Europe Explorer
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Visit 9 Countries
17 Days from
Including : France, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Switzerland, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium & Spain.

explore europe
 
explore europe
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Amsterdam - tour starts
Make your own way to our resort in Amsterdam for the start of the tour at 12:00 hrs. (Meeting point details will be sent to you after booking). 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
We depart Amsterdam and make our way to the ancient city of Bruges, famous for many things including beer and divine chocolates. You 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 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 4: Burgundy - Avignon
Depart Paris and continue south-wards 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 Spanish nightlife for 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 a 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 to recharge 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 at, 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. The local guided walking tour combines ancient wonders with Renaissance master pieces. See the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Roman Forum and the Colosseum. Don't forget to throw a coin in the beautiful Trevi Fountain as you are guaranteed to return to Rome, if you do.
(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.
(Overnight resort bungalow)
(Breakfast)

Day 12: Rome - Venice
'Arrivederci Roma' and 'Buon giorno' Venice. Today the coach will transport you to one of Europe's most romantic cities. Stretching across 117 islands, you will spend the afternoon on a local guided walking tour learning about why Venice is a 'must see' destination. You will see the Rialto Bridge, St Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace. Afterwards, indulge in an espresso in one of many piazzas or relax on a gondola.
(Overnight 3* hotel)
(Breakfast)

Day 13: Venice
A great day to explore Venice on your own. We recommend a visit to the Island of Murano for a glass-blowing & lace-making demonstration. Alternatively you can simply relax and soak up the sun on the sandy beaches at Jesolo or Lido.
(Overnight 3* hotel)
(Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 14: Venice - Switzerland
Depart Venice 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 15: 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 16: 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 17: Amsterdam
After breakfast it’s back to Amsterdam where your tour ends. Don't forget to swap numbers with all your new friends!
(Breakfast)


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What's Included
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16 Nights accommodation in double or twin rooms.
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Breakfast and dinners included in your food fund – as per itinerary.
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NEW for 2012: Public transport used during sightseeing tours is now included. (Not on free days)
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Modern air conditioned motorcoach with reclining seats.
expat coach
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Local taxes, baggage handling fees, hotel tips, service charges & ferry crossings.
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Experienced tour leader
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Free Expat Explore tour souvenir.
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Free Expat Explore Info Guide Book.
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Sightseeing as described.
Dates and Rates 2012
Excludes Compulsory Food Fund: £119 (?)
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
£1099
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£1099
£1099
£1199

Book extra nights in Amsterdam, before or after your tour. Only £25 per person, per night based on twin share.  Single room £32. Please contact the office for details: bookings@expatexplore.com

Book airport transfers in Amsterdam, before or after your tour. Only €50 per 4 seater taxi (smallest size taxi available) or €60 per 6 seater taxi (largest size taxi available), for a single journey.  To book, please contact Jan de Wit Taxi’s on  info@jandewitgroup.comwith the following: Tour date and start date, number of people, flight number and time, and full contact details including your mobile number.  Please don’t forget to update the transfer company if airline schedule changes.  Please pay the driver €’s cash on the day.    
 
Nice Beach on the French