Ultimate Europe
image
Visit 16 Countries
26 Days from
France, Switzerland, Italy, Vatican City, Slovenia, Austria, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Liechtenstein & Luxembourg, Germany

explore europe
 
explore europe
Tour Itinerary
 

Day 1: London - Dover - Bruges - Amsterdam Depart London and catch a glimpse of the White Cliffs of Dover as you cross the English Channel. Next we stop for a short visit to the ancient city of Bruges, famous for many things including beer and chocolates. Arrive in Amsterdam and join us after dinner for a walking tour in the world famous Amsterdam 'Red Light District', which leaves the night open to paint the town red!
(Overnight 3* hotel)

(Dinner)

Day 2: Amsterdam countryside tour
This morning our countryside tour starts 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. We then visit the famous fishing village of Volendam, before going to the windmill village of Zaanse Schans, famous for the making of wooden shoes, or “klompe”. Free afternoon to explore Amsterdam at your own pace. Perhaps take in a canal cruise, or Anne Frank's House, Dam Square, van Gogh Museum or maybe a bicycle tour.
(Overnight 3* hotel)

(Breakfast)

Day 3: Amsterdam - Berlin
Berlin has so much to show and offer, tonight you can enjoy and explore the cool, weird and wonderful bars and clubs of Berlin!
(Overnight hotel)

(Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4: Berlin free day
We begin the day with a guided walking tour of the city and all its famous sites. the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own leisure. Berlin is a mix of old and new, East and West! The city is one of few cities that has three UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the only city in the world with three active opera houses.
(Overnight hotel)

(Breakfast)

Day 5: Berlin - Dresden - Prague
We start our Eastern European adventure in Dresden - try some of the local food like bratwurst over lunch time. Explore the sights off this former Eastern German city - restored after it's near complete destruction in the Second World War. Continue to Prague for a guided local walking tour and discover the cobbled stone maze of the medieval city!
(Overnight hotel)

(Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6: Prague free day
Free day to explore the amazing capital city of the Czech Republic. Prague's famous castle has been the home to a Czech King, president and even a Roman Emperor, and it also boasts the largest castle area in the world!
(Overnight hotel)

(Breakfast)

Day 7: Bratislava - Vienna
Explore the historic streets of Bratislava. Boasting amazing architecture, history and natural landscapes. Historically known for building VW cars, the manufacture of furniture, and musical instruments; if you listen closely, Bratislava has many interesting tales to tell. We continue to Austria's lively capital, Vienna!
(Overnight 3* hotel)

(Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 8: Ljubljana - Venice
We drive through Austria today, crossing into Slovenia and the pretty capital city, Ljubljana. Our next stop is Venice, famous for water, romance and beauty, for an evening local guided tour of the city.
(Overnight 3* hotel)

(Breakfast)

Day 9: 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)

Day 10: Venice - Rome
We depart Venice and continue south to Rome. Join us this afternoon for 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 11: Rome and 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: Pompeii or Rome
Join us for an optional tour of Pompeii, famous for the destruction caused by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD in the old Roman city. Or head into Rome to spend the day at leisure.
(Overnight resort bungalow)

(Breakfast)

Day 13: Florence and Tuscany
Leaving Rome we head to Florence. On arrival you have a local guided city tour before having the opportunity to shop in, or just visit, the world famous leather markets. Spend the night in the heart of Florence, where the evening meal includes typical Italian cuisine. A great night to 'show your moves' at the 70's-styled local disco.
(Overnight hotel)

(Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 14: Pisa - Nice
Today we visit one of the most famous sites in the world for a photo-stop, the leaning tower of Pisa! We make a stop at the famous Fragonard perfumery before heading to our hotel on the French Riviera.
(Overnight 2* hotel)

(Breakfast)

Day 15: Nice and the French Riviera
As the saying goes: “It's 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 glamorous Monaco or luxurious Monte Carlo.
(Overnight 2* hotel)

(Breakfast)

Day 16: Arles - Barcelona
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site in Arles, often called the soul of Provence, this town on the Rhône attracts art lovers, archaeologists. Next we head to Spain and the energetic city of Barcelona, classified as one of the most interesting cities in Europe.
(Overnight 3* hotel)

(Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 17: Barcelona
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 attracting 150 000 visitors a day is crammed with street artists, food stalls, markets and many restaurants! Tonight you can experience the Spanish nightlife for yourself in one of the many night clubs.
(Overnight 3* hotel)

(Breakfast)

Day 18: Barcelona
Another free day to continue your sightseeing in Barcelona. Or simply relax on the beach and work on your tan.
(Overnight 3-star hotel)

(Breakfast)

Day 19: Barcelona - Avignon
Depart Barcelona and continue to the Pont du Gard to see the famous 2000 year old Roman aqueduct. Visit to the fortified town of Avignon and see the Papal Palace.
(Overnight 3* hotel)

(Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 20: Geneva - Switzerland
A great day to experience the beauty of Switzerland! Enjoy a relaxing, scenic drive past Lake Geneva with free time for lunch in Geneva. We 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 21: 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 22: Switzerland - Liechtenstein - Munich
Depart Jungfrau for Germany with a lunch stop in Liechtenstein, the small country sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria. After this we arrive in Munich and finish off the day with dinner at a traditional beer hall.
(Overnight 2* hotel)

(Breakfast, Dinner)
NOTE: Some tours have overnight stay in Nuernberg instead of Munich.

Day 23: 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 24: Luxembourg - Paris
One of Europe's smallest countries - it's Luxembourg this morning! We continue to 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 25: 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 26: Paris - London
After breakfast it’s back to London via the English Channel and time to say good-bye to all your new friends!
(Breakfast)

Click to view larger map.
Click on map for larger view
What's Included
blackdot
25 Nights accommodation in double or twin rooms.
blackdot
Breakfast and dinners included in your food fund – as per itinerary.
blackdot
NEW for 2012: Public transport used during sightseeing tours is now included. (Not on free days)
blackdot
Modern air conditioned motorcoach with reclining seats.
expat coach
blackdot
Local taxes, baggage handling fees, hotel tips, service charges & ferry crossings.
blackdot
Experienced tour leader
blackdot
Free Expat Explore Tour souvenir.
blackdot
Free Expat Explore Info Guide Book.
blackdot
Sightseeing as described.
Dates and Rates 2012
Excludes Compulsory Food Fund: £199 (?)
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
£1599
£1649
£1649
£1649
£1599
£1599
£1499
£1499
£1499
£1499
£1599
£1599
Want to spend more time exploring the historic city of London?
Book you LONDON pre/post tour accommodation here
Enjoy the Beach in Barcelona
promotions