Europe Highlights Christmas
Europe Highlights Christmas
Europe Highlights Christmas
10 Days Starting and ending in Rome
Visiting: Rome, Venice, Venice, Innsbruck, Bavaria, Rhine Valley, Rhine Valley, Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Ghent, Paris, Paris, Burgundy, Swiss Alps, Swiss Alps, Lake Como, Pisa, Tuscany, Tuscany, Florence, Rome
Tour operator:
Tour code:
EHXMAS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
Discover the many festive delights of Europe at Christmas time! This 10-day Europe Highlights Christmas tour showcases top cities, hidden gems and spectacular scenery in 7 countries. Experience the charming Christmas markets, be dazzled by the impressive light displays and indulge in regional festive cuisine! Tick top sights in Venice, Munich, Florence and Paris off your bucket-list. Cruise the Rhine River, spend Christmas Day in Amsterdam and experience the beauty of the snowy Swiss Alps. This winter holiday will leave you with a lifetime of memories!
This tour starts and ends in Rome, but does not include any accommodation in Rome. For a similar itinerary that includes two nights in Rome, have a look at our Europe Escape Christmas & New Year tour.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Of Tour In Rome - Venice
Location: Rome, Venice
Your festive journey through Europe begins today! Meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers in Rome early this morning and hop aboard the coach. Experience some stunning scenery while travelling towards Venice. After checking into tonight’s accommodation, set off on an orientation tour of this iconic floating city! See top Venice attractions including St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge and the enchanting grand canal. Then, enjoy a traditional glass-blowing demonstration. The evening is free to explore some of the Christmas markets and soak up the festive Venetian vibe! Venice was made to be viewed from the canals so why not cruise on an optional gondola ride or water taxi?
Orientation tour of Venice: Your tour leader will take the group into the heart of this unique floating city perched across 118 islands for an orientation tour. Start off by tasting some gelato and then set off to see St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Museum, Campanile, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge and Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
Day 2: Venice - Innsbruck - Bavaria
Location: Venice, Innsbruck, Bavaria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Arrivederci Italy! After breakfast, the tour makes its way to Austria. Marvel at the beautiful countryside as we travel through the incredible Brenner Pass. Arrive in Innsbruck and enjoy an orientation tour of this charming city which is surrounded by breathtaking alpine nature. Later, travel onwards to the third country of the day; Germany! The tour will arrive in Munich, the Bavarian capital, later in the afternoon. Discover this fascinating and historic city and see some of its highlights on an orientation tour. This evening, get a taste of what Munich is perhaps best known for - Oktoberfest! Enjoy dinner in a traditional beer hall and say “Prost!” with some local beer.
Scenic drive along Brenner Pass: Cross spectacular mountain passes and experience some amazing mountain vistas en route to Innsbruck in Austria.
Visit Innsbruck: Enjoy a comfort stop to experience this beautiful Austrian city that lies in a valley between high mountains, making for an incredible backdrop.
Munich orientation tour: Enjoy an orientation tour of Munich, the capital and largest city in the German state of Bavaria, with your tour leader. See highlights such as Karlsplatz and Marienplatz, New Town Hall, Church of our Lady, and (if you visit in winter) the traditional German Christmas markets.
German beer hall: Tonight, enjoy dinner in a traditional German Beer Hall. Sample German beer, along with traditional German cuisine. Prost!
Day 3: Bavaria - Rhine Valley (Christmas Eve)
Location: Bavaria, Rhine Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The festive adventures continue in Germany today! Get ready to celebrate Christmas Eve in style as the tour makes its way to the gorgeous Rhine Valley. Experience this region’s striking scenery on a cruise along the Rhine River! Look forward to magical views of vineyards, medieval towns and Gothic castles. The cruise comes to an end in Boppard where the group will enjoy an included wine tasting. You may even get a taste of eiswein, a sweet dessert wine only harvested in freezing temperatures. Tonight, indulge in a delicious Christmas Eve dinner.
Rhine River cruise: Cruise down the Rhine River and see the beautiful scenery and the largest concentration of gothic castles (Sterrenberg, Liebestein, Katz and Fortress Rheinfels) in Europe. Learn the story of the castles, many of which are now in ruins since the river barons left long ago.
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 include Riesling, Spätburgunder and Pinot Noir. The region is also well known for eiswein (ice wine). It is a very sweet dessert wine made from grapes harvested in the freezing winter months.
Day 4: Rhine Valley - Amsterdam (Christmas Day)
Location: Rhine Valley, Amsterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It’s Christmas Day! What better way to celebrate this special day than with more memorable travel moments? Bid Auf Wiedersehen to Germany and travel onwards to the Netherlands this morning. First stop is the iconic Riekermolen Windmill! Snap some fun pictures and then, see how Dutch cheese and clogs are made! Finally, arrive in Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands. Make your way into the city centre for a twilight canal cruise and admire the city’s famous landmarks from the water. The Amsterdam Light Festival takes place during this time of the year which means you’ll get to see some of the impressive light displays! Tonight, an included Christmas dinner awaits at a local restaurant.
Windmill photo stop: Enjoy a photo stop at the Riekermolen Windmill. No visit to the Netherlands is complete without some fun photos of the iconic Dutch windmills!
Cheese and clogs demonstration: See how these famous shoes are traditionally made by hand and taste some fantastic cheeses. Take this opportunity to shop and stock up on unique Dutch souvenirs.
Cruise along the canals in Amsterdam: Sail along Amsterdam’s stunning canals at twilight and see the iconic sights that sit along the waterside - this is a perfect, relaxing introduction to Amsterdam! Better yet, you’ll get to see the elaborate displays of the Amsterdam Light Festival!
Christmas Dinner in Amsterdam: Celebrate Christmas alongside your new travel friends with an included group dinner in Amsterdam.
Day 5: Amsterdam - Ghent - Paris
Location: Amsterdam, Ghent, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today features another day jam-packed with bucket-list experiences! This morning, leave the Netherlands behind for Belgium. Visit Ghent and enjoy an orientation tour of this enchanting medieval city. Enjoy free time to get lunch - this is also the perfect time to try a Belgian waffle! Then, the “City of Lights and Love” is just waiting to be explored. Arrive in Paris in the evening and embark on a driving tour which will showcase icons of the city such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Get your first taste of French cuisine with an included dinner tonight.
Visit Ghent: Experience the beautiful city of Ghent - one of Belgium’s oldest cities! This cultural hub and university town is filled with magnificent medieval architecture. Enjoy some free time to explore and taste some authentic Belgian cuisine!
Driving tour of Paris: Enjoy a driving tour and discover the beauty of the “City of Lights”! Spot the Tuileries Gardens, the River Seine, l'Île de la Cité, the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Lovers Bridge, Sacré Cœur, Montmartre, Pigalle (the Red Light District) and the Moulin Rouge!
Day 6: Paris: Free Day
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Paris offers so much to those who visit, from bucket-list attractions and world-class cuisine to charming cafés and fascinating museums. This day is free to experience Paris in whichever way you choose! Wander through the Christmas markets, get a hot chocolate in a café or do some shopping, the choice is yours. To tick multiple Parisien experiences off your bucket-list, join the Paris+ optional excursion! Indulge in a macaron tasting, visit the Fragonard Musée du Parfum, enjoy a lunch cruise along the River Seine, admire the unmatched city views from Montparnasse Tower and more! Tonight, why not join the Evening in Montmartre optional excursion and experience one of the most beloved neighbourhoods in Paris? Or, experience an optional cabaret show!
Day 7: Paris - Burgundy - Swiss Alps
Location: Paris, Burgundy, Swiss Alps
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
There’s one more French stop on the agenda before the tour travels onwards to Switzerland. Visit Beaune, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the wine capital of the Burgundy wine region. Here, taste some local wine, grab some lunch or visit the Hospices de Beaune. Afterwards, look forward to some truly spectacular scenery as the tour crosses the border into Switzerland. Admire the alpine surroundings, snow-capped mountain peaks and sweeping countryside views. Arrive at tonight’s accommodation and enjoy an included dinner at the hotel.
Visit Beaune in Burgundy: Enjoy a stop in Beaune, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous wine-producing region. Take some free time to explore the beautiful medieval town centre and try some local food and wine.
Scenic Swiss Mountain Drive: Admire the spectacular views as the coach drives through mountain passes and alongside lakes, breathtaking mountain vistas and scenic views of quaint Swiss towns.
Day 8: Swiss Alps: Free Day
Location: Swiss Alps
Meals Included: Breakfast
Good morning Switzerland! Make the most of this full free day in the Swiss Alps by joining one of our highest-rated optional excursions - a journey to the “Top of Europe”! Travel to Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe and look forward to exceptional mountain vistas, year-round snow, an enchanting ice palace and many more fun activities and photo opportunities. Alternatively, stay in Interlaken and explore some of the surrounding villages and get a taste of authentic Swiss life. After a memorable day of explorations, choose to join the optional dinner tonight and indulge in delicious, cheesy Swiss fondue!
Day 9: Lake Como - Pisa - Tuscany
Location: Lake Como, Pisa, Tuscany
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, leave the Swiss Alps and head back to Italy! This time, the tour travels to the region of Tuscany which is known for its unique cuisine and wine culture as well as its historic art and architecture. First stop is the glamorous Lake Como. Discover some of the dazzling sights on the banks of this freshwater lake on an orientation tour. The next stop is a true icon of Italy - the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Be sure to get some creative pictures of you “holding up” the tower. The last stop of the day is Montecatini, a Tuscan spa town. Settle into the hotel for the evening or choose to join the Evening in Montecatini optional excursion.
Lake Como lunch stop: Enjoy free time for lunch at Lake Como in Italy, one of the most beautiful and glamorous destinations visited on this tour!
See the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa: See the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most famous cultural landmarks. Take some iconic pictures of you ‘holding up’ the tower!
Day 10: Tuscany - Florence - Rome
Location: Tuscany, Florence, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
It may be the last day of tour but the journey isn’t over yet! First up on today’s agenda is Florence. This majestic city, known as the “Jewel of the Renaissance”, is home to many artistic masterpieces from this time period, including Michaelangelo’s David. Embark on a walking tour with a local guide and learn more about what makes Florence a top travel destination. Then, enjoy some free time to explore Florence on your own. Or, join the Taste of Tuscany optional excursion and have a delicious farewell lunch with the group. Later this afternoon, head back to Rome where this 10-day festive Europe tour will come to an end. Expat Explore hopes to see you again soon!
Guided walking tour of Florence: Join an expert local guide on a walking tour and see the main sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David.
What's Included
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Accommodation
9 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
9 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
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Experiences
Explore Venice on an orientation tour
Marvel at the scenery along Brenner Pass
Visit Innsbruck; a beautiful Austrian city
Explore Munich; capital of Bavaria
Enjoy dinner and drinks in a traditional German beer hall
Cruise along the Rhine River
Indulge in a wine tasting in the Rhine Valley
Visit the iconic Riekermolen Windmill
Enjoy a traditional cheese and clogs demonstration
Cruise the canals and see the displays of the Amsterdam Light Festival
Enjoy Christmas dinner in Amsterdam
Visit Ghent, a beautiful medieval city in Belgium
See the sights of Paris on a driving tour
Visit Burgundy; a French wine region
Marvel at the views on a scenic Swiss mountain drive
Visit the idyllic Lake Como
See the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa
Explore Florence; the birthplace of the Renaissance
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.
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 onboard
- Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Accommodation
- 9 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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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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Dec 22, 2024 - Dec 31, 2024Monday - Wednesday
Dec 22, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Terms and Conditions