Others

Visit Ghent, one of Belgium’s oldest cities See the sights on a driving tour of Paris Taste local French wine in Toulouse Explore Toulouse with a local guide Visit Andorra, one of Europe’s smallest countries Embark on a driving tour of Barcelona city Visit Sète in the South of France Visit the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct Enjoy an orientation tour of Avignon Scenic French Riviera drive Experience the glitz and glamour of Monaco Enjoy a perfume workshop in Eze Visit Nice; a gorgeous French coastal city See the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa Discover Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance Explore Rome with a local guide Visit Siena in the Tuscan countryside Experience the magic of Venice Visit Lucerne, a picturesque Swiss city Admire the views on a scenic Swiss mountain drive Enjoy a picturesque drive through the Black Forest region Enjoy a photo stop at Lake Titisee Visit Triberg, a pretty Black Forest town See the world’s largest cuckoo clock Sail along the Rhine River Enjoy a Rhine Valley wine tasting Cruise the canals of Amsterdam

Guide

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

Meals

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

Transport

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

Accommodation

17 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)

Not included:

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, you’re welcome to obtain a quote with Tour Radar’s insurance partner, Cover Genius.

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

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.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Amsterdam - Ghent - Paris
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Amsterdam - Ghent - Paris

Welcome to the beginning of an epic tour through Europe! Meet your tour leader and group at the Amsterdam hotel in the morning. Once everyone arrives, it’s time to set off! Today’s first stop is Ghent in Belgium. Enjoy free time to explore this charming city and grab some lunch. This evening, the tour arrives in Paris and a spellbinding driving tour of the “City of Lights” is on the cards! Marvel at the sites of this world-famous city including the Arc de Triomphe, the River Seine and the Eiffel Tower! Later, it’s time to sit down for a group dinner in the heart of Paris.

Visit Ghent: Experience the beautiful city of Ghent - one of Belgium’s oldest cities! This cultural hub and university town is filled with magnificent medieval architecture. Enjoy free time to explore the historic streets and find a spot to have lunch - why not try some traditional Belgian cuisine?

Driving tour of Paris: Enjoy a driving tour and discover the beauty of the “City of Lights”! Spot the Tuileries Gardens, the River Seine, l’Île de la Cité, the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Lovers Bridge, Sacré Cœur, Montmartre, Pigalle (the Red Light District) and the Moulin Rouge!

Meals: supper
Day 2 Day 2: Paris: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Paris: Free Day

Paris is yours to explore on your free day! Today’s top optional excursion is the Paris+ Tour. This includes plenty of sightseeing as well as a macaron tasting at Ladurée, a guided tour of renowned parfumerie Fragonard Musée du Parfum and a River Seine cruise. The excursion continues with a trip up Montparnasse. Towering high above Paris, it offers sweeping views of the “City of Lights”. End it off with free time to explore the Latin Quarter. This evening, enjoy an optional cabaret show or see the iconic Moulin Rouge on an optional evening in Montmartre complete with a three-course French dinner!

Meals: breakfast
Day 3 Day 3: Paris - Toulouse
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Paris - Toulouse

Today, travel from Paris to Toulouse with a wine tasting in a small medieval town along the way! Drive past rolling crop fields, forests, pastoral landscapes and pretty towns. The wine tasting will showcase some of the region’s robust red wines. Then, it’s onto Toulouse, the fourth largest city in France. Here, enjoy a guided tour. Situated along the Compostela Pilgrimage route, it’s known for incredible Renaissance buildings. It’s also home to a beautiful 17th-century canal and more. Dinner is included this evening - be sure to try something local!

Wine tasting in Toulouse: Taste some of the vintages that have placed Toulouse on the world wine map!

Guided tour of Toulouse: Join a local guide on a tour of this beautiful French city. See the highlights of this destination and learn more about its history and rich culture. Find out how it earned its nickname “La Ville Rose” (The Pink City)!

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 4 Day 4: Toulouse - Andorra - Barcelona
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Toulouse - Andorra - Barcelona

Au revoir Toulouse! Today, head south and cross the border into Andorra from the north. Grab lunch and then travel onward to Barcelona. Next stop is the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region. Barcelona is renowned for its art and architecture, such as the fantastical Sagrada Família church and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí. The driving tour will introduce you to a few of the city’s top visitor attractions.

Visit Andorra: Enjoy a comfort stop in this tiny country with free time to explore and grab lunch in the sixth-smallest nation in Europe.

Barcelona Driving tour: Barcelona is renowned for its art and architecture, such as the fantastical Sagrada Família church and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí. Our driving tour will introduce you to a few of the city’s top visitor attractions.

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 5 Day 5: Barcelona: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Barcelona: Free Day

Today is free to spend as you like! To see Barcelona’s top highlights, join the Highlights of Barcelona featuring the Sagrada Família optional excursion. Take a peek at Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece: the glorious La Sagrada Familia and discover the picturesque Palau Güell. Then, visit Barcelona’s most famous food market, La Boqueria, before embarking on a tour of the historic Barrio Gótico (Gothic Quarter). Alternatively, wander around the city at your own pace, go shopping or relax on the beach! This evening, why not see a Flamenco Show? This optional includes a buffet dinner and unlimited drinks!

Meals: breakfast
Day 6 Day 6: Barcelona - Sète - Pont Du Gard - Avignon
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Barcelona - Sète - Pont Du Gard - Avignon

Adiós Barcelona! Today, travel to Avignon. En route, stopover in Sète, a port town in the South of France known for its canals. Take an orientation walk with your tour leader and enjoy free time for lunch here. Next stop is the centuries-old Pont du Gard. The ancient Roman aqueduct bridge was built in the first century AD to carry water over 50 kilometres to the Roman colony of Nemausus. Afterwards, head onwards to Avignon. Situated in the heart of picturesque Provence, Avignon used to be the centre of the Roman Catholic world. Enjoy an optional evening around town. See the impressive Palais des Papes and its gardens before enjoying a three-course Provençal dinner.

Visit Sète: Enjoy an orientation tour of this scenic coastal city in the South of France. Sète is famous for its canals and seafood!

Visit the Pont du Gard: See the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge that crosses the Gardon River. The bridge has three tiers of arches, stands 160 ft tall, and once carried 44 million gallons of water a day to the fountains, baths and homes of the citizens of Nîmes.

Orientation tour of Avignon: Embark on a walking orientation tour of Avignon with your tour leader. See the Palais des Papes, the old Avignon town walls, Notre-Dame des Doms and Pont d’Avignon.

Meals: breakfast
Day 7 Day 7: Avignon - Monaco - Nice
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Avignon - Monaco - Nice

A real highlight of the tour and trips to France is on the itinerary today – the French Riviera! Departing Avignon, head towards one of the most glamorous destinations in the world! Explore Monaco with your tour leader upon arrival just before midday. Discover top attractions like the Prince’s Palace and the Casino de Monte-Carlo. Later, visit the French village of Eze and enjoy a workshop at the Fragonard perfume factory! Finally, embark on an orientation tour of Nice, one of the region’s most stunning cities, to see top attractions like the Promenade des Anglais and Vieux Nice (the Old Town). Then, enjoy some free time to relax or explore as you wish.

Scenic French Riviera drive: Marvel at the views along this famous coastline as the tour travels towards Nice! The French Riviera is renowned for its dazzling coastline and glamorous seaside towns.

Orientation tour of Monaco: Despite the small size, this beautiful sovereign city-state is home to a number of exciting sights! Experience the glitz and glamour during a visit to Monaco’s most well-known attractions with your tour leader. See top sights including the Prince’s Palace, Casino de Monte-Carlo, Oceanography Museum and the Cathedral of Monaco.

Visit Eze Fragonard Perfumery: Stopover in the medieval seaside village of Eze. Here, enjoy a relaxed perfume creation workshop at the impressive Fragonard Perfumery!

Visit Nice: Join your tour leader for an orientation tour of Nice! This gorgeous seaside city is located on the French Riviera and boasts beautiful beaches as well as sunshine almost all year round. Some of Nice’s most famous attractions include the Promenade des Anglais, several museums and the city’s Old Town.

Meals: breakfast
Day 8 Day 8: French Riviera - Pisa - Florence - Southern Tuscany
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: French Riviera - Pisa - Florence - Southern Tuscany

Travelling back inland, head for nearby Italy. Have your cameras ready for a visit to the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa! Next up is Florence. Here, learn about the city’s history and see landmarks dating back to the Renaissance and even the Roman times on a guided walking tour of the city. Snap photos of Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, the Basilica of Santa Croce, the Florence Baptistry and the replica of Michelangelo’s famous statue of David which stands in the Palazzo della Signoria (the original can be seen in the nearby Accademia Gallery.) After exploring Florence, make for the hills of Tuscany, for an overnight stay in the south of Tuscany.

See 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!

Orientation tour of Florence: Learn more about Florence on an orientation tour with your tour leader. See the main sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David.

Meals: breakfast
Day 9 Day 9: Southern Tuscany - Rome
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Southern Tuscany - Rome

It’s time for the group to make its way to the country’s capital, Rome. Arrive and embark on a guided walking tour for an introduction to the incredible history of this unique city, which once reigned supreme as the focal point of the Roman Empire. Highlights today include the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.

Walking tour of Rome: This city has so much to see and do that we can’t list everything here! Enjoy a walking tour of Rome with a professional local guide, a great introduction for further exploration of the city during the free day tomorrow. Visit the Roman Forum, Arch of Septimus Severus, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps.

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 10 Day 10: Rome: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Rome: Free Day

Rome boasts ancient ruins, historical landmarks, religious buildings and a buzzing atmosphere! Today is free to spend as you wish! Explore Rome at your own pace. A visit to the Colosseum is highly recommended; offering fabulous views of the city and an unbelievable feeling of drifting backwards in time to when gladiators, chariots and lions dominated the arena. You could even visit the Vatican City - seat of the Pope and the smallest country in the world! Inside the walls, explore the museums, visit the Sistine Chapel and admire the famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo, and marvel at the numerous art pieces dotted around the buildings. The choice is yours!

Meals: breakfast
Day 11 Day 11: Siena - Venice
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Siena - Venice

Today’s first stop is the Tuscan town of Siena - famous for its cuisine, wine, art, museums and medieval cityscape. It’s also the home of the Palio horse race held here twice a year. Explore the town before the journey continues through Italy. In the early evening, arrive in Venice, a city which has been immortalised in literature, film and art for centuries! Venice is sure to capture your heart and imagination! The timeless waterways and artistic masterpieces make the “Floating City” truly unique. There is no shortage of incredible food and culture here either! Enjoy a free evening to relax at the hotel, or opt to join your tour leader on a twilight water taxi cruise along the Venetian canals.

Visit Siena: Visit the Tuscan town of Siena, famous for hosting the Palio horse race and also for its incredible cuisine and culture!

Meals: breakfast
Day 12 Day 12: Venice: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Venice: Free Day

Today offers a free day to explore this unforgettable city at your leisure. Want a classic Venetian experience? Add the optional gondola ride to your to-do list today! Explore more of the city on an optional trip further out into the lagoon to visit Murano and Burano. These islands are famous for their glass-blowing and lace-making crafts respectively, and rows of beautiful multi-coloured houses. Why not enjoy both of today’s optional excursions to experience the best that Venice has to offer?

Experience Venice: Look forward to a full free day in this 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 13 Day 13: Venice - Lucerne - Swiss Alps
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Venice - Lucerne - Swiss Alps

Crossing the border into Switzerland, travel onward to the Swiss Alps. On the way to tonight’s accommodation, enjoy a stop in Lucerne, a picturesque Swiss city. Embark on an orientation tour with your tour leader and enjoy free time to explore. Then, admire the alpine views as the coach climbs higher into the mountains to the accommodation in a typical Swiss mountain village in the Jungfrau region. This region is a great introduction to the magic of the mountains and is one of the most popular alpine destinations! Enjoy dinner with the group at the hotel and get some rest tonight before tomorrow’s free day which promises more adventures in the Swiss Alps!

Visit Lucerne: Join your tour leader on an orientation tour of this picturesque Swiss city, known for its medieval architecture. See some of Lucerne’s top sights and enjoy some free time afterwards to explore further.

Scenic mountain drive: Enjoy the spectacular views on a drive through mountain passes and alongside lakes, breathtaking mountain vistas and scenic views of quaint Swiss towns.

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 14 Day 14: Swiss Alps: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Swiss Alps: Free Day

Explore the splendour of the Swiss Alps today! There is so much to see and do. Choose to join the ever-popular “Jungfraujoch: Journey to the Top of Europe” excursion which takes travellers to the highest train station in Europe and offers countless adventures at the top. Take in the year-round snowy vistas, including glaciers and dramatic mountaintops, visit the Ice Palace and take tons of photos! Return to lower altitudes where you can enjoy an optional Swiss fondue dinner tonight.

Meals: breakfast
Day 15 Day 15: Swiss Alps - Black Forest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Swiss Alps - Black Forest

Bid farewell to the magnificent Alps as more scenic adventures await! Depart the Interlaken region, travel to Germany and enjoy a journey through the spellbinding Black Forest. This scenic drive complete with quaint towns and beautiful natural scenery is unlike anything you’ve encountered before! Enjoy a photo stop at Lake Titisee before visiting Triberg with free time for lunch. Next, snap a photo of the world’s largest cuckoo clock before arriving in Freudenstadt and enjoy free time to explore the town’s beautiful market square. The hotel in the Black Forest region awaits at the end of today’s scenic Black Forest drive and dinner is included this evening.

Scenic Black Forest Drive: Enjoy a beautiful drive through the Black Forest region, with stops at quaint villages along the way.

Photo stop at Lake Titisee: Visit Lake Titisee - the largest natural lake in the Black Forest! Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the beautiful lake and surrounding scenery during a photo stop.

Visit Triberg: Enjoy free time to visit one of the most popular destinations in the Black Forest! Enjoy the traditional architecture and welcoming vibe. While in Triberg you can also see the Triberg Waterfall and the Black Forest Museum.

See the world’s largest cuckoo clock: Nearby Triberg, you can visit the world’s largest cuckoo clock! The structure was completed in 1994 and has held the title in the Guinness Book of World Records since 1997.

Visit Freudenstadt: Enjoy free time in this charming town in southern Germany. Freudenstadt is home to the largest market square in the country which is surrounded by pretty historic buildings.

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 16 Day 16: Black Forest - Rhine Valley - Amsterdam
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Black Forest - Rhine Valley - Amsterdam

Leaving the Black Forest behind, travel into the heart of the world-renowned Rhine Valley. Stop in Saint Goar and enjoy a ride aboard a cruise vessel to Boppard. The scenery along the river is truly amazing. Keep an eye out for the vineyards, impressive castles and towers, and thick groves of the forest along the riverbanks. Afterwards, treat your taste buds to a Rhine Valley wine tasting experience and enjoy famous Rhine Valley wines like Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Next, travel onwards to the bustling city of Amsterdam. Enjoy an included group dinner and the rest of the night is free to explore Amsterdam as you wish!

Rhine Valley River Cruise: Cruise down the Rhine and see the beautiful scenery and the largest concentration of gothic castles in Europe (See Sterrenberg, Liebenstein, Katz and Fortress Rheinfels).

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 from the surrounding area and neighbouring regions 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.

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 17 Day 17: Amsterdam: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Amsterdam: Free Day

Start today with a cruise along the iconic canals of Amsterdam. This is a great way to get to know the city! The rest of the day is free to further explore Amsterdam. Marvel at the artworks in the city’s famous museums, hire a bicycle, visit the cafes or simply stroll along the canals and see what the next corner brings! Alternatively, opt for a Dutch countryside tour with your tour leader. This excursion will take you to a nearby fishing village, Volendam, the famous historic windmill neighbourhood of Zaanse Schans and a local cheese farm and clog factory. Finally, choose to enjoy a delicious farewell Dutch pancake dinner with the group tonight.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing sightseeing cruise along Amsterdam’s charming canals. An audio guide is included to provide more information about the architectural sights and points of interest as seen from the water.

Meals: breakfast
Day 18 Day 18: End Of Tour In Amsterdam
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: End Of Tour In Amsterdam

After 18 incredible days in Europe, the tour comes to an end this morning. Enjoy one last breakfast with the Europe Explorer group in Amsterdam before everyone continues with their journeys. Now is the time to swap details with your travel friends before everyone heads home. We hope to welcome you to Europe again soon!

Meals: breakfast

+15

18 days tour

Europe Explorer

This tour includes:

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Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Europe Explorer

Day 1: Amsterdam - Ghent - Paris

Day 2: Paris: Free Day

Day 3: Paris - Toulouse

Day 4: Toulouse - Andorra - Barcelona

Day 5: Barcelona: Free Day

Day 6: Barcelona - Sète - Pont Du Gard - Avignon

Day 7: Avignon - Monaco - Nice

Day 8: French Riviera - Pisa - Florence - Southern Tuscany

Day 9: Southern Tuscany - Rome

Day 10: Rome: Free Day

Day 11: Siena - Venice

Day 12: Venice: Free Day

Day 13: Venice - Lucerne - Swiss Alps

Day 14: Swiss Alps: Free Day

Day 15: Swiss Alps - Black Forest

Day 16: Black Forest - Rhine Valley - Amsterdam

Day 17: Amsterdam: Free Day

Day 18: End Of Tour In Amsterdam

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