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Expat Explore - Version: Wed Feb 12 2020 09:47:47 GMT+0200 (South Africa Standard Time) Page: 1/11
DAY 1: London - Amsterdam
Welcome to the Europe Jewel tour from Expat Explore! Leaving London behind us, make your way to Amsterdam, crossing the channel
on the way and driving through rural France and Belgium. Arriving in Amsterdam in the late afternoon, we’ll check in to our hotel
before joining a complimentary Amsterdam canal cruise! Get on board and have those cameras at the ready – this is the best way to
be introduced to Amsterdam, a city of the beautiful 17th Century architecture, and a charm all its own. Watch the city drift past as you
sail by, and listen out for tips and interesting insights into the city from your tour leader.
Experiences
Amsterdam Canal Cruise - Sail along Amsterdam's stunning canals at twilight and enjoy a delicious pizza as you cruise. A perfect
introduction to Amsterdam you will cruise along Amsterdam's atmospheric canals.
DAY 2: Amsterdam - Rhine Valley
Itinerary for Europe Jewel 2020/21 • Expat Explore
Start Point:
Outside Hotel Novotel at Greenwich station,
173-185 Greenwich High Road, London, SE10 8JA
06:30 hrs
Hotel lobby, Holiday Inn Express, Greenwich,
85 Bugsby Way, Greenwich, London, SE10 0GD
07:00 hrs
End Point:
Greenwich train station,
173-185 Greenwich High Road, London, SE10 8JA
14:00 hrs – 17:30 hrs
Included Meals
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation
Hampton by Hilton Schipol Airport
Holiday Inn Express Schipol Airport
Park Inn Plaza Amsterdam Airport
Crowne Plaza Amsterdam Schiphol
Lake land Hotel
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This morning we’ll take a look at a cheese-making demonstration, revealing how cheese has been made in the traditional way in these
parts for many years. Following that, we’ll learn about that most quirky of Dutch footwear choices – the clog – and see how these
traditional shoes are carved. Stopping off at the Riekermolen windmill for a photo stop, you’ll be able to appreciate the scenery that
the Netherlands is famous for. If the season is right, look out for flowers in the fields! Continuing on to the Rhine Valley, we’ll board a
Rhine Valley riverboat and sail from St Goar to Boppard. Admire the passing scenery - with the highest concentration of medieval
castles in all of Europe, this is a memorable trip, especially with all the vineyards, cliff faces and medieval German towns! Later we will
visit a local wine merchant for an included wine tasting - if the harvest has been good, you may even get to try eiswein (ice wine), a
very sweet dessert wine that is produced in very small quantities as it can only be harvested when the temperature drops below
freezing.
Experiences
Cruise down the Rhine and see the beautiful scenery and the largest concentration of gothic castles (Sterrenberg, Liebestein, Katz
and Fortess Rheinfels).
Rhine Valley Wine Tasting: visit a local wine merchant in one of Germany's most famous wine growing regions, and sample several
types of delicious German wine. Popular varieties from the surrounding area and neighbouring regions include Riesling,
Spätburgunder and Pinot Noir. The region is also well-known for eiswein (ice wine), a very sweet dessert wine made from grapes
harvested in the freezing winter months.
DAY 3: Nuremberg - Prague
Included Meals
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
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Today we’re off to Prague via Nuremberg, stopping in the Bavarian city for a comfort stop. Having served as a residence for German
kings over many centuries, Nuremberg was an architectural marvel, and famous for its artists too. Heavily bombed during WW2, the
city was painstakingly rebuilt, and today has been returned to some of its former glory – many buildings being rebuilt in the original
stone. Arriving later in Prague, you'll discover a beautiful city, boasting elaborate baroque, gothic, art nouveau and cubist architecture,
and one that rewards those who explore it with quirky bars, cobbled lanes and courtyards. This evening we'll experience authentic
Czech cuisine at a local restaurant.
Optional Excursions
Traditional Czech Folk Music & Dance Evening: € 40
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 4: Prague
This morning a local guide will take you on a walking tour of the city, introducing you to the most popular and well-known sights,
including the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, St. Vitus Cathedral and Charles Bridge. You then have the rest of the day free to
explore the city. Described by some as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Central Europe, you’ll find that Prague is just as beautiful as Rome,
Included Meals
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation
Hotel Duo
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London and Amsterdam. Start off with the Charles Bridge, which joins the old and the new town, and marvel at how Prague’s dramatic
history is reflected in the beauty of its churches, opera houses, concert halls and of course Prague castle.
Optional Excursions
Traditional Czech Folk Music & Dance Evening: € 40
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 5: Prague - Bratislava - Vienna
Today we're moving on to the Slovakian capital, Bratislava! Surrounded by mountains, vineyards, ski runs and unbridled wilderness.
Bratislava is a charming city. Spot a medieval castle overlooking the old town. Marvel at recent Socialist-era architecture. Next stop,
the beautiful Austrian city of Vienna. A guided walking tour of the UNESCO-credited city centre. See sights like the Hofburg Palace and
St Stephen’s Cathedral. Dinner is included and you could enjoy an orchestra performance. What could be better than experiencing
music in one of the city's concert halls?
Experiences
Walking tour of Vienna: on the drive into Vienna, Austria’s capital city, you will see the Schonbrunn Palace before reaching the Inner
City and one of the best vistas from Belvedere Hill. Vienna is known as the 'City of Music’ due to its classical heritage and the
prodigies that worked there including Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Brahms to name a few as your local guide on your walking
tour will tell you. The tour starts at the Golden Mile on the Ring Strasse (Parliament, City Hall, Burgtheater). Then discover the
courtyards and passages around the Hofburg (Imperial Castle) and St. Stephen’s Cathedral which is Vienna’s geographic and historic
centre.
Optional Excursions
Included Meals
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation
Hotel Duo
Included Meals
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation
Roomz Hotel Vienna
Lenas Donau Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott Wien Schönbrunn
Jufa Hotel Wien
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Mozart Concert: € 65
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 6: Vienna - Budapest
Wave Vienna goodbye as we make our way to the striking Hungarian capital of Budapest. Sitting astride the Danube River, this scenic
city is known for its singular mix of Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture. A driving tour will allow you to see it in all its
splendour as we make our way through the city. The trip will start on the Buda side of the river, and include excursions to
Fisherman's Bastion, glimpses of the Houses of Parliament & more. This afternoon you have the freedom to explore however you
please.
Experiences
Meet up with a local guide who will accompany us on a driving tour of the city and point out all the best-loved sights. This is a great
way to learn more about Hungarian culture and language and the city's fascinating history. Drink in incredible views from atop Gellert
Hill and the Citadel, take a stop at Heroes Square and get an eyeful of other must-see attractions like Budapest Parliament, St
Stephen's Basilica, the state opera, the castle district, and more.
Optional Excursions
Danube Dinner Cruise: € 52
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 7: Budapest - Lake Balaton - Ljubljana
Included Meals
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation
Ibis Styles Budapest City
Ibis Budapest Centrum
Holiday Inn Budapest-Budaors
IBIS Budapest Citysouth
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Leaving Budapest, to an iconic holiday destination in Hungary - the beautiful Lake Balaton. Nearly 200km of coastline, it is the largest
lake in central Europe. It's a great place to take a dip on a hot summer day. Then on to our final stop of the day, the Slovenian capital
Ljubljana. It's filled to the brim with fairy-tale castles, beautiful architecture and plenty of natural beauty. An expert local guide will
accompany us on a walking tour to point out all the must-see attractions.
Experiences
Stop along the shoreline of the beautiful Lake Balaton, where local Hungarians spend happy summer holidays. Take a few pictures of
the spellbinding landscape for your collection.
Optional Excursions
Slovenian Evening: € 35
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 8: Ljubljana - Venice
Included Meals
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation
Hotel Park Ljubljana
M Hotel
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Venice is our next stop, a city immortalised in literature, film and art for centuries. Its timeless waterways and artistic masterpieces
(more per square kilometre than anywhere else on earth) make it truly unique – this is a city that will capture your heart and
imagination. Being Italian, there’s no shortage of incredible food and culture either! Your tour leader will introduce you to the city
with an orientation walk, during which you'll see sights like the world famous St Marks Square, Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. The
rest of the afternoon is yours to explore this unforgettable city on your own - don't miss the opportunity to take a gondola and water
taxi to explore Venice from the water.
Experiences
Orientation tour of Venice: your tour leader will take you into the heart of this unique floating city for an orientation to help you
explore and see St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Museum, Campanile, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Market and Scuola Grande
di San Rocco.
Optional Excursions
Trip T-shirt or Hoodie: € 21-32
Venice Gondola Ride: € 20
Venice Water Taxi: € 20
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 9: Florence - Tuscany
Travel through the magical hills as you head for Florence, capital of the Tuscan region. Start exploring with a short orientation tour of
the most iconic and historical landmarks of the city. These include the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della
Signoria and the replica of the statue of David. After the tour, visit a local leather factory shop to find out more about Italy’s famous
leather industry. Explore the city at your leisure, and then make your way to the Tuscan countryside, where you’ll spend the night. A
delicious Tuscan dinner is included tonight.
Experiences
Orientation tour of Florence: 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.
Included Meals
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation
Elite Residence Hotel
NH Laguna Palace
Hotel Complex Ambasciatori & Delfino
Hotel Venezia
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Leather demo in a local shop: 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 production for centuries.
Optional Excursions
Medici's and the Renaissance walking tour: € 10
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 10: Pisa - Swiss Alps
Departing Tuscany, we make for one of the world’s most famous buildings. This is also definitely a place where you’ll want to have
your camera charged – Pisa! Learn the story behind the leaning tower, and be sure to take some photos! It’s time to cross over to the
Alps. Is there a better way to enjoy the magic of Switzerland than staying in a typical Swiss Alpine town? Take in the beauty of the
snow-capped mountains and the greenery around you.
Experiences
View the Leaning Tower of Pisa: your chance to see the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, or even take some iconic pictures of you
‘holding up’ the tower.
Scenic Mountain Drive: spectacular views as we drive through mountain passes and alongside lakes, breath-taking mountain vistas
and scenic views of quaint Swiss towns.
Optional Excursions
Train to Jungfraujoch: € 175
Included Meals
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation
Hotel Massimo d'Azeglio
Hotel Meridiana Florence
Included Meals
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation
Alpenrose Hotel & Gardens
Swiss Youth Hostel Interlaken
Hotel Baren Ringgenberg
Hotel Schonbhul
Hotel City Oberland
Das Hotel Sherlock Holmes
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Swiss Dinner: € 25
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 11: Swiss Alps: Free Day
The splendour of the Alps is yours today – don’t miss the chance to join one of our optional excursions up into the heart of the Swiss
Alps! Travelling by train or gondola, 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. Once we’ve reached the top, enjoy the year-round snow and breathtaking views of the
surrounding glaciers and mountaintops. Once you’ve had a chance to explore and capture as many photos as possible, it’s back down
to lower altitudes for the rest of the afternoon. Take the chance to head into a nearby village to see the lakes of the region, shop for
chocolates and cuckoo clocks, or have a delicious fondue!
Optional Excursions
Train to Jungfraujoch: € 175
White-Water River Rafting: € 108
Sky-diving: € 345
Paragliding: € 155
Swiss Dinner: € 25
Swiss Alps Mountain Experience: € various
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 12: Swiss Alps - Paris
Included Meals
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation
Alpenrose Hotel & Gardens
Swiss Youth Hostel Interlaken
Hotel Baren Ringgenberg
Hotel Schonbhul
Hotel City Oberland
Das Hotel Sherlock Holmes
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It’s an early start today as we make our way out of the mountains and make for the city of lights and love: Paris! Arriving in the
afternoon, we'll take you on a driving tour of the French capital; get your cameras ready – you’ll be seeing some of the city’s most
treasured landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe! After the driving tour 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
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 13: Paris: Free Day
Today is all yours to explore as you wish. Take an optional cruise up the River Seine, head up the tower of Montparnasse for exquisite
views, visit L’Opéra Garnier, the Tuileries Gardens, Place de la Concorde, Hotel de Ville, the River Seine, l’Ile de la Cite or the Louvre
Museum. Get a glimpse of that most famous avenue, the Champs Elysees, overlooked by the famous Arc de Triomphe. Alternatively,
Included Meals
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation
Ibis la Defense
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
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why not head to the boutiques of La Marais? Or visit the graves of Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison at Père Lachaise Cemetery? Those
with a taste for the macabre can even descend to the infamous catacombs! Alternatively, stay above ground and explore the
museums, people-watch from a roadside café, or simply stroll the city, following in the footsteps of great painters, musicians and
writers.
Optional Excursions
River Seine Cruise: € 12
Cabaret Show: € 70-90
Montparnasse Observation Deck: € 15
Paris + Tour: € 50
An Evening in Montmartre: € 40
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 14: Return To London
It’s our last day already! Today we leave the mainland and cross the Channel on our way back to London. Be sure to swap details with
your fellow travellers – we hope you’ve loved every minute of your Europe Jewel adventure!
Experiences
You arrive back in London late afternoon - by this point you will have enjoyed 14 incredible days exploring the very best of Europe!
Included Meals
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation
Ibis la Defense
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
Included Meals
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
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