Day 1: Start of tour in Rome - Venice Welcome to the Europe Highlights tour! Leave Rome this morning and head to the city of canals and gondolas. Vineyards and orchards flash in front of a majestic mountain backdrop as the coach drives. The diversity of the Italian landscapes will continue to impress. And then...Venice! Arrive and embark on an orientation walk with your tour leader. See the world-famous St. Mark’s Square, Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. The evening is free to explore. Be sure to sample local cuisine at one of the many bars and restaurants! Later, why not take a gondola ride on the iconic canals and admire the sights from the water? Day 2: Innsbruck - Munich - Bavaria Region Arrivederci, for now Italy! Heading north toward Germany this morning, encounter some of the most beautiful countrysides in central Europe. Admire the breathtaking Brenner Pass as the tour makes its way to Austria. Stop in Innsbruck, famous for its dramatic mountain backdrop. Enjoy an orientation tour and some free time to explore. Arriving in Munich in the afternoon, embark on an orientation tour of the city centre. With much of the city restored after WW2, the modern and ancient history of Munich is fascinating, and the effort to rebuild the German city is gilded with respect. Munich hosts the world’s most famous beer festival - Oktoberfest! Get a taste this evening with dinner and beer in a traditional beer hall. Prost! Day 3: Munich - Rhine Valley The German adventure continues, as the tour heads to one of the most picturesque sections of the Rhine River. Arrive in the Rhine Valley and relax onboard a Rhine riverboat as it travels into the heart of this region. This is the most concentrated stretch of castles in all of Europe. It also features vineyards, charming medieval towns and lofty cliffs. Learn more about the castles, many of which are in ruins. Afterwards, visit a local wine merchant for a wine tasting. If the harvest has been good, try eiswein (ice wine), a sweet wine that is produced in very small quantities as it can only be harvested when the temperature drops below freezing! Day 4: Rhine Valley - Amsterdam This morning, say auf wiedersehen to Germany, and continue into the Netherlands. En route to Amsterdam, travel through the beautiful Dutch countryside and enjoy a photo stop at the iconic Riekermolen windmill. Then, indulge in a cheese and clog-making display - and sample some delicious local cheeses! Arrive in Amsterdam in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to explore and soak up the city’s buzzing atmosphere. Later, embark on a twilight canal cruise. Gain an alternative perspective of this eclectic and bohemian city whilst drifting past famous landmarks. Afterwards, look forward to an included dinner at a local restaurant. Day 5: Amsterdam - Ghent - Paris Today, say vaarwel to the Netherlands and head to the Belgian city of Ghent. This picturesque port city is a cultural hub, and is known for its medieval architecture, which is remarkably well-preserved. See some top sights on an orientation tour and then enjoy free time for lunch. Be sure to try an authentic Belgian waffle! Leaving Ghent behind, the tour makes its way to Paris, the ‘City of Lights’! Embark on a driving tour of the French capital; get your cameras ready for some of the city’s most treasured landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe! After the driving tour, enjoy dinner with the group at a restaurant in the city. Day 6: Paris: Free Day The wonderful thing about Paris is that there is so much to experience, regardless of the time of day, or season. Enjoy a full free day to explore all this magical city has to offer. Wander its fascinating streets, sample local cuisine (escargot, anyone?) or simply relax in one of the city’s lovely parks. Alternatively, join the Paris Like Locals optional excursion for a guided day full of unique Parisian experiences. These include a macaron tasting, a visit to a famous parfumerie, a cruise along the River Seine and much more! This evening, choose to explore the stunning Montmartre neighbourhood and watch an exciting cabaret show! Day 7: Paris - Burgundy - Swiss Alps Au revoir Paris! Today, get a taste of small-town France with a lunch stop in Burgundy. In the town of Beaune, visit the beautiful Hospices de Beaune or try the region’s famous wine! After free time for lunch, take a scenic drive across the border into Switzerland. Welcome to the Swiss Alps, home for the next two nights! Leaving bustling cities behind, look forward to being completely surrounded by nature’s beauty. Turn in any direction and see snow-capped peaks, clear-blue lakes and perfect hiking trails. Breathe in the fresh air and make the most of the time in this idyllic place. Enjoy dinner at the hotel tonight. Day 8: Swiss Alps: Free Day The Swiss Alps have some of the highest peaks in the world! Surrounded by these peaks and glaciers, take the opportunity to feel on top of the world at Jungfraujoch on this free day! Join this popular optional excursion and take a train or gondola to “the top of Europe” for magnificent mountain vistas. Admire picture-perfect beauty all around, play in the year-round snow and look forward to endless photo opportunities. For those wishing to spend their free day exploring the local sights, wander through the villages and breathe in that crisp, fresh, Alpine air! Why not warm up this evening with a delicious Swiss fondue dinner? Day 9: Swiss Alps - Lake Como - Tuscany Today, leave the Swiss Alps and head back towards Italy, stopping for lunch at the famous Lake Como. An enormous expanse of water fringed by picturesque scattered villages, it's perhaps not surprising that one of the villages, Laglio, is where George Clooney has a luxurious villa. Then, it's onwards to the exquisite Tuscan region - famous for wine, food, art and architecture. Settle in Montecatini Terme and join tonight’s optional excursion to fully experience this gorgeous spa town! Day 10: Tuscany - Pisa - Florence - Rome This morning, capture iconic shots at the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa! The UNESCO-listed Leaning Tower is one of the most popular European landmarks. Then, head to the enchanting city of Florence. Arrive and embark on a walking tour with a local guide. History oozes out of every pore of this artistic and cultural centre which was the birthplace of the Renaissance. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to further explore. Or, join the Taste of Tuscany optional excursion to sample delectable local cuisine with a family-style meal. Later, the tour makes its way back to where this adventure began, because all roads eventually lead to Rome. The tour ends upon arrival. Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey onwards!