itinerary for europe jewel tour • expat explore end point · 2020-02-12 · often chose to store...

Expat Explore - Version: Wed Feb 12 2020 09:47:47 GMT+0200 (South Africa Standard Time) Page: 1/12

DAY 1: London - Amsterdam

Welcome to the Europe Jewel tour from Expat Explore! Leaving London behind us, we make our way to Amsterdam. We cross the

channel on the way and drive through rural France and Belgium. After arriving in Amsterdam, we’ll enjoy a complimentary

Amsterdam canal cruise. This is one of the best ways to be introduced to Amsterdam! Keep an eye out for spots to revisit later during

your free time. Listen for some tips and interesting insights into the city from your tour leader. Later on, join a walking tour of the

infamous Red Light District! The evening is yours – explore the canals some more, or head to Dam Square, one of the most important

parts of the city.

Experiences

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.

DAY 2: Amsterdam - Rhine Valley

Itinerary for Europe Jewel Tour • Expat Explore

Start Point:

Outside Hotel Novotel at Greenwich station,

173-185 Greenwich High Road, London, SE10 8JA

06:30 hrs

Hotel lobby, Holiday Inn Express, Greenwich,

85 Bugsby Way, Greenwich, London, SE10 0GD

07:00 hrs

End Point:

Greenwich train station,

173-185 Greenwich High Road, London, SE10 8JA

14:00 hrs – 17:30 hrs

Included Meals

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:

Accommodation

Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam - Schiphol

Best Western Plus Plaza Almere


We’ll start our day in a traditional way as we are treated to cheese and clog-making demonstrations. Along the way, we have a photo

stop at the famous Riekermolen windmill. Here, you can appreciate the famous scenery of the Netherlands. Continuing on to the

Rhine Valley, we’ll board a river boat and sail from St Goar to Boppard. With the highest concentration of medieval castles in all of

Europe, this is a memorable trip! Later, we will visit a local wine merchant for an included wine tasting. If the weather during the

harvest allowed, you may even get to try eiswein (ice wine)! It is a very sweet dessert wine that can only be harvested when the

temperature drops below freezing.

Experiences

Cruise down the Rhine and see the beautiful scenery and the largest concentration of gothic castles (Sterrenberg, Liebestein, Katz

and Fortess Rheinfels).

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 from the surrounding area and neighbouring regions include Riesling,

Spätburgunder and Pinot Noir. The region is also well-known for eiswein (ice wine), a very sweet dessert wine made from grapes

harvested in the freezing winter months.

DAY 3: Nuremberg - Prague

Included Meals


Accommodation

Carat HotelTraube Rudesheim

NH Wiesbaden


Today we’re off to Prague! But first, we make a quick comfort stop in the Bavarian city of Nuremberg. Heavily bombed during WW2,

Nuremberg was rebuilt, and today has been returned to some of its former glory. Prague is a beautiful city and we’re so excited to be

here! Known for its art and architecture, this destination will keep your camera clicking. The quirky bars and cobbled lanes adds to

the European charm. Prague is also known for its brilliant beer and abundance of art. We take you on a walking tour of the city with a

local guide and you can taste some authentic Czech cuisine for dinner. “Na zdraví” as they say in Czech!

Experiences

Visit to Nuremberg: we take a comfort stop in this historic Bavarian city. See the medieval castle and take the chance to explore the

old town. For hundreds of years, this was a major city in the Holy Roman Empire, and the residence for many of Germany's kings, who

often chose to store their crown jewels here. After almost complete destruction during WWII, years of painstaking reconstruction have

restored many of the major buildings to their former glory.

Prague dinner: experience authentic Czech cuisine at our local restaurant on your first night in Prague, the history of this restaurant

dates back hundreds of years and it is a favourite place for locals as well as our Expat Explore groups. You will also have the option to

try the famous Czech Beer.

Optional Excursions

Traditional Czech Folk Music & Dance Evening: € 40

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

DAY 4: Prague: Free Day

Your time is your own today, so explore Prague the way you want to. Prague is often described as the jewel in the crown of Central

Europe. You’ll find that the city is just as engaging as Rome, London or Amsterdam, and is at least as beautiful as Paris. Wander

through the streets and who knows what wonders you may find! Why not start off with the Charles Bridge? This bridge joins the old

and the new town, giving you a good idea of changing times. You can stand in awe of Prague’s dramatic history and how it is reflected

in the beauty of its churches, opera houses, concert halls and Prague castle.

Included Meals


Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel Krystal

Hotel Duo


Optional Excursions

Traditional Czech Folk Music & Dance Evening: € 40

Prague +: € 50


DAY 5: Bratislava - Vienna

Today we're moving on to the Slovakian capital, Bratislava! Surrounded by mountains, vineyards, ski runs and unbridled wilderness.

Bratislava is a charming city. Spot the medieval castle overlooking the old town and marvel at recent Socialist-era architecture. Next

stop, the beautiful Austrian city of Vienna. A guided walking tour of the UNESCO-credited city centre. See sights like the Hofburg

Palace and St Stephen’s Cathedral. Dinner is included tonight and afterwards and you could enjoy an orchestra performance. What

could be better than experiencing music in one of the city's concert halls?

Experiences

Walking tour of Vienna: on the drive into Vienna, Austria’s capital city, you will see the Schonbrunn Palace before reaching the Inner

City and one of the best vistas from Belvedere Hill. Vienna is known as the 'City of Music’ due to its classical heritage and the

prodigies that worked there including Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Brahms to name a few as your local guide on your walking

tour will tell you. The tour starts at the Golden Mile on the Ring Strasse (Parliament, City Hall, Burgtheater). Then discover the

courtyards and passages around the Hofburg (Imperial Castle) and St. Stephen’s Cathedral which is Vienna’s geographic and historic

centre.

Optional Excursions

Mozart Concert: € 65


DAY 6: Vienna - Budapest

Included Meals


Accommodation

Roomz Hotel Vienna

Hotel Lenas Donau

Rainers21


Wave Vienna goodbye as we make our way to the striking Hungarian capital of Budapest. Sitting astride the Danube River, this scenic

city is known for its singular mix of Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture. A driving tour will allow you to see it in all its

splendour as we make our way through the city. The trip will start on the Buda side of the river, and include excursions to

Fisherman's Bastion, glimpses of the Houses of Parliament & more. This afternoon you have the freedom to explore the city and all of

its delights however you please.

Experiences

Meet up with a local guide who will accompany us on a driving tour of the city and point out all the best-loved sights. This is a great

way to learn more about Hungarian culture and language and the city's fascinating history. Drink in incredible views from atop Gellert

Hill and the Citadel, take a stop at Heroes Square and get an eyeful of other must-see attractions like Budapest Parliament, St

Stephen's Basilica, the state opera, the castle district, and more.

Optional Excursions

Danube Dinner Cruise: € 52


DAY 7: Budapest - Lake Balaton - Ljubljana

Included Meals


Accommodation

Ibis City

Ibis Heroes Square

Ibis Styles Budapest Citywest


Leaving Budapest, to an iconic holiday destination in Hungary - the beautiful Lake Balaton. Nearly 200km of coastline, it is the largest

lake in central Europe. It's a great place to take a dip on a hot summer day. Then on to our final stop of the day, the Slovenian capital

Ljubljana. It's filled to the brim with fairytale castles, beautiful architecture and plenty of natural beauty. An expert local guide will

accompany us on a walking tour to point out all the must-see attractions.

Experiences

We meet up with an expert local guide who will accompany us on a walking tour of the city. On foot, we'll encounter the inimitable

scenery of the medieval old town, Preseren Square, City Centre, the Riverfront, Dragon Bridge and Cobblers Bridge. When the formal

tour is done, there will still be some time to explore on your own. We recommend that you make your way to the 13th-century St.

Nicholas Church - it's Baroque architecture is truly spectacular.

Optional Excursions

Slovenian Evening: € 35


DAY 8: Ljubljana - Venice

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel Stil


Venice is our next stop. This city has been known for literature, film and art for centuries. Fun fact - there is more art per square

kilometre in Venice than anywhere else on earth! This city will have a you saying "wow" at every turn. There’s no shortage of

incredible food and culture either! Your tour leader will introduce you to the city with an orientation walk. You'll see sights like the

world famous St Mark's Square, Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore this city on your own.

Experiences

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, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Market and Scuola Grande

di San Rocco.

Optional Excursions

Trip T-shirt or Hoodie: € 21-32

Venice Gondola Ride: € 20

Venice Water Taxi: € 20


DAY 9: Florence - Tuscany

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel Venezia

Hotel Ambasciatori & Delfino

Russott Hotel

Hotel Residence Elite

Hotel San Giuliano


Leaving Venice is never easy, but luckily the hills of Tuscany are ahead of us! Marvel at the countryside as we head for Florence. On

arrival we’ll get a panoramic view of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo - gorgeous! Then we take a fascinating walking tour of the city

with a local guide. Learn about the history of the city and see historical landmarks. Some of these landmarks date back to Roman

times! After exploring, we make our way to the Tuscan countryside, where we spend the night.

Experiences

Orientation tour of Florence: Your Expat Explore tour leader will take you on an orientation tour to introduce you to the main sights,

including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David.

Leather demo in a local shop: Step inside the world of Italian leather crafting as you visit a leather demo in a local leather shop and

factory, Leonardo Leather and Gold. Italy has been famous for leather production for centuries.

Optional Excursions

Medici's and the Renaissance walking tour: € 10


DAY 10: Pisa - Swiss Alps

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel Belvedere

Hotel Piccadilly

Hotel Nuovo Savi

Hotel Manzoni

Parma & Oriente

Hotel Montebello


Departing Tuscany, we make for one of Europe's most famous buildings. Make sure your camera is charged as we head to Pisa! Learn

the story behind the leaning tower, and be sure to take some photos! It's time for a change of scenery as we cross over to the Alps.

We're just as excited as you are to breathe some fresh mountain air! Is there a better way to enjoy the magic of Switzerland than

staying in a typical Swiss village? Take in the beauty of the snow-capped mountains and the greenery around you.

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.

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.

Optional Excursions

Swiss Dinner: € 25


DAY 11: Swiss Alps: Free Day

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel Hoheneck


The Alps are yours today! You can make the most of your time by taking a leisurely stroll through the local villages or along crystal-

clear lakes, or hitting the slopes for a spot of skiing. Why not take a train or cable car to higher altitudes and surround yourself with

snow-capped peaks and white winter snow? If you decide to go into a local village your options are limitless! Walk through the market

stalls, indulge in the local refreshments or sip on some warm gluhwein. You could even shop for chocolates and cuckoo clocks, or

have a fondue!

Optional Excursions

White-Water River Rafting: € 108

Sky-diving: € 345

Paragliding: € 155

Swiss Dinner: € 25

Swiss Alps Mountain Experience: € various


DAY 12: Swiss Alps - Paris

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel Hoheneck


It’s an early start today as we make our way out of the mountains. It's time for the city of lights and love: Paris! Arriving in the

afternoon, 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! 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. We'll then travel back to the hotel on Paris' world-famous metro system.

Experiences

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 13: Paris: Free Day

Today is all yours to explore as you wish. Take an optional cruise up the River Seine or head up the tower of Montparnasse for

exquisite views. You can visit the famous Louvre museum - a must-see! Or you can get a glimpse of that most famous avenue, the

Champs Elysees. This stretch of road is overlooked by the famous Arc de Triomphe. If you want to explore the darker side, you can

descend to the infamous catacombs! Alternatively, stay above ground, explore the museums and tick off all the must-sees. People-

watch from a roadside café, or simply stroll the city. Whatever you do, you will be following in the footsteps of great painters,

musicians and writers.

Optional Excursions

River Seine Cruise: € 12

Cabaret Show: € 70-90

Montparnasse Observation Deck: € 15

Paris + Tour: € 50

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel ibis Paris La Défense Centre

B&B Hôtel Paris Porte des Lilas

B&B Hôtel Paris Italie Porte de Choisy

Hôtel Kyriad Paris Nord Porte de Saint Ouen

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel ibis Paris La Défense Centre

B&B Hôtel Paris Porte des Lilas

B&B Hôtel Paris Italie Porte de Choisy

Hôtel Kyriad Paris Nord Porte de Saint Ouen


An Evening in Montmartre: € 40


DAY 14: Return To London

It’s our last day already! Today we leave the mainland and cross the English Channel on our way back to London. Be sure to swap

details with your fellow travellers – we hope you’ve loved every minute of your Europe Jewel adventure!

Experiences

You arrive back in London late afternoon - by this point you will have enjoyed 14 incredible days exploring the very best of Europe!

Included Meals


itinerary for europe jewel tour • expat explore end point · 2020-02-12 · often chose to store...

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