Europe Escape
Europe Escape
$3335
Europe Escape
12 Days Starting and ending in Rome
Visiting: Venice, Munich, Bavaria, Amsterdam, Paris, Swiss Alps, Lake Como, Pisa, Rome
Tour operator:
Tour code:
EE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
The Europe Escape tour is the flagship tour that started it all! Journey to 7 top countries in Europe on this 12-day Europe trip. Discover the magic of Paris and the French countryside. Journey to the heart of the Swiss Alps and grab your chance to see the Top of Europe! Explore Pisa, Rome, Florence and Venice and experience the Italian way of life. Enjoy the beauty of Austria and Germany before exploring the vibrant streets of Amsterdam. Our Europe Escape package remains a firm favourite with our travellers!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Of Tour In Rome - Venice
Location: Venice
Welcome to Rome! After meeting up with your tour leader and group it’s time to hit the road. Sit back and enjoy the scenery on the journey from Rome to Venice! Arrive in the “Floating City” and join your tour leader for an orientation walk. Enjoy a scoop of local gelato and see the iconic St. Mark's Square, Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. The evening is yours to enjoy authentic Italian delights, with hundreds of fantastic local restaurants and bars to choose from. Why not explore Venice the traditional way - from the canals? Choose to join a gondola or water taxi optional excursion to see Venice from a completely different perspective!
Orientation tour of Venice: Your tour leader will take the group into the heart of this unique floating city perched across 118 islands for an orientation tour. Start off by tasting some gelato and then set off to see St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Museum, Campanile, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge and Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
Day 2: Innsbruck - Munich - Bavaria
Location: Munich
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Arrivederci for now, Italy! Look forward to some stunning scenery as the tour heads north towards Germany. Enjoy the views while crossing the dramatic Brenner Pass into Innsbruck, Austria. Arrive and enjoy an orientation tour of this city and marvel at the incredible mountain backdrop with time to visit the famous Swarovski store. Next, travel onwards to Munich. Get to know the capital of Bavaria on an orientation tour. Munich was largely rebuilt after WW2 and boasts a fascinating ancient and modern history. The city also hosts the famous Oktoberfest! For a taste of authentic beer culture, enjoy dinner in a traditional beer hall and say prost! with a local pint!
Scenic drive along Brenner Pass: Cross spectacular mountain passes and experience some amazing mountain vistas en route to Austria.
Visit Innsbruck: Enjoy a comfort stop and experience a quick orientation tour of this beautiful Austrian city that lies in a valley between high mountains, making for an incredible backdrop.
Munich orientation tour: Enjoy an orientation tour of Munich, the capital and largest city of the German state of Bavaria, with your tour leader. See highlights such as Karlsplatz and Marienplatz, New Town Hall, Church of our Lady, and (if you visit in winter) the traditional German Christmas markets.
German beer hall: Enjoy dinner in a traditional German Beer Hall. Sample German beer, along with traditional German cuisine.
Day 3: Bavaria - Rhine Valley
Location: Bavaria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Look forward to more German adventures today and travel towards the majestic Rhine River. Once in the Rhine Valley, set sail on a Rhine riverboat and cruise towards the accommodation for the night. Admire the views while the boat sails past the beautiful scenery. This picturesque region boasts the most concentrated stretch of castles in all of Europe! It's also home to quaint villages, rolling hills and vineyards.Once the cruise is over, visit a local wine merchant for an included wine tasting. Learn more about the local varietals and, if the harvest has been good, try eiswein (ice wine). This dessert wine is produced in very small quantities as it can only be harvested in below freezing temperatures!
Cruise along the Rhine River: 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 4: Rhine Valley - Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Auf wiedersehen Germany! The tour continues to the Netherlands this morning. In the Dutch countryside, discover three of the most iconic Dutch products - cheese, clogs and windmills! Stop at the famous Riekermolen windmill for some memorable photos. Then, enjoy an entertaining cheese and clog-making display! Later, check into the hotel in Amsterdam. Then, head to the centre of Amsterdam for a twilight canal cruise. Admire this vibrant city and its unique architecture and landmarks from the water. An audio guide will explain these sights in more detail. Afterwards, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. The rest of the evening is free to explore the city to your heart's content.
Visit the iconic Riekermolen windmill: No visit to the Netherlands is complete without some fun photos at the iconic Dutch windmills!
Enjoy a 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.
Cruise along the Amsterdam canals: Cruise along Amsterdam’s stunning canals at twilight and see the iconic sights that sit along the waterside. An audio guide will describe these sights in more detail. This is a perfect, relaxing introduction to Amsterdam!
Day 5: Amsterdam - Ghent - Paris
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Bid vaarwel to the Netherlands and travel to the stunning Belgian city of Ghent. This port city is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and gorgeous pedestrianised city centre. While here, be sure to try an authentic Belgian waffle and grab some Belgian chocolate to take home! Then, it’s time to head to Paris, the ‘City of Lights’! Arrive and enjoy a driving tour showcasing some of the French capital’s top attractions and landmarks. See the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and more! After ticking off some bucket-list sights, enjoy an included group dinner in the city.
Visit Ghent: Enjoy a stop in a different country and look forward to free time to explore and find a local place to enjoy lunch in this Belgian port city. Take this opportunity to taste authentic Belgian cuisine!
Driving tour of Paris: Enjoy a driving tour upon arrival - spot the Tuileries Gardens, The River Seine, l'Île 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!
Day 6: Paris: Free Day
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full free day to explore the French capital! Explore on your own or join a full day of exploration in Paris! The Paris Like Locals excursion includes many quintessential Parisian experiences including a macaron tasting, a River Seine lunch cruise, visits to a famous parfumerie, the Champs-Élysées and much more! In the evening, why not experience the gorgeous Montmartre neighbourhood, home to the famous Moulin Rouge, or watch an exciting cabaret show? These optional excursions are sure to be unforgettable!
Day 7: Paris - Burgundy - Swiss Alps
Location: Swiss Alps
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Say au revoir to Paris and see a different side to France with a stop in Burgundy, a stunning winemaking region. Here, visit the town of Beaune and discover the historic Hospices de Beaune or indulge in some local wine. Enjoy free time for lunch before hopping back on the coach for a scenic drive across the border into Switzerland. Travel into the breathtaking Swiss Alps and look forward to two nights of being surrounded by spectacular natural beauty. Settle into the accommodation and enjoy an included dinner at the hotel tonight.
Visit Burgundy: Enjoy a stop in Beaune, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous wine-producing region. Take some free time to explore the beautiful medieval town centre and try some local food and wine.
Scenic Mountain Drive: Admire the spectacular views as the coach drives through mountain passes and alongside lakes, breathtaking mountain vistas and scenic views of quaint Swiss towns.
Day 8: Swiss Alps: Free Day
Location: Swiss Alps
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today offers a full day to experience the wonders of the Swiss Alps! Why not take this opportunity to experience one of Expat Explore’s highest-rated optional excursions? The journey to Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in all of Europe, is one not to be missed! Admire incredible views on the train or gondola ride to the top. Arrive at the top and discover endless photo opportunities, play in the year-round snow and admire the magical ice palace carved into a glacier! Alternatively, spend the day exploring the local villages or shop for souvenirs. Warm up this evening with an optional Swiss fondue dinner.
Day 9: Swiss Alps - Lake Como - Tuscany
Location: Lake Como
Meals Included: Breakfast
Admire the last of the views of the Swiss Alps and travel towards Italy this morning. First stop is the luxurious Lake Como! Enjoy free time for lunch in this picturesque location. Admire the crystal clear waters of the lake as well as the surrounding mountains and villages. Afterwards, travel to tonight’s accommodation in Montecatini Terme, a beautiful Tuscan spa town. Tonight, choose to explore this town further and enjoy a delicious Tuscan dinner with the Evening in Montecatini optional excursion.
Visit the picturesque Lake Como: Enjoy free time for lunch at Lake Como, one of the most beautiful and glamorous destinations visited on the tour.
Day 10: Tuscany - Pisa - Florence - Rome
Location: Pisa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, head to one of the most iconic sights in Italy - the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Snap some fun pictures at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, Florence, “the Jewel of the Renaissance”, awaits! Arrive and embark on a walking tour of the city with a local guide. Discover the fascinating history and see top sights including the Ponte Vecchio and the replica statue of David! Then, visit a local leather and gold shop and admire the work of expert local craftsmen. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore further or choose to sample local cuisine with an optional family-style Tuscan lunch. Later, head back to Rome. This evening, enjoy an included dinner at the hotel.
See the Leaning Tower of Pisa: See the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most famous cultural landmarks. Take some iconic pictures of you ‘holding up’ the tower!
Florence guided tour: A local guide will take the group on an orientation walking tour to introduce Florence’s main sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David.
Day 11: Rome: Free Day
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore the “Eternal City” to your heart's content today! Don't know where to start? Join one of the optional excursions on offer. Conquer the Capital with your tour leader to see the city’s most iconic sights, including the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon, and enjoy an authentic Italian pasta lunch. Another excellent optional experience is a guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, where gladiators and emperors once walked centuries ago! Alternatively, spend the day wandering the city on your own. Grab a gelato, do some shopping or simply soak up the buzzing atmosphere of Italy’s capital city.
Day 12: End Of Tour In Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your 12-day Europe Escape adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Be sure to exchange details with your fellow travellers! A great way to stay in touch and to constantly relive the memories of the adventure with each other is to join your tour’s Facebook group. Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey onwards!
What's Included
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Accommodation
11 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
11 Breakfasts, 6 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
- 11 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
Marvel at the scenery along Brenner Pass
Visit Innsbruck; a beautiful Austrian city
Explore Munich; the capital of Bavaria
Enjoy dinner and drinks in a traditional German beer hall
Cruise along the Rhine River
Indulge in a wine tasting in the Rhine Valley
Visit the iconic Riekermolen windmill
Enjoy a local cheese and clogs demonstration in the Dutch countryside
Cruise along the Amsterdam canals
Visit Ghent; a beautiful medieval city in Belgium
Discover the beauty of Paris on a driving tour
Visit Burgundy; a famous French wine region
Marvel at the views on a scenic Swiss mountain drive
Visit the picturesque Lake Como
See the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Discover Florence with a local guide
Check out our Q&As
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
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 travelers 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 wi
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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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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
All our tours are conducted in English.
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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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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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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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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Certain nationalities may require a visa(s) for this tour.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
We are committed to curating excellent travel experiences and to do so we need all of our travelers to feel safe.
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 -
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 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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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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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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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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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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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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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No, entrance fees are not included.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes, Full air-conditioning
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What currencies are required for this tour?
Euro
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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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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.