European Vistas
8 Days Starting and ending in Amsterdam
Visiting: Netherlands, Amsterdam, Rhine Valley, Ulm, Innsbruck, Verona, Venice, Lucerne, Lake Lucerne, Burgundy, Paris, Brussels
Tour operator:
Tour code:
EV
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
From:
$1890
$1397 (USD)
Operator discount: -$493
-26%
NB: Prices correct on 18-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
On this tour, we combine seven of Europe's best holiday destinations to create an epic discovery of Europe! The smart and creative hotspot of Amsterdam is the perfect base from which to start exploring. From cruising canals, clogs and Dutch cheese, make your way to Austria, and see the birthplace of Albert Einstein. Choose to enjoy a Gondola ride in the floating city of Venice. Experience the natural paradise of Lucerne in Switzerland. Slow down among the vineyard-clad hills of the French countryside. Welcome to Europe; a destination bursting with incredible things to see and do!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Of Tour In Amsterdam
Location: Netherlands, Amsterdam
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Amsterdam! Meet your tour leader and tour group at the hotel this morning. Then, it’s time for today’s first stop - a local farm where you’ll find out how Dutch cheese and clogs are crafted! Afterwards, choose to continue the Dutch countryside adventures on today’s optional excursion or enjoy a free afternoon. This evening, explore the heart of Amsterdam onboard a canal cruise. This is the best way to be introduced to Amsterdam; a city filled with beautiful 17th century architecture and a unique charm! After the cruise, enjoy a welcome dinner with the group at a local restaurant. The rest of the night is free, this is your chance to explore more of the city! Head to Dam Square or even visit Amsterdam's iconic Red Light District!
Cheese and clogs demonstration:Â See how these famous shoes are traditionally made by hand, and taste a variety of fantastic Dutch cheese. Purchase some unique and authentic Dutch souvenirs during the visit!
Amsterdam canal cruise:Â Sail along Amsterdam's stunning canals at twilight and admire the top attractions along the waterside as you go. This is the perfect introduction to Amsterdam, as you take in the city's well-known and iconic sights from the water.
Welcome dinner:Â Celebrate the first night of the tour with a welcome dinner at a restaurant in the centre of town. This is the perfect opportunity to get to know more about your fellow travellers.
Day 2: Amsterdam - Rhine Valley
Location: Amsterdam, Rhine Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Wave farewell to the Netherlands and travel to the Rhine Valley, one of the most picturesque regions of Germany. Arrive in Boppard where the group will enjoy a Rhine Valley wine tasting. Next, board a Rhine Valley riverboat, and cruise the Rhine River. This stretch of river is home to the highest concentration of medieval castles in all of Europe, making for a memorable trip complete with vineyards, lofty cliffs and medieval German towns! Afterwards, visit a local artisan to see how German beer steins and cuckoo clocks are made. After an adventure-filled day, head to the hotel in the Rhine Valley, and enjoy dinner with the group tonight.
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. Riesling, Pinot Noir and Spätburgunder are popular varieties. If it is the right time of year and the harvest has been good, you may even be able to try eiswein (ice wine); a sweet dessert wine made of grapes which need to be harvested in the freezing winter months!
Cruise down the Rhine River:Â Admire the beautiful scenery as you cruise along the Rhine River. This area is home to the largest concentration of Gothic castles in all of Europe; Sterrenberg, Liebestein, Katz and Fortress Rheinfels.
Beer stein and cuckoo clock-making demonstration: Visit a local artisan’s shop in St. Goar to learn how German beer steins and cuckoo clocks are crafted!
Day 3: Ulm - Innsbruck
Location: Ulm, Innsbruck
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s time to head off to Innsbruck in Austria, with a stop in Ulm. This historic German city is famous not only as the birthplace of Albert Einstein, but also for having the tallest church steeple in the world! Afterwards, travel onwards to Innsbruck. This Austrian city is one of the few places in the world that has something for everyone! From extreme sports (thanks to the close proximity of the soaring Nordkette Alps) and fascinating historical heritage (courtesy of the legacy of the Habsburgs), to vibrant modern attractions. Embark on an orientation tour of the city followed by free time to explore the city further, at your own pace. This evening, choose to join the optional Tyrol folk evening and dinner; a great taste of Austrian culture!
Visit Ulm:Â See this medieval city which is home to the impressive Ulm Minster; a huge, Gothic church. Ulm is also famous for being the home of Albert Einstein.
Orientation tour of Innsbruck:Â Join your tour leader for an orientation tour of this popular Austrian city. Innsbruck is home to imperial architecture, modern sights, and is a thriving winter sports destination. Keep an eye out for the famous Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) in the town square!
Day 4: Innsbruck - Verona - Venice
Location: Innsbruck, Verona, Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving Innsbruck behind, journey onward to the enchanting city of Venice! Visit Verona along the way; the setting for the most famous love story of all time, Romeo and Juliet! Next up, arrive in Venice. This floating city is home to timeless waterways and artistic masterpieces – this is a city that will capture your heart and imagination. Start the stay in Venice with an orientation tour traversing the beautiful, narrow alleyways, where you will see sights like St. Mark's Square, and the famous Rialto Bridge. The evening is yours to explore this unforgettable city. If you wish to take part in a true Venetian experience, enjoy a traditional gondola ride along the canals, as well as a water taxi trip across the lagoon.
Visit Verona: Embark on an orientation tour and take a walk around the city which provided the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Absorb the ambience of the city, and even seek out Juliet’s balcony where Romeo reportedly wooed his lover!
Orientation tour of Venice: Enter the heart of this unique floating city with your tour leader for an orientation tour. See top sights including St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Museum, Campanile, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Market and Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
Day 5: Venice - Lucerne
Location: Venice, Lucerne, Lake Lucerne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Head back into Alpine territory today and travel on to Lucerne. Renowned as one of Switzerland's most beautiful cities, this is one place you'll definitely want to have your camera at the ready! All the ingredients for the quintessentially picturesque Swiss experience are here; a cobalt lake and well-preserved old town complete with waterfront promenades, covered bridges and perfect plazas are surrounded by the natural skyscrapers of the Swiss Alps. Take to the water to enjoy the views on the optional Lake Lucerne cruise. After a short orientation tour with your tour leader, enjoy free time to explore at your leisure, before jumping back on the coach, and continuing to the hotel. Look forward to an included dinner tonight.
Orientation tour of Lucerne:Â Walk through the centre of Lucerne, and see some of the highlights you can explore further on your free day tomorrow, such as the Lion Monument, Church of St Leodegar and the famous Chapel Bridge. This city is absolutely beautiful - it's really no wonder that figures such as Goethe, Queen Victoria and Wagner savoured the stunning views that Lucerne has to offer!
Day 6: Lucerne - Burgundy
Location: Lake Lucerne, Burgundy
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take some free time to explore Lucerne this morning. Enjoy a unique Alpine experience by joining the Mount Pilatus excursion; take either the panoramic cable car or the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to the top, and admire the Alpine views along the way. Next up, France is calling! Travel into Burgundy; famous for its great food and wine. Arrive in Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, and enjoy an orientation tour of the city. Dijon is a great place to soak up history, with excellent museums and fabulous Renaissance architecture helping to make this one of the most memorable parts of the entire tour! Not forgetting that it is a centre for delicious food and French wine! Enjoy a group dinner after the orientation tour.
Orientation tour of Dijon: Dijon is probably most well known for the mustard that shares the city’s name! Take an orientation tour of the capital of one of the most famous wine regions of France. Join your tour leader to see highlights including Notre Dame, and its owl talisman and Jacquemart clock, Maison Milliere, La Moutarderie Edmond Fallot and Place de la Liberation. In addition to the food, wine and history, Dijon is a place of tremendous wealth and power, and one of the great European centres of art, learning and science.
Day 7: Burgundy - Paris
Location: Burgundy, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
The City of Lights is the next stop! Paris is home of some of the world's most famous cultural landmarks, museums, galleries, and boutiques. Arrive, take an included cruise along the River Seine, sailing past sights including the Louvre, and pick up a traditional French baguette for lunch onboard. Next, embark on a driving tour of the French capital. Get your cameras ready - you’ll be seeing some of the city’s most treasured landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe! After the driving tour, enjoy a visit to the Fragonard perfume museum. The rest of today is free to explore the French capital further, with optional excursions available including An Evening in Montmartre and a traditional Parisian cabaret show!
Cruise along the River Seine:Â Hop aboard, and enjoy a sightseeing cruise down the River Seine accompanied by a baguette lunch; this is as Parisian as it gets!Â
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, Sacré Cœur, Montmartre, Pigalle (the Red Light District) and the Moulin Rouge!
Visit the Fragonard perfume museum:Â Discover the history, scents and secrets behind famous French perfume at the Fragonard perfume museum in Paris!
Day 8: Brussels - End Of Tour In Amsterdam
Location: Brussels, Amsterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's the last leg of our journey already! En route back to the Dutch capital, enjoy a stop in Brussels for a chance to explore the Belgian capital. Wander around the streets, and sample typical Belgian fare; moules et frites, countless varieties of beer, and of course, the famous chocolate and waffles. Perhaps grab some last-minute souvenirs for the folks back home? A photo stop at Brussels’ incredible Atomium is also on the agenda for today. Afterwards, it’s time to continue on to Amsterdam, where the tour officially ends. We hope you've enjoyed this whirlwind tour of Europe! Don’t forget to share your memories with us online using the hashtags #BetterTogether and #TravelMadePossible!
Visit Brussels: Enjoy a stop in the capital of Belgium. This multicultural, historic city is home to the European Union Headquarters as well as great art, museums, cartoons, culture, and cuisine. Admire the intricate architecture of the buildings around Grand Place, and find a quaint café to enjoy a snack (maybe even grab a pint of Belgian beer!).
Photo stop at the Atomium:Â Originally built for the 1958 World's Fair, this unique structure makes for a truly incredible selfie opportunity! The Atomium is an impressive structure created to resemble an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times! Inside, it houses a museum, and is filled with surreal walkways, exhibitions and a panoramic view of the city.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 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 onboardÂ
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)Â -
Meals
7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
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Experiences
Visit a local Dutch cheese farm and clog factory
Enjoy a cruise along Amsterdam’s iconic canals
Welcome dinner in Amsterdam
Enjoy a wine tasting in Germany’s Rhine Valley
Cruise down the Rhine River
Learn how beer steins and cuckoo clocks are made
Visit Ulm; birthplace of Einstein
Explore Innsbruck on an orientation tour
Visit Verona; setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
Explore the heart of Venice on an orientation tour
Experience Lucerne and marvel at the views
Discover Dijon on an orientation tour
Cruise along the River Seine and enjoy lunch onboardÂ
See the highlights of Paris on a driving tour
Visit a famous perfume museum in Paris
Explore Brussels; Belgium’s charismatic capitalÂ
Enjoy a photo stop at the impressive Atomium
What's Not Included
International flights
Travel to the start point and from the endpoint is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.
Travel insurance
For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.Â
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. Click here for more information.
Mode of Transport
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboardÂ
- Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)Â
Accommodation
- 7 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.
Check out our Q&As
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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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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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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 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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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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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 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 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 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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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 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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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
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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 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 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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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
Reviews from travellers on this tour
Dates & Availability
Thursday - Thursday
Jun 13, 2024 - Jun 20, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jun 29, 2024 - Jul 06, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jul 27, 2024 - Aug 03, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Aug 10, 2024 - Aug 17, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 14, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 21, 2024 - Sep 28, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Oct 05, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Oct 19, 2024 - Oct 26, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Apr 17, 2025 - Apr 24, 2025Thursday - Thursday
May 01, 2025 - May 08, 2025Thursday - Thursday
May 15, 2025 - May 22, 2025Thursday - Thursday
May 29, 2025 - Jun 05, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jun 12, 2025 - Jun 19, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jun 26, 2025 - Jul 03, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jul 10, 2025 - Jul 17, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jul 24, 2025 - Jul 31, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Aug 07, 2025 - Aug 14, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Aug 21, 2025 - Aug 28, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 25, 2025Book with Confidence
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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 76 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 45 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 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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.