Day 1: Amsterdam –tour starts
Make your own way to our resort in Amsterdam for the start of the tour at 12:00 hrs. We visit the famous village of Volendam and then continue to the windmill village of Zaanse Schans, famous for the making of wooden shoes, or “klompe”. We finish our countryside tour with a cheese farm visit. Of course, the artwork is edible and the Dutch won’t let you leave before you realise there is more to cheese than cheddar. From the countryside, we make our way back to the city for an afternoon walking tour of the world famous Amsterdam “Red Light District”, which leaves the afternoon free to explore the canals, or Anne Frank's House, Dam Square, van Gogh Museum or maybe a bicycle tour… and the night open to paint the town red!
(Overnight 3* Hotel)
(Dinner)

Day 2: Amsterdam - Paris
Departing Amsterdam we make our way to the ancient city of Bruges, famous for many things including beer and heavenly chocolates. You will 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 2 or 3* Hotel)
(Breakfast)

Day 3: Paris free day
The whole day is yours! Why not cruise up the Seine River to the Eiffel Tour, 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 guide for 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 4: Burgundy - Avignon
Depart Paris and continue southwards to the Burgundy region in France. Indulge yourself in the wines of this region and explore the wine cellar of a French Chateaux. Continue to Avignon and relax this evening in the city famous for it's Papal Palace.
(Overnight 2* hotel)
(Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5: Avignon - Barcelona
We depart Avignon and continue to the Pont du Gard to see the famous 2000 year old Roman aqueduct, before we continue to Barcelona.
(Overnight 3* hotel)
(Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6: Barcelona  
Today is your free day to enjoy the delights of Barcelona. You can visit the many famous sites, or simply wonder down the vibrant La Rambla - Barcelona's busiest avenue, which is full of street artists, food stalls, markets and many restaurants! Tonight you can experience the Spanish nightlife yourself in one of the many night clubs.
(Overnight 3* hotel)
(Breakfast)

Day 7:Barcelona - Arles - French Riviera
As we drive along the coast, we stop at the world famous UNESCO World Heritage site in Arles, before continuing into the beautiful South of France. We make stop at the famous Fragonard perfumery before heading to our hotel in the French Riviera.
(Overnight 2* hotel)
(Breakfast)

Day 8: French Riviera free day
As the saying goes: "It is always nice in Nice". Your fee day: A great day to lie on the beach and follow it with a night on the town in luxurious Monaco or glamorous Monte Carlo.
(Overnight 2* hotel)
(Breakfast)

Day 9: Pisa - Florence
Today your lunch stop will be one of the most famous sites in the world, the leaning tower of Pisa! We continue with a local guided city tour of Florence before you have the opportunity to shop in, or just visit, the world famous leather markets of Florence. Spend the evening in the heart of Florence, where the evening meal includes the best Italian cuisine can offer. A great night to "show your moves" at the local disco.
(Overnight hotel)
(Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 10: Florence - Rome
Today we continue to Rome for an afternoon tour where we show you everything; a local guided walking tour combining ancient wonders with Renaissance master pieces. See the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Roman Forum and the Colosseum.
(Overnight resort bungalow)
(Breakfast, Lunch – replaces Dinner)

Day 11: Rome & the Vatican City
Your free day to explore the ancient cities of Rome and the Vatican City, the smallest country in the world. The Vatican City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the only site to encompass a whole country, and it issues its own passports!
(Overnight resort bungalow)
(Breakfast)

Day 12: Rome - tour ends
Time to take in some last memories in Rome before the tour ends and you return home. For cheap flights back to London we recommend www.ryanair.com or www.easyjet.com
(Breakfast)

Please note that this tour is connected with the 17 day Europe Explorer tour that departs from Amsterdam on the same day as this tour. However, the 17 day tour continues on after Rome - if you would prefer to join the full tour, click here: Europe Explorer