Secure your pre and post-tour accommodation on Booking.com
ClosePrice 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
This tour is available in multiple options - choose your preferred option using the buttons below:
Europe Escape tour
This tour starts and ends in Rome, and includes 2 nights accommodation in Rome. This option is ideal for travellers who want to experience Rome as it includes a full free day to explore. The rest of the itinerary is the same as the Europe Highlights tour.
Europe Highlights tour
This tour starts and ends in Rome, but does not include any accommodation in Rome. This option is ideal for travellers who have visited Rome before, or for those who wish to arrange their own accommodation in Rome. The rest of the itinerary is the same as the Europe Escape tour.
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!
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!
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!
Meals: BreakfastDinner
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!
Meals: BreakfastDinner
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.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
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.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
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
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.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
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
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!
Meals: Breakfast
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!
Meals: Breakfast
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!
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!
Hotel
Take a water taxi cruise and gondola ride of Venice’s iconic waterways. Soak up the romantic sights from the canals and enjoy an included dinner.
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!
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!
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
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!
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.
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
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.
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!
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
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.
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!
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
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!
Breakfast
Hotel
Explore the many highlights of Paris! Stroll among top attractions, taste macarons, smell perfume, discover the Latin Quarter and 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!
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.
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.
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
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?
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?
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!
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.
Breakfast
Hotel
Ride the Montecatini Funicular and admire the views of Montecatini Terme before enjoying a delicious, three-course Tuscan dinner.
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!
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.
Breakfast
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.
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.
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.
Take a water taxi cruise and gondola ride of Venice’s iconic waterways. Soak up the romantic sights from the canals and enjoy an included dinner.
Venice was made to be viewed from the canals! So, hop aboard a water taxi from Piazzale Roma to San Marco and take an evening cruise along the iconic waterways. Venice water taxis feature comfortable leather upholstery, private drivers and open-air seating. Then, look forward to the most quintessential Venice experience - a traditional gondola ride! Be enchanted by romantic scenes from palazzos and old tavernas. Enjoy an included pizza or pasta for dinner at a local restaurant before returning to Piazzale Roma in the glow of the twinkling lights on a water taxi.
Explore the many highlights of Paris! Stroll among top attractions, taste macarons, smell perfume, discover the Latin Quarter and more.
Get ready for the ultimate exploration of Paris! Join your tour leader as you stroll along Paris’s most iconic streets, spotting top landmarks and experiencing Parisian life along the way. Start the day by tasting world-famous macarons. Then, visit a perfume museum for a guided tour. Next up is Galeries Lafayette, one of the world’s top shopping destinations! Refuel with an included lunch at a local crêperie. Then, walk to the Louvre and admire its striking pyramid before embarking on an orientation tour of the vibrant Latin Quarter. See famous landmarks including Tour Saint Jacques, Shakespeare and Company, Church Saint Séverin and more. You can even witness the reconstruction of the Cathédrale Notre Dame! End the day with some free time to further explore the Latin Quarter and its top sights.
Please Note: The price includes public transport between destinations.
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).
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.
Ride the Montecatini Funicular and admire the views of Montecatini Terme before enjoying a delicious, three-course Tuscan dinner.
Experience a wonderful evening in Montecatini complete with a Tuscan dinner and scenic views! Enjoy a return trip to Montecatini Alto on the Montecatini Funicular and admire the views of Montecatini Terme along the way. Arrive at the restaurant and sit down for a three-course meal. Select your choice of a starter and main and savour the authentic Tuscan flavours! Vegetarian options are available and the tour leader will escort the group throughout the evening.
Please Note: During winter, the group will travel to Montecatini Alto by taxi as the funicular is closed from October to March.
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.
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 |
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.
Reviews powered by:
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!
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)!
Get exclusive deals, be the first to know about new tours and get all the travel inspiration in your inbox!