Your Itinerary

Journey to 8 of Europe’s most popular countries. Start off exploring the gem that is Paris, then travel on to the other French beauties of Burgundy and Nice. Cross the border to the heart of the Swiss Alps and make your way to the Top of Europe! See castle- lined riverbanks in Germany’s Rhine Valley and wake up to the vibrant streets of Amsterdam. This tour is sure to tick iconic sights and destinations off your bucket list as you make new memories and friends!

UK Amsterdam london netherlands1 Welcome to the germany Tour!

bruges belgium

Rhine 1 valley st goar 2 Paris

1 munich Dijon 1 austria

Beaune switZerland vaduz 2 interlaken france geneva lyon

Avignon Pont du Gard 1 2 Nice Day 1 - London - Paris

Welcome to your 12-day Europe tour! Leaving London behind us, we make our way to Paris. We cross the English Channel and arrive in the ‘City of Lights’ in the afternoon. We’ll take you on a driving tour of the French capital and point out all the famous sites. Get your cameras ready - you’ll be seeing some of the city’s most treasured landmarks. These include the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe! After the driving tour, we’ll enjoy dinner together and get to know each other a little better. We’ll then travel back to the hotel on Paris’ world-famous metro system, ready to explore the city further on our free day tomorrow!

Driving Tour of Paris We’ll take a driving tour of this famous city when you arrive. Look out for L’Opéra Garnier, the Tuileries Gardens, Place de la Concorde, Hôtel de Ville, The River Seine, l’Île de la Cité, the Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Lovers Bridge, Sacré Coeur, Montmartre, Pigalle () and the Moulin Rouge! Dinner at a Parisian restaurant Enjoy some local French delicacies as you get to know your fellow travellers. Day 2 - Paris - Free Day

The best thing about Paris is that there is so much to see and do! Any time of day, and throughout all four seasons. The Seine River is the backbone of the capital and flows through the heart of the city. You can stroll along the river and see what booksellers and market stalls have to offer. Alternatively, opt for a cruise and float your way past the grandeur of the gothic Notre Dame cathedral, all the way to the epic Eiffel Tower. Famous architectural landmarks are scattered throughout the city. Taking a walk is the best mode of transport for taking in every ounce of history. Optional Excursions

Cabaret Show - (€70-90): Experience a fantastic show and the famous French Cancan at one of the top Paris cabaret venues, La Nouvelle Eve or Paradis Latin. The shows are lively, colourful, and tastefully produced. With striking decor, beautiful costumes and a variety of classic and modern choreography this is a show you will not want to miss. The price includes the show and a glass of French champagne.

Paris + Tour - (€50): Join your tour leader on an experience-filled day in Paris! Stops include the Fragonard Musée du Parfum (one of France’s most famous perfumeries), Place Vendome, Ladurée macaron shop (the most famous macaron shop in the world). Wander the Tuileries gardens and the grounds of the Louvre. Enjoy a lunch cruise on the River Seine. Visit Tower Montparnasse for panoramic views of Paris! Finish in the Latin Quarter, enjoy some free time to explore and glimpse the reconstruction of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral.

An Evening in Montmartre (€50): Spend an evening in beautiful Montmartre, affectionately referred to as the ‘last village in Paris’. See the Moulin Rouge, stroll the cobbled streets and visit the charming village shops and romantic terraces. Admire views of the spectacular Sacré-Cœur basilica! Next, enjoy a three-course dinner filled with authentic French options finished off with delicious Crème brûlée for dessert! Day 3: Paris to Burgundy (Beaune - Dijon)

Au revoir Paris! Today, sample a taste of small-town France with a lunch stop in Beaune and enjoy an orientation tour with your tour leader. Here, you can visit the beautiful Hospices de Beaune or try the famous wine. Burgundy is a famous wine-producing region and is a UNESCO World Heritage site! Travel on to the capital of Burgundy, Dijon. Dijon is one of the great European centres of art, learning and science. Arrive and set out on an orientation tour with your tour leader. You can’t visit Dijon without trying the mustard named after it! Following the tour, enjoy an included Dijon mustard tasting. Beyond the food and wine, Dijon is the place to soak up history, with its excellent museums and fabulous Renaissance architecture!

Orientation tour and lunch stop in Beaune: Enjoy a stop in Beaune, Burgundy, 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.

Orientation tour of Dijon: Join your tour leader and see the highlights of Burgundy’s capital. Learn about the city’s historic heydays, gain insight into its wine production and walk the streets filled with elegant medieval and Renaissance buildings. See Notre Dame de Dijon with its Jacquemart clock and resident owl statue - the city’s symbol and unofficial talisman, and admire the Place de Liberation. Dijon mustard tasting Enjoy a Dijon mustard tasting after the tour of the city! Taste a few varieties of the condiment named after the city and find out why it’s so famous. Did you know that France was once the world’s center for mustard production? Learn about the history during the tasting. Day 4: Dijon - Nice

Look forward to taking in the beautiful scenery of the countryside during today’s drive from Dijon to Nice. Enjoy a morning stop in Lyon. This sophisticated city has a history stretching back centuries, has an old town filled with medieval and Renaissance architecture and is home to a fantastic foodie scene! Travel onward and arrive in Nice, a beautiful city nestled on the French Riviera which oozes glitz and glamour. Nice has long been a popular destination for people looking for some seaside relaxation. Nice is home to beautiful beaches, fantastic cuisine and lively local culture complete with a stunning setting and Mediterranean climate. , take it easy and enjoy an included dinner with the group.

Enjoy a stop in Lyon: Found where the Rhône and Saône Rivers, Lyon is a beautiful (and sprawling!) city filled with history, stunning architecture, great places to eat and drink and lively French culture. Dinner in Nice: Enjoy a French dinner in Nice. It might be the Nicest dinner you will ever have!

Day 5: Nice - Free Day

This morning, enjoy an orientation tour of Nice with your tour leader and learn all about the incredibly popular capital city of the French Riviera. This afternoon is free to spend as you wish in Nice! See more of Nice - you could stroll along the Promenade des Anglais for an unforgettable seaside walk or visit one of the city’s many museums. In the afternoon, it’s time to explore Monaco! This tiny country is known as the playground of the rich and famous! Stroll the streets, relax by the waterside and absorb the glamorous atmosphere. Be sure to keep an eye out for any celebrities as you explore Monte Carlo! Return to Nice at your leisure after your exploring.

Orientation tour of Nice: Join your tour leader on an orientation tour of the capital city of the French Riviera. Nice is a dazzling city filled with culture, great cuisine and amazing views all in an incredible location of France’s southern coast. Monaco: It’s time to explore Monaco! Join your tour leader for a train ride and marvel at the beauty of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. Then it’s onto the glitz and glam of Monte Carlo as you wander through the casinos and perhaps rub shoulders with the rich and famous! Day 6: Nice - Pont du Gard - Avignon

Today we continue with the journey, departing Nice to travel towards Avignon. En route, visit Pont du Gard and admire the impressive arches of this ancient Roman aqueduct bridge. After this, enjoy free time to find a spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch. Arrive in Avignon in the afternoon and check into the hotel. Nestled in the heart of Provence, Avignon is a beautiful old town that was once home to the Pope in the 14th Century! Join your tour leader on an orientation tour of Avignon, spot beautiful sights such as the Palais de Papes, the Pont du Avignon, the Musée Du Petit Palais, the Avignon Cathedral and more. The perfect way to end off the day is with a delicious meal, which is guaranteed on your optional dinner excursion!

Visit Pont du Gard: The Pont du Gard is an impressive example of ancient Roman engineering! This beautiful bridge was built almost two thousand years ago, halfway through the first century AD. It was built to carry water to the Roman colony of Nemausus and is a stunning sight to behold to this day. Orientation tour of Avignon: Your tour leader will take you on an orientation walking tour of Avignon, where you will see the Palais des Papes, the old Avignon town walls, Notre-Dame des Doms and Pont d’Avignon.

Optional Excursions

Dinner in Avignon (€25): Eat like a local as you indulge in a delicious meal with a choice of nicoise salad or aubergines for starters, and chicken supreme, fish fillet or vegetarian for mains. And to top it off - a choice of cottage cheese with honey, chocolate mousse or tiramisu for dessert! You will have the choice of a glass of beer, wine or soft drink to complement your meal. Day 7: Avignon - Geneva - Swiss Alps (Wilderswil)

Goodbye, France. Hello, Switzerland! Today we head to the spectacular Swiss Alps. Departing Avignon, we make our way to the Swiss city of Geneva. Home of the United Nations and Red Cross headquarters. This is a lunch stop, so grab some food and marvel at Lake Geneva. Or explore the old town, do some shopping and breathe in the fresh air. In the afternoon, we head for the Jungfrau Region. Enjoy the stunning scenic drive through the Swiss Alps as we meander through the mountains. Arrive at the hotel in the Jungfrau Region and the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore. After a hearty included Swiss dinner, feel free to stroll through the streets.

Lunch stop at Lake Geneva: Take some time to explore the beauty of the city of Geneva and marvel at the incredible views of the iconic Lake Geneva. Dinner in Wilderswil: Enjoy a delicious Swiss meal at your hotel in Wilderswil with your newfound Expat Explore family!

Day 8: Swiss Alps - Free Day

Ready for a snow day? Today is absolute Swiss bliss! Join our optional excursion that takes you to Jungfraujoch - a 4,000m glacier offering stellar views. The journey to the “Top of Europe” is an experience in and of itself. For 365 days of the year, Jungfraujoch is blessed with snow. You board a train on the continent’s highest railway and pass by small mountain villages as we ascend. At the top, enjoy a host of activities. Perhaps snowboarding, skiing and a classic snowball fight? For those wanting to spend their day in lower altitudes, visit Interlaken. A Swiss village where you can observe the Swiss way of life, enjoy the cuisine and shop for souvenirs.

Optional Excursions

Train to Jungfraujoch (€175): Take the train up to the spectacular Jungfrau glacier - via Europe’s highest railway station at 3454m. You will enjoy amazing views and there is a magical ice palace carved out of the glacier itself. You have the opportunity to play in the year-round snow! Snowball fight anyone? Please Note: certain departures will stay in a different region of the Swiss Alps, with the ‘Swiss Alps Mountain Experience’ excursion offered in place of Jungfraujoch. Please contact us for more information. Swiss Dinner (€25): What better way to enjoy your second evening in Switzerland than with a traditional Swiss dinner?! Fondue is a dish popular in Switzerland, France and Italy, with friends and family gathering around a communal table to dip pieces of bread into a pot of melted cheese. This is followed by a bratwurst BBQ with potatoes and a salad bar buffet. Vegetarian options are available on request.

Day 9: Swiss Alps - Liechtenstein - Munich

Wave goodbye Switzerland as today we travel to Germany. Stopping in Liechtenstein for lunch, you have time to get food and do some shopping. Look out for Vaduz Castle, the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein. After our stop, we head to the German city of Munich. The best way to explore Munich is on foot, so enjoy an orientation walking tour through the city led by your tour leader. Munich is home to Oktoberfest - the biggest beer festival in the world! But it doesn’t need to be October to get a taste of the festivities. Tonight we dine in a traditional German beer hall - Prost! After a beer or two, we head back to our hotel.

Visit the capital of Liechtenstein: Visit Vaduz and enjoy free time for lunch, sightseeing and a spot of shopping. Keep an eye out for Vaduz Castle - which is the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein. Orientation tour of Munich: Join your tour leader on an orientation walking tour of Munich. Munich is the capital of Bavaria and boasts centuries-old buildings, a charming Alstadt (Old Town) and many museums. Munich is world-famous for holding the annual Oktoberfest celebrations.

Dinner in an authentic German beer hall: Raise your glasses and say “Prost!” during dinner at a German beer hall. Try some traditional German cuisine such as bratwurst and sauerkraut and wash it down with a pint of German beer! Day 10: Bavaria - Rhine Valley

Your German adventure continues. We head to one of the most picturesque sections of the famous Rhine River. You get to relax aboard a Rhine riverboat as we settle in the Rhine Valley. This is the most concentrated stretch of castles in all of Europe! It also features vineyards, medieval towns and lofty cliffs. Once the cruise is over we’ll visit a local wine merchant for an included wine tasting. If the harvest temperatures were suitable, you may even get to try eiswein (ice wine). This is an incredibly sweet dessert wine that is produced in very small quantities. Interesting fact: It can only be harvested when the temperature drops below freezing!

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) in Europe. 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. Day 11: Rhine Valley - Amsterdam

This morning, say goodbye to Germany. Our Europe tour continues into the . Your tour leader will give you a run-down of the local traditions and culture. Look forward to indulging in three of the most iconic Dutch products - cheese, clogs and windmills! Visit a local farm where you will learn first-hand how the Dutch make cheese and “klompen” (Dutch clogs). This afternoon we are treated to the unique simulated experience of flying over Holland! In the evening, sit back and enjoy a twilight canal cruise in Amsterdam city centre! A highlight of any tour to Amsterdam. After the cruise, enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Visit the Riekermolen Windmill: Snap some fun photos at this iconic Dutch windmill. 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.

This is Holland: Fly over the whole of the Netherlands, whilst you get to experience what it truly is to be Dutch. This world-class simulator is going to be included as a special treat for all Expat Explore clients. 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! Dinner in Amsterdam First Class restaurant: Dine in the old 1st class lounge of the Amsterdam Centraal station, great food and a taste of history! Day 12: Amsterdam - Bruges - London

After your Amsterdam adventure, you have one more stop before you set off for the UK. The Belgian city of Bruges! This small but picturesque, medieval city has breathtaking architecture and a wonderful personality. It’s often described as the ‘Venice of the North’. You will find plenty of chocolatiers ready to educate you on the quality of their products - delicious! After your visit, you will then be on your way back to London. Once again we cross the beautiful English Channel and travel back to London. This is the perfect time to exchange contact details with new friends and travel buddies! We hope you had a fantastic 12-day with us on tour! We look forward to having you on tour with us again soon!

Visit the medieval town of Bruges: A stop in this beautiful medieval town with some free time to explore. See or even climb the Belfry Tower, have a Belgian beer or buy some amazing Belgian chocolate.