Day 1: London - Paris
Welcome to Expat Explore’s Europe New Year Taster tour! Depart London and head for the bright lights of Paris, crossing the English Channel en route. In the afternoon, arrive in the famous “City of Lights” and take a driving tour of the French capital. Look forward to seeing iconic landmarks including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe! Complete the driving tour and visit Paris’ Latin Quater to enjoy a group welcome dinner. This Parisian neighbourhood is eclectic, bohemian and historic! After a great group meal, travel back to the hotel on Paris' world famous metro system. Get some rest and be ready to explore the city further on tomorrow’s free day!
Day 2: Paris: Free Day
Embrace the festive atmosphere in Paris, with a full free day to explore the city! Looking for the best way to experience the highlights of this famous destination? Joining the Paris excursion is highly recommended! It includes a guided, in-depth tour of the city with a River Seine lunchtime cruise, macaron tasting, perfume museum tour and more! Alternatively, take it easy and explore at your own pace. Admire the art in the Louvre, stroll along the Champs-Élysées or climb the famous Eiffel Tower! Later, choose to explore the romantic Montmartre neighbourhood and see the famous Moulin Rouge and beautiful Sacré-Cœur church. Tonight, the Cabaret show excursion is a great option to finish off a fun-filled day in Paris!
Day 3: Burgundy - Swiss Alps (New Year’s Eve)
Say au revoir to Paris as the tour continues into Burgundy - France’s famous wine region! Visit Beaune where there will be free time to sample local wine and visit the beautiful Hospices de Beaune. Hop back aboard the coach and enjoy the scenic drive to Switzerland! Admire the alpine scenery as the coach travels into the Swiss Alps. Arrive in the heart of the Jungfrau region which is one of the most visited destinations in the Alps as well as a World Heritage Site. Tonight, it’s New Year’s Eve! Although most traditional celebrations in the region happen on New Year's Day, there are activities nearby to get involved with. Celebrate and enjoy an included group dinner tonight.
Day 4: Swiss Alps: Free Day (New Year’s Day)
Happy New Year! Start the new year on an unforgettable note by joining the optional excursion to Jungfraujoch! Travel to the “top of Europe” to Europe’s highest train station. The trip to the top is a real highlight; you might find yourself pressed up against the windows as the picture-perfect Swiss countryside rolls beneath you. Look out for quaint villages nestled in the valleys beneath snow-capped peaks and tumbling mountain waterfalls. At the top, enjoy the snowy landscapes and breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and craggy mountaintops - don’t forget your cameras! Down at lower altitudes, spend the rest of the day as you wish. Why not take the chance to head into nearby Interlaken to see the celebrations, including a spectacular fireworks display and a festive market?
Day 5: Swiss Alps - Rhine Valley
This morning, enjoy the last few views of the snowy Swiss Alps as the tour continues to the next stop: Germany’s Rhine Valley. Experience the beautiful scenery while onboard a Rhine River cruise. Sail from St Goar to Boppard and admire views of the charming medieval towns, vineyards and lofty cliffs. This river is also home to the most concentrated stretch of castles in all of Europe! Next, enjoy an included tasting at a local wine merchant. This is the place to try eiswein - a sweet dessert wine that is produced in small quantities as it can only be harvested when the temperatures reach below freezing!
Day 6: Rhine Valley - Amsterdam
It’s time to travel to the Netherlands! Cross the border and make a stop at the Reikermolen Windmill. Next, visit a local farm to enjoy a traditional cheese-making demonstration and learn about how Dutch clogs are made. Afterwards, continue on to Amsterdam. Freshen up at the hotel before getting to know the city on a canal cruise. Jump on board the canal boat and see Amsterdam’s iconic waterways and 17th-century architecture. The evening is yours to spend as you wish – explore the canals and Dam Square, try local food and see the sights. Enjoy free time in this fascinating city.
Day 7: Bruges - London
The last day of the tour has arrived but that doesn’t mean the adventure slows down! Bid farewell to Amsterdam as the tour gets ready to travel back to London. On the way, enjoy a stop in the Belgian city of Bruges. This medieval city is famous for its architecture, historic old churches and cobblestone streets. While here, sample famous Belgian beer, chocolate and waffles! This is also a great place to pick up some last-minute souvenirs. Finally, board the coach for the last leg of the journey back to London where the tour ends tonight.