Ultimate Europe - 26 Days
Experience some of Europe's best cities in Western and Eastern Europe, with a visit to Spain in between
This is the best way to see all the best parts of Europe on a comprehensive European coach tour. Highlights include: Bruges, Volendam, Amsterdam, Prague, Bratislava, Vienna, Ljubljana, Venice, Rome, Vatican City, Pompeii, Florence, Pisa, French Riviera, Monaco, Arles, Barcelona, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Swiss Alps, Geneva, Munich, Rhine Valley, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and Paris!
Itinerary
Day 1: London - Bruges - Amsterdam
Depart London and cross The English Channel. Next we stop for a visit to the medieval 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 Dutch 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 we go to the windmill village of Zaanse Schans, famous for the making of wooden shoes, or “klomp”. Free afternoon to explore Amsterdam at your own pace. Perhaps the canals, or Anne Frank House, Dam Square, Van Gogh Museum or maybe a bicycle tour!
(Overnight 3* hotel)
(Breakfast)
Day 3: Amsterdam to 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. Then enjoy your free time to explore Berlin. Berlin is a mix of old and new, East and West!
(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 this amazing capital city of the Czech Republic.
(Overnight hotel)
(Breakfast)
Day 7: Bratislava to Vienna
Explore the historic streets of Bratislava before heading to Austria’s lively capital, Vienna! In both places you will be given guided tours.
(Overnight 3* hotel) (Breakfast, dinner)
Day 8: Ljubljana to Venice
We drive through Austria today, crossing into Slovenia and the pretty capital city, Ljubljana for your walking tour. Arrive in Venice for the evening and discover the city, famous for water, romance and beauty!
(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 to Rome
We depart Venice and continue south to Rome. Join us for an evening 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 & 12: Rome and the Vatican City Free days
Your free days to Explore the Ancient City of Rome and the Vatican City, the smallest country in the world.
(Overnight resort bungalow)
(Breakfast)
Day 13: Florence & Tuscany
As we leave Rome, we head to Florence for a local guided city tour before you have the opportunity to shop in, or just visit, the world famous leather markets. Spend the night in the heart of Florence.
(Overnight Hotel)
(Breakfast)
Day 14: Pisa to Nice
Today we visit one of the most famous sites in the world, the Leaning Tower of Pisa! We’ll make a stop by the famous Fragonard perfumery before heading toour hotel by the French Riviera.
(Overnight 2* hotel)
(Breakfast)
Day 15: Nice and the French Riviera Free day
As the saying goes: “It is always nice in Nice”. Your free day: A great day to lie on the beach or join us on a free optional excursion to Monaco.
(Overnight 2* hotel)
(Breakfast)
Day 16: Arles to Barcelona
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site in Arles before continuing to Barcelona.
(Overnight 3* hotel)
(Breakfast, dinner)
Day 17 & 18: Barcelona Free days
Your free days to enjoy the delights of Barcelona. You can visit the many famous sites, or simply wander 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 the Spanish nightlife for yourself in one of the many night clubs.
(Overnight 3* hotel)
(Breakfast x2)
Day 19: Barcelona - Avignon
Depart Barcelona and continue to 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 or 3* hotel)
(Breakfast, dinner)
Day 21: The 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. A snow ball fight? Hitting the slopes? Exploring the local villages? It is all up to you. Enjoy.
(Overnight 2* hotel)
(Breakfast)
Day 22: Switzerland to Liechtenstein to 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 may have overnight stay in Nuremberg instead of Munich.
Day 23: Rhine Valley
This morning we continue into Germany, where your Rhine Valley experience awaits. Enjoy a drink as the 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. Alternatively, take a relaxing stroll along the river and take time out to recharge.
(Overnight 2 or 3* hotel)
(Breakfast, dinner)
Day 24: Rhine Valley to Paris
As we head to France we stop to visit one of Europe’s smallest countries - Luxembourg! You will arrive in Paris ‘The City of Lights and Love’. On your first evening, explore the city from the comfort of your Expat coach, where you will be shown the sights of the city, with the help from your tour guide. Take note of all of the places of interest which you can explore on your free day, and afterwards you can indulge in the Parisian nightlife surrounding the Moulin Rouge and local bars!
(Overnight 2 or 3* hotel)
(Breakfast, dinner)
Day 25: Paris – Free Day
The whole day is yours! Why not cruise up the Seine River to the Eiffel Tour, see world famous artworks at the Louvre, head to Montmartre to see the Sacre Coeur, or go to Disneyland for the day.
(Overnight 2 or 3* hotel)
(Breakfast)
Day 26: Paris to London
After breakfast it’s back via the English Channel to London, and time to say goodbye to all your new friends!
(Breakfast)
Includes
25 Nights accommodation in double or twin rooms. (*Optional double or twin upgrade for Switzerland).Breakfast (B) and Dinners (D) included in your food fund – as per itinerary.
Modern air-conditioned motorcoach with reclining seats.
Local taxes, baggage handling fees, hotel tips, service charges & ferry crossings.
Experienced Tour Leader.
Free Expat Explore Tour souvenir.
Free Expat Explore Info guide book.
Sight seeing as described.
Essential Information
If you are travelling in a group, please forward this email to everyone in your party.On morning of departure if there are any problems please contact 0044 7854002475 (this number is only available on the day of departure).
• Luggage: It’s early summer, so please pack accordingly. The weather in Europe is very unpredictable, so be prepared for anything. In general, temperatures should be warm and mild to hot on some days. There are washing Laundromat facilities in Venice if you need clean clothes halfway during the tour.
• Cash machines are very frequent, try and avoid travelling with "bags” of Euros! You will need Swiss Francs in Switzerland.
• Remember a European adaptor for mobile and camera chargers.
• All accommodation has clean linen, so you do not need to bring any sleeping bags.
• Please remember your own towel.
• A complete tour program will be provided on the first day.
• Please take comfortable shoes for walking around the city.
The secret of a comfy coach journey: Snacks, pillow and your iPod!
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