Best of Eastern Europe (EB2L)

This morning, meet your Expat Explore tour leader and other travellers for the start of the tour. Then, it’s time to leave the churches and basilicas of Rome behind and head to the canals of Venice! On arrival, embark on an orientation walking tour with your tour leader. See top sights including the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. Then, witness a glass blowing demonstration. This is an incredible example of traditional Venetian craftsmanship! Afterwards, there is an option to explore Venice the traditional way - from the canals on a gondola ride or water taxi, which gives you a completely different perspective and appreciation for the amazing structure of this unique destination!

This tour includes no Rome hotel accommodation and forms the second half of the full-length Best of Europe 22-day tour, which starts and finishes in London - click here to see the full tour. There is an optional pre-tour add-on available on the Best of Eastern Europe tour which includes a 2-night pre-tour stay in Rome - please see the 'Optional Excursions' tab in our Help Section for more information.

Today’s first destination is the Slovenian capital Ljubljana. Often thought of as a hidden gem of Europe, its castles, stunning architecture and natural beauty mean it packs a punch more powerful than its small size would suggest! Embark on an orientation tour through the city with your tour leader. Then, head to another capital city; Zagreb in Croatia! Arrive and join your tour leader on an orientation walk of this fascinating city. Next, enjoy free time to explore Zagreb’s unique mix of Hapsburg and Communist architecture, learn historical and cultural facts and get a glimpse of everyday life here. Check into the hotel and with time to freshen up before an included dinner this evening.

Today, cross the border into Hungary and stop at the scenic Lake Balaton before arriving in the capital city, Budapest! Cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest straddles the historic Danube River and boasts numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well as natural geo-thermal springs, drawing travellers from around the world. Enjoy a locally guided driving tour of the city followed by free time this evening to explore. Why not visit one of the city’s famous bathhouses, try the local food or simply stroll around the city admiring its magnificent architecture? Tonight, choose to see the city illuminated at twilight during the Danube Dinner Cruise optional excursion.

This morning, travel to the Slovakian capital, Bratislava! Surrounded by mountains, vineyards, ski runs and wilderness, Bratislava is a stunning city. See if you can spot Bratislava Castle while embarking on an orientation tour of the city. Then, it’s on to Vienna! Arrive and join a local guide on a walking and driving tour of the Austrian capital. As a European centre for art and culture for centuries, Vienna was host to some of the world’s leading musical minds – including luminaries like Mozart and Beethoven. Along with its classical heritage, magnificent concert halls, palaces and museums, Vienna is also a modern city, with a vibrant nightlife culture. Taste authentic Viennese cuisine at a local restaurant tonight.

Enjoy a free day to explore Vienna! Awash with imperial splendour, Vienna was once the centre of the powerful Habsburg monarchy, which dominated central Europe from the 16th-18th centuries. History fans should check out the incredible palaces of the era - Schönbrunn Palace and the Belvedere. Classical music lovers can opt to join today’s optional excursion to watch a concert by one of the greatest composers of the Viennese classical period, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart!

Today the tour makes its way to the Czech Republic! Prague is a beautiful city, boasting elaborate Baroque, Gothic, Art Nouveau and Cubist architecture, and rewarding those who explore it with quirky bars, cobbled lanes and secluded courtyards. Known for its brilliant beer and abundance of history, any exploration of Prague will be a rewarding one. Arrive and set off on a walking tour with a local guide. Look forward to must-see sights including the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, St. Vitus Cathedral and the Charles Bridge. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore more at your own pace. This evening, enjoy the option of a four-course dinner along with a traditional Czech folk music and dance show!

Today's first stop is the city of Dresden in Germany. After WW2 bombing attacks ruined the city centre, the city was practically rebuilt from scratch to offer visitors the pristine and stylish Dresden of today. Enjoy an orientation walking tour of the city and try some of the local delights, such as Bratwurst. Next, journey to Berlin, Germany's capital. Upon arrival, embark on a driving tour. See poignant attractions like the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and Checkpoint Charlie.

Enjoy a free day to further explore the history of the German capital! The Berlin Wall stands as a sombre reminder of the controls imposed on Berlin during and after WW2, however, the bright street art that adorns it today seems to give it a peaceful purpose. Berlin also offers numerous free museums and galleries to visit, which all contribute to the understanding of this city's modern history. A great optional which showcases the highlights of the city is the Berlin+ tour. Join to visit some of the city’s top attractions and gain a deeper insight into Berlin’s history as well as its modern culture today.

This morning, say auf Wiedersehen to Germany as the tour journeys on to the Netherlands. Watch as the landscape changes to windmills and waterways while approaching the capital city of Amsterdam. This evening, enjoy a twilight canal cruise, accompanied by interesting commentary about the city’s development and history. Afterwards, head for dinner at a local restaurant. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy the bars and cafés or even visit the famous Red Light District!

Enjoy a full free day to experience the delights of Amsterdam! There are numerous museums and art galleries to choose from - why not visit the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum? Alternatively, join the Dutch countryside optional excursion to see how local Dutch cheese and clogs are made and visit the quaint Dutch villages of Volendam and Zaanse Schans for sightings of the iconic Dutch windmills! As tonight is the last night of the tour, adding the optional Dutch Pancake Soiree to the itinerary is highly recommended! This is the perfect way to bid farewell to fellow travellers.

After an Amsterdam adventure, there is one more stop before setting off for the UK. The Belgian city of Bruges is small but picturesque, with breathtaking architecture. Described as the ‘Venice of the North’, take some time to stretch your legs and indulge in a spot of sightseeing in beautiful Bruges. Don’t miss the opportunity to try an authentic Belgian waffle or beer while here! Afterwards, travel back to London, crossing the English Channel on the way. This is the perfect time to exchange contact details with new friends and travel buddies as you prepare to disembark in the capital. After 11 days of unforgettable travel highlights, this Eastern Europe tour comes to an end this evening in London.