Europe Highlights
Europe Highlights
$2845
Europe Highlights
10 Days Starting and ending in Rome
Visiting: Rome, Venice, Innsbruck, Munich, Bavaria Region, Rhine Valley, hine Valley, Amsterdam, Ghent, Paris, France, Burgundy, Swiss Alps, Switzerland, Lake Como, Tuscany, Pisa, Florence
Tour operator:
Tour code:
EH
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on one of the most beloved European tours and see all the top attractions! The tour kicks off in Rome and explores Europe's highlights over 10 exciting days. Discover world-famous sights in France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. Take advantage of the opportunity to tick the top attractions off your bucket list, from the Rhine River and the Swiss Alps to the Eiffel Tower and the Venice canals. Indulge in traditional meals, awe at the stunning natural scenery and experience the local culture. Are you ready for an unmissable, jam-packed European discovery?
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Of Tour In Rome - Venice
Location: Rome, Venice
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! Arrive and embark on an orientation walk with your tour leader. See the world-famous St. Mark’s Square, Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. The evening is free to explore. Be sure to sample local cuisine at one of the many bars and restaurants! Later, why not take a gondola ride on the iconic canals and admire the sights from the water?
Orientation tour of Venice: Your tour leader will take the group into the heart of this unique floating city for an orientation walking tour. See highlights such as St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Museum, Campanile, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Market and Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
Day 2: Innsbruck - Munich - Bavaria Region
Location: Innsbruck, Munich, Bavaria Region
Meals Included: Breakfast, 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!
Day 3: Munich - Rhine Valley
Location: Munich, Rhine Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 4: Rhine Valley - Amsterdam
Location: hine Valley, Amsterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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!
Day 5: Amsterdam - Ghent - Paris
Location: Amsterdam, Ghent, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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!
Day 6: Paris: Free Day
Location: France, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 visit to a famous parfumerie, a cruise along the River Seine and much more! This evening, choose to explore the stunning Montmartre neighbourhood and watch an exciting cabaret show!
Day 7: Paris - Burgundy - Swiss Alps
Location: Paris, Burgundy, Swiss Alps
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 8: Swiss Alps: Free Day
Location: Switzerland, Swiss Alps
Meals Included: Breakfast
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?
Day 9: Swiss Alps - Lake Como - Tuscany
Location: Swiss Alps, Lake Como, Tuscany
Meals Included: 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!
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.
Day 10: Tuscany - Pisa - Florence - Rome
Location: Tuscany, Pisa, Florence, Rome
Meals Included: 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!
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.
What's Included
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Accommodation
9 nights hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. The majority of our accommodations are of a 3- and 4-star standard, offering excellent value, comfort and convenience
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 hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. The majority of our accommodations are of a 3- and 4-star standard, offering excellent value, comfort and convenience
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
Enjoy a scenic mountain drive through Brenner Pass
Visit the beautiful Austrian city of Innsbruck
See the restored Munich city centre on an orientation tour
Say “prost!” at an authentic German Beer Hall
Admire the scenery on a Rhine River cruise
Taste local wines in the Rhine Valley
See the iconic Riekermolen windmill
Enjoy a traditional cheese and clogs demonstration
Cruise along the Amsterdam canals
Visit Ghent; a medieval Belgian city
See iconic landmarks on a driving tour of Paris
Visit Burgundy; a stunning French winemaking region
Enjoy a scenic mountain drive through the Swiss Alps
Visit the picturesque Lake Como
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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Free Date Changes
Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 91 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 60 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 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
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.