Itinerary for Europe Jewel Tour • Expat Explore

Start Point
Hampton by Hilton Airport Amsterdam - Schiphol,
Neptunusstraat 1, 2132 JA Hoofddorp, Netherlands
10:00 hrs
End Point
Hampton by Hilton Airport Amsterdam - Schiphol,
Neptunusstraat 1, 2132 JA Hoofddorp, Netherlands
17:00 hrs (traffic dependent)

Day 1: Start of tour in Amsterdam

Welcome to Amsterdam and the start of the Europe Jewel tour! Meet up with your tour leader this morning and start the adventure with a visit to a cheese farm where they show you the traditional ways of making cheese and clogs. Next, enjoy some free time for lunch in the lakeside town of Volendam. Then it’s time to head to Zaanse Schans, known for its historic windmills and wooden houses. After arriving back in Amsterdam later, we’ll enjoy a complimentary Amsterdam canal cruise. This is one of the best ways to be introduced to Amsterdam! We’ll end the first day with a delicious dinner together.

  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:

Day 2: Amsterdam - Rhine Valley

Continuing on to the Rhine Valley, we board a riverboat and sail from St Goar to Boppard. With the highest concentration of medieval castles in all of Europe, this is a memorable trip! Later, we will visit a local wine merchant for an included wine tasting. If the weather during the harvest allows, you may even get to try eiswein (ice wine)! It is a very sweet dessert wine that can only be harvested when the temperature drops below freezing.

  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:

Day 3: Nuremberg - Prague

Today we’re off to Prague! But first, we make a quick lunch stop in the Bavarian city of Nuremberg. Heavily bombed during WW2, Nuremberg was rebuilt, and today has been returned to some of its former glory. Prague is a beautiful city and we’re so excited to be here! Known for its art and architecture, this destination will keep your camera clicking. The quirky bars and cobbled lanes add to the European charm. Prague is also known for its brilliant beer and abundance of art. We take you on a walking tour of the city with a local guide and you can taste some authentic Czech cuisine for dinner. “Na zdraví” as they say in Czech!

  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:

Day 4: Prague: Free Day

Your time is your own today, so explore Prague the way you want to. Prague is often described as the jewel in the crown of Central Europe. You’ll find that the city is just as engaging as Barcelona, London or Amsterdam, and is at least as beautiful as Paris. Join the Prague+ optional and hear all about the history and intriguing stories about this magnificent city! You can stand in awe of Prague’s dramatic history and how it is reflected in the beauty of its churches, opera houses, concert halls and Prague castle.

  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:

Day 5: Bratislava - Vienna

Today we head for the grandeur of Vienna, visiting Bratislava, Capital of Slovakia, for a quick comfort stop. Surrounded by mountains, vineyards, ski runs and unbridled wilderness. Bratislava is a charming city. Spot the medieval castle overlooking the old town and marvel at recent Socialist-era architecture. Next stop, the beautiful Austrian city of Vienna. A guided walking tour of the UNESCO-credited city centre. See sights like the Hofburg Palace and St Stephen’s Cathedral. Dinner is included tonight and afterwards and you could enjoy an orchestra performance. What could be better than experiencing music in one of the city's concert halls?

  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:

Day 6: Vienna - Budapest

Wave Vienna goodbye as we make our way to the striking Hungarian capital of Budapest. Sitting astride the Danube River, this scenic city is known for its singular mix of Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture. On arrival in Budapest, get an overview of this historic city with our driving tour, guided by our local guide. The trip will start on the Buda side of the river and include excursions to Fisherman's Bastion, glimpses of the Houses of Parliament & more. This afternoon you have the freedom to explore the city and all of its delights however you please. Enjoy an optional dinner cruise along the Danube this evening.

  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:

Day 7: Lake Balaton - Maribor - Ljubljana

Leaving Budapest, to an iconic holiday destination in Hungary - the beautiful Lake Balaton. With nearly 200km of shoreline, it is the largest lake in central Europe. It's a great place to take a dip on a hot summer day. Next, we’ll stop in Maribor in Slovenia. While here, enjoy lunch and visit the fascinating City Museum. Then on to our final stop of the day, the Slovenian capital Ljubljana. It's filled to the brim with fairytale castles, beautiful architecture and plenty of natural beauty. An expert local guide will accompany us on a walking tour to point out all the must-see attractions. Afterwards, explore the city on your own or join an optional Slovenia Evening excursion before heading back to your hotel for the night.

  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:

Day 8: Ljubljana - Venice

Venice is our next stop, a city immortalised in literature, film and art for centuries. Its timeless waterways and artistic masterpieces (more per square kilometre than anywhere else on earth) make it truly unique – this is a city that will capture your heart and imagination. Being Italian, there’s no shortage of incredible food and culture either! Your tour leader will introduce you to the city with an orientation walk, during which you'll see sights like the world-famous St Marks Square, Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore this unforgettable city on your own - don't miss the opportunity to take a gondola and water taxi to explore Venice from the water.

  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:

Day 9: Florence - Tuscany

Leaving Venice is never easy, but luckily the hills of Tuscany are ahead of us! Marvel at the countryside as we head for Florence. On arrival, we’ll get a panoramic view of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo - gorgeous! Then we take a fascinating walking tour of the city with a local guide. Learn about the history of the city and see historical landmarks. Some of these landmarks date back to Roman times! Enjoy a traditional Italian meal at a local restaurant in Florence. After exploring, we make our way to the Tuscan countryside, where we spend the night.

  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:

Day 10: Pisa - Swiss Alps

Departing Tuscany, we make for one of Europe's most famous buildings. Make sure your camera is charged as we head to Pisa! Learn the story behind the leaning tower, and be sure to take some photos! It's time for a change of scenery as we cross over to the Alps. We're just as excited as you are to breathe some fresh mountain air! Is there a better way to enjoy the magic of Switzerland than staying in a typical Swiss village? Take in the beauty of the snow-capped mountains and the greenery around you.

  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:

Day 11: Swiss Alps: Free Day

The Alps are yours today! You can make the most of your time by taking a leisurely stroll through the local villages or along crystal-clear lakes or hitting the slopes for a spot of skiing. Why not take a train or cable car to higher altitudes and surround yourself with snow-capped peaks and white winter snow? If you decide to go to a local village your options are limitless! Walk through the market stalls, indulge in the local refreshments or sip on some warm gluhwein. You could even shop for chocolates and cuckoo clocks, or have a fondue!

  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:

Day 12: Swiss Alps - Paris

It’s an early start today as we make our way out of the mountains. It's time for the city of lights and love: Paris! Arriving 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! The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe. Take note of places to visit on your free day tomorrow. After the driving tour we'll enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the Latin Quarter. We'll then travel back to the hotel on Paris' world-famous metro system.

  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:

Day 13: Paris: Free Day

Today is all yours to explore as you wish. You can visit the famous Louvre museum - a must-see! Get a glimpse of that most famous avenue, the Champs Elysees. This stretch of road is overlooked by the famous Arc de Triomphe. If you want to explore the darker side, you can descend to the infamous catacombs! Alternatively, stay above ground, explore the museums and tick off all the must-sees. People-watch from a roadside café, or simply stroll the city. Whatever you do, you will be following in the footsteps of great painters, musicians and writers.

  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:

Day 14: Paris - Ghent - Amsterdam

It’s our last day already! It’s an early start as we depart Paris, sit back and relax as we drive to our lunch stop - the Belgian city of Ghent. Enjoy some free time to explore the medieval city centre and grab a bite to eat. While we’re driving back to Amsterdam why not use the time to exchange contact details with your fellow travellers? Join the Expat Explore Community group on Facebook so that you can share your favourite memories with everyone and keep the memories alive!

  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:
Last Updated: 2022-5-23 17:01:24

Itinerary for Europe Jewel Tour • Expat Explore

Start Point:
Hampton by Hilton Airport Amsterdam - Schiphol,
Neptunusstraat 1, 2132 JA Hoofddorp, Netherlands
10:00 hrs
End Point:
Hampton by Hilton Airport Amsterdam - Schiphol,
Neptunusstraat 1, 2132 JA Hoofddorp, Netherlands
17:00 hrs (traffic dependent)

DAY 1: Start of tour in Amsterdam

Welcome to Amsterdam and the start of the Europe Jewel tour! Meet up with your tour leader this morning and start the adventure with a visit to a cheese farm where they show you the traditional ways of making cheese and clogs. Next, enjoy some free time for lunch in the lakeside town of Volendam. Then it’s time to head to Zaanse Schans, known for its historic windmills and wooden houses. After arriving back in Amsterdam later, we’ll enjoy a complimentary Amsterdam canal cruise. This is one of the best ways to be introduced to Amsterdam! We’ll end the first day with a delicious dinner together.

Experiences

Cheese and clogs: This family-run farm is over 160 years-old and gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how Dutch cheese and clogs are made.

Volendam: Enjoy some seafood from the vendors in the beautiful harbour as you explore the lakeside Dutch town.

Zaanse Schans: This is the place to see the scenery that the Netherlands is famous for - windmills, wooden houses and green hills.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Sail along Amsterdam's stunning canals. A perfect introduction to Amsterdam you will cruise along Amsterdam's atmospheric canals.

Included Meals
  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:
Accommodationi

Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam - Schiphol
Best Western Plus Plaza Almere

DAY 2: Amsterdam - Rhine Valley

Continuing on to the Rhine Valley, we board a riverboat and sail from St Goar to Boppard. With the highest concentration of medieval castles in all of Europe, this is a memorable trip! Later, we will visit a local wine merchant for an included wine tasting. If the weather during the harvest allows, you may even get to try eiswein (ice wine)! It is a very sweet dessert wine that can only be harvested when the temperature drops below freezing.

Experiences

Cheese and clog demonstration: This morning, enjoy a cheese-making demonstration, revealing how cheese has been made traditionally in these parts for many years. Following that, we’ll learn about that most quirky of Dutch footwear choices – the clog – and see how these traditional shoes are carved. Stock up on unique souvenirs during the visit!

Photo stop at a Dutch windmill: Pay a visit to an authentic Dutch windmill, and snap some great photos! Windmills have become an icon of The Netherlands. If the season is right, look out for tulips in the fields!

Cruise down the Rhine River: Admire the beautiful scenery as you cruise. This area is home to the largest concentration of Gothic castles in all of Europe; Sterrenberg, Liebestein, 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. Riesling, Pinot Noir and Spätburgunder are popular varieties. If it is the right time of year and the harvest has been good, you may even be able to try eiswein (ice wine); a sweet dessert wine made of grapes which need to be harvested in the freezing winter months!

Included Meals
  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:
Accommodationi

Carat HotelTraube Rudesheim

NH Wiesbaden

DAY 3: Nuremberg - Prague

Today we’re off to Prague! But first, we make a quick lunch stop in the Bavarian city of Nuremberg. Heavily bombed during WW2, Nuremberg was rebuilt, and today has been returned to some of its former glory. Prague is a beautiful city and we’re so excited to be here! Known for its art and architecture, this destination will keep your camera clicking. The quirky bars and cobbled lanes add to the European charm. Prague is also known for its brilliant beer and abundance of art. We take you on a walking tour of the city with a local guide and you can taste some authentic Czech cuisine for dinner. “Na zdraví” as they say in Czech!

Experiences

Orientation tour in Nuremberg: Your tour leader will show you all the iconic sights in this Bavarian city. Start at Kaiserburg and finish in Hauptmarkt.

Prague guided walking tour: This evening, enjoy a locally guided walking tour of the capital city of the Czech Republic. See the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, Charles Bridge, Church of Our Lady before Týn, Rudolfinum (concert hall) and a view of Prague Castle.

Prague dinner: Experience authentic Czech cuisine at a local restaurant. You will also have the option to try the famous Czech beer. Budweiser anyone?

Included Meals
  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:
Accommodationi

Hotel Krystal

Hotel Duo

DAY 4: Prague: Free Day

Your time is your own today, so explore Prague the way you want to. Prague is often described as the jewel in the crown of Central Europe. You’ll find that the city is just as engaging as Barcelona, London or Amsterdam, and is at least as beautiful as Paris. Join the Prague+ optional and hear all about the history and intriguing stories about this magnificent city! You can stand in awe of Prague’s dramatic history and how it is reflected in the beauty of its churches, opera houses, concert halls and Prague castle.

Included Meals
  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:
Accommodationi

Hotel Krystal

Hotel Duo

Optional Excursions
  • Traditional Czech Folk Music & Dance Evening: i € 45
  • Prague+ Tour: i € 55

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

DAY 5: Bratislava - Vienna

Today we head for the grandeur of Vienna, visiting Bratislava, Capital of Slovakia, for a quick comfort stop. Surrounded by mountains, vineyards, ski runs and unbridled wilderness. Bratislava is a charming city. Spot the medieval castle overlooking the old town and marvel at recent Socialist-era architecture. Next stop, the beautiful Austrian city of Vienna. A guided walking tour of the UNESCO-credited city centre. See sights like the Hofburg Palace and St Stephen’s Cathedral. Dinner is included tonight and afterwards and you could enjoy an orchestra performance. What could be better than experiencing music in one of the city's concert halls?

Experiences

Visit Bratislava: Join your tour leader on an orientation tour to see some of the main sights of Bratislava. Capture a memorable moment at Bratislava Castle, which overlooks the city.

Walking tour of Vienna: On the drive into Vienna, Austria’s capital city, you will see the Schonbrunn Palace before reaching the Inner City and one of the best vistas from Belvedere Hill. Vienna is known as the 'City of Music’ due to its classical heritage and the prodigies that worked there including Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Brahms to name a few as your local guide on your walking tour will tell you. The tour starts at the Golden Mile on the Ring Strasse (Parliament, City Hall, Burgtheater). Then discover the courtyards and passages around the Hofburg (Imperial Castle) and St. Stephen’s Cathedral which is Vienna’s geographic and historic centre. 

Included Meals
  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:
Accommodationi

Roomz Hotel Vienna
Hotel Lenas Donau
Rainers21

Optional Excursions
  • Vienna Classical Music Concert: i € 70

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

DAY 6: Vienna - Budapest

Wave Vienna goodbye as we make our way to the striking Hungarian capital of Budapest. Sitting astride the Danube River, this scenic city is known for its singular mix of Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture. On arrival in Budapest, get an overview of this historic city with our driving tour, guided by our local guide. The trip will start on the Buda side of the river and include excursions to Fisherman's Bastion, glimpses of the Houses of Parliament & more. This afternoon you have the freedom to explore the city and all of its delights however you please. Enjoy an optional dinner cruise along the Danube this evening.

Experiences

Driving tour of Budapest: Get an eyeful of must-see attractions like Budapest Parliament, St Stephen's Basilica, the state opera, the castle district, and more on this driving tour.

Included Meals
  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:
Accommodationi

Ibis City
Ibis Heroes Square
Ibis Styles Budapest Citywest

Optional Excursions
  • Danube Dinner Cruise: i € 60

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

DAY 7: Lake Balaton - Maribor - Ljubljana

Leaving Budapest, to an iconic holiday destination in Hungary - the beautiful Lake Balaton. With nearly 200km of shoreline, it is the largest lake in central Europe. It's a great place to take a dip on a hot summer day. Next, we’ll stop in Maribor in Slovenia. While here, enjoy lunch and visit the fascinating City Museum. Then on to our final stop of the day, the Slovenian capital Ljubljana. It's filled to the brim with fairytale castles, beautiful architecture and plenty of natural beauty. An expert local guide will accompany us on a walking tour to point out all the must-see attractions. Afterwards, explore the city on your own or join an optional Slovenia Evening excursion before heading back to your hotel for the night.

Experiences

Visit Lake Balaton: Meander around the beautiful Lake Balaton and tick the largest lake in central Europe off your bucket list! 

Lunch stop in Maribor: Explore the beautiful city of Maribor in Slovenia and enjoy a delicious lunch and stop at the City Museum. 

Guided walking tour in Ljubljana: Join an expert local guide for a tour of Ljubljana - the City of Dragons! Encounter the inimitable scenery of the medieval old town, Preseren Square, City Centre, the Riverfront, Dragon Bridge and Cobblers Bridge. When the formal tour is done, there will still be some time to explore on your own. We recommend that you make your way to the 13th-century St. Nicholas Church - it's Baroque architecture is truly spectacular!

Included Meals
  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:
Accommodationi

Hotel Stil

Optional Excursions
  • Slovenian Evening: i € 50

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

DAY 8: Ljubljana - Venice

Venice is our next stop, a city immortalised in literature, film and art for centuries. Its timeless waterways and artistic masterpieces (more per square kilometre than anywhere else on earth) make it truly unique – this is a city that will capture your heart and imagination. Being Italian, there’s no shortage of incredible food and culture either! Your tour leader will introduce you to the city with an orientation walk, during which you'll see sights like the world-famous St Marks Square, Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore this unforgettable city on your own - don't miss the opportunity to take a gondola and water taxi to explore Venice from the water.

Experiences

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, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge and Scuola Grande di San Rocco.

Included Meals
  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:
Accommodationi

Hotel Venezia
Hotel Ambasciatori & Delfino
Russott Hotel
Hotel Residence Elite

Optional Excursions
  • Venice Gondola Ride: i € 25
  • Venice Water Taxi: i € 25

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

DAY 9: Florence - Tuscany

Leaving Venice is never easy, but luckily the hills of Tuscany are ahead of us! Marvel at the countryside as we head for Florence. On arrival, we’ll get a panoramic view of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo - gorgeous! Then we take a fascinating walking tour of the city with a local guide. Learn about the history of the city and see historical landmarks. Some of these landmarks date back to Roman times! Enjoy a traditional Italian meal at a local restaurant in Florence. After exploring, we make our way to the Tuscan countryside, where we spend the night.

Experiences

Locally guided walking tour of Florence: A local guide will take you on a walking tour to introduce you to the main sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David. 

Dinner in Florence: Indulge in a delicious Italian meal at a local restaurant in Florence.

Included Meals
  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:
Accommodationi

Hotel Belvedere

Hotel Piccadilly

Hotel Nuovo Savi

Hotel Manzoni

Parma & Oriente

Hotel Montebello

DAY 10: Pisa - Swiss Alps

Departing Tuscany, we make for one of Europe's most famous buildings. Make sure your camera is charged as we head to Pisa! Learn the story behind the leaning tower, and be sure to take some photos! It's time for a change of scenery as we cross over to the Alps. We're just as excited as you are to breathe some fresh mountain air! Is there a better way to enjoy the magic of Switzerland than staying in a typical Swiss village? Take in the beauty of the snow-capped mountains and the greenery around you.

Experiences

View 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.

Scenic Mountain Drive: Enjoy spectacular views as we drive through mountain passes and alongside lakes, breath-taking mountain vistas and scenic views of quaint Swiss towns.

Included Meals
  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:
Accommodationi

Bear Inn Wilderwil

DAY 11: Swiss Alps: Free Day

The Alps are yours today! You can make the most of your time by taking a leisurely stroll through the local villages or along crystal-clear lakes or hitting the slopes for a spot of skiing. Why not take a train or cable car to higher altitudes and surround yourself with snow-capped peaks and white winter snow? If you decide to go to a local village your options are limitless! Walk through the market stalls, indulge in the local refreshments or sip on some warm gluhwein. You could even shop for chocolates and cuckoo clocks, or have a fondue!

Included Meals
  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:
Accommodationi

Bear Inn Wilderwil

Optional Excursions
  • Train to Jungfraujoch: i € 190
  • Swiss Fondue Dinner: i € 30

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

DAY 12: Swiss Alps - Paris

It’s an early start today as we make our way out of the mountains. It's time for the city of lights and love: Paris! Arriving 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! The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe. Take note of places to visit on your free day tomorrow. After the driving tour we'll enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the Latin Quarter. We'll then travel back to the hotel on Paris' world-famous metro system.

Experiences

Driving tour of Paris: Enjoy a driving tour upon arrival - spot the Tuileries Gardens, The River Seine, l’Ile 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
  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:
Accommodationi

Hôtel Kyriad Paris Nord Porte de Saint Ouen

DAY 13: Paris: Free Day

Today is all yours to explore as you wish. You can visit the famous Louvre museum - a must-see! Get a glimpse of that most famous avenue, the Champs Elysees. This stretch of road is overlooked by the famous Arc de Triomphe. If you want to explore the darker side, you can descend to the infamous catacombs! Alternatively, stay above ground, explore the museums and tick off all the must-sees. People-watch from a roadside café, or simply stroll the city. Whatever you do, you will be following in the footsteps of great painters, musicians and writers.

Included Meals
  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner:
Accommodationi

Hôtel Kyriad Paris Nord Porte de Saint Ouen

Optional Excursions
  • An Evening in Montmartre: i € 45
  • Parisian Cabaret with drinks: i € 75
  • Paris +: i € 55

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

DAY 14: Paris - Ghent - Amsterdam

It’s our last day already! It’s an early start as we depart Paris, sit back and relax as we drive to our lunch stop - the Belgian city of Ghent. Enjoy some free time to explore the medieval city centre and grab a bite to eat. While we’re driving back to Amsterdam why not use the time to exchange contact details with your fellow travellers? Join the Expat Explore Community group on Facebook so that you can share your favourite memories with everyone and keep the memories alive!

Experiences

Ghent: The port city of Ghent is home to a beautiful medieval city centre. As a university town today, it’s usually teeming with culture and energy!

Included Meals
  • Breakfast:
  • Lunch:
  • Dinner: