DAY 1: Start of tour in Rome - Venice
![Start of tour in Rome - Venice]()
Welcome to the Europe Highlights tour! Leave Rome this morning and head to the city of canals and gondolas. Vineyards and orchards flash in front of a majestic mountain backdrop as the coach drives. The diversity of the Italian landscapes will continue to impress. And then...Venice! Arrive and embark on an orientation walk with your tour leader. See the world-famous St. Mark’s Square, Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. Then, see local craftsmen at work with a glass-blowing demonstration! The evening is free to explore. Be sure to sample local cuisine at one of the many bars and restaurants! Later, why not take a gondola ride on the iconic canals and admire the sights from the water?
Experiences
Orientation tour of Venice: Your tour leader will take the group into the heart of this unique floating city for an orientation walking tour. See highlights such as St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Museum, Campanile, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Market and Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Ambasciatori & Delfino
Hotel Venezia
Russott Hotel
Optional Excursions
- Venice Gondola Ride i €25
- Venice Water Taxi i €25
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 2: Innsbruck - Munich - Bavaria Region
![Innsbruck - Munich - Bavaria Region]()
Arrivederci, for now Italy! Heading north toward Germany this morning, encounter some of the most beautiful countrysides in central Europe. Admire the breathtaking Brenner Pass as the tour makes its way to Austria. Stop in Innsbruck, famous for its dramatic mountain backdrop. Enjoy an orientation tour and some free time to explore. Arriving in Munich in the afternoon, embark on an orientation tour of the city centre. With much of the city restored after WW2, the modern and ancient history of Munich is fascinating, and the effort to rebuild the German city is gilded with respect. Munich hosts the world’s most famous beer festival - Oktoberfest! Get a taste this evening with dinner and beer in a traditional beer hall. Prost!
Experiences
Scenic mountain drive through Brenner Pass: Cross spectacular mountain passes and experience some truly amazing mountain vistas.
Visit Innsbruck: Enjoy a comfort stop and orientation tour of this beautiful Austrian city that lies in a valley between high mountains, making for an incredible backdrop.
Munich orientation tour: Your tour leader will take the group on an orientation tour of Munich, the capital and largest city of the German state of Bavaria. See Karlsplatz and Marienplatz, New Town Hall, Church of our Lady, and (if visiting in winter) the traditional German Christmas markets.
German beer hall: Tonight, visit a traditional German Beer Hall. Sample German beer, along with traditional German cuisine. Prost!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Ibis Nürnberg City am Plärrer
Vienna House Easy Amberg
ibis Hotel München City
Best Western Hotel München Airport
DAY 3: Munich - Rhine Valley
![Munich - Rhine Valley]()
The German adventure continues, as the tour heads to one of the most picturesque sections of the Rhine River. Arrive in the Rhine Valley and relax onboard a Rhine riverboat as it travels into the heart of this region. This is the most concentrated stretch of castles in all of Europe. It also features vineyards, charming medieval towns and lofty cliffs. Learn more about the castles, many of which are in ruins. Afterwards, visit a local wine merchant for a wine tasting. If the harvest has been good, try eiswein (ice wine), a sweet wine that is produced in very small quantities as it can only be harvested when the temperature drops below freezing!
Experiences
Rhine River Cruise: 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), a very sweet dessert wine made from grapes harvested in the freezing winter months.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Wyndham Garden Koblenz Hotel
Rheinlust Hotel
Seminaris Bad Honnef
DAY 4: Rhine Valley - Amsterdam
![Rhine Valley - Amsterdam]()
This morning, say auf wiedersehen to Germany, and continue into the Netherlands. En route to Amsterdam, travel through the beautiful Dutch countryside and enjoy a photo stop at the iconic Riekermolen windmill. Then, indulge in a cheese and clog-making display - and sample some delicious local cheeses! Arrive in Amsterdam in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to explore and soak up the city’s buzzing atmosphere. Later, embark on a twilight canal cruise. Gain an alternative perspective of this eclectic and bohemian city whilst drifting past famous landmarks. Afterwards, look forward to an included dinner at a local restaurant.
Experiences
See the iconic Riekermolen windmill: No visit to the Netherlands is complete without some fun photos at the iconic Dutch windmills! See the Riekermolen windmill and snap some memorable photos.
Cheese and clogs demonstration: See how these famous shoes are traditionally made by hand and taste some fantastic cheeses. Take this opportunity to shop and stock up on unique Dutch souvenirs.
Cruise along the Amsterdam canals: 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!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam - Schiphol
Best Western Plus Plaza Almere
DAY 5: Amsterdam - Ghent - Paris
![Amsterdam - Ghent - Paris]()
Today, say vaarwel to the Netherlands and head to the Belgian city of Ghent. This picturesque port city is a cultural hub, and is known for its medieval architecture, which is remarkably well-preserved. See some top sights on an orientation tour and then enjoy free time for lunch. Be sure to try an authentic Belgian waffle! Leaving Ghent behind, the tour makes its way to Paris, the ‘City of Lights’! Embark on a driving tour of the French capital; get your cameras ready for some of the city’s most treasured landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe! After the driving tour, enjoy dinner with the group at a restaurant in the city.
Experiences
Visit Ghent: The port city of Ghent lies where the Scheldt and Leie rivers meet. This university town is known for its medieval architecture and is a cultural hub. See some top sights on an orientation tour and enjoy free time for lunch.
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, Sacré-Coeur, Montmartre, Pigalle (the Red Light District) and the Moulin Rouge!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel ibis Paris La Défense Centre
B&B Hôtel Paris Porte des Lilas
B&B Hôtel Paris Italie Porte de Choisy
Hôtel Kyriad Paris Nord Porte de Saint Ouen
DAY 6: Paris: Free Day
![Paris: Free Day]()
The wonderful thing about Paris is that there is so much to experience, regardless of the time of day, or season. Enjoy a full free day to explore all this magical city has to offer. Wander its fascinating streets, sample local cuisine (escargot, anyone?) or simply relax in one of the city’s lovely parks. Alternatively, join the Paris+ optional excursion for a guided day full of unique Parisian experiences. These include a macaron tasting, a visit to a famous parfumerie, a lunch cruise along the River Seine and much more! This evening, choose to explore the stunning Montmartre neighbourhood and watch an exciting cabaret show!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel ibis Paris La Défense Centre
B&B Hôtel Paris Porte des Lilas
B&B Hôtel Paris Italie Porte de Choisy
Hôtel Kyriad Paris Nord Porte de Saint Ouen
Optional Excursions
- Parisian Cabaret with drinks i €85
- Paris+ i €60
- An Evening in Montmartre i €45
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 7: Paris - Burgundy - Swiss Alps
![Paris - Burgundy - Swiss Alps]()
Au revoir Paris! Today, get a taste of small-town France with a lunch stop in Burgundy. In the town of Beaune, visit the beautiful Hospices de Beaune or try the region’s famous wine! After free time for lunch, take a scenic drive across the border into Switzerland. Welcome to the Swiss Alps, home for the next two nights! Leaving bustling cities behind, look forward to being completely surrounded by nature’s beauty. Turn in any direction and see snow-capped peaks, clear-blue lakes and perfect hiking trails. Breathe in the fresh air and make the most of the time in this idyllic place. Enjoy dinner at the hotel tonight.
Experiences
Visit Burgundy: Enjoy a stop in Beaune, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous wine-producing region. Enjoy some free time to explore this beautiful medieval town centre and the opportunity to try local food and wine.
Scenic Swiss mountain drive: Look forward to spectacular views as the coach drives through mountain passes and alongside lakes, breathtaking mountain vistas and quaint Swiss towns.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
The Bear Inn Wilderswil
DAY 8: Swiss Alps: Free Day
![Swiss Alps: Free Day]()
The Swiss Alps have some of the highest peaks in the world! Surrounded by these peaks and glaciers, take the opportunity to feel on top of the world at Jungfraujoch on this free day! Join this popular optional excursion and take a train or gondola to “the top of Europe” for magnificent mountain vistas. Admire picture-perfect beauty all around, play in the year-round snow and look forward to endless photo opportunities. For those wishing to spend their free day exploring the local sights, wander through the villages and breathe in that crisp, fresh, Alpine air! Why not warm up this evening with a delicious Swiss fondue dinner?
Included Meals
Accommodationi
The Bear Inn Wilderswil
Optional Excursions
- Jungfraujoch: Journey to the Top of Europe i €195
- Swiss Fondue Dinner i €40
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 9: Swiss Alps - Lake Como - Pisa - Tuscany
![Swiss Alps - Lake Como - Pisa - Tuscany]()
Today, leave the Swiss Alps and head back towards Italy, stopping for lunch at the famous Lake Como. An enormous expanse of water fringed by picturesque scattered villages, it's perhaps not surprising that one of the villages, Laglio, is where George Clooney has a luxurious villa. Next stop, Pisa! Capture iconic shots at the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. A World Heritage UNESCO Site, the Leaning Tower is visited by tourists from every corner of the globe and is one of the most popular cultural European landmarks. Then, it's onwards to the exquisite Tuscan region - famous for wine, food, art and architecture. Settle in Montecatini Terme and join tonight’s optional excursion to fully experience this gorgeous spa town!
Experiences
Visit the picturesque Lake Como: Enjoy free time for lunch at Lake Como in Italy, one of the most beautiful and glamorous destinations visited on the tour.
Get a photo by the Leaning Tower of Pisa: See the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, or even take some iconic pictures of you ‘holding up’ the tower!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Massimo D'Azeglio
Optional Excursions
- An Evening in Montecatini i €45
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 10: Tuscany - Florence - Rome
![Tuscany - Florence - Rome]()
This morning, visit the enchanting city of Florence. Arrive and embark on a walking tour with a local guide. History oozes out of every pore of this artistic and cultural centre - the city is home to Michaelangelo’s ‘David’ and was the birthplace of the Renaissance. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to further explore Florence. Or, join the Taste of Tuscany optional excursion to sample delectable local cuisine with a family-style meal of Tuscan delights. Later, the tour makes its way back to where this adventure began, because all roads eventually lead to Rome. The tour ends upon arrival in Rome. Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey onwards!
Experiences
Guided walking tour of Florence: Join an expert local guide on a walking tour and see the main sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David.
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.