14 days tour

Europe Jewel Christmas & New Year

Europe Jewel Christmas & New Year

This tour includes:

Transport

Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

Accommodation

13 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)

Meals

13 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Others

Enjoy a cheese and clogs demonstration in the Netherlands Marvel at the stunning scenery in Zaanse Schans Visit the lakeside town of Volendam Cruise the canals of Amsterdam Cruise along the Rhine River Indulge in a wine tasting in the Rhine Valley Visit Nuremberg, a historic Bavarian city Discover Prague on a guided walking tour Visit Bratislava, capital of Slovakia Embark on a walking tour of Vienna, Austriaโ€™s capital  Enjoy dinner in a Viennese wine cellar See the best-loved sights of Budapest on a driving tour Visit Lake Balaton in Hungary Explore the city of Maribor in Slovenia Enjoy a locally guided walking tour of Ljubljana Explore Venice, Italy’s floating city Explore Florence; the ‘Jewel of the Renaissance’ Enjoy a delicious local dinner in Florence See the Leaning Tower of Pisa  Enjoy a scenic mountain drive to Switzerland See the sights on a driving tour of Paris Visit Ghent, a medieval Belgian city

Guide

Services of your Expat tour leader, who will be on hand with advice and tips to ensure that you get the most from your trip

Not included:

Others

International flights Travel to the start point and from the endpoint is not included. Travel insurance For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the 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. Click here for more information.

Flights

You will be responsible for booking your own international and/or domestic flights. We additionally recommend you do not book your airfare until your place on the tour is confirmed. Please make sure to check the times that your tour will start and end before booking your flights.

Optional

Optional excursions are not included in the tour cost. All optional excursions are booked on tour and paid in cash to your tour leader, unless stated otherwise. Please note, certain optional excursions are subject to availability and could change as a result. Some optional excursions need to be pre-booked, please contact us to find out more

Insurance

When you sign up for an Expat Explore tour, you are required to secure adequate travel insurance cover for the duration of your trip. If you cannot provide Expat Explore with proof of adequate travel insurance prior to the start of your tour, you will not be permitted to embark on day one. The requirements include the following coverage: Trip Interruption Trip Delay Medical Expenses Quarantine Expenses and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation The insurance must also cover medical costs and a medically imposed quarantine if the insured or someone the insured has come into contact with, tests positive for COVID-19. Before you book your tour, youโ€™re welcome to obtain a quote with Tour Radarโ€™s insurance partner, Cover Genius.

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Europe Jewel Christmas & New Year

  • Day 1 Day 1: Start Of Tour In Amsterdam
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Start Of Tour In Amsterdam

      Welcome to the start of this exciting Christmas and New Year tour of Europe! The festive adventure begins in Amsterdam where you will meet up with your group and tour leader. The tour kicks off with Dutch staples - cheese and clogs! See how these classic Dutch items are made the traditional way before visiting Zaanse Schans, a Dutch town famous for its historic windmills and wooden houses. Travel to Volendam for lunch and free time this afternoon. Next, it’s back to Amsterdam for the best introduction to this vibrant city - a canal cruise! Finish off day one with a delicious group welcome dinner.


      Cheese and clogs demonstration: This family-run farm is over 160 years old and gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how Dutch cheese and clogs are made. 

      Visit Zaanse Schans: This is the place to see the scenery that the Netherlands is famous for - windmills, wooden houses and green hills.

      Visit Volendam: Enjoy some seafood from the vendors in the beautiful harbour as you explore the lakeside Dutch town.

      Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Sail along Amsterdamโ€™s stunning canals. Cruising along Amsterdam’s atmospheric canals is the perfect introduction to the Dutch capital.


      Meals: supper
  • Day 2 Day 2: Amsterdam - Rhine Valley
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Amsterdam - Rhine Valley

      Day two and itโ€™s time for a new country! Cross the border into Germany and travel to the beautiful Rhine Valley. Arrive and enjoy a wine tasting at Boppard before embarking on a riverboat cruise from Boppard to St Goar. Enjoy the scenic views along the riverbank during the cruise - this section of Germany is home to the highest concentration of medieval castles in all of Europe! Disembark and pay a visit to a fascinating local stein and cuckoo clock workshop. Travel to tonight’s accommodation and enjoy dinner with the group at the hotel.


      Cruise down the Rhine River: Admire the beautiful scenery as you cruise. This area is home to the largest concentration of Gothic castles in all of Europe; Sterrenberg, Liebestein, Katz and Fortress Rheinfels.

      Rhine Valley wine tasting: Visit a local wine merchant in one of Germanyโ€™s most famous wine-growing regions, and sample several types of delicious German wine. Riesling, Pinot Noir and Spätburgunder are popular varieties. If it is the right time of year and the harvest has been good, you may even be able to try eiswein (ice wine); a sweet dessert wine made of grapes which need to be harvested in the freezing winter months!


      Meals: breakfast,supper
  • Day 3 Day 3: Nuremburg - Prague
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Nuremburg - Prague

      Today, travel to Prague via Nuremberg, enjoying a comfort stop in the Bavarian city. Having served as a residence for German kings over many centuries, Nuremberg was an architectural marvel, and famous for its artists too. The city was painstakingly rebuilt following heavy bombing during WW2 and today it has been restored to some of its former glory – many buildings using the original stone. Later, arrive in Prague. This beautiful city boasts elaborate Baroque, Gothic, Art Nouveau and Cubist architecture, and is home to many quirky bars, cobbled lanes and courtyards. Known for its brilliant beer and abundance of art, any exploration of Prague will be a rewarding one. Tonight, round off the day with a festive Christmas Eve dinner!


      Orientation tour in Nuremberg: Your tour leader will highlight all the iconic sights in this Bavarian city. Start at Kaiserburg and finish in Hauptmarkt.


      Meals: breakfast,supper
  • Day 4 Day 4: Prague (Christmas Day)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Prague (Christmas Day)

      Merry Christmas! Veselé Vánoce! Start the morning with a guided walking tour of the magical city of Prague. Join a local guide to explore and learn more about top sights including Old Town Square, Charles Bridge and much more while soaking up the festive atmosphere. The rest of Christmas day is free for you to enjoy Prague as you wish. To see the best that this fairytale city has to offer, join the Prague+ optional excursion! Tour the Prague Castle complex, explore the charming Mala Strana neighbourhood and enjoy a cruise on the Vltava River complete with a buffet lunch. Tonight, take the opportunity to enjoy an optional traditional Czech meal complete with folk music and dancing!


      Prague guided walking tour: This morning, enjoy a locally guided walking tour of the capital city of the Czech Republic. See the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, Charles Bridge, Church of Our Lady before Týn, Rudolfinum (concert hall) and a view of Prague Castle.


      Meals: breakfast
  • Day 5 Day 5: Prague - Bratislava - Vienna
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Prague - Bratislava - Vienna

      Today, head for the grandeur of Vienna, visiting Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, for a quick comfort stop along the way. Surrounded by mountains, vineyards, ski runs and unbridled wilderness, Bratislava is a charming city. Spot the medieval castle overlooking the old town and take in the Socialist-era architecture. Next stop, the beautiful Austrian city of Vienna! Enjoy a guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed city centre. See sights like the Hofburg Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Dinner tonight will be in a historical Viennese wine cellar! Afterwards, choose to enjoy an orchestra performance. What could be better than experiencing music in one of the cityโ€™s concert halls?


      Bratislava orientation tour: Join your tour leader for an orientation tour of Bratislava to see some of the landmarks and historic sights of the city. Catch a glimpse of the magical Bratislava Castle, which overlooks the city.  

      Walking tour of Vienna: On the drive into Vienna, Austria’s capital city, see the Schonbrunn Palace before reaching the Inner City and one of the best vistas from Belvedere Hill. Vienna is known as the โ€™City of Music’ due to its classical heritage and the prodigies that worked there including Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Brahms to name a few. The tour starts at the Golden Mile on the RingStrasse (Parliament, City Hall, Burgtheater). Then, discover the courtyards and passages around the Hofburg (Imperial Castle) and St. Stephen’s Cathedral which is Vienna’s geographic and historic centre. 

      Dinner in a Viennese wine cellar: Enjoy dinner in a special location tonight! Tuck into a delicious meal in a historic Viennese wine cellar.


      Meals: breakfast,supper
  • Day 6 Day 6: Vienna - Budapest
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Vienna - Budapest

      Wave goodbye to Vienna and travel to the striking Hungarian capital of Budapest. Sitting astride the Danube River, this scenic city is known for its singular mix of Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture. On arrival in Budapest, get an overview of this historic city on a driving tour, headed up by a local guide. The trip will start on the Buda side of the river and includes glimpses of the Houses of Parliament and much more. This afternoon you have the freedom to explore the city and all of its delights however you wish. Why not enjoy an optional dinner cruise along the Danube this evening?


      Driving tour of Budapest: Get an eyeful of must-see attractions like Budapest Parliament, St. Stephenโ€™s Basilica, the state opera, the castle district, and more on this driving tour led by a local guide.


      Meals: breakfast
  • Day 7 Day 7: Lake Balaton - Maribor - Ljubljana
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Lake Balaton - Maribor - Ljubljana

      Leaving Budapest, travel onwards to an iconic holiday destination in Hungary - the beautiful Lake Balaton. With nearly 200 km of shoreline, it is the largest lake in central Europe! Next, stop in Maribor in Slovenia. Embark on a quick orientation tour and enjoy a local wine tasting before taking some free time to grab lunch. Then it’s on to the final stop of the day, the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana. Itโ€™s filled to the brim with fairytale castles, beautiful architecture and plenty of natural beauty! An expert local guide will lead a walking tour to point out all the must-see attractions. Afterwards, enjoy free time or join the optional Ljubljana Food & Wine Tour to discover local eateries and cuisine!


      Visit Lake Balaton: Meander around the beautiful Lake Balaton and tick the largest lake in central Europe off your bucket list!

      Lunch stop in Maribor: Explore the beautiful city of Maribor in Slovenia and enjoy a local wine tasting and free time to find a spot for lunch. 

      Guided walking tour in Ljubljana: Join an expert local guide for a tour of Ljubljana - the City of Dragons! Encounter the inimitable scenery of the medieval old town, Preseren Square, the City Centre, the Riverfront, Dragon Bridge and Cobblers Bridge. When the formal tour is done, there will still be some time to explore on your own. We recommend that you make your way to the 13th-century St. Nicholas Church - its Baroque architecture is truly spectacular!


      Meals: breakfast
  • Day 8 Day 8: Ljubljana - Venice
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Ljubljana - Venice

      Say farewell to Slovenia and ciao to Italy! Today’s destination is Venice. This floating city is famous around the world for its canals, gondolas and artistic masterpieces! It is truly a destination that will capture your imagination and leave its mark on your heart. This evening, enjoy free time to explore. Why not see highlights like Piazza San Marco, Basilica di San Marco and Palazzo Ducale? Alternatively, join the Evening in Venice optional excursion. This is your chance to enjoy a classic Venetian experience - a gondola ride and water taxi trip along the canals!


      Explore Venice: Discover the magic of Venice, Italy’s unique floating city. Venice is full of iconic sights including St Mark’s Square, St Mark’s Basilica, St Mark’s Museum, Campanile, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Market and Scuola Grande di San Rocco. For the ultimate Venice experience, join today’s optional excursions!


      Meals: breakfast
  • Day 9 Day 9: Florence - Tuscany
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Florence - Tuscany

      Journey into the hills of Tuscany today! Travel towards Florence and admire the rolling hills, vineyards and charm of the countryside along the way. Arrive and enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. Next up is a locally guided walking tour of the city. Enjoy the historical landmarks of the city which will be specially decked out for the festive time of year and learn more about Florence’s Renaissance history. Then, attend an Italian leather-making demonstration and watch talented craftsmen at work. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Italian meal during dinner at a local restaurant. After a day filled with the delights of Florence, it’s time to spend the night in a hotel in the Tuscan countryside.


      Locally guided walking tour of Florence: Follow a local guide on a walking tour and discover the main sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David. 

      Italian leather-making demonstration: Learn about the traditional art of Italian leather-making at Leonardo Leather & Gold.

      Dinner in Florence: Indulge in a delicious Italian meal at a local restaurant in Florence.


      Meals: breakfast,supper
  • Day 10 Day 10: Pisa - Swiss Alps (New Yearโ€™S Eve)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Pisa - Swiss Alps (New Yearโ€™S Eve)

      Depart Tuscany and head for the hills (well, mountains actually!) En route to the Swiss Alps, make a stop at one of the world’s most famous buildings - the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Be sure to have your cameras ready to snap some photos! Afterwards, strap in for a journey through the Alps. Cross the border into Switzerland and enjoy a scenic mountain drive before arriving at the small Swiss Alpine town which will be home for tonight and the perfect spot to say farewell to the old year and ring in the new! Tonight, celebrate New Year’s Eve with the tour group surrounded by the beauty of the Swiss Alps.


      View the Leaning Tower of Pisa: This is your chance to see the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, or even take some iconic pictures of you ‘holding up’ the tower.

      Scenic Mountain Drive: Enjoy spectacular views as we drive through mountain passes and alongside lakes, breathtaking mountain vistas and scenic views of quaint Swiss towns.


      Meals: breakfast,supper
  • Day 11 Day 11: Swiss Alps: Free Day
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Swiss Alps: Free Day

      Happy New Year! Make the most of the first day of a new year and enjoy the splendour of the Alps on this free day! Take a leisurely stroll through the local villages and alongside crystal-clear lakes or hit the slopes for a spot of skiing if you’re feeling up to it. Today’s optional excursion is one of our most popular. Journey to Jungfraujoch - the highest train station in Europe! Surround yourself with spectacular snow-capped peaks and white winter snow! What could be a better start to the year than that? Tonight, choose to warm up with a delicious Swiss fondue dinner!



      Meals: breakfast
  • Day 12 Day 12: Swiss Alps - Paris
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Swiss Alps - Paris

      So long Switzerland, it’s time for Paris! Today calls for an early start. Travel through the French countryside and arrive in Paris this afternoon. Get your cameras ready and head off on a driving tour of the “City of Lights. The city’s most famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe are on the itinerary! Following the driving tour is a group dinner at a restaurant in the city. After a delicious meal of French cuisine, it’s time to travel back to the hotel to get some rest for another free day tomorrow.


      Driving tour of Paris: Enjoy a driving tour upon arrival - spot the Tuileries Gardens, The River Seine, lโ€™Île de la Cité, the Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Lovers Bridge, Sacre Coeur, Montmartre, Pigalle (the Red Light District) and the Moulin Rouge!


      Meals: breakfast,supper
  • Day 13 Day 13: Paris: Free Day
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Paris: Free Day

      Discover the magic of Paris at your own pace today! To delve deeper into the city, join the Paris+ optional excursion. This exciting tour includes visits to a world-famous macaron shop and parfumerie as well as photo stops at the Champs-Élysées and Opéra Garnier. Then, see the city from the water with a lunch cruise along the River Seine. Finally, admire the views from the Montparnasse Tower and explore the Latin quarter! As the sun sets, the city bursts with exciting activities! Why not experience an evening in Montmartre, a charming village home to the Moulin Rouge? Afterwards, choose to experience an authentic Parisian Cabaret! C’est la vie!



      Meals: breakfast
  • Day 14 Day 14: Paris - Ghent - Amsterdam
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Paris - Ghent - Amsterdam

      This festive two-week tour comes to an end today with one last stop and one more new country along the way! Say au revoir  to Paris and travel on to Ghent in Belgium. Enjoy a lunch stop and free time to explore the charming medieval city centre. Afterwards, it’s time to journey onwards to Amsterdam where the tour will conclude. Before saying farewell, be sure to swap contact details with your new travel friends! Arrive in Amsterdam where you will continue with your onward journey. We hope you enjoyed this Christmas and New Year tour of Europe - travel is a truly memorable way to celebrate!


      Visit Ghent: The port city of Ghent is home to a beautiful medieval city centre. As a university town today, it’s usually teeming with culture and energy!


      Meals: breakfast
+11
Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Basic

Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.

Age range

Age range

Min: 10 / Max: 90

Age range allowed for this experience.

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