DAY 1: Arrive in Munich
![Arrive in Munich]()
Welcome to the tour! After arriving in Munich, make your way to our hotel, where your tour leader will assist you with check-in. If you've got time, explore Munich - a city that combines a sense of age-old tradition, folklore and a certain cosiness with sleek, modern aesthetics and high-powered industry. Tonight, join up with the rest of the group as we enjoy a traditional Bavarian beer hall dinner!
Experiences
On your first night we’ll take you to a traditional German Beer Hall for the quintessential German experience. Sample German beer, along with traditional German cuisine, including bratwurst and sauerkraut. Prost!
DAY 2: Neuschwanstein Castle - Innsbruck
![Neuschwanstein Castle - Innsbruck]()
Let's hit the road! Our first stop today is Neuschwanstein Castle, a 19th Century hilltop castle built by Ludwig II of Bavaria, and the inspiration for the famous Disneyland castle. We then head to Innsbruck, Austria, where we'll enjoy some free time. Home to Austria's third-largest student population, there's no shortage of vibrant bars and beer gardens to enjoy.
Experiences
Explore the famous Neuschwanstein Castle: You'll enter the incredible Neuschwanstein Castle interior and enjoy a tour of this magical structure! This incredible castle looks like it's straight out of a fairy tale - which incidentally isn't far from the truth: Neuschwanstein Castle served as the inspiration for the famous Disneyland castle.
Orientation tour of Innsbruck: This historic German city is famous not only as the birthplace of Albert Einstein, but also for having the tallest church steeple in the world! Your tour leader will introduce you to a few of the highlights of this city, and then give you free time to explore further.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Rumer Hof
Ramada Innsbruck Tivoli
Optional Excursions
- Tyrol Folk Evening & Dinner i €45
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 3: Liechtenstein - Lucerne - Swiss Alps
![Liechtenstein - Lucerne - Swiss Alps]()
Our first stop is the Alpine principality of Liechtenstein, the sixth-smallest country in the world. Stopping in the capital Vaduz, we'll have some time to stroll around and enjoy the scenery. Next up, we'll head into Switzerland and the city of Lucerne, adorned with covered bridges (including the famous Chapel bridge), brightly-coloured houses and delightful waterfront promenades. Tonight we'll stay in Interlaken to prepare for a full day of adventure tomorrow!
Experiences
Visit to Vaduz: visit the smallest yet richest German-speaking country and the only one to lie entirely within the Alps. So you will see fabulous mountain views and a lunch stop in the capital Vaduz where you will have time to eat, shop, and see the Vaduz Castle which overlooks the capital. The castle is a palace and official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein.
Orientation walk of Lucerne city centre: Your tour leader will walk you through the centre of Lucerne and point out some of the highlights, such as the Lion Monument, Church of St Leodegar and the famous Chapel Bridge.
Scenic Mountain Drive: spectacular views as we drive through mountain passes and alongside lakes, breath-taking mountain vistas and scenic views of quaint Swiss towns.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Bären Ringgenberg
Alpenrose Hotel and Gardens
DAY 4: Swiss Alps: Free Day
![Swiss Alps: Free Day]()
Today, you have the option of joining our excursion up to Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe! The train journey itself is unforgettable, as you wind your way through some of the most picturesque mountain scenery in Switzerland. The final stretch of the train-ride takes you literally through the mountain, and, when you emerge, the view from the top is spectacular - provided it's a clear day, of course! At this height, there's year-round snow, so you'll be able to have snow-ball fights and build snowmen even in the height of summer. This is one part of the journey that is definitely not to be missed!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Bären Ringgenberg
Alpenrose Hotel and Gardens
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: Lake Como - Italian Lake District
![Lake Como - Italian Lake District]()
Today, we leave the Swiss Alps and wind our way toward Italy's Lake District, stopping at 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. The afternoon is yours in the Italian Lake District. Enjoy local food, go for a stroll or just find a comfortable spot to enjoy the view. Surely, this is the epicentre of 'La Dolce Vita'!
Experiences
Comfort stop in Lake Como, one of the most beautiful and glamorous destinations we'll visit on the tour. This afternoon you'll have time to yourself in the Italian Lakes region to explore the area.
We stop off in The Italian Lakes for the night – one of Europe’s most beautiful settings. Make sure the camera batteries are fully charged!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Eurovil Beach
DAY 6: Pisa - Florence - Tuscany
![Pisa - Florence - Tuscany]()
Today we indulge in some serious sight-seeing! First off, we'll stop at the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is then a short drive to Florence, where your Expat Explore tour leader can’t wait to show you around and introduce you to the main sights of the birthplace of the Renaissance. Later you will head to your accommodation in the beautiful Tuscan hills, where you will enjoy a traditional Tuscan dinner.
Experiences
View the Leaning Tower of Pisa: your chance to see the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, or even take some iconic pictures of you ‘holding up’ the tower.
Orientation tour of Florence: Learn more about Florence on an orientation tour with your tour leader. See the main sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Massimo d'Azeglio
Hotel Belvedere
Hotel Piccadilly
Hotel Giglio
Hotel Nuovo Savi
Hotel Manzoni
Parma & Oriente
Hotel Montebello
DAY 7: Verona - Venice
![Verona - Venice]()
Our first stop today is Verona, the city where Shakespeare set his immortal tragedy Romeo and Juliet. Then, we're off to Venice! This unique city straddles 118 islands, and is known for its canals, gondolas, Venetian masks, piazzas, art, traditional glass and lace making. On arrival, your tour leader will escort you on an orientation walking tour of the city, so you can use your free time in the early evening to explore properly. After an espresso, don't miss the opportunity to explore Venice the traditional way - from the canals on an optional gondola ride.
Experiences
Verona: We'll have a comfort stop in Verona, during which time you'll be able to explore a little bit of the town. If there's time, try to get to Juliet's balcony, the very balcony where Romeo is said to have wooed his lover in the famous Shakespearean tragedy Romeo and Juliet.
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 Market and Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Russott Hotel
Optional Excursions
- Venice Gondola Ride i €20
- Venice Water Taxi i €20
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 8: Dolomites - Andechs Monastery - Munich
![Dolomites - Andechs Monastery - Munich]()
We now wind our way back to Munich, taking in some epic sights as we drive through the Dolomit National Park. Our next stop is the monastery town of Andechs, something of an undiscovered gem, and a totally unique feature of our Scenic Europe tour! You will have the chance to see the monastery and enjoy the Alpine countryside views before returning to Munich for our final night of the tour.
Experiences
During this magnificent drive through one of Europe's most beautiful Alpine landscapes, we'll stop for a chance to really appreciate the surrounding countryside - and take a few photos!
Andechs monastery - here you'll be able to sample pork knuckle (eisbein) par excellence!
DAY 9: Depart Munich
![Depart Munich]()
Today, our tour concludes after breakfast. We hope you've had an unforgettable time exploring some of Europe's most beautiful sights. We've certainly enjoyed sharing these amazing sights with you! Don't forget to exchange details with your fellow travellers before you make your onward journey.
Experiences
By this point you will have enjoyed 9 incredible days exploring the very best of Central Europe! If you would like to extend your stay in Munich after the tour, please contact us to confirm the hotel.