Western Adventure

Welcome to Rome, the starting point of this Western Adventure! Upon arrival, check into the hotel before meeting up with the rest of the tour group. Later, a local guide will lead an evening walking tour of the city, showcasing iconic spots like the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, and the Colosseum. Don't forget to toss a coin at the Trevi Fountain for luck ー legend has it that if you do, you will return to Rome again one day! Be sure to keep track of all the spots you want to explore further on the free days ahead. Tonight, bond with the group over a welcome dinner, marking the beginning of the exciting adventures that lie ahead!

• Explore Rome on a guided walking tour

Make the most out of a free day in Rome today and immerse yourself in its ancient history, rich culture, and culinary delights! Choose to explore the Vatican City, home to the Pope, and visit the Sistine Chapel to marvel at Michelangelo's famous ceiling and admire other renowned artworks. Alternatively, wander through the city centre to see top sights, shop, or indulge in local delicacies like gelato and pasta carbonara. Seize the opportunity to fully experience the wonders of the "Eternal City" at your own pace!

Enjoy another free day in Italy's capital city! Make the most out of your time in Rome, whether delving into its history or simply enjoying the city's charm and culinary delights! Embrace the Italian pace of life by relaxing at a trattoria, indulging in delicious food and coffee, and engaging in lively conversation. Pay a visit to one of the city’s many renowned museums or do some shopping for souvenirs. The choice is yours!

This morning, journey through the picturesque Tuscan countryside, soaking in its enchanting vistas. Arrive in Florence, the Tuscan capital, and embark on a captivating city tour led by a knowledgeable local guide. Discover iconic landmarks like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the historic Ponte Vecchio. Then, delve into the world of Italian leather at a local leather shop. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the city further or join the optional Taste of Tuscany experience for a delicious meal. After getting your fill of Florence, it’s time to travel into the serene Tuscan countryside, where the hotel is located for the night.

• Discover Florence with a local guide

• Watch a leather making demonstration

France awaits! But first, the tour makes a stop at one of the most iconic landmarks in Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Alongside the cathedral, cemetery, and baptistry, this 840-year-old tower attracts millions of visitors worldwide for a quintessential photo opportunity! Visit the charming seaside village of Eze and enjoy a perfume workshop before travelling to iconic Monaco. Here, embark on a guided tour of this tiny principality’s huge presence. Tick off highlights including the Prince’s Palace and the famous Monte Carlo! Arrive in Nice, dive into an orientation tour and relish some free time in this splendid French city tonight!

• Visit the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa

• Experience the glitz and glamour of Monaco

• Visit a French perfumery

Indulge in the opulence of the French Riviera today! After breakfast, enjoy an orientation tour of Nice with your tour leader and explore the sights and attractions that make Nice a widely popular city on the French Riviera. Nice has plenty on offer for travellers, from a lively atmosphere and delectable cuisine to stunning beaches! Meander on the iconic Promenade des Anglais to spot top sights like the Avenue Jean Médecin, the Fontaine du Soleil, Jardin Albert I and more! Explore at leisure for the rest of the day. Make the most of your time in Nice by joining the Exquisite Nice optional excursion, including a guided tour of the Old Town, stunning scenery and delectable local cuisine!

• Visit Nice; a gorgeous French coastal city

Soak in the final vistas of the French Riviera before departing for Barcelona. Along the way, stop in Arles, famous for its historic architecture and association with artists like Van Gogh. Continue your journey to the capital of Catalonia. Arrive in Barcelona and embark on a scenic driving tour, capturing glimpses of iconic landmarks such as the magnificent Sagrada Familia and bustling Las Ramblas. Take note of places to explore during tomorrow's free day! The hotel for the next few nights is situated in the charming town of Sant Cugat, just outside Barcelona. Check in and unwind with an included dinner with the group tonight.

• Visit Arles; a city that inspired many Van Gogh paintings

• Explore Barcelona on a driving tour

Explore Barcelona your way today! Wander its historic sites, shop high-end stores, relax on the beach, or cruise up the coast for a stunning city perspective. Football fans can tour Barcelona FC's stadium and outdoor enthusiasts can spend time in the peaceful green areas of the city such as Park Güell, offering unparalleled views. Barcelona teems with activities, including an optional excursion to Montserrat, a mountain monastery north of the city, led by your tour leader.

Today, enjoy another free day in Barcelona! Stay in the city and explore more of Gaudí's whimsical architectural wonders or stroll down Las Ramblas, immersing yourself in its vibrant atmosphere of market stalls, cafés, and street performers. Opt for the Highlights of Barcelona excursion to visit iconic landmarks like Palau Güell, La Boqueria market, the Gothic Quarter, and the awe-inspiring Sagrada Família. Tonight, delve into Spanish culture with an optional Flamenco show dinner, a passionate and authentic experience showcasing the artistry and energy of this traditional dance form. Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the essence of Catalan culture in Barcelona!

Adios, Barcelona! Journey across the border back into France and continue through the picturesque French countryside. Pause at Sète along the coast and marvel at the ancient Pont du Gard, a testament to Roman engineering dating back to the first century AD. The final destination for the day is Avignon, affectionately known as 'The City of Popes'. This well-preserved fortified city commune boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and remarkable religious significance. Embark on an orientation walking tour of Avignon, featuring highlights such as the Papal Palace and other notable structures. After an included group dinner, the evening is yours to explore at your leisure. Discover the charm and history of Avignon at your own pace!

• Visit Sète in the South of France

• Admire the Pont du Gard; an Ancient Roman aqueduct

• Explore Avignon; known as ‘The City of Popes’

Journey towards the majestic Swiss Alps today! The first stop of the day is Geneva, home of the United Nations and Red Cross headquarters. Enjoy some free time for lunch before continuing to the breathtaking Swiss Alpine region. Take in the crisp mountain air and the awe-inspiring scenery as you drive through rugged mountain faces, forests, and Alpine lakes. Arrive in a charming Swiss mountain village, check into the hotel, and unwind while admiring the sunset over the mountain peaks. Indulge in an included hearty dinner before choosing to explore the village streets or relax in preparation for a day of Swiss adventures tomorrow!

• Visit Geneva and see the stunning Lake Geneva

• Enjoy a scenic Swiss mountain drive

Today offers a taste of Swiss bliss! Opt for the Jungfraujoch: Journey to the Top of Europe optional excursion, ascending by train or cable car to marvel at the stunning scenery and year-round snow. Capture unforgettable moments and breathtaking views with plenty of time for photography. Alternatively, for a more grounded experience, explore a local village and immerse yourself in the Swiss way of life. Consider a trip to Lucerne, just a short train ride away, to explore the sights, shop for Swiss souvenirs, or simply enjoy a stroll through its charming streets. End the day with an optional fondue dinner and embrace the essence of Swiss cuisine!

Cherish the last of the Alpine views as the tour bids farewell to Switzerland and travels onward to Germany! En route, stop at Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein, for lunch. Here, explore, dine, and admire the Vaduz Castle, the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein, perched above the city. Next, continue to Munich, the bustling capital of Bavaria and the home of Oktoberfest! Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour of the city. Tonight, indulge in an included group dinner accompanied by local beer...Prost!End this adventure-filled day with a cosy night's rest at the hotel in Bavaria.

• Visit Vaduz, capital of Liechtenstein

• Discover Munich; the capital of Bavaria

• Enjoy dinner at a traditional German beer hall

Travel to the famous Rhine Valley in Germany today! Upon arrival, embark on a scenic riverboat cruise along the Rhine River. Marvel at picturesque views of vineyards, medieval towns, and towering cliffs, and admire the most concentrated stretch of castles in Europe. Following the cruise, indulge in an included wine tasting at a local wine merchant. If the harvest has been good, sampleeiswein(ice wine), a rare dessert wine produced only under specific freezing conditions. End the day with an included group dinner.

• Cruise down the Rhine River

• Enjoy a German wine tasting in the Rhine Valley

It’sauf wiedersehento Germany as the tour heads to France once more! En route to Paris, make a stop in Luxembourg, one of Europe's smallest countries. Afterwards, arrive in Paris and enjoy a driving tour of the French capital, seeing iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Following the tour, dine with the group at a charming restaurant in the city. After indulging in a delicious French dinner, return to the hotel to rest and recharge for tomorrow's free day, where you'll have the opportunity to further explore the enchanting city of Paris.

• Visit Luxembourg; a tiny European country

• See the highlights of Paris on a driving tour

Enjoy this free day in Paris, a city celebrated for its culture, cuisine, fashion, and art! Dive deeper into the city's charms with an optional Paris+ tour, which includes a visit to a renowned parfumerie, a delightful macaron tasting, a scenic lunchtime Seine river cruise, and breathtaking views from the Montparnasse observation deck. Alternatively, venture out on your own and take a trip up the Eiffel Tower or visit the Louvre Museum to marvel at famous artworks. Tonight, consider joining a guided tour of Montmartre followed by a lively optional Cabaret show. Paris promises an unforgettable experience at every turn!

On the final day of this European tour, enjoy one last adventure with a visit to the Belgian city of Ghent before heading to Amsterdam. Known for its bustling university and medieval architecture, discover Ghent's vibrant atmosphere and see how this port city perfectly blends history and modernity. As you journey to Amsterdam, take the opportunity to exchange contact information with your fellow travellers before parting ways. Expat Explore wishes you safe travels and hopes to welcome you back on another adventure soon!

• Visit Ghent; a unique port city in Belgium