Best of Western Europe 10-day tour
Itinerary for all departure dates in 2021 Click here if you are travelling in 2022
Encounter the highlights and hidden gems of Western Europe on this fast-paced tour. Enjoy free days in renowned cities like Paris and Lucerne. Discover the allure of the Champagne region and the mystical Black Forest. Gaze in awe at the Rhine Falls in Switzerland and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Amble along the road less travelled and walk the shores of Lake Titisee. Along the way, your tour leader will introduce you to locals and hand-selected destinations that epitomise each region. An immersive tour that’s tailor-made for foodies & history buffs.
Start Point on Day 1 End Point on Day 10 Amsterdam Rome 07:00 hrs at hotel in Amsterdam 11:00 hrs at hotel in Rome Day 1: Start of tour in Amsterdam
Welcome to Amsterdam and the start of your tour! After you’ve met your tour leader at the hotel, it’s time to start exploring! And what better way to get acquainted with this city than a cheese and clogs demonstration? See the traditional method of making cheese in action and learn all about the iconic wooden footwear - the clog. Next up, have your camera ready as you get the chance to snap a bucket-list photo at one of the windmills! Enjoy a lunch in the historic fishing village of Volendam before we head back to Amsterdam for an unforgettable canal cruise. The afternoon is then yours to explore on your own until the group meets for dinner in the evening. The coach will then drive you back to the hotel after this incredible first day of adventure! Included Experiences Cheese and clogs: Visit a local farm to see how clogs are traditionally made by hand. You can also indulge in some delicious cheese as you watch how they’re made. Looking for some unique souvenirs? This is the place!
Zaanse Schans: No visit to Amsterdam is complete without a snap in front of the iconic windmills! If you’re lucky enough with the seasons you might even see the tulips in bloom - what a sight!
Volendam: Visit a historic fishing village - shop for some local souvenirs or just wander the quaint streets!
Canal cruise: Glimpse the beauty of Amsterdam’s sights from a different perspective as you cruise along the famous canals. Spot all the house boats, landmarks and interesting architecture. Included Meals Included Accommodation
Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam Airport Breakfast: Schiphol Lunch: Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam -
Schiphol Dinner: Best Western Plus Plaza Almere Day 2: Amsterdam - Ghent - Paris
Today we will see beautiful countryside as we head from Amsterdam 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. We then 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 an included dinner together.
Included Experiences Driving tour of Paris: Enjoy a driving tour upon arrival - spot the Tuileries Gardens, The River Seine, l’Ile 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 Included Accommodation
Hotel ibis Paris La Défense Centre Breakfast: B&B Hôtel Paris Porte des Lilas Lunch: B&B Hôtel Paris Italie Porte de Choisy
Hôtel Kyriad Paris Nord Porte de Saint Dinner: Ouen Day 3: Paris (Free day)
Today is all yours to explore as you wish. If you want to experience and see as much as possible join your tour leader on the Paris+ optional. Explore the bucket-list sights of the Louvre, Tuileries Gardens, Notre Dame Cathedral and more! Enjoy a lunch cruise down the River Seine and marvel at the bird’s eye view from the Montparnasse Observation Deck. In the evening, join a fabulous cabaret show. Or wander around the beautiful streets of the Montmartre area and soak up the vibe.
Optional Excursions Cabaret Show: €70-90 Paris+ Tour: €50 An Evening in Montmartre: €50
*Stated prices and availability are subject to change
Included Meals Included Accommodation
Hotel ibis Paris La Défense Centre Breakfast: B&B Hôtel Paris Porte des Lilas Lunch: B&B Hôtel Paris Italie Porte de Choisy
Hôtel Kyriad Paris Nord Porte de Saint Dinner: Ouen Day 4: Champagne region - Luxembourg - Heidelberg
This morning we’ll depart Paris and head east to our first stop in the champagne region of Reims, where we’ll taste one of France’s most famous and highly prized exports - champagne! We’ll then continue our journey to Luxembourg, where you’ll have some free time to explore the capital of one of Europe’s smallest countries; Luxembourg City features a charming Unesco-listed centre with plenty of restaurants and cafés. Our final destination of the day is Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town which is renowned for its Altstadt (old town). Your tour leader will take you on an orientation tour of the city centre and give you some free time to explore the old town before we meet back up for dinner.
Included Experiences Champagne Tasting in Reims: Savour the taste of one of France’s most important exports - champagne. Admire the bubbles and the color of this highly-prized wine.
Take a short stop in Luxembourg City: You may wish to view the spectacular Renaissance architecture of the Grand Ducal Palace or have an early lunch in Luxembourg’s central square, Place d’Armes, with its numerous cafes and restaurants. Luxembourg also offers excellent shopping opportunities from modern high-end fashion stores to traditional boutiques.
Orientation tour of Heidelberg: Your tour leader will take you on an orientation tour of Heidelberg’s Altstadt (old town), a medieval town with cobblestoned roads and infectious charm. See the ruined Renaissance hilltop castle and romantic riverside cityscape. Included Meals Included Accommodation
B&B Hotel Heidelberg Breakfast: Hotel Bayrischer Hof Heidelberg Lunch:
Dinner: Day 5: Black Forest - Lake Titisee - Rhine Falls - Lucerne region
This morning we head into Germany’s Schwarzwald (Black Forest), home of delicious Black Forest gâteau, cuckoo clocks and Hansel and Gretel! Pick up an authentic German cuckoo clock from a local family business in the heart of the forest. Arriving on the shores of Lake Titisee, explore the spa town of Titisee and grab some lunch. We’ll then cross into Switzerland and stop off at the stunning Rhine Falls, the largest plain waterfall in Europe. You’ll have some time to explore, with the option to take a boat ride on the falls. Once in Lucerne, your tour leader will give you a quick orientation tour to introduce you to the city before we travel on to our accommodation.
Included Experiences Explore Germany’s Schwarzwald: Stop off at a family owned cuckoo clock centre in the heart of the Black Forest, the perfect opportunity to pick up a souvenir and shop for Swiss and German brands like Swarovski, Victorinox and Goebel, and have a cup of coffee with a slice of Black Forest gâteau cake.
Stop for lunch in Titisee: Enjoy some free time to explore the historic centre of the Titisee spa town on the shore of Lake Titisee, and grab some lunch from one of the many cafés and restaurants.
Experience the Rhine Falls: Enjoy some free time to experience the dramatic Rhine Falls in northern Switzerland and take in views of Wörth Castle. An optional boat ride is offered which will take you into the falls and allow you to climb onto Rheinfallfelsen, the large rock at its heart. Orientation walk of Lucerne city centre: Your tour leader will walk you through the centre of Lucerne and point out some of the highlights you can explore further on your free day tomorrow, such as the Lion Monument, Church of St Leodegar and the famous Chapel Bridge.
Optional Excursions Rhine Falls Cruise: CHF 18
*Stated prices and availability are subject to change
Included Meals Included Accommodation
Hotel Restaurant Burestadl Buochs Breakfast:
Lunch:
Dinner: Day 6: Lucerne (Free day)
Today you’ll have a free day to enjoy the Lucerne region. Renowned as one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities, Lucerne is a place you’ll definitely want to have your camera at the ready for! All the ingredients for the quintessentially picturesque Swiss experience are here - a cobalt lake and well-preserved old town complete with waterfront promenades, covered bridges and perfect plazas are surrounded by the natural skyscrapers of the Swiss Alps. It’s no wonder that Goethe, Queen Victoria and Wagner savoured the stunning views that Lucerne has to offer. There’s charm and grace around every corner, but it’s not all about history - there’s certainly enough of a pulse here to keep things current, with carnivals, concerts and exhibitions aplenty.
Optional Excursions Panorama Cable Car/Cogwheel Railway to Mount Pilatus: €80 Lake Lucerne panoramic cruise: €20
*Stated prices and availability are subject to change
Included Meals Included Accommodation
Hotel Restaurant Burestadl Buochs Breakfast:
Lunch:
Dinner: Day 7: Liechtenstein - Neuschwanstein Castle - Innsbruck
Four countries in one day! Our first stop is the Alpine principality of Liechtenstein, the sixth smallest nation in the world. Stopping in the capital Vaduz, we’ll have some time to stroll around and enjoy the scenery. We’ll then visit Neuschwanstein Castle, a 19th Century German hilltop castle built by Ludwig II of Bavaria, and the inspiration for the famous Disneyland castle. Entrance to the castle is included in the tour package price. Our final destination of the day is Innsbruck, Austria. Home to Austria’s third- largest student population, there’s no shortage of vibrant bars and beer gardens to enjoy. Your tour leader will introduce you to the city on a quick orientation tour.
Included Experiences Comfort Stop in Vaduz: Visit Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein: This tiny country may only be the size of Manhattan, but it’s skyscrapers of a different kind that dominate the skyline!
Explore the famous Neuschwanstein Castle: You’ll enter the incredible Neuschwanstein Castle interior and enjoy a tour of this magical structure! This incredible castle looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale - which incidentally isn’t far from the truth: Neuschwanstein Castle served as the inspiration for the famous Disneyland castle.
Orientation tour of Innsbruck: This historic German city is famous not only as the birthplace of Albert Einstein, but also for having the tallest church steeple in the world! Your leader will introduce you to a few of the highlights of this city, and then give you free time to explore further. Optional Excursions Tyrol Folk Evening & Dinner: €45
*Stated prices and availability are subject to change
Included Meals Included Accommodation
Ramada Innsbruck Tivoli Breakfast:
Lunch:
Dinner: Day 8: Modena - Siena
This morning we head south into Italy. One of the most visited destinations in the world, Italy serves up centuries of incredible history, rich culture and, of course, fantastic food! As we make our way to Siena we’ll stop in Modena, where you’ll enjoy a tasting of balsamic vinegar. Arriving in Siena this afternoon, your tour leader will take you on a short orientation tour of the historic city centre, and you’ll then have some free time to take photos and explore.
Included Experiences Taste traditional balsamic vinegar in Modena: Enjoy a taste of traditional balsamic vinegar in Modena, which has been produced in Modena and Reggio Emilia since the 11th century.
Included Meals Included Accommodation
Hotel Executive Breakfast:
Lunch:
Dinner: Day 9: Pisa - Florence - Siena
Today we’ll explore the undoubted highlights of Tuscany: Pisa and Florence! Now over 800 years old, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a classic sight in Italy and well worth a photo! Upon arrival in Florence, take an orientation walking tour of the city with your tour leader to see all the iconic sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and the replica of the statue of David. After the tour, step into the world of Italian leather crafting as you visit a local leather factory and shop. Learn more about famous handmade Florentine leather products. Spend some free time over lunch to explore before returning to Siena where you’ll spend the night.
Included Experiences Explore the site of the famous leaning tower of Pisa: A true classic and a must-see on any tour visiting Italy.
Visit Florence: The capital of the Tuscany region of Italy, Florence is considered to be the birthplace of the Renaissance. Your Expat Explore tour leader 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.
Italian leather demonstration: Step inside the world of Italian leather crafting as you visit a leather demo in a local leather shop and factory, Leonardo Leather and Gold. Italy has been famous for leather productions for centuries. One of the manufacturing areas in Italy where the most locally-produced quality handmade leatherware is made in Tuscany. The workshop and showrooms we visit offer a variety of leather products made in the true Florentine tradition of Italian design and workmanship. Included Meals Included Accommodation
Hotel Executive Breakfast:
Lunch:
Dinner: Day 10: Siena - End of tour in Rome
Your tour finishes today upon arrival in Rome; make sure that you have swapped numbers with your fellow travellers, before you part ways!
Please note: This tour does not include any hotel accommodation in Rome, and forms the first half of the full-length Best of Europe 22-day tour. There is an optional post- tour add-on to extend the Best of Western Europe tour with a 2-night post-tour stay in Rome - please contact us for more information.
Included Meals
Breakfast:
Lunch:
Dinner: