Europe Highlights - 10 Days
Start point Paris
End point: Amsterdam
DAY 1: Paris 23 November 2017
Welcome to the Expat Explore Europe Highlights tour! After check in, we'll
take you 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, Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe! After the driving tour
we'll enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the Latin Quarter, an eclectic, bohemian
and historic neighborhood. We'll then travel back to the accommodation on
Paris' world famous metro system, ready to explore the city further on our
free day tomorrow!
Airport transfer, Accommodation, & Dinner included
Experiences on the driving tour
Driving Tour of Paris: we’ll take a driving tour of this famous city when you arrive. Look
out for L’Opéra Garnier, the Tuileries Gardens, Place de la Concorde, Hotel de Ville, The
River Seine, l'Ile de la Cite, the Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Lovers
Bridge, Sacre Coeur, Montmartre, Pigalle (the Red Light District) and the Moulin Rouge!
DAY 2: Paris - Free day 24 November 2017
Take the day to explore Paris your own way. From the historical attractions, charming
boutiques, boulevards and cafes to the world-famous museums and galleries, Paris has
something for everyone. There’s the option of a cruise up the Seine River to the Eiffel
Tower, and a visit to Montparnasse for an incredible view of the city. See world famous
artworks at the Louvre, head to the extraordinary palace of Versailles, or go to
Disneyland for the day. Alternatively head to the boutiques of La Marais or visit the
graves of Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison at Père Lachaise Cemetery. Those with a taste
for the macabre can even descend to the infamous catacombs! Alternatively, stay
above ground and explore the museums, people-watch from a roadside café, or simply
stroll the city, following in the footsteps of great painters, musicians and writers.
Breakfast & Accommodation included
Attractions to discover in your free time
Catacombes
Tue-Sun 10:00 - 17:00
Adults €10 ; Children (under 18) Free
Louvre
Various times 09:00 - 18:00
(Closed Tues)
Adults €15 ; Children (under 18) Free
Notre Dame
Daily 08:00 – 18:45
Free
Sacré Coeur
Daily 06:00 – 23:30
Free
Disneyland
Paris
Daily 10:00 - 23:00
varies
Eiffel Tower
Daily 09:00 - 00:45
Adults €15.50(lift) ; Children (12-24yrs)
€13.50 (lift)
Arc de
Triomphe
Daily 10:00 - 23:00
Adults €8; Children (under 17) Free
DAY 3: Burgundy - Swiss Alps 25 November 2017
Au revoir Paris! Today we sample a taste of small town France with a lunch
stop in Burgundy. In the town of Beaune you can visit the beautiful Hospices
de Beaune, or try the famous wine. After lunch we take a long scenic drive
across the border into Switzerland and head towards the Swiss Alps for our
stay in a typical mountain village in the heart of the Jungfrau region. This is
one of the most-visited regions of the Alps and also a World Heritage site,
containing Europe's largest glacier. Welcome to the Swiss Alps, your home
for the next two days!
Breakfast, Accommodation & Dinner included
Experiences
Burgundy lunch stop: enjoy a stop in Burgundy, a UNESCO World Heritage site and
famous wine-producing region. You will have some free time to explore this beautiful
medieval town centre and the opportunity to try local food and wine.
Scenic Mountain Drive: spectacular views as we drive through mountain passes and
alongside lakes, breath-taking mountain vistas and scenic views of quaint Swiss towns.
DAY 4: Swiss Alps - Free day 26 November 2017
The day is yours to enjoy the majesty of the Swiss Alps. Be sure to book a spot on the
optional excursion to Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe, where you’ll also
find a visitor’s centre, lookout point and weather station. The views are simply breathtaking all the way up – don’t be surprised to find yourself pressed up against the train
window! Once you’re at the top, take a look at the utterly enormous glacier and enjoy
the year-round snowy conditions. This is one trip that you won't forget anytime soon;
guaranteed to put your head in the clouds in every way possible!
Breakfast & Accommodation included
DAY 5: Pisa – Tuscany 27 November 2017
We're off to Italy! Enjoy more breath-taking mountain views as we drive
through Switzerland and on to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa! After some
free time here (be sure to get the perfect photo!) we travel on to our
accommodation in Tuscany, arriving in the late afternoon. Famous for its
stunning countryside, fine food and wine, Tuscany is guaranteed to enthrall.
Breakfast & Accommodation included
Experiences
View the Leaning Tower of Pisa: your chance to see the world famous Leaning
Tower of Pisa, or even take some iconic pictures of you ‘holding up’ the tower.
DAY 6: Florence – Venice 28 November 2017
This morning we leave our accommodation in Tuscany and make for the
famous city of Florence for a guided walking tour. Learn about the legacy of
the Medicis and see the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, featuring
Michelangelo’s ‘David’. This is the cradle of Renaissance culture – soak it all
in while you can! Then it's 'Buon giorno Venice!' Venice is known as one of
the world's most romantic cities. Spread across 118 islands, you'll spend the
afternoon discovering why this is such a 'must-see' destination, with more
art-works per square kilometre than anywhere else on earth! See the
famous Rialto Bridge, St Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's
Palace. Afterwards, sip an espresso, enjoy a cruise along the canals on a
gondola or relax and watch the world go by in one of the many piazzas.
Breakfast, Accommodation included
Experiences
Walking Tour of Florence: the capital city of the Tuscan region of Italy and considered
to be the birthplace of the Renaissance. We will take you on a walking tour with a
professional local guide where you will see Florence's Baptistery, Bell Tower, Gates of
Paradise, Brunelleschi's Dome, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and Ponte
Vecchio.
Orientation tour of Venice: your tour leader will take you into the heart of this
unique floating city for an orientation to help you explore and see St. Mark’s Square,
St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Museum, Campanile (Elevator to the top), Doge’s Palace,
Rialto Market and Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
DAY 7: Venice – Munich 29 November 2017
We continue on to Munich, the Bavarian capital, arriving in the late
afternoon for an orientation tour of the city. A city that exhibits both
prosperity and a certain amount of comfort and coziness, Munich’s apparent
contradictions will delight the avid explorer. Along with modern highpowered industry, designer shopping districts and sleek BMWs, you’ll find a
wealth of cultural hot-spots in Munich. Even with all its smart sophistication,
Munich has a certain charm that visitors find irresistible. This evening, enjoy
a beer in one of Munich’s traditional beer halls before dinner – a great way
to round off the day. Prost!
Breakfast, Accommodation & Dinner included
Experiences
Scenic drive: Cross Spectacular Mountain passes and experience some amazing
mountain vistas.
Munich orientation tour: your tour leader will take you on an orientation tour of Munich,
the capital and largest city of the German state of Bavaria. You will see Karlsplatz and
Marienplatz, New Town Hall, Church of our Lady, and if you visit in the winter the
traditional German Christmas markets.
Beerhall dinner: we take you to visit a traditional beer hall and sample some German
food and drink, including famous German sausages (vegetarian options available) and
beer.
DAY 8: Munich - Rhine Valley 30 November 2017
Leaving our hotel, we will soon be in the Rhine Valley, where we board a
Rhine Valley river boat and enjoy a refreshing beverage on our
complimentary cruise. Sail down the Rhine River to your hotel from St Goar
to Boppard, enjoying the view as you go. This historic area boasts numerous
castles, cliffs, vineyards and medieval German towns. Tonight, after a tasty
German dinner, why not take a relaxing stroll along the river or enjoy the
hospitality of the locals?
Breakfast & Accommodation & Dinner included
Experiences
River cruise: cruise down the Rhine and see the beautiful scenery and the largest
concentration of gothic castles (Sterrenberg, Liebestein, Katz and Fortess
Rheinfels).
You will also have the opportunity to visit a cuckoo clock and beer stein-making
shop.
DAY 9: Rhine Valley – Amsterdam 01 December 2017
After breakfast our journey continues as we drive into the Netherlands,
stopping off first at a windmill, after this quick photo stop enjoy a traditional
cheese-making demonstration, and learn about how that most quirky and
quaint of footwear choices – the clog – is made, before travelling onward to
Amsterdam. Here we’ll check in to our hotel before joining a complimentary
Amsterdam canal dinner cruise! Watch the city drift past as you sail along,
and listen out for tips and interesting insights into the city from your tour
leader. Reclaimed from the sea, these canals and massive harbor offer a
truly unique way to see some of the city’s highlights. Later on, why not join
your tour leader for a walking tour of the infamous Red Light District! The
evening is yours – explore the canals and Dam Square, and enjoy your time
in this fascinating city.
Breakfast, Accommodation & Dinner included
Experiences
Visit the Riekermolen windmill: a great photo stop.
Cheese and clogs demonstration: see how these famous shoes are traditionally
made by hand and taste some fantastic cheeses. Of course the chance to shop and
get those unique souvenirs.
Amsterdam Canal Cruise: sail along Amsterdam's stunning canals at twilight and
enjoy a delicious pizza as you cruise. A perfect introduction to Amsterdam you
will cruise along Amsterdam's atmospheric canals. Choose from six types of
pizza, Ben and Jerry's ice cream, and you can also upgrade to include unlimited soft
drinks, beer and wine.
Amsterdam orientation walking tour: your tour leader will show you Central Station,
the infamous Red light district, Dam Square, Damrak, Royal Palace, National
Monument, Old and New Church and of course the canals that weave through the
city.
DAY 10: Amsterdam 02 December 2017
The last day of your European tour already! After breakfast, we bid farewell
to Amsterdam and transport you to the airport.
Breakfast, airport transfer included
Optional Excursions on 24 November 2017 in Paris
Montparnasse Tower
€14
Cabaret Show
€70-90
River Seine Cruise
€12
Paris + Tour
€50
Parisian Dinner & Music Evening
€40
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
Optional Excursions on 26 November 2017 in Switzerland
Paragliding
CHF170
Sky-diving
CHF395
White-Water River Rafting
CHF110
Train to Jungfraujoch
CHF185
Swiss Cheese Fondue Dinner
CHF25
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
Optional Excursions on 27 November 2017 in Tuscany
Tuscan Feast
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
€22
Optional Excursions 28 November 2017 in Venice
Gondola Ride
€20
Trip T-shirt
€29
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
Recommend the following optional: for only EUR50 per person
Paris Plus tour includes the following:
Get ready for a bumper day of Paris sightseeing, as your Expat Explore tour leader
accompanies you on an incredible day out in Paris! With all transport included, your
tour leader will give you a fantastic introduction to this magical city, including its
luxurious side! Your first stop will be a tour of the Fragonard Musée du Parfum,
which displays a fascinating collection of perfumery objects and explores the history
of one of France's most famous perfumeries.
Your tour leader will then take you on a walking tour of the Tuileries garden and the
grounds of the Louvre, including its famous pyramid. You will then join a cruise of
the River Seine, embarking from the foot of the Eiffel Tower and travelling down the
river for a unique perspective of Paris, including views of the Grand Palais, the
Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral and the National Assembly.
The excursion finishes during the afternoon with a visit to Montparnasse Tower.
After ascending in the fastest elevator in Europe you will experience amazing views
- including that of the Eiffel Tower - so your photos will capture Paris in all its glory!
Train to Jungfraujoch CHF 185 per person
Take the train up to the spectacular Jungfrau glacier - via Europe's highest railway
station at 3454m. You will enjoy amazing views and there is a magical ice palace
carved out of the glacier itself. You have the opportunity to play in the year-round
snow, snowball fight anyone? This optional excursion has been voted the number
one for the past two years and is a must on your European tour!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Public Transport Cost:
During included activities such as walking tours the cost of transport will be covered
by Expat Explore. This section shows the costs of public transport that you may
wish to use during your free time on the tour.
Paris
EUR1.80 - single journey EUR7 – day ticket for zones 1 & 2 EUR14.10 - 10 single
tickets
Venice
EUR1.30 - single bus journey EUR7.00 - single Vaporetto (ferry) journey EUR18.00
- 12 hour bus and Vaporetto pass
Luggage
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 lifts). It is up to you to remember to collect all of
your bags when leaving a hotel or the coach. Don't pack more than you can
comfortably carry - if you struggle to lift your bag once it is packed (and before you
have bought any souvenirs), you have certainly packed too much!
You will not be permitted to store luggage in the coach overnight. You are
permitted take one piece of main luggage with you on the coach to a maximum
weight of 20kg. If you arrive with more luggage than this you may be asked to
leave it behind.
In addition to your main bag, you will need a small daypack for your everyday
things (e.g. camera, water bottle, sun cream, hat etc.) while travelling, sightseeing
or on overnight excursions. Try to keep this bag as light as possible and make sure
that all main sections of your bags can be padlocked.
Do not leave ANYTHING of value in your main luggage - keep it on you or in a safe,
where available. Expat Explore takes no responsibility for any loss or damage to
your luggage while on our vehicles or public transport.
TIP: What to pack the weather can be unpredictable, which means you need to
plan you’re packing and not do it last minute. You are travelling during autumn, you
will need to pack a warm jacket. It is highly recommended to bring an umbrella,
water-proof jacket, warm shoes, gloves, scarf and a wind-breaker in case of rain or
extreme weather conditions.
Spending money and budgeting
We would recommend budgeting EUR25-EUR40 per day (this excludes optional
excursions) and this will vary depending on how much you wish to spend on
snacks, drinks, souvenirs, optional excursions etc. and where dinner and lunch is
not included On your tour there will be two currencies used: Euro and Swiss Franc
in Switzerland.
TIP: Cash Passport Card http://www.travelex.co.za/ZA/Foreign-Currency/CashPassport/FAQ-s/
Europe Visas
If you are a British/UK/EU passport holder you will not require a visa to travel on
any of our Europe tours South African nationalities will require a valid Schengen
Visa in order to enter Europe.
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Your tour must be paid in full before we are allowed to release visa support
documents.
To request visa support documents once your tour is paid in full email us
at [email protected].
Booking appointments can be tricky as the embassies get busy. Please allow
plenty of time for your appointment, which must be made prior to your
departure date.
We cannot give a full refund if visas are rejected. Refund amounts will be
based on the number of days remaining, prior to departure, as per our Terms
& Conditions
For the Europe Highlights tour you need to apply at the French Embassy
https://fr-za.capago.eu/booking
TOUR ACCOMMODATION
Hostel accommodation, with great location and large dorm style rooms some with
have between 8 -10 per room same gender with shared bathrooms or even more.