancient Venice tradition as you cruise the city’s famous canals.
A gondola ride is the perfect way to appreciate the beauty and charm of Venice. Feel part of an ancient Venetian tradition and experience Venice as the locals have for more than a thousand years. Your visit isn't complete until you have experienced this!
Please Note: Gondolas can take up to 5 people, so you will be sharing your experience with other members of your Expat Explore group. After 19:00 hrs the cost will increase by an additional €5.00 per person.
Take a private boat across the lagoon to Venice’s colourful islands. Enjoy a glass-making demonstration in Murano and learn about lace-making in Burano.
Take a trip from the city of Venice to seek out the islands further out in the lagoon, accompanied by your tour leader on a private boat. You’ll get to discover two of Venice’s most famous crafts: glass blowing and lace-making! Experience a glass-making demonstration on the island of Murano before travelling to Burano to see the colourful fishermen's houses and learn about the intricate art of lace-making.
Travel to the “Top of Europe” - Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe! Enjoy exceptional views, year-round snow and a magical ice palace.
Experience a highlight of European travel when you journey to Jungfraujoch - the top of Europe! Take the Eiger Express cable car to 3,454m above sea level. Get ready for breathtaking mountain views as you go, the trip is part of the adventure! Arrive at Jungfraujoch which is the highest train station in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the year-round snow, take in the panoramic alpine scenery, marvel at the massive Aletsch Glacier and explore the magical ice palace and Sphinx Observatory! Return by cable car or Jungfraubahn train for even more spectacular mountain vistas. This optional excursion has been voted number one by Expat Explore travellers for several years and comes highly recommended!
Please Note: Certain departures will stay in a different region of the Swiss Alps, with the 'Swiss Alps Mountain Experience' excursion offered in place of Jungfraujoch. Please contact us for more information.
Get an authentic taste of Switzerland and warm up with an authentic Swiss fondue dinner! Is there anything better than a pot of melted cheese?
What better way to enjoy an evening in Switzerland than with a traditional Swiss fondue dinner? Fondue is a dish popular in Switzerland, France and Italy, with friends and family gathering around a communal table to dip pieces of bread into a pot of melted cheese. Enjoy a taste of Switzerland with this classic fondue dinner.
Experience the Dutch countryside! Enjoy cheese and clog-making demonstrations, visit Volendam and see the windmills of Zaanse Schans.
This excursion begins with an entertaining demonstration of how traditional Dutch clogs are made (by hand), followed by a lesson in local cheese making. There is time to pop some clogs on, and taste the cheesy treats. A visit to the quaint fishing village of Volendam allows you to stretch your legs, wander the main street filled with cafés and local souvenirs, and admire the sprawling views while tasting some delicious poffertjes (mini Dutch pancakes). Your next stop is to the historical windmill village of Zaanse Schans, where you will discover how they were vital to the industrial development of the Netherlands. This is a great chance to get some fabulous photos! The coach will then take you back into the city centre, where you'll have free time to explore the city further.
Delight in one of the most delicious Dutch delicacies, Dutch pancakes, with a three-course dinner at a beautiful local restaurant in Amsterdam!
Delight in one of the most delicious Dutch delicacies with a three-course dinner at a local restaurant in Amsterdam! Dutch pancakes are much larger and thinner in comparison to American pancakes and come with a variety of sweet (who says you can’t have dessert for dinner?) or savoury toppings. Look forward to enjoying these Dutch favourites in a beautiful setting as this restaurant is filled with paintings from Dutch masters such as Rembrant and Vermeer.
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
Start Date / End Date | Flexible Booking | Status | Price Per Person |
01 Apr 2025 - 18 Apr 2025 | Book now with low deposit | ||
22 Apr 2025 - 09 May 2025 | Book now with low deposit | ||
13 May 2025 - 30 May 2025 | Book now with low deposit | ||
03 Jun 2025 - 20 Jun 2025 | Book now with low deposit | ||
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26 Aug 2025 - 12 Sep 2025 | Book now with low deposit | ||
16 Sep 2025 - 03 Oct 2025 | Book now with low deposit | ||
08 Apr 2026 - 25 Apr 2026 | Book now with low deposit | ||
29 Apr 2026 - 16 May 2026 | Book now with low deposit |
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 .
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Visiting Europe is on the bucket-list of almost every traveller, thanks to the history, culture, traditions and incredible must-see sites. Join this Europe Explorer tour to see some of the continent’s top highlights! This 18 days in Europe itinerary allows you to discover the reasons why Europe is such a popular destination.
Wondering why to choose this tour? France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium are all fantastic European countries to visit and this is your chance to see them in a fun, affordable and convenient way! Here are some of the highlights and bucket-list worthy experiences of this Europe Explorer trip:
Is this the right tour for me?
What is the accommodation like?
On this 18 day European tour, travellers will use twin share rooms and you’ll be paired with a traveller of the same gender if you are travelling alone. Single supplements are available for those looking for some extra privacy.
How many days is enough for Europe?
It depends on what you’d like to see! 18 Days in Europe showcases highlights of the 7 countries visited on tour with free time to spend as you wish. There’s always the option to spend more time in certain places before and after the tour too!
Can you do Europe in 2 weeks?
Yes! Our tour itineraries are designed to show off destinations, no matter the time constraint.
Can I tour Europe in 10 days?
Absolutely - take a look at these great 10 day itineraries on the Europe Highlights, Best of Western Europe, and Europe at Leisure tours.
When to go on a tour to Europe?
One of the great things about Europe is that you can visit anytime. The best time to visit Europe is generally spring when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller. Summer is hot while winter is a great option for festive getaways!
Where should I start in Europe?
Rome is a great place to start as it is a travel hub filled with great culture, cuisine and history that attracts visitors from around the world!
Make your bucket-list dreams come true and explore Europe with us!
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