Best Of Western Europe
Best Of Western Europe
$2680
Best Of Western Europe
10 Days Starting and ending in Hotel in London
Visiting: London, Paris, Champagne region, Luxembourg, Heidelberg, Black Forest, Lake Titisee, Rhine Falls, Lucerne region, Lucerne, Liechtenstein, Neuschwanstein Castle, Innsbruck, Modena, Siena, Pisa, Florence, Rome
Tour operator:
Tour code:
EB1L
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Experience the highlights and hidden treasures of western Europe on this thrilling tour that has been tailored for foodies, adventurers, and history buffs! Enjoy free days in iconic European cities like Paris and Lucerne. Discover the allure of France's Champagne (both region and drink!) and Germany's mystical Black Forest. Marvel at Switzerland's Rhine Falls and Italy's Leaning Tower of Pisa. Be introduced to locals and hand-selected destinations, and immerse yourself in each region's essence.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Of Tour In London
Location: London
Meals Included: Lunch
Welcome to London and the start of this tour! Begin by meeting your tour leader at the hotel before setting off on a city tour. Dive into the vibrant energy of England's bustling capital, brimming with historic monuments, renowned landmarks, and royal castles! Experience the iconic sights as you explore the city and indulge in London's culinary delights with an included lunch at a traditional British pub. Next, immerse yourself in the grandeur of Westminster, home to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, on a guided tour. This evening, enjoy free time to spend as you wish in this lively city.
Explore London’s top sights on a guided tour
Enjoy lunch at a traditional British Pub
Day 2: London - Paris
Location: London, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leave London and journey across the English Channel to reach Paris, the 'City of Lights and Love.' Upon arrival, embark on a driving tour, acquainting yourself with the city's famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe. Take note of places you'd like to explore further during tomorrow's free day. This evening, enjoy an included group dinner at a local restaurant. After a day of exploration, retire to the hotel for a well-deserved rest, gearing up for tomorrow’s day of Parisian adventures!
Enjoy a driving tour of Paris
Day 3: Paris: Free Day
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day of exploration in the captivating French capital today! To truly immerse yourself in the city’s essence, consider joining the Paris+ optional. Delight in a full-day excursion featuring a macaron tasting, a guided tour of a prestigious perfumery, a scenic cruise along the River Seine with lunch onboard, a trip to the summit of Montparnasse Tower for breathtaking vistas, and more! Tonight, join the optional Evening in Montmartre excursion to witness iconic landmarks like Sacré Coeur and Moulin Rouge, followed by dinner in this charming neighbourhood. To end the day in true Parisian style, why not complete it with a cabaret show?C'est magnifique!
Day 4: Champagne Region - Luxembourg - Heidelberg
Location: Champagne region, Luxembourg, Heidelberg
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Bid farewell to Paris this morning and make a stop in the Champagne region for a delightful Champagne tasting, and experience one of France's most renowned exports! Next, venture onward to Luxembourg and enjoy free time to discover the capital of one of Europe's smallest nations. The final destination of today is Heidelberg, Germany's oldest university town, famed for its Altstadt (old town), majestic ruined Renaissance hilltop castle, and picturesque riverside scenery. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city centre and free time to wander through the old town. End the day with an included group dinner, immersing yourself in Heidelberg's charm and hospitality.
Champagne tasting in Reims
Spend free time in Luxembourg City
Orientation tour of Heidelberg
Overnight in Heidelberg; capital of the Romantic Road
Day 5: Black Forest - Lake Titisee - Rhine Falls - Lucerne Region
Location: Black Forest, Lake Titisee, Rhine Falls, Lucerne region
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, delve into the heart of Germany's Schwarzwald (Black Forest), renowned for its delectable Black Forest gâteau, iconic cuckoo clocks, and tales of Hansel and Gretel! Pause at a local family-run business nestled in the forest to shop for authentic German cuckoo clocks. Then, journey to the shores of Lake Titisee, where you'll have free time to wander through the charming spa town of Titisee and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Next, continue the journey into Switzerland to marvel at the breathtaking Rhine Falls, Europe's largest plain waterfall. Enjoy time to explore or embark on an optional boat ride on the falls. Finally, arrive in Lucerne, and set off on an introductory tour of the city before travelling to tonight's accommodation.
Stop off at a cuckoo clock centre in the Black Forest
Lunch and free time in the historic centre of Titisee
Spend free time at the Rhine Falls
Orientation walk of Lucerne city centre
Day 6: Lucerne: Free Day
Location: Lucerne
Meals Included: Breakfast
Embrace a free day in Lucerne, and explore one of Switzerland's most beautiful cities! Lucerne epitomises the quintessential Swiss experience with its cobalt lake, meticulously preserved old town featuring waterfront promenades, covered bridges, and charming plazas, all embraced by the majestic Swiss Alps. Wander the cobbled streets overflowing with history, soak in the vibrant atmosphere and see for yourself why this city’s allure has captivated luminaries such as Goethe, Queen Victoria, and Wagner!
Day 7: Liechtenstein - Neuschwanstein Castle - Innsbruck
Location: Liechtenstein, Neuschwanstein Castle, Innsbruck
Meals Included: Breakfast
Embark on a whirlwind journey through four countries in a single day! Begin by departing Switzerland for the Alpine principality of Liechtenstein, the sixth smallest nation globally. Pause in the capital, Vaduz, to take a leisurely stroll and soak in the picturesque scenery. Then, brace yourself for a tour highlight — a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany! This 19th-century hilltop marvel, crafted by Ludwig II of Bavaria, famously inspired Disneyland's iconic castle. Entrance to this fairytale abode is included in your tour package. End the day’s adventure in Innsbruck, Austria. Tonight, immerse yourself in Austrian culture with the optional Tyrol Folk Evening & Dinner excursion.
Stop in Vaduz; capital of Liechtenstein
Enter and explore the famous Neuschwanstein Castle
Explore Innsbruck at your leisure
Day 8: Modena - Siena
Location: Modena, Siena
Meals Included: Breakfast
taly is calling! This morning, cross the border and journey south to Italy, a land steeped in history, culture, and delectable cuisine! En route to Siena, enjoy a visit to Modena for a delightful balsamic vinegar tasting, showcasing the region's famed culinary heritage. Upon arrival in Siena this afternoon, join your tour leader for a brief orientation tour of the enchanting historic city centre. Afterward, seize the opportunity to explore Siena at your own pace, immersing yourself in its captivating sights, sounds, and flavours!
Taste traditional balsamic vinegar in Modena
Visit Siena; home of the famous Palio horse race
Day 9: Pisa - Florence - Siena
Location: Pisa, Florence, Siena
Meals Included: Breakfast
Embark on a journey to two quintessential treasures of the Tuscan region — Pisa and Florence! Begin with the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, an over 800-year-old marvel. Take in the historic grounds and capture that essential travel selfie with the leaning tower as your backdrop. Then, journey through the picturesque countryside to Florence, the region's capital. Enjoy an orientation walking tour of this enchanting city, exploring its iconic landmarks including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, and a replica of the statue of David. Afterward, visit an Italian leather factory and shop where you can admire the unparalleled craftsmanship of Tuscan leatherware. Enjoy free time in the city for lunch before returning to Siena.
See how Florentine leather is crafted
Visit Florence; Italy’s famous Renaissance city
Photo stop at the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Day 10: End Of Tour In Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
After 10 exciting days exploring 7 countries, the tour comes to an end today in Rome. Enjoy a final breakfast with the group before parting ways and be sure to exchange contact details with your fellow travellers so you can keep in touch! Safe travel onwards!Please note: 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. If you’re interested please note that this must be booked before the tour begins. Contact Expat Explore for more information.
What's Included
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Accommodation
9 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
9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 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
9 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 London’s top sights on a guided tour
Enjoy lunch at a traditional British Pub
Enjoy a driving tour of Paris
Champagne tasting in Reims
Spend free time in Luxembourg City
Orientation tour of Heidelberg
Overnight in Heidelberg; capital of the Romantic Road
Stop off at a cuckoo clock centre in the Black Forest
Lunch and free time in the historic centre of Titisee
Spend free time at the Rhine Falls
Orientation walk of Lucerne city centre
Stop in Vaduz; capital of Liechtenstein
Enter and explore the famous Neuschwanstein Castle
Explore Innsbruck at your leisure
Taste traditional balsamic vinegar in Modena
Visit Siena; home of the famous Palio horse race
See how Florentine leather is crafted
Visit Florence; Italy’s famous Renaissance city
Photo stop at the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Check out our Q&As
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What currencies are required for this tour?
Euro
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
All our tours are conducted in English.
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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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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No, some entrance fees are not included.
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What is the maximum group size?
It depends on how many other people book! There could be up to 51 other passengers, so you will have the opportunity to make lots of friends!
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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 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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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes, Full air-conditioning
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Certain nationalities may require a visa(s) for this tour.
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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. Clean linen, towels is always included. Toiletries (shampoo, shower gel etc) and hair dryers are not always included, so you may wish to bring these with you. Accommodation is provided in twin share en-suite rooms. We use a mix of mostly 2, 3 & 4-star hotels.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No, visas are each traveler’s personal responsibility, and we recommend that plenty of time is allowed for visas to be applied for. When applying for your visa, please ensure that the proper research is carried out before you apply, and that you deal directly with the embassies or certified agents with regard to acquiring correct and timely information. We cannot take responsibility for customers.
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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 fitness level required to do this tour?
All travellers are required to carry their own bags, get on and off the coach, and use public transport. Our city walking tours can last up to 3 hours and certain places involve walking up and down lots of steps. We want you to enjoy your tour, so read through the itinerary thoroughly and make your own conclusions as to whether you feel that you are fit and healthy enough.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Single travelers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room
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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.
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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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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.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
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What is the tipping policy?
Whilst we fully understand that some nationalities are not accustomed to tipping, this is a normal part of the culture in many of the countries we visit. Tipping has become an increasingly accepted practice in all areas of the service industry, but particularly in restaurants, bars and taxis worldwide.Expat Explore crew members
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
In order to ensure the peace of mind and safety of our travelers and staff on board the coach, we are still requesting that all travellers, regardless of their vaccination status, produce a negative Covid test. This test can be a PCR test
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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.