Meals

16 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) 

Others

Explore Rome on a guided walking tour Discover Florence with a local guide Watch a leather making demonstration Visit the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa Enjoy a perfume workshop in Eze Experience the glitz and glamour of Monaco Visit Nice; a gorgeous French coastal city Visit Arles; a city that inspired many Van Gogh paintings Explore Barcelona on a driving tour Visit Sète in the South of France Admire the Pont du Gard; an Ancient Roman aqueduct Explore Avignon; known as ‘The City of Popes’ Visit Geneva and see the stunning Lake Geneva Enjoy a scenic Swiss mountain drive Visit Vaduz, capital of Liechtenstein Discover Munich; the capital of Bavaria Enjoy dinner at a traditional German beer hall Cruise down the Rhine River Enjoy a German wine tasting in the Rhine Valley Visit Luxembourg; a tiny European country See the highlights of Paris on a driving tour Visit Ghent; a unique port city in Belgium

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.

Accommodation

16 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.

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

Day 1: Start Of Tour In Rome

Welcome to Rome; the start of this Western Adventure! Arrive in Rome, check into the hotel, and meet up with the rest of the tour group. Later, a local Roman guide will introduce you to the locations which make this city so beloved and famous, on an evening walking tour of the city. The Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Roman Forum and the Colosseum...just for starters! Whilst at the Trevi Fountain, toss a coin over your shoulder - legend has it that if you do, you will return to Rome again one day! Make note of all the spots you want to explore further on your free days ahead! Tonight, get to know the tour group at a welcome dinner.

Guided 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.

Welcome dinner: Celebrate the first night of the Western Adventure tour with a welcome dinner. Join your tour leader and the rest of the group to enjoy a meal at a local Italian restaurant.

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

Day 2: Rome: Free Day

Today is a free day for you to experience Rome’s ancient history, exquisite culture, and delicious food. Make the most of this full day in the “Eternal City”! You could visit the Vatican City; the smallest country in the world and home of the Pope! Wander through the gilded halls, and visit the Sistine Chapel where you can admire the famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo, as well as numerous other famous art pieces dotted around the buildings. Alternatively, stay in the city and see top sights, do some shopping or taste delectable local food such as gelato and carbonara!

Meals: breakfast
Day 3 Day 3: Rome: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Rome: Free Day

Enjoy another free day to explore Italy’s capital city. Today, you have the opportunity to join your tour leader on an optional excursion to Pompeii. Step back in time and explore the ancient city of Pompeii which is one of Europe’s most famous archeological sites! Nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, destroying the town, and burying it in metres of ash. However, thanks to this ash and pumice, Pompeii has been preserved for nearly 2,000 years! Alternatively, stay in the city and see any top sights you may have missed, and revisit your favourite spots! The Italians believe in taking it easy, so why not relax at a trattoria with a tasty meal, a coffee and some good conversation this evening?

Meals: breakfast
Day 4 Day 4: Florence - Tuscany
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Florence - Tuscany

This morning, travel through the Tuscan countryside, and marvel at the magical landscapes along the way. Florence is the next stop. Arrive in the Tuscan capital, and set off on a fascinating city tour with a local guide. See some of the city’s most iconic attractions, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Ponte Vecchio. After the tour, find out more about Italian leather at a local leather shop. Explore more of the city during free time. You can also join an optional Taste of Tuscany experience. After getting your fix of Florence, it’s time to travel into the Tuscan countryside where the hotel is located.

Guided tour of Florence: Discover the capital city of the Tuscan region! Florence is considered to be the birthplace of the Renaissance. Join a local guide and explore Florence. See Florence’s Baptistery, Bell Tower, Gates of Paradise, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio.

Leather demo in a local shop: Step inside the world of Italian leather crafting as you watch a leather demo in a local leather shop and factory; Leonardo Leather and Gold. Italy has been famous for leather production for centuries, and Tuscany is one of the leading areas in Italy in terms of leather production.

Meals: breakfast
Day 5 Day 5: Pisa - Eze - Monaco - Nice
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Pisa - Eze - Monaco - Nice

Before saying bonjour to France, make a stop at one of the most iconic landmarks of Italy - the Leaning Tower of Pisa; A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along with its cathedral, cemetery and baptistry, this 56m, 840-year-old bell tower draws millions of visitors worldwide, namely for one thing; to have their picture taken with the tower! This afternoon, take a trip to world-famous Monaco - the playground of the rich and famous! En route to visit the microstate, pay a visit to a local French perfumery. Arrive in Monaco and visit some of the top spots including the Prince’s Palace and the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo. This evening, travel to Nice and settle into the hotel for the evening.

Photo stop at the Leaning Tower of Pisa: Enjoy a visit to one of Italy’s most famous monuments! Along with the neighbouring cathedral, cemetery and baptistry, this 56m, 840-year-old bell tower with its iconic “lean” draws millions of visitors from all over the globe. Make sure to snap some fun photos - a popular pose is to take a picture of you ‘holding up’ the tower.

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

Guided tour of Monaco: Enjoy a guided tour of Monaco and explore the tiny principality’s top sights. This microstate on the southern coast of France is a hotspot for royalty, high society, and the rich and famous. During the trip, see highlights such as the Prince’s Palace, the Cathedral of Monaco, the Oceanography Museum and the Casino de Monte-Carlo.

Meals: breakfast
Day 6 Day 6: Nice: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Nice: Free Day

Enjoy free time in the French Riviera today. This is the playground for the rich and famous - keep your eyes open for celebrities and stars whilst enjoying the sights! This morning, set off on an orientation tour of Nice with your tour leader. This is the capital of the French Riviera and one of the area’s most dazzling cities! The rest of the day is free to explore as you wish. Why not join your tour leader for an unforgettable optional excursion? On the Exquisite Nice excursion, take a guided tour through the Old Town, delight in delicious local cuisine and soak up stunning scenery. You will certainly be spoilt for choice when deciding what to do in Nice!

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 7 Day 7: Arles - Barcelona
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Arles - Barcelona

Enjoy the last few views of the French Riviera before hitting the road to Barcelona! En route, stop in Arles; famous for its historical buildings and links to such artists as Van Gogh. Next, it’s time to travel on to the capital of Catalonia. Arrive in Barcelona, and enjoy a driving tour of this cosmopolitan Spanish city. See highlights including the magnificent Sagrada Familia and Las Ramblas. Keep note of the places to visit on the free day tomorrow! The hotel for the next few nights is located just outside of Barcelona, in the historic town of Sant Cugat. Arrive, check in, and enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.

Visit Arles: Enjoy a stop in the UNESCO Heritage Site city in the South of France; Arles is famous for its streets filled with historical buildings as well as its links to artists such as Van Gogh who had many paintings inspired by this city! Don’t forget to check out the colourful houses and Roman Amphitheatre while visiting!

Orientation tour of Barcelona: Barcelona is renowned for its art and architecture, such as the fantastical Sagrada Família cathedral and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí. This driving tour is a great introduction to a few of the city’s top visitor attractions!

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 8 Day 8: Barcelona: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Barcelona: Free Day

Experience Barcelona at your own pace today! Make the most of your time in this vibrant city. Continue to explore the historical and cultural centres, indulge in some high-end shopping and retail therapy, and much more! Football fans can use the extra day to visit Barcelona FC’s stadium. Why not take advantage of the beaches or cruise up the coast for a truly unique perspective of the city? Spend some time in the peaceful green areas of the city - Park Güell boasts unbeatable views across Barcelona. This magnificent city is full of things to do. For something off the beaten track, join your tour leader for an optional excursion to Montserrat; a monastery in the mountains north of Barcelona!

Meals: breakfast
Day 9 Day 9: Barcelona: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Barcelona: Free Day

Hola! Enjoy another free day in Barcelona. There are countless things to do from sightseeing and shopping to simply relaxing. Stay in the city and seek out more of Gaudí’s fantastical architectural creations. Stroll down Las Ramblas and enjoy the market stalls, cafés, restaurants and street entertainers. A great way to see it all is on the Highlights of Barcelona optional excursion - visit Palau Güell, La Boqueria market, the Gothic Quarter and the magnificent Sagrada Família! Tonight is the perfect time for a real taste of Spanish culture - join the optional Flamenco show and dinner this evening. The dance of passion is performed with style, flair and energy and is an authentic experience not to be missed.

Meals: breakfast
Day 10 Day 10: Pont Du Gard - Avignon
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Pont Du Gard - Avignon

Adios, Barcelona! Travel back across the border into France, and continue through the French countryside. Enjoy stops at Sète on the coast and the 2,000 year old Pont du Gard, built by the ancient Romans in the first century AD! The final stop of the day will be in Avignon; also known affectionately as ‘The City of Popes’. It is an amazingly preserved, fortified city commune with a long history, stunning architecture and religious significance. Enjoy an orientation walking tour of Avignon, which will show you the Papal Palace as well as other significant structures, and, after an included group dinner, your evening is free to explore as you wish.

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: The Pont du Gard is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been an attraction for centuries. Crafted by Ancient Rome nearly 2,000 years ago, this impressive aqueduct was created to transport water to the Roman colony of Nemausus. Take a walk along it and notice the lack of no nails, cement or mortar holding the arches together!

Orientation tour of Avignon: Enjoy a walking tour of this French city filled with incredible architecture and history. It is named the “City of Popes” due to popes taking up residence in the city in the 1300s. See highlights including the Palais des Papes, Notre-Dame des Doms, Pont d’Avignon and the old Avignon town walls.

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

Day 11: Geneva - Swiss Alps

Travel towards the magnificent Swiss Alps today! First stop of the day is Geneva; home of the United Nations and Red Cross headquarters. After some free time for lunch, travel onwards to the spectacular Swiss Alpine region, and fill your lungs with the fresh mountain air. Marvel at the beautiful views on a stunning mountain drive while meandering past rugged mountain faces, forests and Alpine lakes. Arrive in the Swiss mountain village, check into the hotel, and relax with a sunset view of the mountain peaks. After a hearty, included dinner, feel free to stroll the streets or get some rest, and be ready for a day filled with Swiss adventures tomorrow!

Visit Geneva: Spend some time in Geneva and enjoy a lunch stop in the bustling city that is surrounded by beautiful lake and mountain views. Marvel at the views of Lake Geneva, wander the city centre, visit the Old Town and do some shopping!

Scenic Swiss mountain drive: Prepare to be wowed by the spectacular views as the coach drives through mountain passes and alongside lakes. On the mountain drive, enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas and scenic views of quaint Swiss towns.

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

Day 12: Swiss Alps: Free Day

Today is all about Swiss bliss! Travel to the top of Europe on the Jungfraujoch: Journey to the Top of Europe optional experience. Travel by train or cable car to Jungfraujoch and enjoy the incredible scenery and year-round snow! Enjoy plenty of time to enjoy the views and make sure to snap lots of photographs. Alternatively, for those choosing to spend their free day at lower altitudes, exploring a local village offers great insight into the Swiss way of life. Why not head to Lucerne which is a short train ride away to see the sights, pick up some Swiss souvenirs, or simply enjoy strolling through the streets? Choose to complete the day with a hearty fondue dinner.

Meals: breakfast
Day 13 Day 13: Vaduz - Munich - Bavaria
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Vaduz - Munich - Bavaria

So long, Switzerland! Savour the last of the Alpine views as the tour heads to Germany. Enjoy a stop for lunch in Vaduz; the capital of Liechtenstein. Eat, shop and see Vaduz Castle, the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein which overlooks the city. Afterwards, it’s time to travel on to Munich; the capital of Bavaria, and home of Oktoberfest! Arrive, and head off on an orientation tour of the city. Tuck into an included group dinner tonight, and enjoy a local beer… Prost! At the end of an adventure-filled day, continue on to the hotel in Bavaria for the night.

Visit Vaduz: Enjoy a visit to a whole new country! Make a stop in Liechtenstein’s capital city and enjoy free time to see a bit of the city and grab a bite to eat.

Munich orientation tour: Explore Munich’s top sights on an orientation tour with your tour leader. Become acquainted with this wonderful German city. The city is home to centuries-old buildings, a historic Altstadt (Old Town), intricate Neo-Gothic architecture, modern designs and Bavarian beer halls - it is a great combination of old and new!

German beer hall: Enjoy dinner tonight at a traditional German beer hall. Tuck into traditional German cuisines and sample German beer. Prost!

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 14 Day 14: Bavaria - Rhine Valley
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Bavaria - Rhine Valley

Travel to Germany’s famous Rhine Valley this morning. Arrive, hop aboard a riverboat, and cruise along the Rhine River. Views abound as this area is home to the most concentrated stretch of castles in all of Europe! The banks are also dotted with vineyards, medieval towns, and lofty cliffs. Once the cruise is over, visit a local wine merchant for an included wine tasting. If the harvest has been good, you may even get to try eiswein (ice wine); a very sweet dessert wine that is produced in very small quantities as it can only be harvested when the temperature drops below freezing. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.

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 15 Day 15: Luxembourg - Paris
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Luxembourg - Paris

It’s auf wiedersehen to Germany, and bonjour once more to France today! Heading back towards Paris, enjoy a stop in one of Europe’s smallest countries; Luxembourg. Arrive in Paris, and enjoy a driving tour of the French capital. Get your cameras ready - you’ll be seeing some of the city’s most treasured landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe! After the driving tour, head to a restaurant in the city to enjoy a dinner with the group. After a delicious French dinner, travel back to the hotel, get some rest, and be ready to explore the city further on the free day tomorrow!

Visit Luxembourg: Enjoy a visit to Luxembourg’s capital city. This tiny European nation is well-known as a global financial and banking centre. Enjoy free time to check out the spectacular Renaissance architecture of the Grand Ducal Palace, or have an early lunch in Luxembourg’s central square.

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

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 16 Day 16: Paris: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Paris: Free Day

Savour this free day in this city famous for its culture, cuisine, fashion and art! Discover more on a Paris+ tour, enjoy a visit to a renowned parfumerie, taste delicious macaroons, embark on a lunchtime Seine river cruise, admire the views from the Montparnasse observation deck and much more! Alternatively, explore on your own, and take a trip up the Eiffel Tower or visit the Louvre to see famous artworks. Tonight, opt to explore Montmartre with a local guide. Finish this exciting day off with a lively Cabaret show. Paris never disappoints!

Meals: breakfast
Day 17 Day 17: Paris - Ghent - Amsterdam
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Paris - Ghent - Amsterdam

It’s the last day of this European tour but there is still more adventure in store! After breakfast, it’s time for one last adventure during a visit to the Belgian city of Ghent on the way back to Amsterdam. With a bustling university and a city centre known for its medieval architecture, this port city is home to the perfect mix of history and modernity. On the way back to Amsterdam, remember to swap information with your fellow travellers! Expat Explore hopes you had the time of your life on this Western Adventure!

Visit Ghent: Look forward to marvelling at the medieval architecture with ease in the pedestrianised city centre of Ghent - and soak up the energy of the university town while you explore!

Meals: breakfast

+14

17 days tour

Western Adventure

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Western Adventure

Day 1: Start Of Tour In Rome

Day 2: Rome: Free Day

Day 3: Rome: Free Day

Day 4: Florence - Tuscany

Day 5: Pisa - Eze - Monaco - Nice

Day 6: Nice: Free Day

Day 7: Arles - Barcelona

Day 8: Barcelona: Free Day

Day 9: Barcelona: Free Day

Day 10: Pont Du Gard - Avignon

Day 11: Geneva - Swiss Alps

Day 12: Swiss Alps: Free Day

Day 13: Vaduz - Munich - Bavaria

Day 14: Bavaria - Rhine Valley

Day 15: Luxembourg - Paris

Day 16: Paris: Free Day

Day 17: Paris - Ghent - Amsterdam

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