Rome to Amsterdam - 10 days

Arrive in Rome for the start of this 10-day Europe tour! Meet the Expat Explore tour leader and your fellow travellers at midday. The travel adventures begin with a locally guided tour of Rome. Meet the local guide in the city centre and get ready to be introduced to the incredible history of this unique city. Rome once reigned supreme as the focal point of the Roman Empire. The local guide will point out the city’s history and highlights such as the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Roman Forum and, of course, the Colosseum. Enjoy a group welcome dinner tonight.

Rome boasts ancient ruins, historical landmarks, religious buildings and a buzzing atmosphere like no other. 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. Later this afternoon, take the opportunity to join the optional excursion to visit the Vatican City - the smallest country in the world! Inside the walls you can visit the Sistine Chapel and see for yourself the famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo, as well as numerous other famous art pieces dotted around the buildings.

The first stop of the day is the Tuscan town of Siena, which is famous for its cuisine, wine, art, museums, medieval cityscape and the Palio, a horse race held twice a year. Enjoy time to explore before continuing on the journey. Later, arrive in Venice in the early evening. This city has been immortalised in literature, film and art for centuries. Its timeless waterways and artistic masterpieces (more per square kilometre than anywhere else on earth!) make it truly unique. This is a city that will capture your heart and imagination. There’s no shortage of incredible food and culture either! The evening is free. Choose to relax at the hotel, or explore Venice with the option to join your tour leader on a twilight water taxi cruise of the Venetian canals.

Start the full day in Venice with an orientation tour of the floating city. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore at your leisure. Every visit to Venice should include a gondola ride, which your tour leader can organise for you, as well as a 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. Back in the heart of the city, why not sample some of Venice’s culinary delights on an optional food tour? Enjoy all three of these optionals, select one or simply wander around this enchanting city at your own pace today.

Crossing the border into Switzerland, travel through the scenic Swiss Alps, climbing higher into the mountains to the accommodation in a typical Swiss mountain village in the Jungfrau region. One of the most popular alpine destinations, it’s a great introduction to the magic of the mountains – and makes for a memorable drive too! Dinner is at the hotel and afterwards enjoy time to relax and chat with your fellow explorers. Grab an early night tonight before the free day to experience the Swiss Alps tomorrow!

Enjoy a free day to explore and take in the spectacular local scenery. One of the must-see highlights of this tour is to take the optional excursion train ride to the ‘Top of Europe’ – Jungfraujoch. The views will leave you breathless (and that isn’t just because of the high altitude!) This 4000m glacier has a beauty all of its own, and the combination of ice, snow, rock and epic views will stay with you for life. There is snow all year round, even in the middle of summer! Complete the day with an optional Swiss fondue dinner for an authentic taste of Switzerland.

Leaving the Swiss Alps behind, travel across the border into Germany. The route winds through the magnificent Black Forest. Get ready for the scenic drive of a lifetime! The forest is known for its incredible beauty so prepare to be mesmerised by the babbling brooks, towering pine trees and quaint villages. Enjoy stopovers at small towns along the way. This includes Freiburg, where there is free time for lunch. Dinner is included at a local restaurant in the Black Forest region this evening.

Auf Wiedersehen Schwarzwald (Black Forest)! It’s time to travel to the beautiful Rhine Valley. From Saint Goar, take a boat cruise to the next river stop of Boppard. Watch vineyards, castles, forests and towers roll by while relaxing on board. Disembark and enjoy a wine tasting at a local cellar. The Rhine Valley is renowned for cultivars like Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Next, journey on to Amsterdam. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and settle into the accommodation for the night.

Today begins with a cruise of Amsterdam’s charming canals! Admire the sights of this fascinating city from the water. Then, choose to either explore Amsterdam at your leisure or join an optional excursion of the Dutch countryside. This excursion includes a visit to a local cheese farm and clog factory, a photo stop at the historical windmill village, Zaanse Schans, and a visit to the quaint seaside village of Volendam where you can wander the streets filled with cafés and admire the picturesque views. Later, join the MOCO Museum & House of Bols optional and join the optional farewell dinner tonight to toast to the last night of the tour!

After 10 exciting days filled with top European sites and amazing activities, the tour comes to an end this morning after breakfast. It’s time to reminisce about a wonderful time spent on tour and say farewell to the group. Be sure to swap contact details with your new-found travel friends to keep in contact after returning home!