Best Of Eastern Europe
Best Of Eastern Europe
$2365
Best Of Eastern Europe
11 Days Starting and ending in Hotel in Rome
Visiting: Italy, Venice, Rome, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Prague, Dresden, Berlin, Amsterdam, Bruges
Tour operator:
Tour code:
EB2L
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day Eastern Europe tour, ticking off bucket-list destinations and witnessing iconic landmarks and hidden treasures! Glide through Venice's famed canals, cruise Amsterdam's waterways, and explore fairytale cities like Prague, Vienna, and Ljubljana. Admire the night lights of Budapest and immerse yourself in Berlin's vibrant culture. Sample authentic cuisines, unravel ancient histories, and embrace diverse cultures. This trip promises action, intrigue, and entertainment!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Rome - Venice
Location: Italy, Venice, Rome
Welcome to Rome! This morning, meet your tour leader and tour group to begin this eastern European adventure! Then, leave Rome's churches and basilicas behind as the tour heads to Venice's enchanting canals. Keep an eye out for iconic sights like the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. Tonight is free to spend as you wish. Opt for the An Evening in Venice optional excursion to experience a gondola ride and water taxi on Venice's waterways, offering a unique perspective of this remarkable city! This excursion also includes a delicious dinner.Please note: This tour does not include Rome accommodation. An optional 2-night Rome pre-tour accommodation add-on is available - please contact Expat Explore for more information.
Explore Venice, Italy’s floating city
Day 2: Ljubljana - Zagreb
Location: Ljubljana, Zagreb
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today’s first destination is Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana! This capital city is often described as a hidden European gem because of its natural beauty, castles, and stunning architecture. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour led by your tour leader. Then, journey to Zagreb, Croatia's capital, for an orientation walk highlighting its fascinating blend of Hapsburg and Communist architecture. Delve into Zagreb's history, culture, and daily life during free time. Then, check into your hotel and freshen up before an included dinner this evening.
Visit Ljubljana; Slovenia’s capital city
Discover Zagreb; capital city of Croatia
Day 3: Zagreb - Budapest
Location: Zagreb, Budapest
Meals Included: Breakfast
Venture across the border to Hungary today, pausing at the scenic Lake Balaton before reaching Budapest. Cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest charms with its Danube River setting, numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and natural geothermal springs. Explore the city with a locally guided driving tour, then enjoy free time this evening. Why not indulge in the city's bathhouses, sample local cuisine, or admire its striking architecture on a leisurely stroll? Tonight, join the Danube Dinner Cruise optional excursion for a unique view of Budapest's twilight glow.
See the best-loved sights in Budapest on a driving tour
Day 4: Bratislava - Vienna
Location: Bratislava, Vienna
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, journey to Bratislava, Slovakia's capital, nestled amidst mountains, vineyards, ski runs, and wilderness! Upon arrival, embark on an orientation tour of the city and see if you can spot Bratislava Castle. Then, continue to Vienna, Austria's capital. Arrive and join a local guide on a walking and driving tour of Austria’s cultural hub, uncovering its classical heritage, renowned concert halls, museums, palaces, and vibrant nightlife. Tonight, enjoy authentic Viennese cuisine at a local restaurant.
Visit Bratislava; Slovakia’s capital city
Discover Vienna on a walking and driving tour
Enjoy dinner in a Viennese wine cellar
Day 5: Vienna: Free Day
Location: Vienna
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a free day to immerse yourself in Vienna's imperial grandeur today! Once the centre of the powerful Habsburg monarchy, which dominated Europe between the 16th-18th centuries, history enthusiasts will be captivated by the era's incredible palaces. Delve into this legacy by visiting Schönbrunn Palace on an optional excursion. Classical music lovers can join the optional excursion to attend a concert featuring music from the legendary Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, showcasing Vienna's rich musical heritage from the classical period.
Day 6: Vienna - Prague
Location: Vienna, Prague
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour heads to the Czech Republic today! Arrive in the beautiful city of Prague, adorned with diverse and elaborate architectural styles and hidden gems. Join a walking tour led by a local guide, unveiling must-see landmarks like the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to further discover Prague's charms. Explore its enchanting lanes, quirky bars, secluded courtyards, and historical treasures at your leisure. This evening, indulge in an optional four-course dinner accompanied by traditional Czech folk music and dance to make the most of your cultural experience in this vibrant city.
Experience a Prague walking tour
Day 7: Dresden - Berlin
Location: Dresden, Berlin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The tour's first stop today is in the German city of Dresden. This city was meticulously reconstructed after the WW2 bombings destroyed the city centre and today boasts an immaculate and stylish finish. Explore with an orientation walk and enjoy free time afterward to wander the beautifully paved streets and savour local delights like Bratwurst. Then, travel to Berlin, Germany's capital, for a driving tour. Visit poignant landmarks including the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, and Checkpoint Charlie.
Explore the historic streets of Dresden
Driving tour of Berlin, capital of Germany
Day 8: Berlin: Free Day
Location: Berlin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take advantage of this free day to immerse yourself in Berlin's history. Consider joining the optional Berlin+ tour for a guided exploration of the city's rich past and contemporary culture. Reflect on the Berlin Wall's significance, now adorned with vibrant street art, symbolising resilience and acknowledging the city's history without defining it. Explore Berlin's free museums and galleries, offering insights into its modern history and cultural heritage. Or, choose to join the Berlin Food Tour to taste your way through one of Berlin’s coolest neighbourhoods. The city is yours to discover as you will!
Day 9: Berlin - Amsterdam
Location: Berlin, Amsterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, say auf Wiedersehen to Germany as the tour heads to the Netherlands. Watch the landscape transform into windmills and waterways en route to Amsterdam, the capital city. This evening, enjoy a twilight canal cruise with insightful commentary on the city's history and development. Then, dine at a local restaurant before exploring Amsterdam's bars, cafés, or the infamous Red Light District at your leisure.
Cruise the charming canals of Amsterdam
Day 10: Amsterdam: Free Day
Location: Amsterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast
Indulge in a full day of exploration of Amsterdam today! Visit renowned museums like the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, or Van Gogh Museum. Alternatively, opt for the Dutch countryside excursion to witness cheese and clog-making, and visit the charming villages of Volendam and Zaanse Schans to see their iconic windmills. As it's the last night of the tour, consider joining the Dutch Pancake Soiree optional excursion for a delightful farewell dinner with fellow travellers!
Day 11: Bruges - London
Location: Bruges
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave Amsterdam and enjoy a picturesque stop in Bruges, Belgium, before setting off to the UK. Known as the 'Venice of the North', Bruges may be small but that just adds to its charm and so does its breathtaking architecture! Explore this quaint city and treat yourself to authentic Belgian waffles or beer. Then, journey back to London, crossing the English Channel on the way. Share contact details with newfound friends as you prepare to disembark in the capital. After 11 days of unforgettable travel, this Eastern Europe tour comes to an end in London this evening. Safe travel onwards!
Visit the medieval Belgian city of Bruges
What's Included
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Accommodation
10 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability) -
Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days) -
Meals
10 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
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Tour Leader
Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
What's Not Included
International flightsTravel to the start point and from the end point is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.Travel insuranceFor a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.
All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance.
Mode of Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Accommodation
10 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.
Health and Fitness
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
Experiences
Explore Venice, Italy’s floating city
Visit Ljubljana; Slovenia’s capital city
Discover Zagreb; capital city of Croatia
See the best-loved sights in Budapest on a driving tour
Visit Bratislava; Slovakia’s capital city
Discover Vienna on a walking and driving tour
Enjoy dinner in a Viennese wine cellar
Experience a Prague walking tour
Explore the historic streets of Dresden
Driving tour of Berlin, capital of Germany
Cruise the charming canals of Amsterdam
Visit the medieval Belgian city of Bruges
Check out our Q&As
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
A full list of confirmed accommodation names and addresses for your particular departure will be emailed to you around 1 week before the tour starts.
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Are flights included in this tour?
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination for the first day of your tour. Make sure you keep departure times and possible delays in mind when booking flights.
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
We have searched and invested in excellent accommodation options, either located in cities or well placed with public transport connections. Accommodation is provided in twin share en-suite rooms. We use a mix of mostly 2, 3 & 4-star hotels, and some hostels.
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Due to weight and space limitations, you are allowed to bring one main piece of luggage weighing no more than 20kg, and one small soft bag (such as a small backpack) for hand luggage weighing a maximum of 7kg. On all tours, you will have to carry your own luggage (e.g. into hotels and up to your room if hotels don’t have elevators). Please bear this in mind when you are deciding what to pack.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting point for the first day of your tour. Please see the meeting point information for details on how to reach the meeting point.
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What is the tipping policy?
At the end of your tour you will have the opportunity to thank your Expat Explore tour leader and driver by offering them a tip. We suggest somewhere between £3-5, €4-6 or $5-7 per person per day. Tipping is entirely voluntary and the above rate is offered as a suggested guide only.
If you take a walking tour with a local guide, tipping at the end is always appreciated, but not expected. -
Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Certain nationalities may require a visa(s) for this tour. It is your responsibility to contact the relevant embassies to confirm your visa requirements.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
We do walking tours through most of the cities we visit. Many of the cities you visit are vast and old, often with steps and cobblestones. Our walking tours can last up to 3 hours with plenty of opportunities to take photographs and soak up the history of these fascinating places, but you do require a certain level of fitness to enjoy your tour to its fullest.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
On this tour, you will enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace. Free time gives you the opportunity to see more of a destination. This is a chance to embark on one of Expat Explore’s popular optional excursions or simply see aspects of a city, town or destination that interest you but are not included on the tour itinerary.
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What is the maximum group size?
51
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No. Certain nationalities may require a visa(s) for this tour. It is your responsibility to contact the relevant embassies to confirm your visa requirements. We provide support documentation upon request. Simply contact us.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
All of the hotels on this tour offer Wi-Fi, which is available free of charge as part of your Expat Explore tour. In certain hotels this will be available in the hotel lobby only, while in others you will be able to get access in your room.
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What currencies are required for this tour?
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children, so we set a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email for consideration. Expat Explore reserves the absolute right to accept or decline a booking at our discretion.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, all our tours are conducted in English.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our customer services team. Please note that the room provided may be a single room with a single bed.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No, entrance fees are not included.
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Our travelers come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Our tour leaders come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests. They are all confident and well-travelled with an in-depth knowledge of the destinations they are working in, and a passion for helping you make the most out of your Expat Explore tour.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.
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Children on tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc
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Free Date Changes
Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 91 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.