Welcome to London and the start of this Classic Europe Christmas & New Year Tour! Today, see London’s iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral on a driving tour before enjoying an included pub lunch. Get a taste of authentic British cuisine! Then, visit Westminster and witness iconic attractions such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. Discover more of London’s top sights on the way back to the hotel. This evening is free to spend however you wish. Ask your tour leader for tips on where to eat and what to do!

Experiences

• Explore London’s top sights on a driving tour

• Enjoy lunch at a traditional British Pub

Meals Lunch,

Travel to the French capital this morning, crossing the English Channel. Upon arrival, enjoy a driving tour of Paris to see the city’s top attractions, including the iconic Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower. Be sure to take note of any interesting spots that catch your eye to explore further on tomorrow's free day in the city. This evening, get your first taste of French cuisine and enjoy an included dinner at a local Parisian restaurant with the group.

Experiences

• See the highlights of Paris on a driving tour

Meals Breakfast, Dinner

The "City of Lights" is yours to explore as you wish on today’s free day. Choose to explore solo or join the Paris+ full-day optional excursion for a tour of the city’s highlights. Featuring a macaron tasting, a visit to a famous perfume museum, time for shopping at the famous Galeries Lafayette and a tour of the buzzing Latin Quarter! This afternoon, join the Evening in Montmartre optional excursion to discover this beautiful neighbourhood, see the Moulin Rouge and stroll through its cobbled streets. End the night with a true Parisian experience by joining the optional cabaret show!

Experiences
Meals Breakfast,

Bidding Paris farewell, the tour makes its way to the Swiss Alps. But first, get a feel of small-town France with a lunch stop in Burgundy. Explore the beautiful town of Beaune. Take this opportunity to try some of the region's famous wines and visit the Hospices de Beaune. Then, enjoy a scenic journey across the border into Switzerland and head towards the Swiss Alps where the tour’s home base will be for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Look forward to a festive Christmas Eve dinner with the group tonight.

Experiences

• Visit Beaune; wine capital of Burgundy

• Marvel at the views on a scenic Swiss mountain drive

Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Merry Christmas! Get ready to celebrate the most wonderful day of the year in the picturesque Swiss Alps. Join the optional excursion to the “Top of Europe” for an unforgettable way to spend your Christmas Day! Take in the panoramic views as you journey to the highest railway in Europe. Alternatively, spend the day at lower altitudes exploring the town, shopping for souvenirs, and trying local delights such as the famous Swiss chocolate. This evening, join the Swiss Fondue Dinner for an authentic taste of local cuisine with the group.

Experiences
Meals Breakfast,

Today, the tour heads to Italy! Take in the spectacular views of the Italian countryside and enjoy a photo stop at the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa to capture that must-have travel experience. Afterwards, continue the journey to the stunning region of Tuscany, known for its art, food, wine, and architecture. Arrive in the spa town of Montecatini Terme and head to the hotel to freshen up and if you’re feeling up to it, try some local wine. End the evening with the optional excursion to Montecatini Alto for a delectable three-course Tuscan meal and a return trip on the Montecatini Funicular offering scenic views of Montecatini Terme.

Experiences

• Enjoy a photo stop at the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Meals Breakfast,

Discover more of the captivating region of Tuscany today as the journey continues to its capital, Florence. Upon arrival, set off on an orientation tour of this historic city and explore its sights while admiring exquisite Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Afterwards, witness the art of Italian leather making before enjoying free time to explore at leisure. Alternatively, join the Taste of Tuscany optional excursion for a feast of family-style Tuscan dishes. Up next is the Italian capital of Rome! Arrive and discover the delights of this ancient city at your own pace. This evening, enjoy an included dinner with the group.

Experiences

• Explore Florence with your tour leader

Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Make the most out of a free day to explore Rome’s rich history, culture, art, and delicious food. Choose to join this morning’s optional excursion to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum for a guided tour. Walk in the city’s iconic gladiator arena and admire ancient Roman ruins. Then, opt for the Conquer the Capital excursion to see the city’s iconic sights, including the Spanish Steps, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain. Included in this optional is a delicious local lunch and a gelato tasting! Alternatively, discover Rome on your own or tick the world’s smallest country off your bucket list with a visit to the Vatican and marvel at the renowned Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.

Experiences
Meals Breakfast,

Venice is calling! Today, the tour heads to this unique city that spans over 118 islands. Famous for its canals, gondolas, piazzas, and Venetian masks, look forward to exploring this fascinating city. Admire the city’s must-see attractions, such as the St. Mark’s Square, Grand Canal, and Rialto Bridge and uncover the art of traditional glass-blowing. This evening, enjoy discovering Venice at leisure or join the optional Evening in Venice excursion which includes a water taxi and gondola ride to experience this iconic floating city from its waters as well as pizza or pasta for dinner!

Experiences

• Explore Venice, Italy’s floating city

Meals Breakfast,

It’s time to head to Germany! En route, visit the enchanting Austrian city of Innsbruck. Arrive and head out on an orientation tour, admiring the Gothic architecture and marvelling at the Golden Roof Museum before enjoying free time for lunch. Next, journey to Munich, Bavaria’s capital and embark on an orientation tour of this vibrant city to see some of its top sights. Home to centuries-old buildings and numerous museums, Munich may be best known for hosting the annual Oktoberfest. However, it is also filled to the brim with rich history and fascinating stories to explore. After getting acquainted with the city, enjoy an included dinner at a traditional German beer hall this evening with the group.

Experiences

• Visit the captivating Austrian city of Innsbruck

• Discover Munich on an orientation tour

• Say “prost”in a traditional German beer hall

Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Travel to the picturesque Rhine Valley today where the tour will spend New Year’s Eve. Upon arrival, embark on a sightseeing cruise along the Rhine River and marvel at the breathtaking views of cliffs, castles, and vineyards along the banks. Home to the most concentrated strip of castles in all of Europe, a cruise along the Rhine River is a highlight of any European tour! Disembark in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Boppard and delight in trying some of the region's famous wines while gaining valuable insight into the Rhine Valley varietals. This evening, enjoy an included dinner at the hotel and get ready to welcome in the new year abroad!

Experiences

• Enjoy a Rhine River Cruise

• Indulge in a wine tasting in the Rhine Valley

Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Happy New Year! This morning, the tour continues towards Amsterdam, making a stop in the Dutch countryside along the way. Visit a local cheese farm and clog factory to see how these famous Dutch products are made. Next, stop at the Riekermolen Windmill to capture this iconic symbol of the Dutch landscape. Afterwards, continue the journey to Amsterdam and upon arrival embark on a canal cruise for some unique sightseeing from the water. Enjoy free time after the cruise to continue exploring this city at your own pace. This evening, enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant with the group.

Experiences

• Visit a local Dutch cheese farm and clog factory

• Enjoy an Amsterdam canal cruise

Meals Breakfast, Dinner

London is on the cards today! Leaving Amsterdam behind, the tour continues its journey, making a stop in Bruges, Belgium, along the way. Wander through the cobbled streets and soak in the charm of the historic buildings that add to the character of this medieval city. Enjoy free time to sample local delights such as some Belgian chocolate, beer, or waffles before hopping back on the coach for the final leg of the journey. Crossing back over the English Channel, the tour will arrive in London later today. Tonight, choose to enjoy a delicious British curry dinner on the famous Brick Lane to celebrate the end of an amazing adventure with your fellow travellers!

Experiences

• Visit Bruges; a medieval Belgian city

Meals Breakfast,

After two unforgettable weeks exploring the best of Europe over the festive season, the tour comes to an end this morning. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before parting ways and be sure to swap contact details with your newfound travel companions so you can keep in touch. Expat Explore wishes you a Happy New Year and a safe journey ahead!

Experiences
Meals Breakfast,