Europe Jewel
Europe Jewel
$3375
Europe Jewel
14 Days Starting and ending in Hotel in Amsterdam
Visiting: Netherlands, Amsterdam, Rhine Valley, Nuremberg, Prague, Bratislava, Vienna, Budapest, Lake Balaton, Maribor, Ljubljana, Venice, Florence, Tuscany, Switzerland, Swiss Alps, Pisa, Paris, Ghent
Tour operator:
Tour code:
EJ
Recommended For:
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
Designed for passionate travellers, this 2-week Europe Jewel tour unveils the best of Western and Eastern Europe! Immerse yourself in Dutch culture in Amsterdam and cruise the scenic Rhine Valley in Germany. Explore historic cities like Nuremberg, Prague, and the Slovakian capital of Bratislava. Indulge in traditional Italian flavours, marvel at the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps, and discover Parisian delights. This guided group vacation promises an unforgettable European adventure!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Of Tour In Amsterdam
Location: Netherlands, Amsterdam
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Amsterdam, the beginning of the Europe Jewel tour! This morning, meet up with your tour leader and start the adventure with a visit to a local cheese farm. Witness a demonstration of traditional cheese-making and clog-making methods before enjoying free time for lunch in Volendam, a picturesque lakeside town. Then, head to Zaanse Schans, renowned for its historic windmills and wooden houses. Return to Amsterdam for a complimentary canal cruise, an ideal introduction to the city! End the day with a delightful group dinner.
Enjoy a cheese and clogs demonstration
Marvel at the stunning scenery in Zaanse Schans
Visit the lakeside town of Volendam
Cruise the canals of Amsterdam
Day 2: Amsterdam - Rhine Valley
Location: Amsterdam, Rhine Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The tour makes its way to the charming Rhine Valley in Germany today! Upon arrival, visit a local wine merchant for an included wine tasting. Sample local wines and, if the weather has been good during harvest, you may even get to sampleeiswein, a sweet dessert wine that can only be harvested during below-freezing temperatures. Then, embark on a scenic riverboat journey from Boppard to St. Goar. Admire the highest concentration of Gothic castles in all of Europe lining the riverbanks, making this cruise an unforgettable experience!
Indulge in a wine tasting in the Rhine Valley
Cruise along the Rhine River
Day 3: Nuremberg - Prague
Location: Nuremberg, Prague
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, the tour journeys to Prague! First, enjoy a visit to Nuremberg, a beautiful Bavarian city rebuilt after WW2. Later, arrive in Prague and embark on a walking tour with a local guide to discover the city’s stunning architecture, quirky bars, and cobbled lanes. Known for its beer and abundance of art, Prague is full of cultural highlights to experience! Tonight, enjoy a group dinner and savour authentic Czech cuisine!
Visit the historic Bavarian city, Nuremberg
See the best of Prague on a guided walking tour
Taste authentic Czech cuisine
Day 4: Prague Free Day
Location: Prague
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover more of Prague’s charm on today’s free day and see why it is often described as Central Europe's gem. Join the optional Prague+ tour to delve into the city's rich history and magnificent sights. Witness the dramatic architecture of this city reflected in its stunning churches, concert halls, opera houses, and Prague Castle. Tonight, immerse yourself in Czech culture with an optional evening of traditional Czech food, music, and dance!
Day 5: Prague - Bratislava - Vienna
Location: Bratislava, Vienna
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel towards the grandeur of Vienna today, visiting Bratislava, the Capital of Slovakia, along the way. Bratislava is surrounded by mountains, vineyards, ski runs, and untamed wilderness, making it a sight to see! Explore the city's medieval castle and unique Socialist architecture before continuing to Vienna. Later, arrive in Austria's grand capital and set off on a guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed city centre. Discover the city’s top sights such as the Hofburg Palace and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner before choosing to experience the magic of Vienna with an optional orchestra performance in one of the city’s stunning concert halls!
Visit Bratislava; capital of Slovakia
Enjoy a walking tour of Vienna; Austria's capital
Day 6: Vienna - Budapest
Location: Vienna, Budapest
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving Vienna behind, the tour makes its way to Budapest, Hungary's captivating capital. Straddling the Danube River, the city boasts a unique blend of Baroque, Neoclassical, and Art Nouveau architecture. Upon arrival, embark on a driving tour led by a local guide through Budapest's historic heart. Start by exploring the Buda side, catching glimpses of the Houses of Parliament, St. Stephen's Basilica, and other landmarks. The afternoon is yours to discover the city at your own pace. In the evening, consider an optional dinner cruise along the Danube for a magical way to end your Budapest experience!
Drive along and see the best-loved sights in Budapest
Day 7: Budapest - Lake Balaton - Maribor - Ljubljana
Location: Lake Balaton, Maribor, Ljubljana
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart from Budapest and journey to Lake Balaton, Hungary's iconic holiday destination. With nearly 200km of shoreline, it is the largest lake in central Europe and a popular summer holiday spot for locals! Next, visit Maribor in Slovenia and enjoy free time for lunch. The final stop is Ljubljana, Slovenia's captivating capital. Discover its fairytale castle, stunning architecture, and natural wonders on a guided walking tour led by a local expert. Afterward, join the optional excursion to delve deeper into Ljubljana's delights and savour traditional Slovenian cuisine before returning to the hotel for the night.
Visit Lake Balaton
Visit Maribor in Slovenia
Enjoy a locally guided walking tour of Ljubljana
Day 8: Ljubljana - Venice
Location: Ljubljana, Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enchanting Venice Awaits! Immerse yourself in this city immortalised for centuries in literature, film, and art. With its timeless canals and artistic treasures (denser than anywhere on Earth!), Venice is a feast for the senses and will surely capture your heart. Discover its charm and visit iconic landmarks like the world-famous Piazza San Marco, Basilica di San Marco and Palazzo Ducale during your free time! Don't miss the chance to experience Venice from the water on the An Evening in Venice optional excursion. This excursion includes a water taxi cruise, gondola ride and delicious Italian dinner.
Explore Venice, Italy’s floating city
Day 9: Florence - Tuscany
Location: Florence, Tuscany
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Farewell, Venice! Embrace the allure of the hills of Tuscany as the tour heads to Florence today. En route, admire the scenic countryside before arriving at Piazzale Michelangelo for a panoramic view of the city. Then, embark on a captivating walking tour led by a local guide, discovering Florence's rich Renaissance history and ancient Roman landmarks. Witness a traditional leather-making demonstration before enjoying free time this afternoon. This evening, indulge in a traditional Italian meal at a local restaurant in Florence. Later, travel to the tranquil Tuscan countryside for tonight’s overnight accommodation.
Locally guided walking tour of Florence
Watch an Italian leather-making demonstration
Dinner in Florence
Day 10: Pisa - Swiss Alps
Location: Switzerland, Swiss Alps, Pisa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, leave Tuscany behind and journey to the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. Capture memorable photos and learn about its intriguing story before continuing to the majestic Swiss Alps. Breathe in the crisp mountain air as the tour winds through scenic landscapes, and admire snow-capped peaks and lush greenery along the way. Arrive at the Swiss Alps accommodation, nestled in a picturesque village, and indulge in an included group dinner tonight!
See the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Enjoy a scenic mountain drive to Switzerland
Day 11: Swiss Alps: Free Day
Location: Switzerland, Swiss Alps
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Embrace the beauty of the Swiss Alps on today’s free day! Enjoy a leisurely stroll through charming villages or along pristine lakes. Consider the Jungfraujoch: Journey to the Top of Europe optional excursion to visit Europe's highest train station. Delight in snow activities (it’s always a snow day atop Jungfraujoch!), explore the Sphinx Observatory and the Ice Palace and marvel at glacier vistas on this optional trip. This evening, opt for a classic Swiss fondue dinner experience for the perfect end to a day in the Swiss Alps!
Day 12: Swiss Alps - Paris
Location: Swiss Alps, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It’s an early start to the day as the tour heads for Paris! Upon arrival, get ready to explore the City of Lights on a captivating driving tour. See the city’s iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Capture these Parisian gems and take note of places to explore on tomorrow's free day! This evening, enjoy an included group dinner at a local restaurant before travelling to the hotel later tonight.
Head out on a driving tour of Paris
Day 13: Paris Free Day
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Immerse yourself in the Parisian charm on this free day! Join the Paris+ optional excursion to uncover the city's highlights and partake in Parisian delights. Visit a renowned macaron shop, tour a perfume museum, enjoy photo stops at the Champs-Élysées and Opéra Garnier, embark on a sightseeing cruise on the Seine River, and ascend the Montparnasse Tower for panoramic views. Afterward, wander the romantic streets of Montmartre and savour a Parisian dinner. Complete the evening with an optional cabaret show for a perfect day in Paris!
Day 14: Paris - Ghent - Amsterdam
Location: Paris, Ghent, Amsterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is the final day of this Europe Jewel tour! Sit back and relax as the tour travels to today's first stop, the Belgian city of Ghent. Enjoy free time here to explore the medieval city centre and grab a bite to eat. Afterward, journey back to Amsterdam, where the tour comes to an end. Don't forget to swap contact details with your newfound friends before heading home!
Visit the port city of Ghent
What's Included
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Accommodation
13 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
13 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners
*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request -
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
13 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.
Experiences
Enjoy a cheese and clogs demonstration
Marvel at the stunning scenery in Zaanse Schans
Visit the lakeside town of Volendam
Cruise the canals of Amsterdam
Indulge in a wine tasting in the Rhine Valley
Cruise along the Rhine River
Visit the historic Bavarian city, Nuremberg
See the best of Prague on a guided walking tour
Taste authentic Czech cuisine
Visit Bratislava; capital of Slovakia
Enjoy a walking tour of Vienna; Austria's capital
Drive along and see the best-loved sights in Budapest
Visit Lake Balaton
Visit Maribor in Slovenia
Enjoy a locally guided walking tour of Ljubljana
Explore Venice, Italy’s floating city
Locally guided walking tour of Florence
Watch an Italian leather-making demonstration
Dinner in Florence
See the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Enjoy a scenic mountain drive to Switzerland
Head out on a driving tour of Paris
Visit the port city of Ghent
Check out our Q&As
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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 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 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 entrance fees included in the price?
No, entrance fees are not included.
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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 the local guides on the tour English speaking?
All our tours are conducted in English.
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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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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 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 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 currencies are required for this tour?
Euro
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes, Full air-conditioning
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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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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 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 -
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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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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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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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.