Europe Taster Christmas
Europe Taster Christmas
$2570
Europe Taster Christmas
7 Days Starting and ending in Hotel in Paris
Visiting: London, Paris, France, Burgundy, Swiss Alps, Switzerland, Rhine Valley, Amsterdam, Bruges
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ETXMAS
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Unwrap the magic of Europe during this short and sweet Christmas adventure! Get ready to feel the festive spirit as you explore some of the continent’s most enchanting cities during winter. Journey through London, Paris, Amsterdam, the Swiss Alps, Germany’s Rhine Valley, and the medieval city of Bruges in Belgium. Celebrate a Swiss Christmas as you soak in the splendour of the snow-capped Alps. Discover ancient castles and cruise the canals of Amsterdam while watching the display of festive lights. This tour promises an unforgettable taste of a truly European Christmas!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London - Paris
Location: London, Paris
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to London and the start of this Europe Christmas Taster tour! After meeting up with your tour guide and fellow travellers, leave London behind and cross the English Channel en route to Paris. Upon arrival, set off on a driving tour of the French capital, also known as the ‘City of Lights’. See some of the city’s most treasured landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy the sights and admire the city in all its festive glory before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant this evening. Afterwards, travel to the hotel to rest up for tomorrow’s free day in Paris!
Driving tour of Paris
Enjoy dinner in Paris
Day 2: Paris: Free Day
Location: France, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, Paris is yours to explore as you wish! The optional Paris+ excursion is a fantastic way to experience the highlights of this iconic city. Featuring a macaron tasting, a guided tour of a famous perfume museum, a lunchtime cruise down the River Seine and much more, it is a treat for the senses! Alternatively, stroll along the Champs-Élysées and shop at bustling Christmas markets. Discover renowned artworks in the Louvre, visit the Eiffel Tower or savour local dishes at a Parisian café. Tonight, join the Evening in Montmartre optional excursion to see the festive decorations in this vibrant neighbourhood and end the night with a truly Parisian experience by joining the optional cabaret show!
Day 3: Burgundy - Swiss Alps (Christmas Eve)
Location: Burgundy, Swiss Alps
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It’s Christmas Eve and time to continue the journey! Get a taste of small-town France as the tour travels to Burgundy for a lunch stop in Beaune. Enjoy free time to see the stunning Hospices de Beaune and try some famous French wine in the wine capital of Burgundy. Afterwards, sit back and admire the views on a long scenic drive to Switzerland. Arrive in the heart of the Jungfrau Region at a picture-perfect Swiss mountain village and get settled into your home base for the next two nights. Tonight, get into the festive spirit with an included group dinner!
Explore Burgundy, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Scenic mountain drive in Switzerland
Day 4: Swiss Alps: Free Day (Christmas Day)
Location: Switzerland, Swiss Alps
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Embrace the most wonderful day of the year on this free day in the Swiss Alps by embarking on an optional excursion of a lifetime! The Journey to the “Top of Europe” is one of the most recommended activities by travellers and will have you visiting Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest train station with breathtaking views of snow-laden landscapes. Trips to the unforgettable Ice Palace and Sphinx Observatory are also included. Back at lower altitudes, you’ll have the option to visit local shops and markets to get your fill of shopping or explore nearby towns for the prettiest sights to see. Tonight, join the optional Swiss fondue dinner for an interactive taste of Switzerland.
Day 5: Swiss Alps - Rhine Valley
Location: Swiss Alps, Rhine Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After a serene stay in the Swiss Alps, it’s time to head to Germany’s famous Rhine Valley! Arrive in St. Goar and board a Rhine riverboat for a relaxing cruise through the heart of the Rhine Valley. Take in the views as you cruise past lofty cliffs, charming medieval towns, and the most concentrated stretch of castles in all of Europe! Arrive in Boppard and enjoy an included wine tasting at a local wine merchant. If the harvest has been good, you may even get to sample Germany’s exclusiveeiswein(ice wine)!
Cruise along the Rhine River
Taste German wine in the Rhine Valley
Day 6: Rhine Valley - Amsterdam
Location: Rhine Valley, Amsterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The tour makes its way to the Netherlands today! The first stop is at a historic windmill to capture the quintessential Dutch view. Next, witness a traditional cheese-making demonstration and learn how traditional clogs are made. Afterwards, the tour heads to Amsterdam where a canal cruise awaits! Upon arrival in Amsterdam, check into the hotel and get ready to view the city from the water. On board the cruise, watch as the city’s 17th-century architecture, intriguing museums, and cafés pass you by and listen out for some interesting insights into the city. Tonight, enjoy an included farewell dinner with your fellow travellers and toast to the incredible time on tour together!
Visit Riekermolen Windmill
Learn how Dutch cheese and clogs are made
Cruise Amsterdam’s Canals
Enjoy dinner in Amsterdam
Day 7: Bruges - London
Location: Bruges, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is the final day of this Europe Christmas Taster tour but the adventure isn’t over just yet! After breakfast, say goodbye to Amsterdam and journey back to London via the Belgian city of Bruges. Famous for its chocolate, beer,moules et fritesand waffles, make sure you come hungry so you can get a taste of all these local delights! Bruges is more than just a foodie haven, it is also a popular medieval city that boasts quaint cobblestone streets, historic churches, and striking towers. Enjoy free time in the city before heading back to the coach for the journey back to London.
Visit Bruges; a medieval city in Belgium
What's Included
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Accommodation
6 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
6 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request -
Tour Leader
Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
What's Not Included
International flightsTravel to the start point and from the end point is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.Travel insuranceFor a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with 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.
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
6 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.
Experiences
Driving tour of Paris
Enjoy dinner in Paris
Explore Burgundy, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Scenic mountain drive in Switzerland
Cruise along the Rhine River
Taste German wine in the Rhine Valley
Visit Riekermolen Windmill
Learn how Dutch cheese and clogs are made
Cruise Amsterdam’s Canals
Enjoy dinner in Amsterdam
Visit Bruges; a medieval city in Belgium
Check out our Q&As
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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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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No, entrance fees are not included.
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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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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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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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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
All our tours are conducted in English.
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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 -
Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Certain nationalities may require a visa(s) for this tour.
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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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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes, Full air-conditioning
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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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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes, As detailed in the itinerary
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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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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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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 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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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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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Our travelers come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Our tour leaders come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests. They are all confident and well-travelled with an in-depth knowledge of the destinations they are working in, and a passion for helping you make the most out of your Expat Explore tour.
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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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Sunday - Saturday
Dec 22, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024Monday - Sunday
Dec 22, 2025 - Dec 28, 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.