Scenic Europe

Scenic Europe

6,562 Views
9 Days From

$2165

$1425

Scenic Europe

9 Days Starting and ending in Hotel in Munich

Visiting: Germany, Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle, Innsbruck, Vaduz, Lucerne, Swiss Alps, Switzerland, Italy, Italian Lakes, Italian Lake District, Pisa, Florence, Tuscany, Verona, Venice, Dolomites, Andechs Monastery

Tour operator:

Expat Explore Travel

Tour code:

MAL

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

10 - 51

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Active, Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $2165 $1425 Operator discount: -$740 -34%

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Experience the essence of Europe on this Scenic Europe Tour. Immerse yourself in Munich's vibrant capital, toast in a traditional beer hall, and be captivated by the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle. Be whisked through breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and iconic sights. Capture the Leaning Tower of Pisa and be inspired by Florence's art. Enjoy free time to explore the snowy Swiss Alps, explore Innsbruck and its famous Goldenes Dachl, and glide through Venice's canals. Get ready to experience the slow life on this tour and soak it all in!

Highlights

  • Wander around Neuschwanstein Castle, the real-life Disney castle

  • Explore Innsbruck, Lucerne, Verona, the Italian Lake District and more

  • Enjoy a free day in the Swiss Alps, with a chance to reach Jungfraujoch's peak

  • Raise a stein in Munich's traditional beer halls

  • Savour Tuscan delights in Florence

Places You'll See

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Start Of Tour In Munich

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Location: Germany, Munich

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Munich! This morning, meet your travel group and tour leader at the hotel. After check-in, delve into the city's charm on an orientation tour. Munich harmoniously combines historic landmarks with contemporary elegance, showcasing its rich heritage and modern allure. Alternatively, discover the city on today’s optional excursion, which includes a local guided tour of Munich’s top sights and a taste of Bavarian cuisine! Tonight, forge connections with your new companions over a hearty dinner at a traditional Bavarian beer hall and raise a glass to the adventure that lies before you!

  • Explore Munich; the capital of Bavaria

  • Enjoy dinner in a traditional German Beer Hall

Day 2: Munich - Neuschwanstein Castle - Innsbruck

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Location: Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle, Innsbruck

Meals Included: Breakfast

It’s time to hit the road! Today’s first stop is a breathtaking 19th-century hilltop fortress that is the inspiration for Disneyland’s castle. Prepare to be awestruck by Neuschwanstein Castle's fairytale beauty on a guided tour and enjoy free time afterward to capture picture-perfect moments before crossing into Innsbruck, Austria. With its vibrant student community, Innsbruck boasts an array of lively bars and beer gardens for an enjoyable evening. Alternatively, immerse yourself in Austrian culture by opting for the Tyrol Folk Evening, featuring authentic cuisine and traditional music and dance from the region.

  • Discover the famous Neuschwanstein Castle

  • Explore Innsbruck at your leisure

Day 3: Innsbruck - Vaduz - Lucerne - Swiss Alps

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Location: Innsbruck, Vaduz, Lucerne, Swiss Alps

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today's journey kicks off with a visit to Liechtenstein, the sixth-smallest country in the world, which is nestled in the Alps. Spend some free time in its capital, Vaduz, soaking in the ambiance and enjoying free time for lunch amidst picturesque surroundings. Then, venture into Switzerland and the city Lucerne. Set out on an orientation tour with your tour leader and explore the city's enchanting beauty, characterised by iconic covered bridges like the renowned Chapel Bridge, brightly-coloured houses, and scenic waterfront promenades. Tonight, rest in the Swiss Alps, gearing up for an action-packed day ahead!

  • Visit Vaduz, capital of Liechtenstein

  • See the city of Lucerne on an orientation tour

  • Enjoy a scenic mountain drive to Switzerland

Day 4: Swiss Alps: Free Day

Location: Switzerland, Swiss Alps

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a leisurely day amidst the stunning Swiss Alps, or opt for an excursion to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest train station, for an unforgettable journey through breathtaking mountain landscapes. Marvel at the picturesque scenery as the train winds its way to the top, offering unparalleled views. Experience the thrill as the train passes through the mountain itself, culminating in a spectacular vista at the summit. Embrace the year-round snow by starting or joining in snowball fights or building snowmen, even in summer! It's an adventure you'll cherish forever. Upon returning, consider indulging in a cosy Swiss fondue dinner to warm up after a day of exploration.

Day 5: Swiss Alps - Lake Como - Italian Lake District

Location: Italy, Italian Lakes

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Bid farewell to the majestic Swiss Alps and travel onward to Italy's enchanting Lake District, making a stop at the renowned Lake Como. Admire the vast expanse of water bordered by charming villages, including Laglio, home to George Clooney's lavish villa. Spend the afternoon exploring the beauty of the Italian Lake District on your own accord. Indulge in local cuisine, take a leisurely stroll, or simply relax and soak in the breathtaking vistas. Experience the essence of La Dolce Vita as you immerse yourself in the tranquillity of this picturesque region. End the day with a delightful included dinner at the hotel.Buon appetito!

  • Explore the glamorous Lake Como

  • Spend a night in the Italian Lake District

Day 6: Italian Lake District - Pisa - Florence - Tuscany

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Location: Italian Lake District, Pisa, Florence, Tuscany

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Get ready for a day packed with sightseeing adventures! First, Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, awaits. Witness the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the iconic David replica on a guided tour. Enjoy a delicious lunch before delving into Florentine craftsmanship at a leather and gold workshop. Later, continue exploring at your own pace. Up next is a trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, a symbol of Italy, to capture those unforgettable leaning photographs! Finally, settle in for the night in Montecatini, a picturesque Tuscan spa town. Want to see more of Montecatini? Join the optional evening excursion for further exploration.

  • See the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa

  • Discover Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance

  • Enjoy a Tuscan dinner in Florence

Day 7: Tuscany - Verona - Venice

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Location: Tuscany, Verona, Venice

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today's first stop is Verona, the romantic city immortalised by Shakespeare'sRomeo and Juliet. Join your tour leader for an orientation tour, followed by free time to delve deeper into its charm. Next, head to Venice, a mesmerising city spread across 118 islands, renowned for its canals, gondolas, and exquisite craftsmanship as well as a rich history and culture. Tonight, immerse yourself in the timeless allure of Venice with the optional An Evening in Venice excursion which includes a water taxi and gondola ride through its enchanting canals. Get ready to create unforgettable memories in this magical city!

  • Visit Verona, home ofRomeo and Juliet

  • Explore Venice, Italy’s floating city

Day 8: Venice - Dolomites - Andechs Monastery - Munich

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Location: Venice, Dolomites, Andechs Monastery, Munich

Meals Included: Breakfast

Departing from Venice, the journey back to Munich offers a scenic drive through the Dolomite National Park, treating you to breathtaking vistas along the way. Pause for a relaxing break at Lago di Landro, a stunning lake surrounded by dazzling scenery. Next, visit Andechs, a quaint monastery town nestled in the Alpine region, offering a unique feature on our Scenic Europe tour. Indulge in a hearty lunch while soaking in the countryside views, making the most of this hidden gem. Finally, return to Munich for the last night of the tour. Why not join tonight’s optional farewell dinner to say goodbye to the group over a delicious meal?

  • Enjoy a scenic drive through the Dolomite National Park

  • Visit the Monastery Town of Andechs

Day 9: End Of Tour In Munich

Location: Germany

Meals Included: Breakfast

The tour wraps up this morning after breakfast. Expat Explore sincerely hopes you've had an unforgettable experience discovering some of Europe's most stunning sights. Before you embark on your journey onward, be sure to exchange contact details with your fellow travellers. Safe travels, and may your memories of this adventure last a lifetime!

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    8 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

    8 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

  • 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

  • 8 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 Munich; the capital of Bavaria

  • Enjoy dinner in a traditional German Beer Hall

  • Discover the famous Neuschwanstein Castle

  • Explore Innsbruck at your leisure

  • Visit Vaduz, capital of Liechtenstein

  • See the city of Lucerne on an orientation tour

  • Enjoy a scenic mountain drive to Switzerland

  • Explore the glamorous Lake Como

  • Spend a night in the Italian Lake District

  • See the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa

  • Discover Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance

  • Enjoy a Tuscan dinner in Florence

  • Visit Verona, home ofRomeo and Juliet

  • Explore Venice, Italy’s floating city

  • Enjoy a scenic drive through the Dolomite National Park

  • Visit the Monastery Town of Andechs

Check out our Q&As

  • 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.

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    No, entrance fees are not included.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination on the first day of your tour. When booking flights, keep departure times and possible delays in mind.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    All our tours are conducted in English.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Yes, Full air-conditioning

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    Yes, As detailed in the itinerary

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

    Our travelers come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2005

  • 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!

  • 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

Reviews of this operator

ANTHONY NDUNGU   ITALY

Balkan Explorer - 16 Days

03-Sep-2024

I had a blast!!!! Simply amazing and would highly recommend.

Roger  

Wonderful new addition

19-Oct-2022

Great new country and addition by Expat. One of the most interesting and beautiful countries I've ever been. Great food, scenery and lovely people.

Jamie the Kingslayer  

Everything I had expected and more

01-Oct-2022

It was my first time traveling to Europe so I was nervous about everything including finding my way around, speaking the languages, and finding lodging. It turned out to be an incredible experience, I couldn't ask for a better your guide. Luke truly is the best in the business and we were so lucky o have him on the last tour of the season. I am definitely going to recommend Expat to my family and friends when they want to travel to Europe. I am going to go as far as finding out when Luke will be the guide and have family/friends specifically book the tour with him.

Randy  

Outstanding!

25-Sep-2022

From orientation to farewell dinner Martina was always there to ensure that everyone was happy and enjoying the tour! It was fast paced, especially with the added excursions, but the tour covered the best of Italy and Martina was absolutely the best. She was entertaining and informative. Look forward to another tour with her!!

Emma  

Perfect combination of sites, history, culture and food

19-Oct-2022

The highlights of Japan tour with Expat Explore was the ideal way to see the country. It had the perfect mix of big cities, small quaint villages, historical sites and food! The tour was well organised and a good pace to enjoy the various places and activities. We had the opportunity to be immersed in local culture and try the cuisine in a range of dining experiences. The hotels were clean and roomy to rest for days filled with adventures. Japan with Expat should be on your wish list!

CCY  

Good experience

07-Oct-2022

Enjoyed the views of different places and learnt about the history of different places in UK/Ireland.

Kendra Olson   United States

Classic Europe - 14 Days

03-Apr-2024

Such a great trip and saw so many places, if we did this trip on our own I think we would only get half of what we did done in this time period. It definitely was busy with not much down time but we didn’t pay to go be bored. Beautiful and memorable trip!

Travelling Solo  

12 Day Italian Delights

18-Oct-2022

A great tour made even better by our tour leader Marty. She was so knowledgeable and helpful. Made us laugh, showed us amazing sites and always had great recommendations.

Tash  

Really nice experience

26-Oct-2022

Loved the small country towns. Very beautiful MARTY AND ALEX THE DRIVER , made the tour experience perfect for me. She is a brilliant guide.

Disappointed  

Totally exhausted

05-Oct-2022

I need a holiday to recover from this full-on, insufficient down time, tour. Late hotel arrivals, late city tours, late dinners and excessive walking due to public transport use and then early morning starts. And to top it off, no seat rotation (tour leader advised on day 2 for covid reasons) which made sense on day 2 but not by day 3 or 4 when we had been grouped together at meals, on walking tours, and sharing rooms with people we had just met...merrily spreading our germs between our group anyway! This seating rule however was waived for a special few...those who insisted that they get travel sickness (and must sit in the front seat) and..those who think the rule is not for them and aren't challenged by the tour leader anyway. No seat rotation also meant not getting the opportunity to get to know everyone on the tour on an equal basis.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Sunday

May 10, 2025 - May 18, 2025
$2165 $1515

Operator discount: -$650

Saturday - Sunday

May 24, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025
$2165 $1425

Operator discount: -$740

Saturday - Sunday

Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025
$2165 $1425

Operator discount: -$740

Saturday - Sunday

Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025
$2165 $1425

Operator discount: -$740

Tuesday - Wednesday

Jul 15, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025
$2165 $1425

Operator discount: -$740

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025
$2165 $1515

Operator discount: -$650

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025
$2165 $1515

Operator discount: -$650

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025
$2165 $1425

Operator discount: -$740

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.