Europe Highlights Christmas
Europe Highlights Christmas
$2560
Europe Highlights Christmas
10 Days Starting and ending in Hotel in Rome
Visiting: Rome, Venice, Venice, Innsbruck, Bavaria, Rhine Valley, Rhine Valley, Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Ghent, Paris, Paris, Burgundy, Swiss Alps, Swiss Alps, Lake Como, Pisa, Tuscany, Tuscany, Florence, Rome
Tour operator:
Tour code:
EHXMAS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
It’s the most wonderful time of the year on this 10-day Europe Highlights Christmas tour! This festive journey will take you from Italy to Switzerland and back again with countless adventures in between. Discover the beauty of Venice, Munich’s famous Christmas markets, the Amsterdam canals, the twinkling lights of Paris and the snowy Swiss Alps on Christmas day. Visit mountainous Innsbruck, explore the charming Belgian city of Ghent, cruise the Rhine River and admire Florence’s masterpieces. End the tour in Rome on New Year’s Eve after making memories to last a lifetime!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Of Tour In Rome - Venice
Location: Rome, Venice
Are you ready to discover Europe’s highlights at the most magical time of year? Meet up with your tour leader and group in Rome this morning before hopping aboard the coach. Admire the scenery as the tour makes its way to Venice, Italy’s dreamy floating city. Keep an eye out for some of Venice’s most notable landmarks such as St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal. Tonight, enjoy a free evening. Why not visit some Venetian Christmas markets? Or, join the Evening in Venice optional excursion and experience Venice the way it was meant to be seen - from the canals! Enjoy a gondola ride and water taxi followed by a delicious local dinner.
Explore Venice, Italy’s floating city
Day 2: Venice - Innsbruck - Bavaria
Location: Venice, Innsbruck, Bavaria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Wavearrivedercito Italy after breakfast and head to the next country - Austria! Look forward to sweeping countryside views as the coach travels through the scenic Brenner Pass. Stop in Innsbruck and embark on an orientation tour. Marvel at the alpine scenery which surrounds this charming city. Then, it’s time to tick another country off the list - Germany! In the afternoon, arrive in Munich, the capital of Bavaria. See highlights including Marienplatz and the city’s famous Christmas markets on an orientation tour! Tonight, taste Munich’s famous beer and cuisine at a traditional beer hall.Prost!
Marvel at the scenery along Brenner Pass
Visit Innsbruck; a beautiful Austrian city
Explore Munich; capital of Bavaria
Enjoy dinner and drinks in a traditional German beer hall
Day 3: Bavaria - Rhine Valley (Christmas Eve)
Location: Bavaria, Rhine Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Celebrate Christmas Eve with more German highlights today! Leaving Bavaria behind, the group heads to the Rhine Valley this morning. Arrive and set off on a scenic cruise along the Rhine River. Be captivated by the rolling hills complete with vineyards, quaint medieval towns and Europe’s largest concentrated stretch of Gothic castles! Disembark in Boppard and look forward to an included tasting of some of the Rhine’s most famous wines. If the harvest has been good, you might even get to tryeiswein. This unique dessert wine can only be harvested in freezing temperatures. Later, enjoy a delectable Christmas Eve dinner and let the festivities begin!
Cruise along the Rhine River
Indulge in a wine tasting in the Rhine Valley
Day 4: Rhine Valley - Amsterdam (Christmas Day)
Location: Rhine Valley, Amsterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Merry Christmas! This special day promises festivities, adventures and memories to last a lifetime. After breakfast, say Auf Wiedersehen to Germany as the tour makes its way to the Netherlands. Tick off one of the Netherland’s most iconic symbols with a visit to the Riekermolen Windmill and take some fun pictures. Afterwards, learn how clogs are made and taste some delicious Dutch cheese. Today’s last stop is Amsterdam, the Dutch capital! Head into the heart of the city for a canal cruise at twilight. Admire the city sights from the water. This is the best time of year to visit as the Amsterdam Light Festival will be in full swing! Enjoy a festive Christmas dinner tonight at a local restaurant.
Visit the iconic Riekermolen Windmill
Enjoy a traditional cheese and clogs demonstration
Cruise the canals and see the displays of the Amsterdam Light Festival
Enjoy Christmas dinner in Amsterdam
Day 5: Amsterdam - Ghent - Paris
Location: Amsterdam, Ghent, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Tot ziensAmsterdam! Prepare for another day full of adventure as the group heads towards Paris, France’s vibrant capital. First, enjoy a visit to Ghent, a captivating Belgian city. Enjoy some free time to explore the city’s medieval architecture and grab some lunch. Belgian waffles or frites, anyone? In the evening, arrive in Paris - the “City of Lights”! Set off on a driving tour and marvel at some of the city’s most beloved sights including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Then, delight in a delicious local meal and get your first taste of French cuisine with tonight’s included dinner!
Visit Ghent, a beautiful medieval city in Belgium
See the sights of Paris on a driving tour
Day 6: Paris: Free Day
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
BonjourParis! Today offers a full free day to experience all that this world-famous city has to offer. From its celebrated museums such as the Louvre to its buzzing cafés and high-end boutiques, you’ll never be bored in Paris. For the ultimate Parisian experience, join our Paris+ optional excursion. This unmissable full-day out includes a macaron tasting, a visit to a perfume museum, a lunch cruise along the River Seine and a ride up Montparnasse Tower for panoramic city views. Tonight, even more exciting optional excursions are on offer. Enjoy An Evening in Montmartre to explore this enchanting neighbourhood. Afterwards, choose to watch a Cabaret show!
Day 7: Paris - Burgundy - Swiss Alps
Location: Paris, Burgundy, Swiss Alps
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Before leaving France, visit the city of Beaune in the Burgundy wine region. Beaune is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known as Burgundy’s wine capital! Why not take this opportunity to try some of the wine this region is known for? Or, enjoy lunch or a visit to Hospices de Beaune. The choice is yours! Then, it’s time to cross the border into Switzerland, with glorious scenery passing by the coach windows during the journey. From snow-capped mountains to an idyllic countryside, you’ll want to have your cameras at the ready! Arrive in the Swiss Alps and settle into the accommodation for the next two nights. Tonight’s dinner is included at the hotel.
Visit Burgundy; a French wine region
Marvel at the views on a scenic Swiss mountain drive
Day 8: Swiss Alps: Free Day
Location: Swiss Alps
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up and embrace that crisp alpine winter air! Enjoy a free day to make the most of the gorgeous surroundings in the Swiss Alps. Today’s optional excursion, the journey to Jungfraujoch, is our most highly-recommended! This unforgettable adventure will take you to the “Top of Europe” to Europe’s highest train station. Expect breathtaking views all the way up, at the top and back down! At the top, play in the snow and visit the magical ice palace! Alternatively, stay at lower altitudes and explore the quaint Swiss villages nearby. The best way to warm up after an icy day in the Alps is with tonight’s delicious (and cheesy) optional Swiss Fondue dinner!
Day 9: Lake Como - Pisa - Tuscany
Location: Lake Como, Pisa, Tuscany
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bye bye Switzerland and hello (again) Italy! Travel to Tuscany, which is renowned for its delectable food and wine as well as its beautiful art and architecture. En route, stop at Lake Como, a gem of the Italian Lake District and one of Italy’s most glamorous destinations! Join your tour leader on an orientation tour around this glistening freshwater lake. Then, tick one of Italy, and the world's most famous landmarks off your bucket list! See the Leaning Tower of Pisa and take some creative photos with this iconic tower. Finally, arrive in the Tuscan spa town of Montecatini where the group will spend the evening. To further explore this picturesque town, join the Evening in Montecatini optional excursion!
Visit the idyllic Lake Como
See the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa
Day 10: Tuscany - Florence - Rome (New Year’S Eve)
Location: Tuscany, Florence, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend New Year’s Eve ticking off some more top Italian sights before the tour comes to an end. First stop is Florence, the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance! For art lovers, this city is a dream come true as it is home to many Renaissance masterpieces including Michaelangelo’s David. Join a local guide on a walking tour to learn more about Florence’s history and highlights before enjoying free time to explore at your own pace. Alternatively, enjoy a delicious farewell lunch with the Taste of Tuscany optional excursion. This afternoon, travel back to Rome where the tour will come to an end. Buon Viaggio and Happy New Year!
Explore Florence; the birthplace of the Renaissance
What's Included
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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) -
Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days) -
Meals
9 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
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Tour Leader
Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
What's Not Included
International flightsTravel to the start point and from the end point is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.Travel insuranceFor a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.
All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance.
Mode of Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
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)
Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.
Health and Fitness
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
Experiences
Explore Venice, Italy’s floating city
Marvel at the scenery along Brenner Pass
Visit Innsbruck; a beautiful Austrian city
Explore Munich; capital of Bavaria
Enjoy dinner and drinks in a traditional German beer hall
Cruise along the Rhine River
Indulge in a wine tasting in the Rhine Valley
Visit the iconic Riekermolen Windmill
Enjoy a traditional cheese and clogs demonstration
Cruise the canals and see the displays of the Amsterdam Light Festival
Enjoy Christmas dinner in Amsterdam
Visit Ghent, a beautiful medieval city in Belgium
See the sights of Paris on a driving tour
Visit Burgundy; a French wine region
Marvel at the views on a scenic Swiss mountain drive
Visit the idyllic Lake Como
See the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa
Explore Florence; the birthplace of the Renaissance
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting point for the first day of your tour. Please see the meeting point information for details on how to reach the meeting point.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No, entrance fees are not included.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No, visas are each traveler’s personal responsibility, and we recommend that plenty of time is allowed for visas to be applied for. When applying for your visa, please ensure that the proper research is carried out before you apply, and that you deal directly with the embassies or certified agents with regard to acquiring correct and timely information. We cannot take responsibility for customers
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children, so we set a minimum age limit of 10 years old.
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Are flights included in this tour?
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination for the first day of your tour. Make sure you keep departure times and possible delays in mind when booking flights.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
All our tours are conducted in English.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
We are committed to curating excellent travel experiences and to do so we need all of our travelers to feel safe.
In order to ensure the peace of mind and safety of our travelers and staff on board the coach, we are still requesting that all travellers, regardless of their vaccination status, produce a negative Covid test. This test can be a PCR test -
Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Certain nationalities may require a visa(s) for this tour.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
All of the hotels on this tour offer Wi-Fi, which is available free of charge as part of your Expat Explore tour.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes, Full air-conditioning
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Due to weight and space limitations, you are allowed to bring one main piece of luggage weighing no more than 20kg, and one small soft bag for hand luggage weighing a maximum of 7kg. On all tours, you will have to carry your own luggage (e.g. into hotels and up to your room if hotels don’t have elevators). Please bear this in mind when you are deciding what to pack
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our customer services team. Please note that the room provided may be a single room with a single bed.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes, As detailed in the itinerary
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
All travellers are required to carry their own bags, get on and off the coach, and use public transport. Our city walking tours can last up to 3 hours and certain places involve walking up and down lots of steps. We want you to enjoy your tour, so read through the itinerary thoroughly and make your own conclusions as to whether you feel that you are fit and healthy enough.
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What is the maximum group size?
It depends on how many other people book! There could be up to 51 other passengers, so you will have the opportunity to make lots of friends!
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
We have searched and invested in excellent accommodation options, either located in cities or well placed with public transport connections. Clean linen, towels is always included. Toiletries (shampoo, shower gel etc) and hair dryers are not always included, so you may wish to bring these with you. Accommodation is provided in twin share en-suite rooms. We use a mix of mostly 2, 3 & 4-star hotels.
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What is the tipping policy?
Whilst we fully understand that some nationalities are not accustomed to tipping, this is a normal part of the culture in many of the countries we visit. Tipping has become an increasingly accepted practice in all areas of the service industry, but particularly in restaurants, bars and taxis worldwide. Expat Explore crew members
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
A full list of confirmed accommodation names and addresses for your particular departure will be emailed to you around 1 week before the tour starts.
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Our travelers come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Our tour leaders come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests. They are all confident and well-travelled with an in-depth knowledge of the destinations they are working in, and a passion for helping you make the most out of your Expat Explore tour.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.
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Children on tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc
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Sunday - Tuesday
Dec 22, 2024 - Dec 31, 2024Monday - Wednesday
Dec 22, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 76 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.
Up to 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.