Day 1: London - Dover - Paris
Welcome to the tour! After leaving London, and crossing the English Channel (keep an eye out for the famous White Cliffs), we arrive in Paris, 'The City of Lights and Love'. On your first evening, explore the city from the comfort of the Expat Explore coach on a guided coach tour, where you will be shown the sights of the city, with the help from your tour leader. Take note of all of the places of interest you want to explore on your own on your free day at your leisure; and afterwards indulge in the Parisian nightlife surrounding the Moulin Rouge and local bars!
(Overnight Central 2 or 3* hotel)
Day 2: Paris city tour
The whole day is yours! Why not cruise up the Seine River to the Eiffel Tower, see world famous artworks at the Louvre, head to Montmatre to see the Sacre Coeur, or go to Disneyland for the day. Ask your Expat Explore tour leader for more ideas and suggestions. The diversity of Paris means that you can admire famous artworks, visit historical landmarks, indulge in the finest French cuisine, check out the latest fashions, cover yourself in perfume or simply just relax in a café, all in one day if you wish!
(Overnight 2 or 3* hotel)
(Breakfast)
Day 3: Paris - Switzerland
'Au revoir' France! We head towards the Swiss Alps, and stay in a typical mountain village in the heart of the Jungfrau / Wilderswil region. One of the most-visited places in the Alps, it is also a World Heritage site.
(Overnight 2 or 3* hotel
(Breakfast, Swiss Dinner)
Day 4: Jungfrau, Swiss Alps
Enjoy a free day to explore and take in the spectacular local scenery. One of the 'must see' highlights of this tour is to travel to the 'Top of Europe' – Jungfraujoch. The views will leave you breathless (and that isn't because of the high altitude). This 4000m glacier has a beauty all of its own, and the combination of ice, snow, rock and epic views will stay with you for life. There is snow all year round, so you can make a snow man or have a snowball fight in the middle of summer!
(Overnight 2* hotel)
(Breakfast)
Day 5: Pisa - Florence
Today we head for Italy, and leave the Swiss Alps behind. The scenery on the mountain passes is truly spectacular as you head to the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Upon arrival in Florence, you're treated to a walking tour where you will see the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, featuring Michelangelo's 'David', Ponte Vecchio and Santa Croce Basilica. We spend our evening in the heart of Florence, where you can enjoy an authentic Italian meal. Buon appetito! Afterwards we hit the local disco.
(Overnight hotel)
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 6: Florence - Rome
This morning we continue to Rome for a local guided walking tour of the city. Be prepared to be amazed at the history and culture which unfolds in front of your eyes. You will learn of ancient wonders and Renaissance master pieces. See the Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Roman Forum and the Colosseum. Legend says, if you drop a coin into the Trevi Fountain, you will return to Rome one day.
(Overnight resort bungalow)
(Breakfast, Dinner)
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Day 7: Rome & the Vatican City
This is your free day to explore the ancient cities of Rome and the Vatican City - officially the smallest country in the world, let alone Europe! Head to the opera, grab a slice of pizza, try some regional wine, or banter with the locals. The day is yours to do with as you please. Do as the Romans do, but don't forget the camera!
(Overnight resort bungalow)
(Breakfast)
Day 8: Rome - Venice
'Arrivederci Roma' and 'Buon giorno' Venice. Today we travel to one of Europe's most romantic cities. Stretching across 117 islands, you will spend the afternoon on a local guided walking tour learning about why Venice is a 'must see' destination. You will see the Rialto Bridge, St Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace. Afterwards, indulge in an espresso in one of many piazzas, relax on a gondola or view a Murano glass blowing and traditional lace-making demonstration.
(Overnight 3* hotel)
(Breakfast)
Day 9: Venice - Munich
Onwards and upwards, you now head north on your European tour. We make a stop at a mountain lake to enjoy a picnic lunch, if you wish. Once you arrive in Munich, enjoy a lazy afternoon at a beer hall before dinner. Prost!
(Overnight 2* hotel)
(Breakfast, Dinner)
NOTE: Some tours have overnight stay in Nuernberg instead of Munich.
Day 10: Rhine Valley
There is only one way to see the Rhine Valley, and that is from the deck of a river boat! Enjoy a refreshing beverage as you cruise down the Rhine River to your hotel, from St Goar to Boppard. Sights along the way include some of the most concentrated stretch of castles in Europe, vineyards, cliffs and medieval German towns. After a tasty German dinner, why not go on a pub-crawl, taste the local German beers and enjoy the hospitality of the locals, or why not take a relaxing stroll along the river and take time out to recharge.
(Overnight 2 or 3* hotel)
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 11: Volendam, Amsterdam
Continue into the Netherlands where we will visit the windmill village of Zaanse Schans, famous for the making of wooden shoes, or "klompe". Then we visit the famous Dutch fishing village of Volendam for lunch, and see for yourself why Picasso and Renoir chose to spend time there. Next, say 'CHEEEESE' - you will experience the art of cheese making and have a nibble on the final product. After dinner a walking tour of the world famous Amsterdam "Red Light District" is the best way to begin the last evening of your European tour. You will have the opportunity to see the canals, Ann Franks' house, Dam Square and the van Gogh Museum. Then, paint the town red! The locals do.
(Overnight 3* hotel)
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 12: Amsterdam - London
The last day of your European tour already! After breakfast, it's back to London with a stop for a quick lunch in Belgium. Bruges is a beautiful medieval city, which boasts many attractions, especially the famous Christmas markets every December. This last part of your journey is your chance to swap numbers and contact details with all of your new found friends and tour buddies, before you return to the UK.
(Breakfast)
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