DAY 1: London - Paris
![London - Paris]()
Welcome to the Expat Explore Europe Highlights tour! Leaving London behind us, we make our way to Paris, crossing the English Channel and arriving in the ‘City of Lights’ in the afternoon. We'll take you on a driving tour of the French capital; get your cameras ready - you’ll be seeing some of the city’s most treasured landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe! After the driving tour we'll enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the Latin Quarter, an eclectic, bohemian and historic neighbourhood. We'll then travel back to the hotel on Paris' world famous metro system, ready to explore the city further on our free day tomorrow!
Experiences
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!
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 2: Paris: Free Day
![Paris: Free Day]()
The wonderful thing about Paris is that it there is so much to experience, regardless of the time of day, or season. The Seine River is the backbone of the capital, and flows through the heart of the city. The banks are peppered with book sellers and market stalls if you wish to walk. But, why not choose a cruise, and sail your way past the grandeur of the gothic Notre Dame cathedral, to the epic Eiffel Tower? The commentary from the river boats will give you invaluable knowledge and information of the city. Famous architecture is scattered through the city, and ‘strolling’ is the best mode of transport for taking in every ounce of history. Paris Disneyland is perfect for the ‘young at heart’, and is only a short distance away. Your Expat Explore tour leader is brimming with ideas and local knowledge, so that you can get the best out of your time here. Lastly, don’t miss the opportunity to sample such French delicacies as frogs legs and snails!
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
- Cabaret Show i €70-90
- Paris + Tour i €50
- An Evening in Montmartre i €50
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 3: Burgundy - Swiss Alps
![Burgundy - Swiss Alps]()
Au revoir Paris! Today we sample a taste of small town France with a lunch stop in Burgundy. In the town of Beaune you can visit the beautiful Hospices de Beaune, or try the famous wine. After lunch we take a long scenic drive across the border into Switzerland and head towards the Swiss Alps for our stay in a typical mountain village in the heart of the Jungfrau region. This is one of the most-visited regions of the Alps and also a World Heritage site, containing Europe's largest glacier. Welcome to the Swiss Alps, your home for the next two days!
Experiences
Burgundy lunch stop: Enjoy a stop in Burgundy, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous wine-producing region. You will have some free time to explore this beautiful medieval town centre and the opportunity to try local food and wine.
Scenic mountain drive of Switzerland: Spectacular views as we drive through this amazing country alongside lakes, breath-taking mountain vistas and scenic views of quaint Swiss towns.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
The Bear Inn Wilderswil
DAY 4: Swiss Alps: Free Day
![Swiss Alps: Free Day]()
The day is yours to enjoy the majesty of the Swiss Alps. Be sure to book a spot on the optional excursion to Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe, where you’ll also find a visitor’s centre, lookout point and weather station. The views are simply breath-taking all the way up – don’t be surprised to find yourself pressed up against the train window! Once you’re at the top, take a look at the utterly enormous glacier and enjoy the year-round snowy conditions. This is one trip that you won't forget anytime soon; guaranteed to put your head in the clouds in every way possible!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
The Bear Inn Wilderswil
Optional Excursions
- Train to Jungfraujoch i €175
- White-Water River Rafting i CHF108
- Sky-diving i €345
- Paragliding i €155
- Swiss Dinner i €25
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 5: Pisa - Tuscany
![Pisa - Tuscany]()
We're off to Italy! Enjoy more breath-taking mountain views as we drive through Switzerland and on to see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa! After some free time here (be sure to get the perfect photo!) we travel on to our accommodation in Tuscany, arriving in the late afternoon. Famous for its stunning countryside, fine food and wine, Italy's most beautiful region is guaranteed to delight you.
Experiences
Pisa: Your chance to see the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, or even take some iconic pictures of you ‘holding up’ the tower.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Belvedere
Hotel Piccadilly
Hotel Nuovo Savi
Hotel Manzoni
Parma & Oriente
Hotel Montebello
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 6: Florence - Venice
![Florence - Venice]()
This morning we leave our accommodation in Tuscany and make for the famous city of Florence for a guided walking tour. Learn about the legacy of the Medicis and see the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, featuring Michelangelo’s ‘David’. This is the cradle of Renaissance culture – soak it all in while you can! Then it's 'Buon giorno Venice!' Venice is known as one of the world's most romantic cities. Spread across 118 islands, you'll spend the afternoon discovering why this is such a 'must-see' destination, with more art-works per square kilometre than anywhere else on earth! See the famous Rialto Bridge, St Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace. Afterwards, sip an espresso, enjoy a cruise along the canals on a gondola or relax and watch the world go by in one of the many piazzas.
Experiences
Walking tour of Florence: The capital city of the Tuscan region of Italy and considered to be the birthplace of the Renaissance. We will take you on a walking tour with a professional local guide where you will see Florence's Baptistery, Bell Tower, Gates of Paradise, Brunelleschi's Dome, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio.
Orientation tour of Venice: Your tour leader will take you into the heart of this unique floating city for an orientation to help you explore and see St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Museum, Campanile (Elevator to the top), Doge’s Palace, Rialto Market and Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Residence Elite
Hotel Venezia
Hotel Ambasciatori & Delfino
Optional Excursions
- Trip T-shirt or Hoodie i €21-32
- Venice Gondola Ride i €20
- Venice Water Taxi i €20
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 7: Innsbruck - Munich - Bavaria Region
![Innsbruck - Munich - Bavaria Region]()
Arrivederci, Italy! Heading north toward Germany, you will encounter some of the most beautiful countryside in central Europe. The famous Brenner Pass will appear before you, and simply take your breath away, as we make our way to Austria for a comfort stop to get a taster of Innsbruck and its dramatic mountain backdrop. Arriving in Munich in the afternoon, there is plenty of time for an escorted walking tour of the city centre. A city that exhibits both prosperity and a certain amount of comfort and cosiness, Munich’s apparent contradictions will delight the avid explorer. Along with modern high-powered industry, designer shopping districts and sleek BMWs, you’ll find a wealth of cultural hot-spots. Even with all its smart sophistication, Munich has a certain charm that visitors find irresistible. This evening, enjoy a beer in one of Munich’s traditional beer halls before dinner – a great way to round off the day. Prost!
Experiences
Scenic drive: Cross spectacular mountain passes and experience some amazing mountain vistas.
Visit Innsbruck: Enjoy a comfort stop to experience 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 you on an orientation of Munich to get you acquainted with this wonderful German city.
Munich orientation tour: Your tour leader will take you on an orientation tour of Munich, the capital and largest city of the German state of Bavaria. You will see Karlsplatz and Marienplatz, New Town Hall, Church of our Lady, and (if you visit in winter) the traditional German Christmas markets.
German beer hall: Tonight we’ll take you to a traditional German Beer Hall. Sample German beer, along with traditional German cuisine. Prost!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
ibis Hotel München City
Best Western Hotel München Airport
ACHAT Premium München-Süd
Super 8 City West
Vienna House Easy Landsberg
ibis Hotel Augsburg Hauptbahnhof
Ibis Nürnberg City am Plärrer
DAY 8: Bavaria Region - Rhine Valley
![Bavaria Region - Rhine Valley]()
This morning we board the coach once more as we make for Germany’s famous Rhine Valley! Relax on board a Rhine riverboat as we head to our hotel in the heart of the Rhine Valley. This is the most concentrated stretch of castles in all of Europe, and it also features vineyards, charming medieval towns and lofty cliffs. Learn the story of the castles, many of which are now in ruins since the river barons left long ago. Once the cruise is over we'll visit a local wine merchants for an included wine tasting - if the harvest has been good, you may even get to try eiswein (ice wine), a very sweet dessert wine that is produced in very small quantities as it can only be harvested when the temperature drops below freezing.
Experiences
River Cruise: Cruise down the Rhine and see the beautiful scenery and the largest concentration of gothic castles (Sterrenberg, Liebestein, Katz and Fortess 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.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Wyndham Garden Koblenz Hotel
Rheinlust Hotel
Seminaris Bad Honnef
DAY 9: Rhine Valley - Amsterdam
![Rhine Valley - Amsterdam]()
After breakfast, our journey continues as we drive into the Netherlands. Our first photo stop is at a windmill. Afterwards, enjoy a cheesemaking demonstration, and learn all about the quirky clog and how it is made. Next, we're off to Amsterdam city centre! Here we will enjoy a sight-seeing canal cruise. Watch the city drift past as you sail along. Listen to some interesting facts and stories about this majestic city. Amsterdam was reclaimed from the sea. The canals and harbour offer a unique way to experience some of the city’s highlights. After discovering Amsterdam from the water, get ready for a first-class dinner. Tuck into some Dutch specialities, followed by some free time to enjoy this vibrant city. Meet back up at the coach to be driven to our hotel for the night.
Experiences
Visit the Riekermolen Windmill: Travel through the Dutch countryside and enjoy a photo stop at an iconic Dutch windmill.
Cheese and clogs demonstration: Enjoy a visit to a local farm and see how these famous shoes are traditionally crafted by hand. You will also see how Dutch cheese is made and get to taste some fantastic cheeses! This is a great place to shop for some unique souvenirs!
Amsterdam Canal Cruise: A perfect introduction to Amsterdam you will cruise along Amsterdam's atmospheric canals.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam - Schiphol
Best Western Plus Plaza Almere
DAY 10: Bruges - London
![Bruges - London]()
The last day of your European tour already! After breakfast, we bid farewell to Amsterdam and make our way back to London via the Belgian city of Bruges. Famous for its beer, waffles, chocolate and moules et frites, this is definitely a good place to be if you’ve brought your appetite. An extremely popular medieval city with no shortage of cobblestone streets, historic old churches and lofty towers, this is a great city to explore and a good spot to pick up any last-minute souvenirs. Once you’ve had a look around, it’s back to the coach for the final leg of our journey back to London.
Experiences
Visit Bruges: A brief stop in this beautiful medieval town with some free time so you could try the signature national dish of frites and moules, see or even climb the Belfry Tower, have a Belgian beer or buy some amazing Belgian chocolate.