Itinerary for Best of Western Europe • Expat Explore End Point · highlights, including the Royal Park, the Old Royal Naval College and the Cutty Sark tea clipper sailing ship

Expat Explore - Version: Mon Jul 13 2020 09:34:47 GMT+0200 (South Africa Standard Time) Page: 1/9

DAY 1: Arrive in London

Meet your Expat Explore tour leader at the starting hotel. This afternoon, head out to explore the Royal Borough of Greenwich. As part

of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a must-see with many historical buildings and gardens. We’ll wander through the historic

Greenwich docklands, past the Old Royal Naval College and the famous Cutty Sark ship, before enjoying an included welcome dinner

together in a traditional British pub.

Experiences

Orientation tour of Greenwich: Embark on an orientation tour of this historic area in the Royal Borough. Greenwich is world-famous

as the location of the Prime Meridian, where the designation GMT began, and on which all world times are based. It also has historic

links with the British Royal Family going back to the 15th century when King Henry VIII was born there. Your tour leader will introduce

you to some of the highlights, including the Royal Park, the Old Royal Naval College and the Cutty Sark tea clipper sailing ship and

we’ll hop on board a boat to see more of the area.

Dinner in a traditional British pub: Tonight we will enjoy an included welcome dinner at a historic local pub, where you can try typical

British dishes like fish & chips, bangers and mash (sausages and mashed potato) or a seasonal vegetarian dish.

DAY 2: London - Paris

Itinerary for Best of Western Europe • Expat Explore

Start Point:

ibis London Greenwich,

30 Stockwell St, Greenwich, London SE10 9JN, United Kingdom

15:00-17:00 hrs

End Point:

Rome,

Please contact us

11:00 hrs

Included Meals

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:

Accommodation

Hotel ibis Styles London Excel

ibis London Greenwich


Departing London, you will cross the English Channel and travel on to 'The City of Lights and Love' - Paris! Your experienced tour

leader will introduce you to all the key Parisian sites on a relaxing coach tour of the city. Keep an eye out for such iconic landmarks as

the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre and Notre Dame - take a mental note of what you wish to explore more further on your free day. This

evening we'll enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the Latin Quarter, an eclectic, bohemian and historic neighbourhood. We'll then travel

back to the hotel on Paris' world-famous metro system, ready to explore the city further on our free day tomorrow!

Experiences

Driving tour of Paris: Enjoy a driving tour upon arrival - spot the Tuileries Gardens, The River Seine, l'Île de la Cité, the Louvre

Museum, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Lovers Bridge, Sacre Coeur, Montmartre, Pigalle (the Red Light District) and the Moulin Rouge!

DAY 3: Paris: Free Day

Enjoy a full free day to explore the French capital to your heart’s content! The Seine River is the backbone of the capital, and flows

through the heart of the city. Why not choose a cruise, and sail past the grandeur of the gothic Notre Dame cathedral, to the epic

Eiffel Tower? Paris Disneyland is perfect for the ‘young at heart’, and is only a short distance away. Your Expat Explore tour leader is

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel ibis Paris La Défense Centre

B&B Porte Des Lilas

B&B Paris Malakof

Ibis Paris La Villette Cité des Sciences

B&B Paris Italie Porte de Choisy

B&B Hôtel Orly Chevilly


brimming with ideas and local knowledge so that you can get the best out of your time here.

Optional Excursions

River Seine Cruise: € 12

Cabaret Show: € 70-90

Montparnasse Observation Deck: € 15

Paris + Tour: € 50

An Evening in Montmartre: € 50

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

DAY 4: Champagne region - Luxembourg - Heidelberg

This morning we’ll depart Paris and head east to our first stop in the champagne region, where we’ll enjoy a tasting of one of France’s

most famous and highly prized exports - champagne! We’ll then continue our journey on to Luxembourg, where you’ll have some free

time to explore the capital of one of Europe’s smallest countries; Luxembourg City features a charming Unesco-listed centre with

plenty of restaurants and cafés. Our final destination of the day is Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town which is renowned

for its Altstadt (old town), ruined Renaissance hilltop castle and romantic riverside cityscape. Your tour leader will take you on an

orientation tour of the city centre and give you some free time to explore the old town before we meet back up for dinner.

Experiences

Champagne Tasting in Reims: Savour the taste of one of France’s most important exports - champagne. Admire the bubbles and the

color of this highly-prized wine.

Take a short stop in Luxembourg City: You may wish to view the spectacular Renaissance architecture of the Grand Ducal Palace or

have an early lunch in Luxembourg’s central square, Place d’Armes, with its numerous cafes and restaurants. Luxembourg also offers

excellent shopping opportunities from modern high-end fashion stores to traditional boutiques.

Orientation tour of Heidelberg: Your tour leader will take you on an orientation tour of Heidelberg’s Altstadt (old town), a medieval

town with cobblestoned roads and infectious charm. See the ruined Renaissance hilltop castle and romantic riverside cityscape.

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel ibis Paris La Défense Centre

B&B Porte Des Lilas

B&B Paris Malakof

Ibis Paris La Villette Cité des Sciences

B&B Paris Italie Porte de Choisy

B&B Hôtel Orly Chevilly


DAY 5: Black Forest - Lake Titisee - Rhine Falls - Lucerne region

This morning we head into the heart of Germany’s Schwarzwald (Black Forest), home of delicious Black Forest gâteau, cuckoo clocks

and Hansel and Gretel! For those travellers wishing to buy an authentic German cuckoo clock, we’ll make a quick stop at a local family

business in the heart of the forest. Arriving on the shores of Lake Titisee, you’ll have some free time to explore the spa town of Titisee

and grab some lunch. We’ll then cross into Switzerland and stop off at the stunning Rhine Falls, the largest plain waterfall in Europe.

You’ll have some time to explore, with the option to take a boat ride on the falls. On arrival in Lucerne your tour leader will give you a

quick orientation tour to introduce you to the city, before we travel on to our accommodation.

Experiences

Explore Germany’s Schwarzwald: Stop off at a family owned cuckoo clock centre in the heart of the Black Forest, the perfect

opportunity to pick up a souvenir and shop for Swiss and German brands like Swarovski, Victorinox and Goebel, and have a cup of

coffee with a slice of Black Forest gâteau cake.

Stop for lunch in Titisee: Enjoy some free time to explore the historic centre of the Titisee spa town on the shore of Lake Titisee, and

grab some lunch from one of the many cafés and restaurants.

Experience the Rhine Falls: Enjoy some free time to experience the dramatic Rhine Falls in northern Switzerland and take in views of

Wörth Castle. An optional boat ride is offered which will take you into the falls and allow you to climb onto Rheinfallfelsen, the large

rock at its heart.

Orientation walk of Lucerne city centre: Your tour leader will walk you through the centre of Lucerne and point out some of the

highlights you can explore further on your free day tomorrow, such as the Lion Monument, Church of St Leodegar and the famous

Chapel Bridge.

Optional Excursions

Rhine Falls Cruise: CHF 18

Included Meals


Accommodation

B&B Hotel Heidelberg

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel Restaurant Burestadl Buochs



DAY 6: Lucerne: Free Day

Today you’ll have a free day to enjoy the Lucerne region. Renowned as one of Switzerland's most beautiful cities, Lucerne is one place

you'll definitely want to have your camera at the ready for! All the ingredients for the quintessentially picturesque Swiss experience

are here - a cobalt lake and well-preserved old town complete with waterfront promenades, covered bridges and perfect plazas are

surrounded by the natural skyscrapers of the Swiss Alps. It's really no wonder that Goethe, Queen Victoria and Wagner savoured the

stunning views that Lucerne has to offer. There's charm and grace around every corner, but it's not all about history - there's certainly

enough of a pulse here to keep things current, with carnivals, concerts and exhibitions aplenty.

Optional Excursions

Panorama Cable Car/Cogwheel Railway to Mount Pilatus: € 80

Lake Lucerne panoramic cruise: € 20


DAY 7: Liechtenstein - Neuschwanstein Castle - Innsbruck

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel Restaurant Burestadl Buochs


Four countries in one day! Our first stop is the Alpine principality of Liechtenstein, the sixth smallest nation in the world. Stopping in

the capital Vaduz, we'll have some time to stroll around and enjoy the scenery. We’ll then visit Neuschwanstein Castle, a 19th Century

German hilltop castle built by Ludwig II of Bavaria, and the inspiration for the famous Disneyland castle. Entrance to the castle is

included in the tour package price. Our final destination of the day in Innsbruck, Austria. Home to Austria's third-largest student

population, there's no shortage of vibrant bars and beer gardens to enjoy.

Experiences

Comfort Stop in Vaduz: Visit Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein: This tiny country may only be the size of Manhattan, but it's

skyscrapers of a different kind that dominate the skyline!

Explore the famous Neuschwanstein Castle: You'll enter the incredible Neuschwanstein Castle interior and enjoy a tour of this

magical structure! This incredible castle looks like it's straight out of a fairy tale - which incidentally isn't far from the truth:

Neuschwanstein Castle served as the inspiration for the famous Disneyland castle.

Orientation tour of Innsbruck: This historic German city is famous not only as the birthplace of Albert Einstein, but also for having

the tallest church steeple in the world! Your leader will introduce you to a few of the highlights of this city, and then give you free

time to explore further.

Optional Excursions

Tyrol Folk Evening & Dinner: € 45


DAY 8: Modena - Siena

Included Meals



This morning we head south into Italy. One of the most visited destinations in the world, Italy serves up centuries of incredible

history, rich culture and, of course, fantastic food! As we make our way to Siena we'll stop in Modena, where you'll enjoy a tasting of

balsamic vinegar. Arriving in Siena this afternoon, your tour leader will take you on a short orientation tour of the historic city centre,

and you'll then have some free time to take photos and explore.

Experiences

Taste traditional balsamic vinegar in Modena: Enjoy a taste of traditional balsamic vinegar in Modena, which has been produced in

Modena and Reggio Emilia since the 11th century.

DAY 9: Pisa - Florence - Siena

Visit and explore two of the undoubted highlights of the Tuscan region: Pisa and Florence! The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the first stop.

It’s a classic sight in Italy that is more than 800 years old. Take a moment to explore the grounds and get that essential travel selfie

with the tower. Afterwards, travel through the countryside to Florence, the capital of this region. Take an orientation walking tour of

the city to explore its many iconic sights. These include the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria

Included Meals


Accommodation

Four Points by Sheraton Siena

Hotel Minerva Siena


and the replica of the statue of David. Then head to a genuine Italian leather factory and shop. Italian leather brands have dominated

the fashion world for centuries and the quality of handmade leatherware in Tuscany is something to behold. Spend some time over

lunch exploring the city at your leisure before returning to Siena.

Experiences

Explore the site of the famous leaning tower of Pisa – a true classic and a must-see on any tour visiting Italy.

The capital of the Tuscany region of Italy, Florence is considered to be the birthplace of the Renaissance. Your Expat Explore tour

leader will take you on an orientation tour to introduce you to the main sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte

Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and the replica statue of David.

Step inside the world of Italian leather crafting as you visit a leather demo in a local leather shop and factory, Leonardo Leather and

Gold. Italy has been famous for leather productions for centuries. One of the manufacturing areas in Italy where the most locally-

produced quality handmade leatherware is made in Tuscany. The workshop and showrooms we visit offer a variety of leather

products made in the true Florentine tradition of Italian design and workmanship.

Optional Excursions

Taste of Tuscany: € 35


DAY 10: End of tour in Rome

Your tour today finishes upon arrival in Rome; make sure that you have swapped numbers with your fellow travellers, before you part

ways!

This tour includes no Rome hotel accommodation and forms the first half of the full-length Best of Europe 22-day tour, which starts

and finishes in London - click here (https://expatexplore.com/tours/best-of-europe-tour/) to see the full tour. There is an optional

post-tour add-on to extend the Best of Western Europe tour with a 2-night post-tour stay in Rome - please see the 'Optional

Excursions' tab in our Help Section (https://expatexplore.com/tours-help/?t=16657) for more information.

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel Siena Degli Ulivi

Hotel Minerva Siena

Included Meals


https://expatexplore.com/tours/best-of-europe-tour/

https://expatexplore.com/tours-help/?t=16657


Optional Excursions

Rome Add-on: € 189


Documents

Itinerary for Best of Western Europe • Expat Explore End Point · highlights, including the Royal Park, the Old Royal Naval College and the Cutty Sark tea clipper sailing ship