Europe Explorer - 18 Days
Europe Explorer - 18 Days
Europe Explorer - 18 Days
18 Days Starting and ending in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Visiting: Amsterdam, Ghent, Paris, Toulouse, Andorra, Barcelona, Sète, Pont du Gard, Avignon, French Riviera, Monaco, Nice, Pisa, Florence, Tuscany, Rome, Siena, Venice, Lucerne, Swiss Alps, Triberg, Black Forest, Rhine Gorge
Tour operator:
Tour code:
103
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 51
Physical rating:
Low, All Ages / Not applicable
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Explore Europe’s best destinations on this exciting 18-day tour beginning and ending in Amsterdam! In just over two weeks, travel through France, Spain, Switzerland and more. Embark on classic European excursions and see the glittering lights of Paris, stroll through the streets of Rome and treat your taste buds in Tuscany. Soak up the sun along the French Riviera and see Gaudi’s magnificent Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Marvel at the views in the Swiss Alps and Germany’s fairytale-like Black Forest. Cruise along the Rhine River, Amsterdam’s canals and Venice’s winding waterways
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Amsterdam - Ghent - Paris
Location: Amsterdam, Ghent, Paris
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to the beginning of an epic tour through Europe! Meet your tour leader and group at the Amsterdam hotel in the morning. Once everyone arrives, it’s time to set off! Today’s first stop is Ghent in Belgium. Enjoy free time to explore this charming city and grab some lunch. This evening, the tour arrives in Paris and a spellbinding driving tour of the “City of Lights” is on the cards! Marvel at the sites of this world-famous city including the Arc de Triomphe, the River Seine and the Eiffel Tower! Later, it’s time to sit down for a group dinner in the heart of Paris.
Day 2: Paris: Free Day
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Paris is yours to explore on your free day! Today’s top optional excursion is the Paris Tour. This includes plenty of sightseeing as well as a macaron tasting at Ladurée, a guided tour of renowned parfumerie Fragonard Musée du Parfum and a River Seine cruise. The excursion continues with a trip up Montparnasse. Towering high above Paris, it offers sweeping views of the “City of Lights”. End it off with free time to explore the Latin Quarter. This evening, enjoy an optional cabaret show or see the iconic Moulin Rouge on an optional evening in Montmartre complete with a three-course French dinner!
Day 3: Paris - Toulouse
Location: Paris, Toulouse
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, travel from Paris to Toulouse with a wine tasting in a small medieval town along the way! Drive past rolling crop fields, forests, pastoral landscapes and pretty towns. The wine tasting will showcase some of the region's robust red wines. Then, it's onto Toulouse, the fourth largest city in France. Here, enjoy a guided tour. Situated along the Compostela Pilgrimage route, it’s known for incredible Renaissance buildings. It's also home to a beautiful 17th-century canal and more. Dinner is included this evening - be sure to try something local!
Day 4: Toulouse - Andorra - Barcelona
Location: Toulouse, Andorra, Barcelona
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Au revoir Toulouse! Today, head south and cross the border into Andorra from the north. Grab lunch and then travel onward to Barcelona. Next stop is the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region. Barcelona is renowned for its art and architecture, such as the fantastical Sagrada Família church and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí. The driving tour will introduce you to a few of the city's top visitor attractions.
Day 5: Barcelona: Free Day
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free to spend as you like! To see Barcelona’s top highlights, join the Highlights of Barcelona featuring the Sagrada Família optional excursion. Take a peek at Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece: the glorious La Sagrada Familia and discover the picturesque Palau Güell. Then, visit Barcelona’s most famous food market, La Boqueria, before embarking on a tour of the historic Barrio Gótico (Gothic Quarter). Alternatively, wander around the city at your own pace, go shopping or relax on the beach! This evening, why not see a Flamenco Show? This optional includes a buffet dinner and unlimited drinks!
Day 6: Barcelona - Sète - Pont Du Gard - Avignon
Location: Barcelona, Sète, Pont du Gard, Avignon
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Adiós Barcelona! Today, travel to Avignon. En route, stopover in Sète, a port town in the South of France known for its canals. Take an orientation walk with your tour leader and enjoy free time for lunch here. Next stop is the centuries-old Pont du Gard. The ancient Roman aqueduct bridge was built in the first century AD to carry water over 50 kilometres to the Roman colony of Nemausus. Afterwards, head onwards to Avignon. Situated in the heart of picturesque Provence, Avignon used to be the centre of the Roman Catholic world. Enjoy an orientation tour around town. See the impressive Palais des Papes, the ancient town walls, Notre-Dame des Doms and Pont d’Avignon.
Day 7: Avignon - French Riviera - Nice
Location: Avignon, French Riviera, Monaco, Nice
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
A real highlight of the tour and trips to France is on the itinerary today! Departing Avignon, head along the French Riviera towards Nice. On the way, enjoy a scenic drive along the seaside road! Embark on an orientation tour of Nice and enjoy some free time for lunch. Later, visit one of the most glamorous destinations in the world! Explore Monaco with your tour leader later in the afternoon. Discover top attractions like the Prince's Palace, Oceanography Museum, Cathedral of Monaco and the Casino de Monte-Carlo. Head back to Nice where the evening is yours to relax or enjoy as you wish.
Day 8: Pisa - Florence - Tuscany
Location: Pisa, Florence, Tuscany
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travelling back inland, head for nearby Italy. Have your cameras ready for a visit to the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa! Next up is Florence. Here, learn about the city’s history and see landmarks dating back to the Renaissance and even the Roman times on a guided walking tour of the city. Snap photos of Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, the Basilica of Santa Croce, the Florence Baptistry and the replica of Michelangelo’s famous statue of David which stands in the Palazzo della Signoria (the original can be seen in the nearby Accademia Gallery.) After exploring Florence, make for the hills of Tuscany, for the overnight stay in the ancient Tuscan spa town of Montecatini Terme.
Day 9: Tuscany - Rome
Location: Tuscany, Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It’s time for the group to make its way to the country’s capital, Rome. Arrive and embark on a guided walking tour for an introduction to the incredible history of this unique city, which once reigned supreme as the focal point of the Roman Empire. Highlights today include the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Roman Forum and, of course, the Colosseum which can be explored more during the optional excursion. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.
Day 10: Rome: Free Day
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rome boasts ancient ruins, historical landmarks, religious buildings and a buzzing atmosphere! The Colosseum is spectacular; offering fabulous views of the city and an unbelievable feeling of drifting backwards in time to when gladiators, chariots and lions dominated the arena. Today, choose to join the optional excursion to visit Vatican City - seat of the Pope and the smallest country in the world! Inside the walls, explore the museums, visit the Sistine Chapel and admire the famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo, and marvel at the numerous art pieces dotted around the buildings. Alternatively, complete your day in the “Eternal City” with a mouthwatering Roman food tour.
Day 11: Siena - Venice
Location: Siena, Venice
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today’s first stop is the Tuscan town of Siena - famous for its cuisine, wine, art, museums and medieval cityscape. It’s also the home of the Palio horse race held here twice a year. Explore the town before the journey continues through Italy. In the early evening, arrive in Venice, a city which has been immortalised in literature, film and art for centuries! Venice is sure to capture your heart and imagination! The timeless waterways and artistic masterpieces make the “Floating City” truly unique. There is no shortage of incredible food and culture here either! Enjoy a free evening to relax at the hotel, or opt to join your tour leader on a twilight water taxi cruise along the Venetian canals.
Day 12: Venice: Free Day
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get to know Venice during an orientation tour led by your tour leader, followed by free time to explore this unforgettable city at your leisure. Want a classic Venetian experience? Add the optional gondola ride to your to-do list today! Explore more of the city on an optional trip further out into the lagoon to visit Murano and Burano. These islands are famous for their glass-blowing and lace-making crafts respectively, and rows of beautiful multi-coloured houses. For a sample of the city’s culinary delights, join the optional Venice food tour. Stroll through the city, see the top attractions and sample delicious local dishes as you go! Why not enjoy all three optional excursions to experience the best that Venice has to offer?
Day 13: Venice - Lucerne - Swiss Alps
Location: Venice, Lucerne, Swiss Alps
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Crossing the border into Switzerland, travel onward to the Swiss Alps. During a scenic mountain drive, admire the alpine views as the coach climbs higher into the mountains to the accommodation in a typical Swiss mountain village in the Jungfrau region. This region is a great introduction to the magic of the mountains and is one of the most popular alpine destinations! Enjoy dinner with the group at the hotel this evening and be sure to get some rest tonight before tomorrow’s free day which is sure to be filled with adventures in the Swiss Alps!
Day 14: Swiss Alps: Free Day
Location: Swiss Alps
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore the splendour of the Swiss Alps today! There is so much to see and do. Choose to join the ever-popular “Jungfraujoch: Journey to the Top of Europe” excursion which takes travellers to the highest train station in Europe and offers countless adventures at the top. Take in the year-round snowy vistas, including glaciers and dramatic mountaintops, visit the Ice Palace and take tons of photos! Return to lower altitudes where you can enjoy an optional Swiss fondue dinner tonight.
Day 15: Swiss Alps - Black Forest
Location: Swiss Alps, Triberg, Black Forest
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Bid farewell to the magnificent Alps as more scenic adventures await! Depart the Interlaken region, travel to Germany and enjoy a journey through the spellbinding Black Forest. This scenic drive complete with quaint towns and beautiful natural scenery is unlike anything you've encountered before! Enjoy a photo stop at Lake Titisee before visiting Triberg with free time for lunch. Next, snap a photo of the world’s largest cuckoo clock before arriving in Freudenstadt and enjoy free time to explore the town’s beautiful market square. The hotel in the Black Forest region awaits at the end of today’s scenic Black Forest drive and dinner is included this evening.
Day 16: Black Forest - Rhine Valley - Amsterdam
Location: Black Forest, Rhine Gorge, Amsterdam
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leaving the Black Forest behind, travel into the heart of the world-renowned Rhine Valley. Stop in Saint Goar and enjoy a ride aboard a cruise vessel to Boppard. The scenery along the river is something truly amazing. Keep an eye out for the vineyards, impressive castles and towers, and thick groves of the forest along the riverbanks. Afterwards, treat your taste buds to a Rhine Valley wine tasting experience and enjoy famous Rhine Valley wines like Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Next, travel onwards to the bustling city of Amsterdam. Enjoy an included group dinner and the rest of the night is free to explore Amsterdam as you wish!
Day 17: Amsterdam: Free Day
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start today with a cruise along the iconic canals of Amsterdam. This is a great way to get to know the city! The rest of the day is free to further explore Amsterdam. Marvel at the artworks in the city’s famous museums, hire a bicycle, visit the cafes or simply stroll along the canals and see what the next corner brings! Alternatively, opt for a Dutch countryside tour with your tour leader. This excursion will take you to a nearby fishing village, Volendam, the famous historic windmill neighbourhood of Zaanse Schans and a local cheese farm and clog factory. An excursion to the MOCO Museum & House of Bols is also available. Finally, choose to enjoy a farewell dinner with the group tonight.
Day 18: End Of Tour In Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast
After 18 incredible days in Europe, the tour comes to an end this morning. Enjoy one last breakfast with the Europe Explorer group in Amsterdam before everyone continues with their journeys. Now is the time to swap details with your travel friends before everyone heads home. We hope to welcome you to Europe again soon!
What's Included
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Accommodation
17 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
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Fully Guided
Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
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Meals
17 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
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Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
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Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
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Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Country Entry Visas
Check out our Q&As
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.
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Children on tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 76 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.
Up to 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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