12 days tour

Europe Escape Christmas & New Year

Europe Escape Christmas & New Year

This tour includes:

Accommodation

11 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)

Others

Explore Venice, Italy’s floating city Marvel at the scenery along Brenner Pass Visit Innsbruck; a beautiful Austrian city Explore Munich; capital of Bavaria Enjoy dinner and drinks in a traditional German beer hall Cruise along the Rhine River Indulge in a wine tasting in the Rhine Valley Visit the iconic Riekermolen Windmill Enjoy a local cheese and clogs demonstration in the Netherlands Cruise the canals and see the displays of the Amsterdam Light Festival Enjoy Christmas dinner in Amsterdam Visit Ghent, a beautiful medieval city in Belgium See the sights of Paris on a driving tour Visit Burgundy; a French wine region Marvel at the views on a scenic Swiss mountain drive Stop at idyllic Lake Como See the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa Discover Florence with a local guide Spend New Year’s Eve in Rome

Meals

11 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

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.

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.

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

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Europe Escape Christmas & New Year

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

      Day 1: Start Of Tour In Rome - Venice

      Ciao! Welcome to this Europe Escape Christmas & New Year tour. Meet up with your tour leader and the rest of the group and get ready to hit the road. Relax and enjoy the scenery of vineyards, orchards and countryside on the journey to Venice. Arrive in Venice and prepare to be wowed! This famous floating city is perched across over 100 islands and connected by numerous canals. Keep an eye out for St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal. Tonight is free to spend as you wish. Enjoy the piazzas, art, food and unique Venetian vibe! See Venice the traditional way on a water taxi and gondola ride when you join the Evening in Venice optional excursion!


      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!

  • Day 2 Day 2: Innsbruck - Munich - Bavaria
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Innsbruck - Munich - Bavaria

      Say farewell to Italy for now and continue onto the next exciting destination on the itinerary - Innsbruck in Austria! Take a trip through the spectacular Brenner Pass and admire the gorgeous countryside en route. Make a comfort stop in Innsbruck before arriving in Munich, Germany, this afternoon. Set off on an orientation tour of the city with your tour leader and discover more about Munich which was largely rebuilt after WW2. See the highlights and find out more about Munich’s most famous event - Oktoberfest! This evening, enjoy an authentic taste of Germany during an included dinner at a local beer hall. Prost!


      Scenic drive along Brenner Pass: Cross spectacular mountain passes and experience some amazing mountain vistas en route to Innsbruck in Austria.

      Visit Innsbruck: Enjoy a comfort stop to experience this beautiful Austrian city that lies in a valley between high mountains, making for an incredible backdrop.

      Munich orientation tour: Enjoy an orientation tour of Munich, the capital and largest city in the German state of Bavaria, with your tour leader. See highlights such as Karlsplatz and Marienplatz, New Town Hall, Church of our Lady, and (if you visit in winter) the traditional German Christmas markets.

      German beer hall: Tonight, enjoy dinner in a traditional German Beer Hall. Sample German beer, along with traditional German cuisine. Prost!


      Meals: breakfast,supper
  • Day 3 Day 3: Bavaria - Rhine Valley (Christmas Eve)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Bavaria - Rhine Valley (Christmas Eve)

      It’s Christmas Eve and the German adventures continue today as the tour travels onwards to the picturesque Rhine Valley! Arrive and embark on a Rhine River cruise en route to the hotel located in the heart of the region. Admire the views of the dramatic cliffs, medieval towns and castles along the river banks. After the cruise, visit a local wine merchant for a complimentary Rhine Valley wine tasting where you may even get to taste eiswein (ice wine). This evening, celebrate Christmas Eve with an included dinner at a local restaurant! Afterwards, settle into the hotel for the evening.


      Rhine River cruise: Cruise down the Rhine River and see the beautiful scenery and the largest concentration of gothic castles (Sterrenberg, Liebestein, Katz and Fortress Rheinfels) in Europe. Learn the story of the castles, many of which are now in ruins since the river barons left long ago.

      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). It is a very sweet dessert wine made from grapes harvested in the freezing winter months.


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

      Day 4: Rhine Valley - Amsterdam (Christmas Day)

      Merry Christmas! Celebrate this festive holiday with the unique gift of travel! Start the day in the Rhine Valley before travelling onwards to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Enjoy a photo stop at an iconic Dutch windmill before discovering two Dutch icons: cheese and clogs! Visit a local farm to learn how these items are crafted. Arrive in Amsterdam later today. Then, head to the centre of the city for a twilight canal cruise. This is an ideal way to be introduced to this famous destination! Better yet, the Amsterdam Light Festival is out in full blast at this time of year, and a cruise offers the best views of the elaborate displays. Join the group for a delicious Christmas dinner before enjoying a free night in this ever-popular city!


      Windmill photo stop: Enjoy a photo stop at the Riekermolen Windmill. No visit to the Netherlands is complete without some fun photos of the iconic Dutch windmills!

      Cheese and clogs demonstration: See how these famous shoes are traditionally made by hand. You can also taste some fantastic cheeses and get the chance to shop and stock up on unique Dutch souvenirs.

      Cruise along the canals in Amsterdam: 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! Better yet, you’ll get to see the elaborate displays of the Amsterdam Light Festival!

      Christmas Dinner in Amsterdam: Celebrate Christmas alongside your new travel friends with an included group dinner in Amsterdam


      Meals: breakfast,supper
  • Day 5 Day 5: Amsterdam - Ghent - Paris
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Amsterdam - Ghent - Paris

      This morning, get ready to experience Ghent, Belgium. This picturesque port city is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and is also a cultural hub! Grab a bite to eat and stroll through the historic city centre. Next up on the itinerary is Paris! Arrive in the “City of Lightsโ€™โ€™ and embark on a driving tour of the French capital. See iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and the Arc de Triomphe. Finish up the driving tour as the group heads out for an included dinner tonight.


      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 some free time to explore and taste some authentic 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, lโ€™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: breakfast,supper
  • Day 6 Day 6: Paris: Free Day
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Paris: Free Day

      Today is yours to explore Paris any way you like. Whether you’re after a trip to the Eiffel Tower, a chance to explore the city’s Christmas markets or a few hours in one of its countless museums – Paris awaits! Join the highly recommended “Paris +” optional excursion for a fun-filled day tour complete with a macaron tasting, photo stops at the Arc de Triomphe and Opéra Garnier, a visit to a renowned perfume museum, a River Seine lunch cruise, a visit to the Montparnasse Tower for incredible views of the city and free time in the Latin Quarter. It’s a fabulously French outing! The evening is yours to spend as you wish. Why not finish off with an evening in Montmartre? Cโ€™est magnifique!



      Meals: breakfast
  • Day 7 Day 7: Paris - Burgundy - Swiss Alps
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Paris - Burgundy - Swiss Alps

      It’s time to depart the “City of Love”. But our love affair with France is not over! Enjoy a lunch stop in Burgundy which is the heart of French wine country. Here, try the famous wine or visit the beautiful Hospices de Beaune. After lunch, cross the border into Switzerland. Prepare to be amazed by the views of the Swiss Alps! Later, arrive at the home-base in the Swiss Alps for the next two days. Breathe in that fresh Alpine air and take in the magnificent views. Snow-capped peaks, Alpine forests and crystal-clear lakes are all around! Enjoy the surroundings and festive spirit!


      Visit Beaune in Burgundy: Enjoy a stop in Beaune, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous wine-producing region. Take some free time to explore the beautiful medieval town centre and try some local food and wine.

      Scenic Swiss Mountain Drive: Admire the spectacular views as the coach drives through mountain passes and alongside lakes, breathtaking mountain vistas and scenic views of quaint Swiss towns.


      Meals: breakfast,supper
  • Day 8 Day 8: Swiss Alps: Free Day
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Swiss Alps: Free Day

      Make the most of a free day in the Swiss Alps! Don’t miss the chance to join the ‘Jungfraujoch: Journey to the Top of Europe’ optional excursion! With the snowy landscapes, magnificent scenery and a breathtaking journey to the highest train station in all of Europe, this excursion is what bucket list experiences are made of! At Jungfraujoch, you can play in the snow, visit the Sphinx Observatory and even explore an Ice Palace! Back at lower altitudes, why not wander through a local village and see what winter-time festivities you can find? Sip gluhwein, enjoy the snowy surroundings and absorb Switzerland’s festive atmosphere – it doesn’t get much more Christmassy than this! Warm up tonight with the optional Swiss Dinner.



      Meals: breakfast
  • Day 9 Day 9: Lake Como - Pisa - Tuscany
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Lake Como - Pisa - Tuscany

      Wave goodbye to the Swiss Alps this morning. Today, the trip continues to Italy! Make a lunch stop at the famous Lake Como. This beautiful destination is complete with picturesque lakeside villages, sparkling blue waters and impressive mountain backdrops. Next stop today is the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. Be sure to have your best poses prepared and snap some pics! Afterwards, it’s onwards to Tuscany. This region of Italy is famous for its food, wine, art and architecture. Settle in at the hotel for tonight in Montecatini which is a spa town north-west of Florence. Why not sip on a glass of something local tonight?


      Lake Como lunch stop: Enjoy free time for lunch at Lake Como, one of the most beautiful and glamorous destinations visited on this tour! 

      See the iconic 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!


      Meals: breakfast
  • Day 10 Day 10: Tuscany - Florence - New Yearโ€™S Eve In Rome
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Tuscany - Florence - New Yearโ€™S Eve In Rome

      It’s New Yearโ€™s Eve and this morning after breakfast, it’s time to visit the enchanting city of Florence. Join an expert local guide for a walking tour of Florence and learn more about the city that was the birthplace of the Renaissance. See top sights including the Ponte Vecchio and Florence Cathedral! Enjoy free time in Florence before the final leg of the journey back to Rome. Excitement will be in the air as La Festa di Roma begins tonight! Ring in the new year with your new travel friends during an included dinner tonight! Be sure to watch the midnight fireworks which go off from Palatine Hill. Circus Maximus is the best place to take in the show!


      Florence guided tour: A local guide will take the group on an orientation walking tour to introduce Florence’s main sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David.

      New Year’s Eve dinner in Rome: Say goodbye to the year in style! Before ringing in the new year in bella Roma, enjoy a delicious Italian meal at the hotel with the group.


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

      Day 11: Rome: Free Day

      Kick off the brand new year with a full free day in Rome. Known as “The Eternal City”, Rome was once at the centre of the Roman Empire. Today, it is a destination filled with ancient history, culture and world-famous cuisine. Experience the city decked out in its finest festive decorations today! View the facades of iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon while exploring the city. Stroll through the famous piazzas, climb the Spanish Steps and find a local trattoria to enjoy a delicious Italian meal. La Festa di Roma continues on until this evening and you could also venture to St. Peter’s Square where thousands gather to celebrate and receive the Pope’s New Year’s Day blessing.



      Meals: breakfast
  • Day 12 Day 12: End Of Tour In Rome
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: End Of Tour In Rome

      After 12 days filled with festive Christmas and New Year fun, the tour comes to an end after breakfast today in Rome. We hope you have enjoyed this festive trip and that we can welcome you back to Europe again in the future! Be sure to swap details with your fellow travellers before you say farewell for now!



      Meals: breakfast
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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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