Europe Explorer – April 8 to October 10, 2026 (18 Days) - From £2,065

Andorra Belgium France Germany Italy Monaco Netherlands Spain Switzerland
OVERVIEW

Discover the best destinations in Europe on this unmissable 18-day tour! Travel to iconic countries like France, Spain, Switzerland and more in just over two weeks. Experience classic European attractions across glittering Paris, ancient Rome and tantalising Tuscany. Feel the sun on your skin along the French Riviera and marvel at Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Admire breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps and take in the fairytale splendour of Germany’s Black Forest. Embark on cruises of the Rhine River, Amsterdam canals and Venice waterways. This is a truly unforgettable European exploration!

EXPERIENCES
  • Visit Ghent, one of Belgium's oldest cities

  • See the sights on a driving tour of Paris

  • Taste local French wine in Cahors

  • Explore Toulouse with a local guide

  • Visit Andorra; one of Europe’s smallest countries

  • Embark on a driving tour of Barcelona city

  • Visit Sète in the South of France

  • Visit the Pont du Gard; an ancient Roman aqueduct

  • Orientation walking tour of Avignon

  • Scenic French Riviera drive

  • Visit Nice; a gorgeous French coastal city

  • Enjoy a perfume workshop in Eze

  • Experience the glitz and glamour of Monaco

  • See the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa

  • Discover Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance

  • Explore Rome with a local guide

  • Visit Siena in the Tuscan countryside

  • Experience the magic of Venice

  • Visit Lucerne, a picturesque Swiss city

  • Admire the views on a scenic Swiss mountain drive

  • Enjoy a picturesque drive through the Black Forest region

  • Enjoy a photo stop at Lake Titisee

  • Visit Triberg, a pretty Black Forest town

  • See the world’s largest cuckoo clock

  • Sail along the Rhine River

  • Enjoy a Rhine Valley wine tasting

  • Cruise the canals of Amsterdam

TOUR LEADER
  • Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader

  • Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

TRANSPORT
  • Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard

  • Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

NOT INCLUDED

International flightsTravel to the start point and from the end point is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.Travel insuranceFor a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries. All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance.

DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
Tour
Departs
Tour
Returns
Starting From
(price per person)
Definite Departure
What's this?
Book Now!
08/04/2026 25/04/2026 £2,245 Book
29/04/2026 16/05/2026 £2,120 Book
20/05/2026 06/06/2026 £2,146 Book
10/06/2026 27/06/2026 £2,146 Book
01/07/2026 18/07/2026 £2,146 Book
22/07/2026 08/08/2026 £2,065 Book
12/08/2026 29/08/2026 £2,065 Book
02/09/2026 19/09/2026 £2,495 Book
23/09/2026 10/10/2026 £2,385 Book
ACCOMMODATION
  • 17 nights hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. The majority of our accommodations are of a 3- and 4-star standard, offering excellent value, comfort and convenience

  • Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Discover the best destinations in Europe on this unmissable 18-day tour! Travel to iconic countries like France, Spain, Switzerland and more in just over two weeks. Experience classic European attractions across glittering Paris, ancient Rome and tantalising Tuscany. Feel the sun on your skin along the French Riviera and marvel at Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Admire breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps and take in the fairytale splendour of Germany’s Black Forest. Embark on cruises of the Rhine River, Amsterdam canals and Venice waterways. This is a truly unforgettable European exploration!

ITINERARY

Welcome to the first day of this unforgettable tour of Europe! This morning, meet up with your tour leader and new travel companions at the hotel in Amsterdam. Then, set off towards today's first stop in Ghent, Belgium. Discover the city at leisure and find a lovely lunch spot during your free time this afternoon. Upon arrival in Paris this evening, embark on an enchanting orientation tour of the iconic "City of Lights". Admire the city's top attractions, including the Arc de Triomphe, the River Seine and the Eiffel Tower! Tonight, enjoy a delicious Parisian group dinner.

Enjoy a free day to explore more of Paris! Embark on today's optional excursions for the ultimate Parisian experience. Join Paris je t’aime excursion for spectacular sightseeing, a macaron tasting at Ladurée and a cruise along the River Seine. Then, the excursion heads up Montparnasse for the most striking panoramic views of Paris. Conclude the excursion with free time in the Latin Quarter. Tonight, experience an optional cabaret show or, alternatively, join the optional evening in Montmartre to see the famous Moulin Rouge and enjoy a three-course French feast!

Journey from Paris to Toulouse today and enjoy a stop in a small medieval town en route for a wine tasting! Marvel at the views of meandering crops, fantastical forests, lush landscapes and picturesque towns along the road. Explore some of the robust red wines from the region at the wine tasting. Next, head to the fourth biggest city in France, Toulouse! Upon arrival, embark on an orientation tour. Marvel at this gem along the Compostela Pilgrimage route known for its stunning Renaissance architecture and home to an incredible 17th-century canal. This evening, enjoy an included local dinner.

Today, bid Toulouseadieuas the tour continues south and crosses the northern border into Andorra. After finding a lunch spot, continue on towards Barcelona. The tour's next stop is the capital of the Catalonia region in Spain. Discover Barcelona's famous art and architecture, including the famous Sagrada Família church and more of Antoni Gaudí's designs. Enjoy a driving tour visiting some of the top attractions in the city!

Spend today's free time exploring at leisure! For the ultimate Barcelona experience, join the Highlights of Barcelona featuring the Sagrada Família optional excursion. Marvel at the La Sagrada Família masterpiece that is yet to be completed and admire the idyllic Palau Güell. Next, head to La Boqueria, one of the most popular food markets in Barcelona, and embark on a tour through the historic Gothic Quarter of Barrio Gótico. Otherwise, enjoy a relaxing day to explore, shop and soak up the sun on the beach. Tonight, join the Flamenco Show optional excursion for a buffet dinner and unlimited drinks!

Say goodbye to Barcelona and journey towards Avignon. Enjoy a stop in Sète on the way. Explore this French port town and its popular canals on an orientation walk before picking a place for lunch. Then, head to Pont du Gard, a centuries-old Roman aqueduct bridge used in the first century AD for transporting water to the Nemausus Roman colony. Next, journey to Avignon in the heart of Provence which used to be the epicentre of the Roman Catholic world. Tonight, choose to join the Evening in Avignon, including a three-course meal and drinks. Embark on a tour through town to explore the impressive sights, including Palais des Papes!

Today, take advantage of the opportunity to experience a highlight of this tour and France trips in general! Leave Avignon behind in exchange for French Riviera views en route to Nice. Then, journey to one of the world's most dazzling destinations. After arriving in Monaco this afternoon, enjoy time to explore with your tour leader. Admire must-see attractions like the Prince's Palace, Oceanography Museum, Cathedral of Monaco and the Casino de Monte-Carlo. Later, visit the French village of Eze and enjoy a workshop at the Fragonard perfume factory! Arrive in Nice and embark on an orientation tour of this stunning city’s top attractions, including the Promenade des Anglais.

Today, travel inland towards Italy. Be sure your cameras are charged and ready to capture the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa on a visit! Then, head to Florence. Embark on an orientation tour and learn more about the history of the city. Behold the landmarks that date back to the Renaissance and even as far as Roman times. Visit the Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, the Basilica of Santa Croce, the Florence Baptistry and Michelangelo’s David replica in the Palazzo della Signoria. After, why not enjoy an optional family-style meal of delicious Tuscan dishes? Thereafter, journey to the southern Tuscan hills where the tour touches down for the evening.

Head to the country's capital today. Upon arrival in Rome, enjoy a guided walking tour of the city and its incredible history, including its time as the focal point of the Roman Empire. Marvel at the must-see attractions, including the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. This evening, settle in for an included group dinner.

Spend today's free time exploring everything you wish! Rome has a lot to discover, including ancient ruins, historical landmarks, religious buildings and a vibrant atmosphere. Join the optional excursion to visit the iconic Colosseum and be transported back to a time of gladiators, chariots and lions filling the arena, as well as the Roman Forum. Alternatively, opt to visit the Vatican City, the world's smallest country and seat of the Pope. Once inside, marvel at the museums, see the Sistine Chapel and take in the splendour of the ornate buildings. Don’t miss out - be sure to book these excursions, or the Eternal Rome excursion which includes both guided tours, prior to the start of the tour.

The Tuscan town of Siena is today's first stop. Known for its delectable cuisine, fine wine, impressive art and medieval cityscape, Siena is also where the bi-annual Palio horse race is held. Next, travel through Italy towards Venice. This city is an icon of literature, film and art and is sure to captivate any visitor! From the age-old waterways and the masterful artworks to the fantastic food and rich culture, the "Floating City" of Venice is a masterpiece to explore. This evening, enjoy free time to unwind at the hotel or choose to join the optional water taxi cruise along the Venetian canals.

Enjoy a full free day to discover this memorable city at leisure. For the ultimate Venice experience, join the optional gondola ride! Then, experience more of the city's top attractions on the optional lagoon trip to the colourful islands of Murano and Burano. Here, enjoy glass-blowing and lace-making demonstrations as well as views of the vibrant houses! To experience an unforgettable day in Venice, join both of today's excursions!

Next up on this unforgettable trip is the Swiss Alps after crossing into Switzerland. En route to the evening's hotel, stop in the stunning Swiss city of Lucerne. Upon arrival, head out for an orientation tour before exploring with some free time. As the coach continues the climb to this evening's accommodation in the classic Swiss mountain region of Jungfrau, take in the breathtaking alpine views! This renowned destination serves as the perfect introduction to the magical Swiss mountains. This evening, enjoy an included dinner with the tour group and rest up for another exciting day of alpine exploration!

The Swiss Alps and all its splendour awaits today! The options are endless. Embark on the journey to the top of Europe by joining the Jungfraujoch optional excursion, heading all the way up to Europe's highest train station for a host of unmissable experiences! Marvel at the year-round views of impressive glaciers and snowy mountaintops, and visit the Ice Palace for plenty of photo opportunities. Back at lower altitudes, choose to join this evening's optional Swiss Fondue Dinner.

Leave the magical alpine views behind today as the journey continues to Germany. Marvel at the magnificent views as the coach departs Interlaken and heads towards the enchanting German Black Forest. The picturesque towns and impressive landscapes are truly something to behold! Stop at Lake Titisee for pictures and visit Triberg to pick a lunch spot. Behold the biggest cuckoo clock in the world before enjoying free time to explore Freudenstadt and its stunning market square upon arrival. This evening, rest up at the hotel in the Black Forest region and enjoy an included group dinner.

Journey towards the heart of Germany's Rhine Valley today. Enjoy a stop in Saint Goar and embark on a cruise vessel ride to Boppard with incredible scenery along the river. Marvel at the vibrant vineyards, captivating castles, impressive towers and lush forest along the riverbanks. Then, get a true taste of the Rhine Valley with a wine-tasting experience, including famous varietals like Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Finally, journey to the lively city of Amsterdam for an included group dinner.

Begin the day with an Amsterdam canal cruise! Enjoy this unique and memorable way to discover the city. For the rest of the day, explore Amsterdam as you wish! There are a variety of iconic experiences, such as visiting famous museums, going on a bike ride, relaxing at local cafes and strolling down the charming canals. Or, join the optional Dutch countryside tour and visit a nearby fishing village, Volendam, see the historic windmills of Zaanse Schans and enjoy demonstrations at a local cheese farm and clog factory. This evening, choose to join the Dutch Pancake Soiree for a memorable farewell.

This morning, the tour comes to a conclusion after 18 memorable days of exploring Europe. Have one last breakfast with your Europe Explorer family in Amsterdam. Before parting ways, remember to exchange contact details if you'd like to keep in touch or share travel memories and photos. Until we meet you on the European roads again!

Search Tours