 |
|
|
Best of Europe
|
|
Visit 12 Countries |
|
|
|
|
| France, Switzerland, Italy, Vatican City, Greece, Slovenia, Austria, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Germany, Belgium & The Netherlands |
|
 |
|
Day 1: London - Dover - Paris
Welcome to the tour! After leaving London, and crossing the English Channel, keep an eye out for the famous White Cliffs, we 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)
Day 2: Paris free day The whole day is yours! Why not cruise up the Seine River to the Eiffel Tower, 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 leader for more 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 3: Paris - Switzerland
Depart Paris and continue to the Swiss Alps where we stay in a typical mountain village in the heart of the Jungfrau region. One of the most-visited places in the Alps, it is also a World Heritage Site.
(Overnight 2* hotel)
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 4: Jungfrau, Swiss Alps
A free day to explore and take in the spectacular scenery. This is also a great day to visit Jungfraujoch where you can have a snow fight, even in the middle of summer, on top of the 4000m high glacier.
(Overnight 2* hotel)
(Breakfast)
Day 5: Pisa - Florence
Today we visit one of the most famous sites in the world for a photo-stop, the leaning tower of Pisa! Spend the evening in the heart of Florence, where the evening meal includes the best that Italian cuisine can offer. A great night to 'show your moves' at the 70's styled local disco.
(Overnight hotel)
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 6: Florence - Rome
We start the day with a local guided city tour of Florence. We then 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, Dinner)
Day 7: Rome and 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 8: Pompeii to Brindisi
Join us for an inclusive tour of the ruined city of Pompeii. Today you experience one of the true highlights of this tour when you see the destruction caused by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD in the old Roman city. Situated near modern day Naples and only rediscovered in 1599, this World Heritage site is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Italy. After lunch we continue to Brindisi for our overnight ferry to Corfu, Greece.
(Overnight multi-bedded ferry cabin, optional twin room upgrade available)
(Breakfast)
Day 9 - 11: Corfu, Greece
Three full days to experience true Greek hospitality. For the next few days you get to relax in paradise, the famous Greek island of Corfu. There is so much to do whilst at Corfu. The coastline spans 217 kilometres so you can simply enjoy the beautiful beaches, or you can truly make this an unforgettable experience by taking part in the many activities the island has to offer. Join Costas for a boat cruise to mainland Greece, rent a quad bike and leave a trail or party it up at Elvis' Island Bar just a short distance from our hotel. After spending the day on the hot sandy beach, why not ask our host Alex to mix you a cocktail in the hotel's bar.
(Overnight 3* hotel)
(Breakfast, 1st night dinner)
Day 12: Adriatic Coast to Venice
Board our cruise boat and sail, overnight, down the Adriatic coast to Venice.
(Overnight multi-bedded ferry cabin, optional twin room upgrade available)
(Breakfast)
Day 13: Venice
Arrive in Venice for a morning local guided tour of the city, famous for water, romance and beauty.
(Overnight resort bungalow)
(Breakfast, Dinner)
|
|
 |
Day 14: Venice - Ljubljana - Vienna
Today we have a busy day, after departing Italy we head to Austria, spending time in Slovenia en route. Upon arriving in Ljubljana you will shown wonderful sights of the city on a walking tour. In the afternoon we continue on to Vienna where you check into your hotel and proceed to explore the city on another walking tour.
(Overnight 3* hotel)
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 15: Vienna - Budapest
Today we head east towards one of the most beautiful cities in Europe - Budapest, Hungary. With numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites to behold, we start our experience with a driving tour, and leave you with a free afternoon to explore Budapest at your leisure. A walk down the famous Danube River is the perfect finish to a perfect day. (Overnight 3* hotel)
(Breakfast)
Day 16: Budapest - Bratislava - Prague
Continuing on our journey of Eastern Europe, we head north towards Slovakia with our destination being Bratislava. Once again the Danube River is a major feature of this city. Boasting amazing architecture, history and natural landscapes, the warmth of the people will capture your heart immediately. Historically known for building VW cars, the manufacture of furniture, and musical instruments; if you listen closely, Bratislava has many interesting tales to tell. After our stop we continue to Prague where we have a walking tour to learn about this amazing city.
(Overnight hotel)
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 17: Prague free day
Free day to explore this beautiful city in the Czech Republic. Prague has been described as the "Jewel in the Crown" of central Europe and now that you have some free time, why not find out why. It is situated on the Vltava River with one of its most spectacular sights being the Charles Bridge. This spectacular bridge joins the 'old town' and the 'new town'. Prague's dramatic history is reflected in the beauty of the architecture of churches, opera houses and concert halls and a mention has to be made of Prague's Castle. If you need another reason to visit the Czech Republic then maybe it is worth remembering that it is the home of the "green fairy"… That's right, the Czech Republic is were Absinthe has its origins.
(Overnight hotel)
(Breakfast)
Day 18: Munich
Arrive in Munich and enjoy a fun afternoon at one of the famous beer halls. Munich has a lot to offer visitors, but the first thing you think of when you hear the word 'Munich' is obviously beer. Munich is home to Oktoberfest where 5 million people get together to enjoy a mutual love for the fine art of drinking beer. While we're here, we may as well see what the fuss is about. Feel free to take our tour leader up on a stein challenge.
(Overnight 2* hotel)
(Breakfast, Dinner) NOTE: Some tours have overnight stay in Nuernberg instead of Munich.
Day 19: Rhine Valley
This morning we continue into Germany, where your Rhine Valley experience awaits: Enjoy a drink as the Rhine River boat takes you to your hotel in the heart of Rhine Valley. Sights along the way include the most concentrated stretch of castles in Europe, vineyards, cliffs and medieval German towns. After dinner, why not go on a pub-crawl, taste the local German beers and enjoy the real hospitality of the locals and the pub owners, or why not take a relaxing stroll along the river and take time out to recharge.
(Overnight 2 or 3* hotel)
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 20: Volendam, Amsterdam
We continue on to the Netherlands and 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)
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 21: Amsterdam free day
Free time to explore Amsterdam. See canals, Anne Frank's House, Dam Square, van Gogh Museum. Do a bicycle tour.
(Overnight 3* hotel)
(Breakfast)
Day 22: Amsterdam - Bruges - London
After breakfast it's back to London, stopping en route for a short visit to the ancient city of Bruges, famous for many things including beer and chocolates!
(Breakfast)
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
Click on map for larger view |
|
|
 |
|
 |
| What's Included |
|
21 Nights accommodation in double or twin rooms. |
|
multi-bedded rooms on ferries to and from Corfu, optional twin room upgrade available. |
|
Breakfast and Dinners included in your food fund – as per itinerary. |
|
NEW for 2012: Public transport used during sightseeing tours is now included. (Not on free days) |
|
Modern air-conditioned motorcoach with reclining seats.
 |
|
Local taxes, baggage handling fees, hotel tips, service charges & ferry crossings. |
|
Experienced tour leader |
|
Free Expat Explore Tour souvenir. |
|
Free Expat Explore Info guide book. |
|
Sightseeing as described. |
|
|
 |
| Dates and Rates 2012 |
| Excludes Compulsory Food Fund: £169
(?)
|
| Tour prices are structured in the same way as budget airlines. The first seats are the cheapest but the prices will increase up to the normal rate as bookings are made. So book early! |
| Click on any dates below to view or book the live tour dates now. (View full departure and return dates) |
|
| Start |
End |
Normal |
EarlyBird |
|
|
£1349
|
|
|
|
£1349
|
|
|
|
£1399
|
|
|
|
£1399
|
|
|
|
£1499
|
|
|
|
£1499
|
|
|
|
£1499
|
|
|
|
£1499
|
|
|
|
£1499
|
|
|
|
£1399
|
|
|
|
£1499
|
|
|
|
£1349
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|