Expat Explore - Version: Sun Sep 26 2021 16:23:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 1/28
Itinerary for Europe Escape Tour • Expat Explore
Start Point: End Point:
BV Oly Hotel, BV Oly Hotel,
Via del Santuario Regina degli Apostoli, 36, Via del Santuario Regina degli Apostoli, 36,
00145 Roma RM, Italy 00145 Roma RM, Italy
07:30 hrs 17:00 hrs (traffic dependent) BV Oly Hotel,
Via del Santuario Regina degli Apostoli, 36,
00145 Roma RM, Italy
10:00 hrs
DAY 1: Start of tour in Rome
Welcome to your 12-day Europe tour! Make sure you have your camera ready, because the photo
opportunities are endless. This morning we kick things off with the option to visit the stunning
Colosseum and the ruins of the ancient Roman Forum. The Colosseum is a spectacular icon of
Rome, offering fabulous views of the city, and an unbelievable feeling of drifting backwards in time,
to when gladiators, chariots and lions dominated the arena. This afternoon we Conquer the Capital
together! Join your tour leader as they show you and share the history of some of the city’s most
iconic sites. After lunch you will have an opportunity to take advantage of an optional excursion to Expat Explore - Version: Sun Sep 26 2021 16:23:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 2/28
the Vatican City - the smallest country in the world! Inside these walls, you can visit the Sistine
Chapel and see the famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo, as well as numerous other famous art
pieces dotted around the buildings. Tonight we'll enjoy dinner together and get to know our fellow
adventurers.
Experiences
Conquer the capital: Join your Expat Explore tour leader and see some of the city's most iconic
sights, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Hadrian's Temple and views of the
Vatican City. Lunch will take place in a historic restaurant in the heart of ancient Rome. Enjoy a main
course of Fettuccine Alfredo pasta, which was invented in this very restaurant and will be prepared
live in front of you according to the original recipe!
Welcome dinner: Get to know your fellow travellers as we all enjoy our first meal together!
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: BV Oly Hotel
Hotel Ergife Palace
Hotel Marc'Aurelio
B&B Pietralata
Optional Excursions
Trip T-shirt or Hoodie: € 21-32
Venice Gondola Ride: € 20
Venice Water Taxi: € 20
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 1: Start of tour in Rome - Venice Expat Explore - Version: Sun Sep 26 2021 16:23:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 3/28
Welcome to your first day on tour! After meeting up with your tour leader and group it’s time to hit
the road! Sit back and enjoy the scenery as we make our way from Rome to Venice! Vineyards and
orchards flash in front of a majestic mountain backdrop as we drive. The diversity of the Italian
landscapes will continue to impress. Venice is an unique city, perched across 118 islands, and
known for its canals, gondolas, Venetian masks, piazzas, art and traditional glass and lace making.
Your tour leader will introduce you to the city with an orientation walk so you can use your free time
in the early evening to explore. See the world-famous St Mark's Square, Grand Canal and Rialto
Bridge. The evening is yours to enjoy authentic Italian delights, with hundreds of fantastic local
restaurants and bars to choose from. After an espresso, explore Venice the traditional way - from
the canals. Take a gondola ride optional which gives you a completely different perspective and
appreciation for the amazing structure of this supremely unique location.
Experiences
Orientation tour of Venice: Your tour leader will take you into the heart of this unique floating
city for an orientation to help you explore and see St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s
Museum, Campanile, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge and Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Hotel Venezia Hotel Ambasciatori & Delfino
Russott Hotel
Hotel Residence Elite Expat Explore - Version: Sun Sep 26 2021 16:23:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 4/28
DAY 2: Rome: Free Day
Rome wasn’t built in a day, but luckily you have a free one, in which to explore the city to your
heart's content! Don't know where to start? You can always join one of the optional excursions on
offer. An excursion to Castel Gandolfo provides an interesting glimpse into how the Roman Catholic
Pope of the 17th century spent his summers. After visiting the Palace you will have a delicious lunch
on a hilltop with breathtaking views of Lake Albano. This is not to be missed. Alternatively, you have
the option to visit Pompeii. Buried under the ash of Mount Vesuvius for hundreds of years, Pompeii
offers its visitors a real look at life in the 1st century. A local guide will accompany you around this
UNESCO World Heritage Site, telling you more about the history and introducing you to the artefacts
and ruins on display. Later this afternoon you can join a local Roman chef on his mission to
showcase the lesser known gems that form part of the city's gastronomy. The tour includes an
espresso tasting as well as a visit to a prestigious bakery and a local delicatessen.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: BV Oly Hotel
Hotel Ergife Palace
Hotel Marc'Aurelio
B&B Pietralata
DAY 2: Innsbruck - Munich - Bavaria Expat Explore - Version: Sun Sep 26 2021 16:23:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 5/28
Arrivederci, for now till later on in the tour! Heading north toward Germany, you will encounter
some of the most beautiful countryside in central Europe. The famous Brenner Pass will appear
before you, and simply take your breath away, as we make our way to Austria for a comfort stop to
get a taster of Innsbruck and its dramatic mountain backdrop. Arriving in Munich in the afternoon,
there is plenty of time for an escorted walking tour of the city centre. With much of the city having
to be restored after WW2, the modern and ancient history of Munich is fascinating, and the
appreciation of the effort to rebuild the German city is gilded with respect. Munich plays host to one
of the most famous beer festivals in the world - Oktoberfest! To give you a taste, this evening you
will dine in a traditional beer hall, and enjoy a local beer on us! Prost!
Experiences
Scenic drive along Brenner Pass: Cross spectacular mountain passes and experience some
amazing mountain vistas.
Visit Innsbruck: Enjoy a comfort stop to experience this beautiful Austrian city that lies in a valley
between high mountains, making for an incredible backdrop. Munich orientation tour: your tour
leader will take you on an orientation of Munich to get you acquainted with this wonderful German
city.
Munich orientation tour: Your tour leader will take you on an orientation tour of Munich, the
capital and largest city of the German state of Bavaria. You will see Karlsplatz and Marienplatz, New
Town Hall, Church of our Lady, and (if you visit in winter) the traditional German Christmas markets. Expat Explore - Version: Sun Sep 26 2021 16:23:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 6/28
German beer hall: Tonight we’ll take you to a traditional German Beer Hall. Sample German beer,
along with traditional German cuisine. Prost!
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Ibis Nürnberg City am Plärrer
Vienna House Easy Amberg
ibis Hotel München City
Best Western Hotel München Airport
DAY 3: Rome - Venice
After roaming Rome, you shall now visit Venice on the next leg of your 12-day Europe tour! Take
note of the scenery on the way - vineyards and orchards flash in front of a majestic mountain
backdrop. The diversity of the Italian landscapes will continue to impress. And then...Venice. A
unique city, perched across 118 islands, and known for its canals, gondolas, Venetian masks,
piazzas, art and traditional glass and lace making. Your tour leader will introduce you to the city with
an orientation walk so you can use your free time in the early evening to explore. See the world-
famous St Mark's Square, Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. The evening is yours to enjoy authentic
Italian delights, with hundreds of fantastic local restaurants and bars to choose from. After an Expat Explore - Version: Sun Sep 26 2021 16:23:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 7/28
espresso, explore Venice the traditional way - from the canals. Take a gondola ride optional which
gives you a completely different perspective and appreciation for the amazing structure of this
supremely unique location.
Experiences
Orientation tour of Venice: Your tour leader will take you into the heart of this unique floating
city for an orientation to help you explore and see St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s
Museum, Campanile, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge and Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Hotel Venezia Hotel Ambasciatori & Delfino
Russott Hotel
Hotel Residence Elite
DAY 3: Bavaria - Rhine Valley
Your German adventure continues, heading to one of the most picturesque sections of the famous
Rhine River. Once we arrive in the Rhine Valley, relax on board a Rhine riverboat as we head to our
hotel in the heart of this picturesque region. This is the most concentrated stretch of castles in all of
Europe, and it also features vineyards, charming medieval towns and lofty cliffs. Learn the story of
the castles, many of which are now in ruins since the river barons left long ago. Once the cruise is Expat Explore - Version: Sun Sep 26 2021 16:23:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 8/28
over we'll visit a local wine merchants for an included wine tasting - if the harvest has been good,
you may even get to try eiswein (ice wine), a very sweet dessert wine that is produced in very small
quantities as it can only be harvested when the temperature drops below freezing.
Experiences
Rhine river cruise: Cruise down the Rhine and see the beautiful scenery and the largest
concentration of gothic castles (Sterrenberg, Liebestein, Katz and Fortress Rheinfels).
Rhine Valley wine tasting: Visit a local wine merchant in one of Germany’s most famous wine-
growing regions, and sample several types of delicious German wine. Popular varieties include
Riesling, Spätburgunder and Pinot Noir. The region is also well known for eiswein (ice wine). It is a
very sweet dessert wine made from grapes harvested in the freezing winter months.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Wyndham Garden Koblenz Hotel
Rheinlust Hotel
Seminaris Bad Honnef
Optional Excursions
Cabaret Show: € 70-90
Paris + Tour: € 50
An Evening in Montmartre: € 50
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 4: Innsbruck - Munich - Bavaria Expat Explore - Version: Sun Sep 26 2021 16:23:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 9/28
Arrivederci, for now till later on in the tour! Heading north toward Germany, you will encounter
some of the most beautiful countryside in central Europe. The famous Brenner Pass will appear
before you, and simply take your breath away, as we make our way to Austria for a comfort stop to
get a taster of Innsbruck and its dramatic mountain backdrop. Arriving in Munich in the afternoon,
there is plenty of time for an escorted walking tour of the city centre. With much of the city having
to be restored after WW2, the modern and ancient history of Munich is fascinating, and the
appreciation of the effort to rebuild the German city is gilded with respect. Munich plays host to one
of the most famous beer festivals in the world - Oktoberfest! To give you a taste, this evening you
will dine in a traditional beer hall, and enjoy a local beer on us! Prost!
Experiences
Scenic drive along Brenner Pass: Cross spectacular mountain passes and experience some
amazing mountain vistas.
Visit Innsbruck: Enjoy a comfort stop to experience this beautiful Austrian city that lies in a valley
between high mountains, making for an incredible backdrop. Munich orientation tour: your tour
leader will take you on an orientation of Munich to get you acquainted with this wonderful German
city.
Munich orientation tour: Your tour leader will take you on an orientation tour of Munich, the
capital and largest city of the German state of Bavaria. You will see Karlsplatz and Marienplatz, New
Town Hall, Church of our Lady, and (if you visit in winter) the traditional German Christmas markets.
German beer hall: Tonight we’ll take you to a traditional German Beer Hall. Sample German beer,
along with traditional German cuisine. Prost! Expat Explore - Version: Sun Sep 26 2021 16:23:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 10/28
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Ibis Nürnberg City am Plärrer
Vienna House Easy Amberg
ibis Hotel München City
Best Western Hotel München Airport
DAY 4: Rhine Valley - Amsterdam
This morning you will say your goodbyes to Germany, and continue your Europe tour into the
Netherlands. With your Expat Explore tour leader giving you a run down on local traditions and
culture, you will indulge in three of the most iconic Dutch products - cheese, clogs and windmills! A
very entertaining cheese and clog making display, will have you fascinated and wanting to taste
and ‘klomp’ (klompen is the Dutch word for ‘clogs’). Checking into your hotel you have a chance to
freshen up, and then you’ll head to the centre of Amsterdam for a twilight canal cruise. You will gain
an alternative perspective of this eclectic and bohemian city whilst drifting past famous landmarks.
Afterwards, you are free to explore the city to your heart's content. The cafés, restaurants and bars
will be buzzing with activity and atmosphere.
Experiences Expat Explore - Version: Sun Sep 26 2021 16:23:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 11/28
Windmills photo stop: No visit to the Netherlands is complete without some fun photos at the
iconic Dutch windmills!
Cheese and clogs demonstration: See how these famous shoes are traditionally made by hand.
You can also taste some fantastic cheeses and get the chance to shop and stock up on unique Dutch
souvenirs.
Cruise along the canals in Amsterdam: Sail along Amsterdam’s stunning canals at twilight and
see the iconic sights that sit along the waterside - this is a perfect, relaxing introduction to
Amsterdam!
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam - Schiphol
Best Western Plus Plaza Almere
Optional Excursions
White-Water River Rafting: CHF 108
Sky-diving: € 345
Paragliding: € 155
Full Day Beginner Package – Ski or Snowboard: € TBC
Half-day Beginner Package – Ski or Snowboard: € TBC
Night Sledding: € TBC
Snowshoe Tour: € TBC
Winter Alpine Adventure –Snowshoe tour + Day Sledding Combo: € TBC
Swiss Dinner: € 25
Swiss Alps Mountain Experience: € various
Train to Jungfraujoch: € 175
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 5: Bavaria - Rhine Valley Expat Explore - Version: Sun Sep 26 2021 16:23:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 12/28
Your German adventure continues, heading to one of the most picturesque sections of the famous
Rhine River. Once we arrive in the Rhine Valley, relax on board a Rhine riverboat as we head to our
hotel in the heart of this picturesque region. This is the most concentrated stretch of castles in all of
Europe, and it also features vineyards, charming medieval towns and lofty cliffs. Learn the story of
the castles, many of which are now in ruins since the river barons left long ago. Once the cruise is
over we'll visit a local wine merchants for an included wine tasting - if the harvest has been good,
you may even get to try eiswein (ice wine), a very sweet dessert wine that is produced in very small
quantities as it can only be harvested when the temperature drops below freezing.
Experiences
Rhine river cruise: Cruise down the Rhine and see the beautiful scenery and the largest
concentration of gothic castles (Sterrenberg, Liebestein, Katz and Fortress Rheinfels).
Rhine Valley wine tasting: Visit a local wine merchant in one of Germany’s most famous wine-
growing regions, and sample several types of delicious German wine. Popular varieties include
Riesling, Spätburgunder and Pinot Noir. The region is also well known for eiswein (ice wine). It is a
very sweet dessert wine made from grapes harvested in the freezing winter months.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Wyndham Garden Koblenz Hotel
Rheinlust Hotel
Seminaris Bad Honnef Expat Explore - Version: Sun Sep 26 2021 16:23:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 13/28
Optional Excursions
Taste of Tuscany: € 35
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 5: Amsterdam - Ghent - Paris
Today it's Vaarwel to the Netherlands as we head to the Belgian city of Ghent. This picturesque port
city is a cultural hub, and is known for its medieval architecture, which remains intact and is
remarkably well preserved. Grab a waffle, stretch your legs and enjoy a stroll through the
pedestrianized city centre. Leaving Ghent behind us, we make our way to Paris, the ‘City of Lights’.
We'll take you on a driving tour of the French capital; get your cameras ready - you’ll be seeing
some of the city’s most treasured landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Arc de
Triomphe! After the driving tour we'll enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the Latin Quarter, an eclectic,
bohemian and historic neighbourhood.
Experiences
Lunch stop in Ghent: Enjoy a quick stop in a different country as you enjoy free time for lunch in
this Belgian port city. Expat Explore - Version: Sun Sep 26 2021 16:23:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 14/28
Driving tour of Paris: Enjoy a driving tour upon arrival - spot the Tuileries Gardens, The River
Seine, l'Île de la Cité, the Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Lovers Bridge, Sacre Coeur,
Montmartre, Pigalle (the Red Light District) and the Moulin Rouge!
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Hotel ibis Paris La Défense Centre
B&B Hôtel Paris Porte des Lilas
B&B Hôtel Paris Italie Porte de Choisy
Hôtel Kyriad Paris Nord Porte de Saint Ouen
Optional Excursions
Vatican City Guided Tour: € 50
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 6: Rhine Valley - Amsterdam
This morning you will say your goodbyes to Germany, and continue your Europe tour into the
Netherlands. With your Expat Explore tour leader giving you a run down on local traditions and
culture, you will indulge in three of the most iconic Dutch products - cheese, clogs and windmills! A Expat Explore - Version: Sun Sep 26 2021 16:23:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 15/28
very entertaining cheese and clog making display, will have you fascinated and wanting to taste
and ‘klomp’ (klompen is the Dutch word for ‘clogs’). Checking into your hotel you have a chance to
freshen up, and then you’ll head to the centre of Amsterdam for a twilight canal cruise. You will gain
an alternative perspective of this eclectic and bohemian city whilst drifting past famous landmarks.
Afterwards, you are free to explore the city to your heart's content. The cafés, restaurants and bars
will be buzzing with activity and atmosphere.
Experiences
Windmills photo stop: No visit to the Netherlands is complete without some fun photos at the
iconic Dutch windmills!
Cheese and clogs demonstration: See how these famous shoes are traditionally made by hand.
You can also taste some fantastic cheeses and get the chance to shop and stock up on unique Dutch
souvenirs.
Cruise along the canals in Amsterdam: Sail along Amsterdam’s stunning canals at twilight and
see the iconic sights that sit along the waterside - this is a perfect, relaxing introduction to
Amsterdam!
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam - Schiphol
Best Western Plus Plaza Almere
Optional Excursions
Castel Gandolfo: € 75
Roman Food Tour: € 65
Colosseum & Roman Forum Guided Tour: € 45
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 6: Paris: Free Day Expat Explore - Version: Sun Sep 26 2021 16:23:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 16/28
Enjoy a full free day to explore the French capital! The Seine River is the backbone of the capital,
and flows through the heart of the city. Why not choose a cruise, and sail past the Notre Dame
Cathedral, to the epic Eiffel Tower? You can explore on your own or join a full day of exploration in
Paris! The Paris+ excursion will take you to all the iconic sights including the Tuileries Gardens, the
Louvre Pyramid, and much more! Paris Disneyland is perfect for the ‘young at heart’, and is only a
short distance away. Your Expat Explore tour leader is brimming with ideas and local knowledge for
you to make the most of your time here.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Hotel ibis Paris La Défense Centre
B&B Hôtel Paris Porte des Lilas
B&B Hôtel Paris Italie Porte de Choisy
Hôtel Kyriad Paris Nord Porte de Saint Ouen
DAY 7: Amsterdam - Ghent - Paris Expat Explore - Version: Sun Sep 26 2021 16:23:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 17/28
Today it's Vaarwel to the Netherlands as we head to the Belgian city of Ghent. This picturesque port
city is a cultural hub, and is known for its medieval architecture, which remains intact and is
remarkably well preserved. Grab a waffle, stretch your legs and enjoy a stroll through the
pedestrianized city centre. Leaving Ghent behind us, we make our way to Paris, the ‘City of Lights’.
We'll take you on a driving tour of the French capital; get your cameras ready - you’ll be seeing
some of the city’s most treasured landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Arc de
Triomphe! After the driving tour we'll enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the Latin Quarter, an eclectic,
bohemian and historic neighbourhood.
Experiences
Lunch stop in Ghent: Enjoy a quick stop in a different country as you enjoy free time for lunch in
this Belgian port city.
Driving tour of Paris: Enjoy a driving tour upon arrival - spot the Tuileries Gardens, The River
Seine, l'Île de la Cité, the Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Lovers Bridge, Sacre Coeur,
Montmartre, Pigalle (the Red Light District) and the Moulin Rouge!
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Hotel ibis Paris La Défense Centre
B&B Hôtel Paris Porte des Lilas
B&B Hôtel Paris Italie Porte de Choisy Expat Explore - Version: Sun Sep 26 2021 16:23:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 18/28
Hôtel Kyriad Paris Nord Porte de Saint Ouen
DAY 7: Paris - Burgundy - Swiss Alps
Au revoir Paris! Today we sample a taste of small-town France with a lunch stop in Burgundy. In the
town of Beaune you can visit the beautiful Hospices de Beaune, or try the famous wine. After lunch
we take a long scenic drive across the border into Switzerland. Welcome to the Swiss Alps, your
home for the next two days! You are now completely surrounded by nature’s beauty. Literally, you
can turn in any direction and you will see snow-capped peaks, clear-blue lakes and perfect hiking
trails. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy your time in this idyllic place.
Experiences
Burgundy lunch stop: Enjoy a stop in Beaune, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous wine-
producing region. You will have some free time to explore this beautiful medieval town centre and
the opportunity to try local food and wine.
Scenic Mountain Drive: Spectacular views as we drive through mountain passes and alongside
lakes, breath-taking mountain vistas and scenic views of quaint Swiss towns.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: The Bear Inn Wilderswil Expat Explore - Version: Sun Sep 26 2021 16:23:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 19/28
DAY 8: Paris: Free Day
Enjoy a full free day to explore the French capital! The Seine River is the backbone of the capital,
and flows through the heart of the city. Why not choose a cruise, and sail past the Notre Dame
Cathedral, to the epic Eiffel Tower? You can explore on your own or join a full day of exploration in
Paris! The Paris+ excursion will take you to all the iconic sights including the Tuileries Gardens, the
Louvre Pyramid, and much more! Paris Disneyland is perfect for the ‘young at heart’, and is only a
short distance away. Your Expat Explore tour leader is brimming with ideas and local knowledge for
you to make the most of your time here.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Hotel ibis Paris La Défense Centre
B&B Hôtel Paris Porte des Lilas
B&B Hôtel Paris Italie Porte de Choisy
Hôtel Kyriad Paris Nord Porte de Saint Ouen
DAY 8: Swiss Alps: Free Day Expat Explore - Version: Sun Sep 26 2021 16:23:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 20/28
The Swiss Alps has some of the highest peaks in the world! Surrounded by these peaks and glaciers
you have the opportunity to feel on top of the world… Take a train or gondola to the top for
magnificent mountain vistas. You have picture-perfect beauty all around you and endless photo
opportunities. For those wishing to spend their free day exploring the local sights, you can feast on
Swiss cheese fondue or do a spot of sightseeing. If you’re looking for keepsakes, there are great
local places for shopping Swiss Army knives and watches. Or wander through the villages and
breathe in that crisp, fresh, Alpine air! What more could you want on your free day?
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: The Bear Inn Wilderswil
DAY 9: Paris - Burgundy - Swiss Alps Expat Explore - Version: Sun Sep 26 2021 16:23:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 21/28
Au revoir Paris! Today we sample a taste of small-town France with a lunch stop in Burgundy. In the
town of Beaune you can visit the beautiful Hospices de Beaune, or try the famous wine. After lunch
we take a long scenic drive across the border into Switzerland. Welcome to the Swiss Alps, your
home for the next two days! You are now completely surrounded by nature’s beauty. Literally, you
can turn in any direction and you will see snow-capped peaks, clear-blue lakes and perfect hiking
trails. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy your time in this idyllic place.
Experiences
Burgundy lunch stop: Enjoy a stop in Beaune, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous wine-
producing region. You will have some free time to explore this beautiful medieval town centre and
the opportunity to try local food and wine.
Scenic Mountain Drive: Spectacular views as we drive through mountain passes and alongside
lakes, breath-taking mountain vistas and scenic views of quaint Swiss towns.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: The Bear Inn Wilderswil
DAY 9: Lake Como - Pisa - Tuscany Expat Explore - Version: Sun Sep 26 2021 16:23:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 22/28
Today, we leave the Swiss Alps and wind our way toward Italy, stopping for lunch at the famous
Lake Como. An enormous expanse of water fringed by picturesque scattered villages, it's perhaps
not surprising that one of the villages, Laglio, is where George Clooney has a luxurious villa. Next
stop, Pisa! Capture your iconic shots at the Leaning Tower of Pisa! A World Heritage UNESCO Site,
The Leaning Tower is visited by tourists from every corner of the globe and is one of the most
popular cultural European landmarks. Onwards to the exquisite Tuscan region - famous for wine,
food, art and architecture. You will settle in Montecatini Terme, a spa town north-west of Florence.
Time for a local wine or two.
Experiences
Lake Como lunch stop: Enjoy free time for lunch at Lake Como, one of the most beautiful and
glamorous destinations we'll visit on the tour.
View the Leaning Tower of Pisa: Your chance to see the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, or
even take some iconic pictures of you ‘holding up’ the tower!
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Hotel Belvedere
Hotel Piccadilly
Hotel Nuovo Savi
Hotel Manzoni Expat Explore - Version: Sun Sep 26 2021 16:23:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 23/28
Parma & Oriente
Hotel Montebello
DAY 10: Swiss Alps: Free Day
The Swiss Alps has some of the highest peaks in the world! Surrounded by these peaks and glaciers
you have the opportunity to feel on top of the world… Take a train or gondola to the top for
magnificent mountain vistas. You have picture-perfect beauty all around you and endless photo
opportunities. For those wishing to spend their free day exploring the local sights, you can feast on
Swiss cheese fondue or do a spot of sightseeing. If you’re looking for keepsakes, there are great
local places for shopping Swiss Army knives and watches. Or wander through the villages and
breathe in that crisp, fresh, Alpine air! What more could you want on your free day?
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: The Bear Inn Wilderswil
DAY 10: Tuscany - Florence - Rome Expat Explore - Version: Sun Sep 26 2021 16:23:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 24/28
After breakfast in Tuscany, we head to enchanting Florence. Once we arrive, a local guide will take
you on a walking tour of the city. History oozes out of every pore of this artistic and cultural centre -
the city is home to Michelangelo's ‘David’. After some free time to further explore Florence, we
make our way back to where this adventure began, because all roads eventually lead to Rome. This
evening, enjoy an included dinner with your tour leader and fellow travellers.
Experiences
Florence guided tour: A local guide will take you on an orientation tour to introduce you to the
main sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria
and the replica statue of David.
Included Meals
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
DAY 11: Lake Como - Pisa - Tuscany Expat Explore - Version: Sun Sep 26 2021 16:23:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 25/28
Today, we leave the Swiss Alps and wind our way toward Italy, stopping for lunch at the famous
Lake Como. An enormous expanse of water fringed by picturesque scattered villages, it's perhaps
not surprising that one of the villages, Laglio, is where George Clooney has a luxurious villa. Next
stop, Pisa! Capture your iconic shots at the Leaning Tower of Pisa! A World Heritage UNESCO Site,
The Leaning Tower is visited by tourists from every corner of the globe and is one of the most
popular cultural European landmarks. Onwards to the exquisite Tuscan region - famous for wine,
food, art and architecture. You will settle in Montecatini Terme, a spa town north-west of Florence.
Time for a local wine or two.
Experiences
Lake Como lunch stop: Enjoy free time for lunch at Lake Como, one of the most beautiful and
glamorous destinations we'll visit on the tour.
View the Leaning Tower of Pisa: Your chance to see the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, or
even take some iconic pictures of you ‘holding up’ the tower!
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Hotel Belvedere
Hotel Piccadilly
Hotel Nuovo Savi
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Parma & Oriente
Hotel Montebello
DAY 11: Rome: Free Day
Rome wasn’t built in a day, but luckily you have a free one, in which to explore the city to your
heart's content! Don't know where to start? You can always join one of the optional excursions on
offer. An excursion to Castel Gandolfo provides an interesting glimpse into how the Roman Catholic
Pope of the 17th century spent his summers. After visiting the Palace you will have a delicious lunch
on a hilltop with breathtaking views of Lake Albano. This is not to be missed. Alternatively, you have
the option to visit Pompeii. Buried under the ash of Mount Vesuvius for hundreds of years, Pompeii
offers its visitors a real look at life in the 1st century. A local guide will accompany you around this
UNESCO World Heritage Site, telling you more about the history and introducing you to the artefacts
and ruins on display. Later this afternoon you can join a local Roman chef on his mission to
showcase the lesser known gems that form part of the city's gastronomy. The tour includes an
espresso tasting as well as a visit to a prestigious bakery and a local delicatessen.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: BV Oly Hotel
Hotel Ergife Palace
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B&B Pietralata
DAY 12: Tuscany - Florence - Rome
This morning, we will visit the enchanting Florence. Once we arrive, a local guide will take you on a
tour of the city. History oozes out of every pore of this artistic and cultural centre - the city is home
to Michelangelo’s ‘David’. After some free time to further explore Florence, we make our way back
to where this adventure began, because all roads eventually lead to Rome. Your tour ends upon our
arrival in Rome, but you are welcome to join us for an optional farewell dinner tonight.
Experiences
Florence guided tour: A local guide will take you on an orientation tour to introduce you to the
main sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria
and the replica statue of David.
Included Meals
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
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Your Europe Escape adventure comes to an end after breakfast, so be sure to exchange details with
your fellow travellers! A great way to stay in touch and to constantly relive the memories of the
adventure with each other is to join your tour’s Facebook group.
Included Meals
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: