Europe, UK & Ireland Explorer

Welcome to the start of your tour! After departing London, we cross the English Channel and make our way to our first stop - Paris! The French capital is an unforgettable destination. We jump right into a driving tour of the City of Lights. Make sure you have your cameras ready as we will be introducing you to some incredible landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe! For dinner, we head into Paris’s Latin Quarter which offers an exciting, historical, eclectic bohemian atmosphere! Afterwards, we will catch the metro back to our hotel. Make sure to get some R&R so you are ready to experience all that Paris has to offer on your free day tomorrow!

Say Bonjour to Paris on your first free day! Today you can choose to do a river cruise along the Seine - a great way to see the city’s main sights. Or choose a trip up Montparnasse. Towering high above Paris, it offers sweeping views of the City of Lights, Afterwards, you can make your way to the Eiffel Tower to see the spectacular hourly light show. Add on an optional cabaret show in the evening for a fully-fledged Parisian experience. You can also opt to spend the day sightseeing; explore Notre Dame, wander the halls of the world-renowned Louvre Museum, stroll down the Champs Elysees or around Montmartre. For the more daring, head underground to explore the infamous catacombs!

Today we will enjoy a scenic drive filled with pastoral landscapes and quaint towns before arriving in Toulouse. En route, we will stop at a small, medieval town to sample some delicious french red wine. Next, we arrive in France’s fourth-largest city. Toulouse sits on the banks of the River Garonne and is home to a 17th-century canal and beautiful Renaissance buildings. Tuck into some traditional French fare at dinner which is included this evening.

It’s time to say Au Revoir to France for now as we cross the border into Spain! Our first stop is Andorra where we will enjoy a leisurely lunch before we make our way to Barcelona. The capital of Spain’s Catalonia region is a cosmopolitan city filled with amazing art and world-renowned architecture. We arrive in the city and embark on a driving tour which will introduce you to some of the top sights in Barcelona. Look forward to seeing the fantastical Sagrada Família church and other unique buildings created by architect Antoni Gaudí! Keep a note of all the places you want to experience on your free day tomorrow!

Where will your day in Barcelona take you? Maybe it will be a stroll down Las Ramblas or a trip to Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece: the glorious La Sagrada Familia? You could spend the rest of your day exploring Barcelona on foot visiting boutiques, cantinas and bistros in the old town, share some of Barcelona’s famed tapas, or simply relax on one of the city’s beaches or in one of the many beautiful green spaces. Catalan cuisine is widely loved. Make sure you enjoy a taste at one of the local food markets. Finish off your day in Barcelona with a fabulous flamenco show!

After we say Adiós to Barcelona and Spain and travel back to France. Our next stop is Avignon. On the way, we will enjoy a stopover at the centuries-old Pont du Gard. Almost two thousand years ago, this ancient Roman aqueduct bridge was created to transport water to the Roman colony of Nemausus over 50 kilometres away. Avignon is nestled in the heart of Provence and it used to be the centre of the Roman Catholic world. Thanks to this illustrious religious past, look forward to seeing impressive architecture such as the iconic Palais des Papes. After arriving, enjoy an orientation tour with your tour leader on which you’ll see the Palais, the ancient town walls, Notre-Dame des Doms and Pont d’Avignon!

Next, we head to the coast! After leaving Avignon, we will travel along the French Riviera en route to Nice. The coastal drive will include stops in seaside towns such as Cannes, Antibes, Saint-Tropez, and Frejus. In the afternoon, you have the chance to explore Monaco - known world-wide for its glitz and glamour. While you’re here, discover popular attractions like the Prince's Palace, Oceanography Museum, Cathedral of Monaco and the Casino de Monte-Carlo. Spend the evening at your leisure. 

Heading back inland, we make our way to Italy. Our first stop is the Leaning Tower of Pisa - be sure to have your cameras ready as this is a fantastic photo opportunity! Next stop is Florence where we will embark on a guided walking tour of the city. You’ll learn all about the city’s history and see landmarks dating back to Roman times and the Renaissance period. Be sure to get photos of Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, the Basilica of Santa Croce, the Florence Baptistry and Michelangelo’s famous statue of David – a replica of which stands in the Palazzo Della Signoria. After discovering Florence, we travel to Tuscany. Our stop for the night is Montecatini - an ancient Tuscan spa town.

Today we leave Tuscany and travel to Rome, Italy’s capital city which boasts an incredible history! After arriving, head out on a walking tour of this magical city. Learn about Rome’s unique past as the focal point of the Roman Empire. Today’s highlights include historical landmarks such as the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Roman Forum and of course the home of the gladiators - the impressive Colosseum! As we take in the city, keep an eye out for the sights you want to experience fully on your free day tomorrow!

Rome is a city bursting with things to see and do! From ancient ruins and religious landmarks to plazas bustling full of people and buzzing Italian bistros - there is no shortage of activities to keep you entertained! In the afternoon, you can choose to go on a tour of the Vatican City - home of the Pope and the smallest city in the world! On the tour, learn about the Vatican’s history and see the famous Sistine Chapel with its ceiling painted by Michelangelo. Alternatively, head off the beaten track and try the local fare on an optional Roman food tour. Or choose to join an excursion to pay a visit to Castel Gandolfo - a scenic town which once served as a summer residence for the pope!

It’s time to travel through Tuscany! Our first stop is Siena. Look forward to fine food and wine, culture, and medieval history. Siena is also home to the famous Palio horse race! Explore town before we continue on. Next stop is Venice - a city captured in literature, film and art for centuries! With its maze of canals and art around almost every corner, Venice is a one-of-a-kind city! Here you will be immersed in Venetian art, culture and food. This evening, you can decide to relax or choose to enjoy a cruise along the canals with your tour leader.

Begin your day in Venice getting to know the city on a guided tour. This will give you the chance to orientate yourself so you can explore your favourite spots for the rest of the day! Today you can choose to take to the water as you have to enjoy a gondola ride while you’re in Venice - your tour leader can organise this at your request. Take a trip further into the lagoon to visit the islands of Murano and Burano which are famous for incredible glass-blowing and lace-making. Alternatively, take it easy and enjoy the sunshine on the beaches of Jesolo and Lido! Make sure to see St Mark’s Square, The Bridge of Sighs and the Doge’s Palace.

Say Ciao to Venice and Italy as we cross the border into Switzerland. We travel on to the Swiss Alps and will be spending the night in a traditional Swiss mountain village in the Jungfrau region. Simply driving through the alps is in incredible experiences thanks to the beautiful surroundings! Once we arrive, check-in and head to dinner at the hotel. You are free to spend tonight at your leisure. It’s a great time to get some rest before a free day filled with adventure tomorrow!

Today is your free day to embrace the beauty of the Swiss Alps! You can choose to make your way to the top of Europe on our optional excursion up to Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest train station. On your way up you need to look down - the scenes of the Swiss countryside below are stunning - complete with quaint Swiss villages, craggy mountain peaks, scenic valleys and rushing waterfalls. Make sure you dress warmly as at the top you’ll feel a chill thanks to the year-round snow! Take in the breath-taking views and explore the mountaintop. Head back down and enjoy your time exploring the town for the rest of the day. Opt-in for a Swiss Dinner to finish off your day in the alps!

Our next stop is the enchanting Black Forest! We leave the Interlaken region behind as we travel to Germany. Make sure to have your camera ready as the scenery in the Black Forest region is truly something to behold! The towering pine tree forests, rolling hills and winding rivers feel like they could be straight from a fairytale. We will make stops at charming villages during the drive, including a stop for lunch in Freiburg.  After a day full of spellbinding scenery, we arrive at our hotel in the Black Forest region and it’s time to enjoy dinner which is included this evening.

Today we leave the Black Forest behind and head into the heart of the Rhine Valley - a world-renowned wine destination. Cruise down the Rhine on a ride from Saint Goar to Boppard. Enjoy the stunning scenery along the riverbank from vineyards and deep green forests to historic castles and towers. After some time on the water, enjoy tasting some of the Rhine Valley’s delicious wines (Riesling and Gewürztraminer are great options!). After this, we travel on to Amsterdam which is our overnight stop. After arriving, sail down the canals and enjoy dinner on a canal cruise boat.

Amsterdam and all of its attractions are yours to explore for today. Wonder through art galleries, explore the streets by bicycle just like a local, wander through the town centre and experience the atmosphere. You can also choose to enjoy a tour of the countryside with your tour leader. On the countryside tour, look forward to visiting Zaanse Schans, a historic windmill neighbourhood, indulge at a local cheese farm, see how clogs are made and see the fishing village of Volendam.

It’s time to say farewell to Amsterdam and make our way back to London. On the way, we stop in Bruges - a charming medieval Belgian city filled with historical buildings and beautiful, winding cobbled streets. This is definitely a place for food lovers to bring their appetites. Try a taste of Belgian waffles, chocolate, or moules et frites. Finish it off with a Belgian beer! Afterwards, we continue on to London where we will spend the night.

Begin the day with an early drive from London to Stonehenge. Visit this archaeological wonder and delve into the mysteries and history of the site. After that, the next stop is Bath, a historic city best known for the Roman baths that were built during the Roman Empire. Spend some time here, discovering the city and all it has to offer. Then get back into the coach and prepare for the drive into Wales. Cardiff, the remarkable Welsh capital, is the last destination on the day’s itinerary and this is where you’ll be spending the night.

Right after a hearty breakfast, the group gathers to head out to England’s West Midlands, and into the town of Stratford-Upon-Avon. This ancient village was once home to the well-known writer, William Shakespeare. Appreciate the quaintness of the town, see Shakespeare’s childhood home as well as many other ancient buildings and landmarks. Next, move on to Liverpool, a city famed for being the birthplace of the band The Beatles, as well as being home to two premier league football clubs. Take a free evening to discover the parts of this city that interest you the most.

Today we travel across the sea by ferry to Dublin, Ireland. Before we reach the ferry we visit Conwy - a charming market town crowned by an ancient castle. We’ll also make a stop at the village with the longest name in Europe (Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch). Landing in Dublin by early afternoon, there will be a couple of hours to get acquainted with the city and Irish life in general. With a 1000 year history, medieval castles in the middle of the modern city, and grand cathedrals overlooking the busy streets, Dublin is full of marvels and wonder. We’ll be spending the night here, so check-in and then head out to enjoy Dublin’s nightlife at its best.

Enjoy a free day in the city of Dublin! Discover Dublin on an optional excursion. See well-known sights like Trinity College and Temple Bar and go back in time as you learn about the most famous people and events in Irish history. Or, explore the city yourself and visit the National Museums of Ireland, walk along the South Wall and visit the city’s most famous park, St Stephen’s Green. Be sure to try out the many pubs and eateries. Tonight, there’s also the option to experience a taste of traditional Irish music! Definitely not to be missed.

Travelling away from the busy city, enjoy a scenic drive to Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city. Thought to have been founded by Vikings centuries ago, this town has the perfect blend of medieval architecture and modern design. Making a short stop here will allow for some sightseeing. Then, move on to Blarney Castle, a famous Irish castle and home to the Blarney Stone. The stone holds the legend that anyone who kisses it will receive the ‘gift of the gab’. Once back on the road, the group will then head to our hotel in County Kerry where we will share a meal together and stay for the night.

Spend your free day exploring County Kerry - the region offers unbelievably beautiful hiking trails, beaches, churches and golf courses. Or join your tour leader on an optional Ring of Kerry excursion as we make our way around the Iveragh Peninsula and experience the winding roads and scenic views. See why this country is known as the Emerald Isle as you cruise past picturesque villages and green pastures. Experience this iconic route to the fullest on this excursion! There are comfort stops along the way and many bars, restaurants, and shops for you to visit during your day of discovery. End the day with some free time in Killarney town. 

With the well-known Cliffs of Moher calling, experience Ireland’s ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ as the drive takes you down the west coast. Adare is the first stop of the day. This pretty village features fine dining restaurants and quaint craft shops inside 19th-century thatch-roof cottages. Next, make a pit stop in Limerick for a contradictory medieval city vibe. Finally, the 200-metre cliffs rising from the sea appear in view. Soak in the views and take as many photos as needed. Galway is the accommodation stop today, and there’ll be a time in the evening to explore this colourful city. We stop in Galway for dinner (and an optional Galway cruise) before heading on to our hotel in County Mayo tonight.

Now it’s time to make our way to Northern Ireland. Londonderry - or Derry - is the first city you’ll see today. This ancient city is full of unique points of interest and attractions. A little further on is Giant’s Causeway, a strange yet stunning natural landmark. The 40,000+ interlocking basalt columns are surrounded with myths and legends, which your tour leader will share with you. Today’s journey ends in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland and birthplace of the infamous RMS Titanic. Take a guided driving tour to learn about the city’s tumultuous past and view the most famous sights and attractions of the city before checking into the hotel and enjoying a relaxing evening.

Today we board an early morning ferry to sail over the Sea of Moyle and head to the land of tartan and whisky! Once in gorgeous Scotland, we set off on the road to the Scottish Highlands. Stop at a local distillery where you’ll get to taste some of the whisky made at the distillery and learn about how this spirit is made. The accommodation for tonight is deep within the scenic Highlands, check into the hotel and enjoy a peaceful night of sleep.

Heading even further into the Highlands today, set your sights on Loch Ness, home to the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Once at the Loch, take the opportunity to go on an optional cruise on the Loch Ness and see the Urquhart Castle ruins, and perhaps even ‘Nessie’ herself! Next, move on to the capital city of Edinburgh. Enjoy a walking tour of the city with your group and tour leader, and be amazed by the popular sights such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Holyrood House. Harry Potter fans may also be excited to be sleeping in the city where JK Rowling wrote the famous novels! 

Use this free day to explore Edinburgh and discover more spots that will captivate and enchant you. Hike up to Arthur’s Seat and view the city from a new perspective, visit Edinburgh Castle perched above the city, or browse the National Museum of Scotland. Go shopping on Princes Street, take photos of the fabulous St Giles Cathedral, or take a trip down The Real Mary King’s Close. The possibilities are endless! Take the optional opportunity to join your tour leader for an authentic Scottish haggis dinner before retiring for the night.

An exciting day lies ahead! The coach’s first stop is the market town of Alnwick, home to Alnwick Castle and the Duke of Northumberland. You may recognise the castle from a number of films and TV shows including Harry Potter and Downtown Abbey! The town has many things to do, such as visiting the beautiful Alnwick Garden, but we suggest joining the optional excursion to visit the castle and views its magnificence up close. Next, we make our way to York. This delightful city boasts the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe and is decorated with cobbled streets and quaint boutiques. Enjoy a guided walking tour before checking into the hotel in Yorkshire for the very last night of the tour.

Prepare for one last eventful day before the tour comes to a complete end. Today, the coach will head to the university town of Cambridge, a historic town full of culture. See Cambridge University, roam the gorgeous parks, and go punting along the river. Once everyone has boarded the coach again, drive to London where the tour will come to an end. Bid farewell to your new group of travel friends and head home until your next Expat adventure!