Europe Escape Christmas & New Year - From £1,995

Say "ciao" to this exciting Europe Escape Christmas & New Year tour! After meeting up with your tour leader and travel companions at the hotel, it's time to begin the journey. Sit back and marvel at the stunning scenes of vineyards, orchards and countryside vistas! Later, arrive in Venice, the popular "Floating City" spanning over 100 islands connected by various canals. This evening is free to spend however you like. Get immersed in the Venetian vibe with piazzas, art and food on offer. Or, join the highly recommended An Evening in Venice optional excursion to admire Venice from the water.

After saying goodbye to Italy for now, journey to the next exciting country on the itinerary - Innsbruck in Austria! Travel through the striking Brenner Pass and marvel at the beautiful countryside on the way. Stop in Innsbruck and admire this enchanting city and its mountainous backdrop. Arrive in Munich this afternoon. Head out for an orientation tour of the city's top sights with your tour leader and learn more about how Munich was rebuilt after WWII. Tick off the top attractions and learn more about the world-famous Oktoberfest! Tonight, get an authentic taste of German cuisine at a local restaurant with an included dinner.

The German adventures continue today as the coach approaches the scenic Rhine Valley to celebrate Christmas Eve! After arriving, head out on the Rhine River for a cruise on the way to this evening's hotel in the heart of the region. Soak up the stunning vistas of towering cliffs, age-old towns and captivating castles lining the river banks. Next, enjoy a visit to a local wine retailer for an included wine tasting. If the harvest has been good, you may even get to tryeiswein(ice wine). Spend Christmas Eve enjoying an included dinner at a local restaurant before settling into the hotel for the night.

What better way to spend Christmas Day than enjoying the gift of travel? Say goodbye to the Rhine Valley and continue the journey to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. But first, enjoy a photo stop to capture an iconic Dutch windmill and uncover more about Dutch cheese and clogs. After arriving in Amsterdam, set off to the city centre to embark on an unforgettable twilight cruise on the Amsterdam canals! What better vantage point of such a stunning city? In fact, the Amsterdam Light Festival is in full swing around this time, and a cruise is the best way to soak up the displays. Tonight, enjoy Christmas Dinner with the group before spending the night however you wish!

It's time to tick another country off your travel bucket list! This morning, travel to Ghent, Belgium - a picturesque port city known for its impeccably preserved medieval architecture as well as for being a hub of culture. Tuck into something tasty to eat and wander the historic streets of the city centre. Then, get ready to greet Paris! Say "bonjour" upon arrival with a driving tour of the stunning French capital, the "City of Lights". Behold the famous attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and the Arc de Triomphe. This evening, head out for an included dinner with the group.

Paris is your playground on this free day. No matter if you visit the Eiffel Tower, peruse the Parisian Christmas markets, or meander through famous museums, Paris has much to explore! For a highlight of the tour, join the Paris Like Locals optional excursion for an adventure-filled day including a macaron tasting, a visit to a renowned parfumerie and free time in the Latin Quarter. It's the perfect French way to spend a day! Enjoy a free evening to explore some more, or join the optional evening trip to the magnificent Montmartre. Why not end it all off with an optional cabaret show?

Say "au revoir" to Paris today. But fear not, there's more of France to discover! Stop for lunch in Burgundy this afternoon, famed for its sensational wines. Indulge in a wine tasting or visit the gorgeous Hospices de Beaune. Next, cross the Swiss border and get ready for breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps! After arriving at the Swiss Alps accommodation for the next two nights, take a deep whiff of the crisp Alpine air and soak up the indescribable views. Snow-covered mountains, Alpine forests and mirror-like lakes envelop the area. What better place to embrace the festive spirit?

Today, take full advantage of a free day in the stunning Swiss Alps! Don't miss out on today's optional excursion - a journey to the highest train station in all of Europe. Talk about bucket list experiences! Once at Jungfraujoch, enjoy playing in the snow, visiting the Sphinx Observatory or even exploring the Ice Palace! On the ground again later, take a leisurely stroll through a local village and hunt for festive season activities. Taste the real-deal gluhwein, soak up the snowy scenes and admire the famous Swiss surroundings. What could be more festive than this? Tonight, warm up from within by joining the optional Swiss Fondue Dinner.

Leave the snowy Swiss Alps behind today and continue towards Italy! Enjoy a stop at the world-renowned Lake Como, a stunning destination with scenic villages, shining blue waters and imposing mountain backdrops. This dreamy location where many celebrities holiday is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious lunch with a view. Then, travel onwards to Tuscany. This stunning Italian region is famous for its food, wine, art and architecture. Settle into the hotel for the night and rest up before a New Year’s Eve full of adventure and bucket-list sights.

Today offers a New Year's Eve full of unforgettable moments! First, stop at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Have you practised your poses? Get the perfect picture with the tower! Next, visit the captivating city of Florence. Meet up with an expert local guide and embark on a walking tour to uncover the history of the city that gave birth to the Renaissance. Behold the top attractions, such as the Ponte Vecchio and Florence Cathedral! Enjoy an optional Tuscan lunch before the coach continues the journey back to Rome. La Festa di Roma begins this evening, so you should feel the buzz building in the air! Welcome the new year with an included dinner with your new travel family.

Start the new year with a full free day to explore Rome! Often referred to as “The Eternal City”, Rome used to be the centre of the Roman Empire. Nowadays, it's a popular travel destination full of rich history, ancient culture and fine cuisine! Today, the city will show off its best side in its finest festive decorations. Explore more of the city on today’s optional excursion, spotting iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon. Meander through the piazzas, traverse the Spanish Steps and enjoy an Italian meal at a local trattoria. La Festa di Roma festivities continue until this evening; consider venturing to St. Peter’s Square where crowds gather to receive the Pope’s New Year’s Day blessing.

After 12 days of Christmas and New Year adventures, the tour concludes in Rome after breakfast today. We hope this trip was everything you dreamed a festive tour would be! Remember to exchange details with your new friends if you'd like to stay in touch.