Europe Taster Christmas

Europe Taster Christmas

1,312 Views
7 Days From

$2570

$1395

Europe Taster Christmas

7 Days Starting in Hotel in Paris and ending in Outside Novotel London Greenwich hotel

Visiting: London, Paris, France, Burgundy, Swiss Alps, Switzerland, Rhine Valley, Amsterdam, Bruges

Tour operator:

Expat Explore Travel

Tour code:

ETXMAS

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

10 - 51

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $2570 $1395 Operator discount: -$1175

Tourhub Members Discount - Sign In

-46%

NB: Prices correct on 09-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Unwrap the magic of Europe during this short and sweet Christmas adventure! Get ready to feel the festive spirit as you explore some of the continent’s most enchanting cities during winter. Journey through London, Paris, Amsterdam, the Swiss Alps, Germany’s Rhine Valley, and the medieval city of Bruges in Belgium. Celebrate a Swiss Christmas as you soak in the splendour of the snow-capped Alps. Discover ancient castles and cruise the canals of Amsterdam while watching the display of festive lights. This tour promises an unforgettable taste of a truly European Christmas!

Highlights

  • Enjoy a white Christmas in the snowy Swiss Alps

  • Explore Paris with a full free day

  • Visit the beautiful Rhine Valley in Germany

  • Cruise through Amsterdam’s iconic canals and see the festive sights

Places You'll See

The Eiffel Tower

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: London - Paris

Location: London, Paris

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to London and the start of this Europe Christmas Taster tour! After meeting up with your tour guide and fellow travellers, leave London behind and cross the English Channel en route to Paris. Upon arrival, set off on a driving tour of the French capital, also known as the ‘City of Lights’. See some of the city’s most treasured landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy the sights and admire the city in all its festive glory before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant this evening. Afterwards, travel to the hotel to rest up for tomorrow’s free day in Paris!

  • Driving tour of Paris

  • Enjoy dinner in Paris

Day 2: Paris: Free Day

Location: France, Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, Paris is yours to explore as you wish! The optional Paris+ excursion is a fantastic way to experience the highlights of this iconic city. Featuring a macaron tasting, a guided tour of a famous perfume museum, a cruise down the River Seine and much more, it is a treat for the senses! Alternatively, stroll along the Champs-Élysées and shop at bustling Christmas markets. Discover renowned artworks in the Louvre, visit the Eiffel Tower or savour local dishes at a Parisian café. Tonight, join the Evening in Montmartre optional excursion to see the festive decorations in this vibrant neighbourhood and end the night with a truly Parisian experience by joining the optional cabaret show!

Day 3: Burgundy - Swiss Alps (Christmas Eve)

Location: Burgundy, Swiss Alps

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

It’s Christmas Eve and time to continue the journey! Get a taste of small-town France as the tour travels to Burgundy for a lunch stop in Beaune. Enjoy free time to see the stunning Hospices de Beaune and try some famous French wine in the wine capital of Burgundy. Afterwards, sit back and admire the views on a long scenic drive to Switzerland. Arrive in the heart of the Jungfrau Region at a picture-perfect Swiss mountain village and get settled into your home base for the next two nights. Tonight, get into the festive spirit with an included group dinner!

  • Explore Burgundy, a UNESCO World Heritage site

  • Scenic mountain drive in Switzerland

Day 4: Swiss Alps: Free Day (Christmas Day)

Location: Switzerland, Swiss Alps

Meals Included: Breakfast

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Embrace the most wonderful day of the year on this free day in the Swiss Alps by embarking on an optional excursion of a lifetime! The Journey to the “Top of Europe” is one of the most recommended activities by travellers and will have you visiting Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest train station with breathtaking views of snow-laden landscapes. Trips to the unforgettable Ice Palace and Sphinx Observatory are also included. Back at lower altitudes, you’ll have the option to visit local shops and markets to get your fill of shopping or explore nearby towns for the prettiest sights to see. Tonight, join the optional Swiss fondue dinner for an interactive taste of Switzerland.

Day 5: Swiss Alps - Rhine Valley

Location: Swiss Alps, Rhine Valley

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After a serene stay in the Swiss Alps, it’s time to head to Germany’s famous Rhine Valley! Arrive in St. Goar and board a Rhine riverboat for a relaxing cruise through the heart of the Rhine Valley. Take in the views as you cruise past lofty cliffs, charming medieval towns, and the most concentrated stretch of castles in all of Europe! Arrive in Boppard and enjoy an included wine tasting at a local wine merchant. If the harvest has been good, you may even get to sample Germany’s exclusiveeiswein(ice wine)!

  • Cruise along the Rhine River

  • Taste German wine in the Rhine Valley

Day 6: Rhine Valley - Amsterdam

Location: Rhine Valley, Amsterdam

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The tour makes its way to the Netherlands today! The first stop is at a historic windmill to capture the quintessential Dutch view. Next, witness a traditional cheese-making demonstration and learn how traditional clogs are made. Afterwards, the tour heads to Amsterdam where a canal cruise awaits! Upon arrival in Amsterdam, check into the hotel and get ready to view the city from the water. On board the cruise, watch as the city’s 17th-century architecture, intriguing museums, and cafés pass you by and listen out for some interesting insights into the city. Tonight, enjoy an included farewell dinner with your fellow travellers and toast to the incredible time on tour together!

  • Visit Riekermolen Windmill

  • Learn how Dutch cheese and clogs are made

  • Cruise Amsterdam’s Canals

  • Enjoy dinner in Amsterdam

Day 7: Bruges - London

Location: Bruges, London

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is the final day of this Europe Christmas Taster tour but the adventure isn’t over just yet! After breakfast, say goodbye to Amsterdam and journey back to London via the Belgian city of Bruges. Famous for its chocolate, beer,moules et fritesand waffles, make sure you come hungry so you can get a taste of all these local delights! Bruges is more than just a foodie haven, it is also a popular medieval city that boasts quaint cobblestone streets, historic churches, and striking towers. Enjoy free time in the city before heading back to the coach for the journey back to London.

  • Visit Bruges; a medieval city in Belgium

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    6 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 (subject to availability)

  • Transport

    Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
    Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

  • Meals

    6 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
    *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

  • Tour Leader

    Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
    Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

What's Not Included

International flightsTravel to the start point and from the end point is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.Travel insuranceFor a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.



All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance.

Mode of Transport

Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

Accommodation

6 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 (subject to availability)

Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours

We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.

Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.

Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.

We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.

For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.

With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.

For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.

Experiences

Driving tour of Paris
Enjoy dinner in Paris

Explore Burgundy, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Scenic mountain drive in Switzerland

Cruise along the Rhine River
Taste German wine in the Rhine Valley

Visit Riekermolen Windmill
Learn how Dutch cheese and clogs are made
Cruise Amsterdam’s Canals
Enjoy dinner in Amsterdam

Visit Bruges; a medieval city in Belgium

Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting point for the first day of your tour. Please see the meeting point information for details on how to reach the meeting point.

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    No, entrance fees are not included.

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No, visas are each traveler’s personal responsibility, and we recommend that plenty of time is allowed for visas to be applied for. When applying for your visa, please ensure that the proper research is carried out before you apply, and that you deal directly with the embassies or certified agents with regard to acquiring correct and timely information. We cannot take responsibility for customers

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Our tours are not suitable for young children, so we set a minimum age limit of 10 years old.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination for the first day of your tour. Make sure you keep departure times and possible delays in mind when booking flights.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    All our tours are conducted in English.

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    We are committed to curating excellent travel experiences and to do so we need all of our travelers to feel safe.

    In order to ensure the peace of mind and safety of our travelers and staff on board the coach, we are still requesting that all travellers, regardless of their vaccination status, produce a negative Covid test. This test can be a PCR test

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    Certain nationalities may require a visa(s) for this tour.

  • Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

    All of the hotels on this tour offer Wi-Fi, which is available free of charge as part of your Expat Explore tour.

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Yes, Full air-conditioning

  • Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

    Due to weight and space limitations, you are allowed to bring one main piece of luggage weighing no more than 20kg, and one small soft bag for hand luggage weighing a maximum of 7kg. On all tours, you will have to carry your own luggage (e.g. into hotels and up to your room if hotels don’t have elevators). Please bear this in mind when you are deciding what to pack

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    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 customer services team. Please note that the room provided may be a single room with a single bed.

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    Yes, As detailed in the itinerary

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    All travellers are required to carry their own bags, get on and off the coach, and use public transport. Our city walking tours can last up to 3 hours and certain places involve walking up and down lots of steps. We want you to enjoy your tour, so read through the itinerary thoroughly and make your own conclusions as to whether you feel that you are fit and healthy enough.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    It depends on how many other people book! There could be up to 51 other passengers, so you will have the opportunity to make lots of friends!

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    We have searched and invested in excellent accommodation options, either located in cities or well placed with public transport connections. Clean linen, towels is always included. Toiletries (shampoo, shower gel etc) and hair dryers are not always included, so you may wish to bring these with you. Accommodation is provided in twin share en-suite rooms. We use a mix of mostly 2, 3 & 4-star hotels.

  • What is the tipping policy?

    Whilst we fully understand that some nationalities are not accustomed to tipping, this is a normal part of the culture in many of the countries we visit. Tipping has become an increasingly accepted practice in all areas of the service industry, but particularly in restaurants, bars and taxis worldwide. Expat Explore crew members

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    A full list of confirmed accommodation names and addresses for your particular departure will be emailed to you around 1 week before the tour starts.

  • Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

    Our travelers come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests.

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Our tour leaders come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests. They are all confident and well-travelled with an in-depth knowledge of the destinations they are working in, and a passion for helping you make the most out of your Expat Explore tour.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2005

  • 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!

  • 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

ANTHONY NDUNGU   ITALY

Balkan Explorer - 16 Days

03-Sep-2024

I had a blast!!!! Simply amazing and would highly recommend.

Roger  

Wonderful new addition

19-Oct-2022

Great new country and addition by Expat. One of the most interesting and beautiful countries I've ever been. Great food, scenery and lovely people.

Jamie the Kingslayer  

Everything I had expected and more

01-Oct-2022

It was my first time traveling to Europe so I was nervous about everything including finding my way around, speaking the languages, and finding lodging. It turned out to be an incredible experience, I couldn't ask for a better your guide. Luke truly is the best in the business and we were so lucky o have him on the last tour of the season. I am definitely going to recommend Expat to my family and friends when they want to travel to Europe. I am going to go as far as finding out when Luke will be the guide and have family/friends specifically book the tour with him.

Randy  

Outstanding!

25-Sep-2022

From orientation to farewell dinner Martina was always there to ensure that everyone was happy and enjoying the tour! It was fast paced, especially with the added excursions, but the tour covered the best of Italy and Martina was absolutely the best. She was entertaining and informative. Look forward to another tour with her!!

Emma  

Perfect combination of sites, history, culture and food

19-Oct-2022

The highlights of Japan tour with Expat Explore was the ideal way to see the country. It had the perfect mix of big cities, small quaint villages, historical sites and food! The tour was well organised and a good pace to enjoy the various places and activities. We had the opportunity to be immersed in local culture and try the cuisine in a range of dining experiences. The hotels were clean and roomy to rest for days filled with adventures. Japan with Expat should be on your wish list!

CCY  

Good experience

07-Oct-2022

Enjoyed the views of different places and learnt about the history of different places in UK/Ireland.

Kendra Olson   United States

Classic Europe - 14 Days

03-Apr-2024

Such a great trip and saw so many places, if we did this trip on our own I think we would only get half of what we did done in this time period. It definitely was busy with not much down time but we didn’t pay to go be bored. Beautiful and memorable trip!

Travelling Solo  

12 Day Italian Delights

18-Oct-2022

A great tour made even better by our tour leader Marty. She was so knowledgeable and helpful. Made us laugh, showed us amazing sites and always had great recommendations.

Tash  

Really nice experience

26-Oct-2022

Loved the small country towns. Very beautiful MARTY AND ALEX THE DRIVER , made the tour experience perfect for me. She is a brilliant guide.

Disappointed  

Totally exhausted

05-Oct-2022

I need a holiday to recover from this full-on, insufficient down time, tour. Late hotel arrivals, late city tours, late dinners and excessive walking due to public transport use and then early morning starts. And to top it off, no seat rotation (tour leader advised on day 2 for covid reasons) which made sense on day 2 but not by day 3 or 4 when we had been grouped together at meals, on walking tours, and sharing rooms with people we had just met...merrily spreading our germs between our group anyway! This seating rule however was waived for a special few...those who insisted that they get travel sickness (and must sit in the front seat) and..those who think the rule is not for them and aren't challenged by the tour leader anyway. No seat rotation also meant not getting the opportunity to get to know everyone on the tour on an equal basis.

Save on this tour

Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!

Send me one now.

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Saturday

Dec 22, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024
$2570 $1395

Operator discount: -$1175

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Sunday

Dec 22, 2025 - Dec 28, 2025
$2570 $1455

Operator discount: -$1115

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 91 days before the start of the tour.

  • 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 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.

    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.

Why book with tourhub?

Safe & Secure

Your money is held in a dedicated client account until you travel.

Visa logo Mastercard logo
apple pay icon google pay icon

100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.


The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.

Guaranteed Best Value

Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.


No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.

(Operator terms may apply)

Expert Knowledge

Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.


Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.


Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.

Trusted Service

Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.


Don't just take our word for it...

"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."

Similar Tours

Travel Guru Features

Our Reviews