European Highlights

SayArrivedercito Italy for now! Marvel at the majestic European countryside as we journey on towards Germany. En route to Austria, be sure to take in the dazzling Brenner Pass. Then, make a stop in Innsbruck known for the spectacular mountain that forms its backdrop. Explore on your own after concluding an orientation tour. This afternoon, arrive in Munich before embarking on an orientation tour through the city. After WW2, many parts of the city were rebuilt, lending Munich its interesting blend of modernity and antiquity. Enjoy a taste of traditional Bavarian cuisine in Munich with an included three-course dinner.

• Enjoy a scenic mountain drive through Brenner Pass

• Visit the beautiful Austrian city of Innsbruck

• See the restored Munich city centre on an orientation tour

• Enjoy a German meal in one of Munich's historic restaurants

Carry on the German adventure today as the tour makes its way to the Rhine River's most scenic section. After arriving in the Rhine Valley, journey to the heart of the region onboard a relaxing Rhine riverboat cruise. Marvel at Europe's most concentrated spread of castles as well as picturesque vineyards, quaint towns and towering cliffs. Then, enjoy a wine sampling on a visit to a local winery. Fingers crossed for a good harvest and thateiswein(ice wine) is available to try! Enjoy this sweet wine if you get the chance; it's produced in smaller quantities since it requires temperatures below freezing for the perfect harvest.

• Admire the scenery on a Rhine River cruise

• Taste local wines in the Rhine Valley

The tour departs Germany this morning en route to the Netherlands. On the way to Amsterdam, traverse the picturesque Dutch countryside and snap a photo at the famous Riekermolen windmill. Enjoy a cheese and clog-making presentation before sampling the delectable local cheese. This afternoon, arrive in Amsterdam and feel the heartbeat of this bustling city while exploring in your free time. Then, venture out onto the canal for a twilight cruise. As you proceed past iconic landmarks, collect lasting memories from this unique vantage point of the city. End the day at a local restaurant for an included dinner.

• See the iconic Riekermolen windmill

• Enjoy a traditional cheese and clogs demonstration

• Cruise along the Amsterdam canals

Leave the Netherlands behind today as the tour continues to Ghent in Belgium. This harbour city is known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture and remarkably well-preserved medieval architecture. Explore the top attractions on an orientation tour before enjoying free time to roam or find a lunch spot. Take advantage of the opportunity to taste a traditional Belgian waffle! Depart Ghent en route to Paris, the ‘City of Lights’! Explore France's capital on a driving tour, and make sure your cameras are ready to capture the iconic sights such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. End the day enjoying an included dinner with the tour group at a local restaurant.

• Visit Ghent; a medieval Belgian city

• See iconic landmarks on a driving tour of Paris

Paris has plenty to explore, no matter the time of year. Today, discover all that makes Paris magical with free time to explore at leisure. Roam the charming roads, taste traditional French delicacies like escargot or kick back in a local park. Alternatively, choose to join the Paris Like Locals optional excursion and enjoy a full day of exploring the top Paris attractions. Indulge in a macaron tasting, visit a renowned parfumerie and the Latin Quarter, and much more! Tonight, opt for an evening in Montmartre and experience an exhilarating cabaret show. The choice is all yours today!

Bid Parisadieutoday! Experience life in the French region of Burgundy, a famous wine region, and visit Beaune, a lovely town which is home to the Hospices de Beaune. Enjoy free time to grab lunch before embarking on the scenic journey towards Switzerland. Enter the Swiss Alps, where the tour group will stay over for two nights. Say goodbye to bustling cities and welcome the serenity of nature's splendour. In every direction, behold the beauty of snowy peaks, bright blue lakes and breathtaking hikes. Enjoy the crisp, clear air and savour every moment in this dream destination. This evening, dinner is served at the hotel.

• Visit Burgundy; a stunning French winemaking region

• Enjoy a scenic mountain drive through the Swiss Alps

Enjoy a free day in the Swiss Alps and marvel at some of the world's tallest peaks! Choose to journey up Jungfraujoch on a popular optional excursion and marvel at the incredible panoramic views. Enjoy a train or gondola ride to “the top of Europe” and take in splendour all around. With year-round snowfall, this is the perfect opportunity for breathtaking photos! Alternatively, choose to spend the day discovering the top Alpine attractions and charming villages. Tonight, opt for a mouthwatering Swiss fondue for dinner.

Depart the Swiss Alps today and journey towards Italy with a lunch stop at the renowned Lake Como. This immense body of water is framed by beautiful villages, one of which, Laglio, is the address of a luxury villa owned by George Clooney. Then, journey to the stunning Tuscany region, known for its excellent wine, food, art and architecture. Enjoy the spa town of Montecatini Terme thoroughly by choosing to join the evening's optional excursion.

• Visit the picturesque Lake Como

Today starts with a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa to capture those must-have pictures! Then, journey to the captivating city of Florence. Enjoy a guided walking tour upon arrival and explore the rich history of this culturally significant city, where Michaelangelo’s 'David' resides and the Renaissance was born. Then, discover the rest of Florence at leisure with some free time. Alternatively, choose to join the Taste of Tuscany optional excursion for an authentic taste of family-style Tuscan cuisine. As the saying foretells, the tour follows the road back to Rome, where it all began and comes to a conclusion. Thank you for travelling with Expat Explore, and have a safe journey ahead!

• Explore Florence; the birthplace of the Renaissance