Europe Highlights

Countries: 7 Days: 10 Per Day: US$ 186
Start Point:Rome
End Point:Rome
Transport:Private coach
Accommodation:Hotel
Ages:10 - 75+
WasUS$ 2,845
From US$ 1,865
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

See and experience world-famous sights on one of our most well-loved tours of Europe! Start your tour in Rome and spend 10 days exploring the highlights of this exciting continent. Explore iconic destinations in France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. From the Rhine River and the Swiss Alps to the Eiffel Tower and the Venice canals, this popular tour ticks off multiple bucket-list attractions! Taste local cuisine, marvel at incredible natural beauty and soak up local culture. This is your ticket to an unforgettable, action-packed exploration of Europe!

Highlights

  • Explore Venice, Amsterdam, Pisa, Florence, Munich and more
  • Experience a river cruise along the Rhine Valley and on Amsterdam’s canals
  • Enjoy free days to explore Paris and the Swiss Alps
  • Visit Burgundy, Ghent and Innsbruck

Start Point

Hotel in Rome | 07:30 AM

End Point

Hotel in Rome | 07:30 PM
DAY 1: 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! This iconic city is home to world-famous landmarks like St. Mark’s Square, Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. The evening is free to explore. Why not join the Evening in Venice optional excursion? Enjoy a twilight water taxi cruise and a gondola ride on the canals while admiring the sights from the water. This excursion also includes dinner at a local restaurant!

DAY 1: 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! This iconic city is home to world-famous landmarks like St. Mark’s Square, Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. The evening is free to explore. Why not join the Evening in Venice optional excursion? Enjoy a twilight water taxi cruise and a gondola ride on the canals while admiring the sights from the water. This excursion also includes dinner at a local restaurant!

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!

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 2: 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!

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 3: 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.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 4: 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!

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 5: 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!

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 6: 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 Like Locals optional excursion for a guided day full of unique Parisian experiences. These include a macaron tasting, a tour of a famous parfumerie, a visit to the Latin Quarter and much more! This evening, choose to explore the stunning Montmartre neighbourhood and watch an exciting cabaret show!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 7: 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.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 8: 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?

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 9: Swiss Alps - Lake Como - 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. 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.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 10: Tuscany - Pisa - Florence - Rome

This morning, capture iconic shots at the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa! The UNESCO-listed Leaning Tower is one of the most popular European landmarks. Then, head to 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 which was the birthplace of the Renaissance. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to further explore. Or, join the Taste of Tuscany optional excursion to sample delectable local cuisine with a family-style meal. Later, the tour makes its way back to where this adventure began, because all roads eventually lead to Rome. The tour ends upon arrival. Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey onwards!

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!

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.

Meals

Breakfast

On Tour Excursions

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 9 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

  • 9 Breakfasts, 5 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
  • Enjoy a scenic mountain drive through Brenner Pass
  • Visit the beautiful Austrian city of Innsbruck
  • See the restored Munich city centre on an orientation tour
  • Say “prost!” at an authentic German Beer Hall
  • Admire the scenery on Rhine River cruise
  • Taste local wines in the Rhine Valley
  • See the iconic Riekermolen windmill
  • Enjoy a traditional cheese and clogs demonstration
  • Cruise along the Amsterdam canals
  • Visit Ghent; a medieval Belgian city
  • See iconic landmarks on a driving tour of Paris
  • Visit Burgundy; a stunning French winemaking region
  • Enjoy a scenic mountain drive through the Swiss Alps
  • Visit the picturesque Lake Como
  • Get a photo by the Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • Explore Florence; the birthplace of the Renaissance

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.

Venice

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

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.

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

326 reviews
C
Coop Verified Buyer 2024-09-27
Had a great time
You should share this survey as a gradual process so it's fresh in mind and can review accurately
C
Charlie Verified Buyer 2024-09-27
Fantastic
An overall excellent trip that enabled seeing so much in a short amount of time. We would absolutely do an Expat tour again!
A
Andy Verified Buyer 2024-09-09
Amazing and just what I expected.
Was a fantastic way to see Europe with some great tour leaders. Sit back, relax and enjoy with a solid itinerary to knock off on your bucket list.
A
Ara Verified Buyer 2024-09-02
Europe Highlights
We had our first tour with Expalexplore last June 2024, we had a lovely and memorable experience and will have our 2nd reservation in May 2025 for Taste of Greece. Looking forward to.... our tour leader Tiago was amazing, made our trip so fun and exciting, likewise with our driver Sebastian and local specialist. For that, we thank you so much
S
SK Verified Buyer 2024-05-11
Superb experience!!!
It was amazing experience overall. Me and my wife got a chance to rest during the travel in bus and stay afresh in the exquisite destinations that Europe had to offer. Got a chance to meet great people during the trip who spanned from different continents. The tour leader and the driver (Aileen and Bogdan) did a phenomenal job for making this trip a success.

Why this tour?

This Europe Highlights tour shows off Europe’s top sights and ensures that you don’t miss out on any of the must-see spots! Our expert team has put together an action-packed itinerary of Europe’s highlights and top experiences; all done within 10 days.

Beginning the tour from Rome, travel through Italy, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Switzerland. This round trip is bursting full of travel highlights and unforgettable experiences! 

  • See the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
  • Live La Dolce Vita  in Italy. See Venice, Tuscany and Florence. Admire incredible renaissance art and architecture, float through Venice in a traditional gondola and be sure to indulge in pizza, pasta, wine and gelato!
  • Cruise through Germany’s beautiful Rhine Valley and explore Amsterdam’s canals from the water.
  • Enjoy free days to explore Paris and the Swiss Alps.
  • Grab your chance to enjoy a trip to Jungfraujoch - the snow-capped top of Europe - is a must-do and has been voted one of our top optional excursions by passengers for years!
  • See the lights of Paris and discover the winemaking capital of France when you visit Burgundy.
  • Explore Lake Como, Innsbruck and Ghent. 

Coach tours give you the chance to see a number of amazing destinations in a shorter amount of time with the added benefit of keeping tours of Europe affordable. Plus they are fun and convenient! You can see more, even with a tight time constraint.

Out of our range of European tour packages from Rome, the European Highlights tour is the perfect introduction to travelling through Europe (that will have you coming back for more)!