Visiting 5 countries: France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Netherlands
Topdecker, meet Europe. With so much to experience in this memorable introduction, we think you’re bound to hit it off. Take in all the major highlights of this fabulous continent (as well as some tucked-away gems), and discover why countries like France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Netherlands and Belgium are featured on everyone’s Pinterest boards. The perfect trip for those who are big on ambition but short on time, the Europe Express will have you ticking off bucket list items faster than you can say, “Group selfie!”. Let’s go!
Bucket List Inclusions
- Paris gourmet picnic beside the Eiffel Tower
- Dutch cheese & clogs demonstration
- Vaporetto ride on Grand Canal, Venice
- Visit former concentration camp Dachau
- Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam
- Stay in the Rhine Valley castle region
- Paris city driving tour
More Inclusions
- 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners
- 6 nights in hostels & 4 nights in bungalows at European campsites
- English Channel crossing
- Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi
- Guided tours of all major cities
- Awesome Trip Leader + Driver + On-Site Chefs
Group Size
Maximum 48
Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi, including power points for charging electronics.
Start/Finish Times
Start time:
Meet at 6am in London (or 5pm in Paris)
Finish time:
Approximately 9pm in London
[learn_more caption=”Itinerary – Click here”]
Day 1: London, England to Paris, France
All good things start with Paris. Meet the crew, grab some supplies and hit the road early in the morning as we jump across the English Channel to Paris. Pinch yourself and Instagram your first selfie over dinner before we kick off the trip with a guided tour of the City of Lights with your Trip Leader. Home to Coco Chanel, the Eiffel Tower and the Mona Lisa, Paris has more than earned its reputation as the European capital for all things culture, fashion and food. Tonight, find out why.
Included today:
-Paris city driving tour
Meals:
-Dinner
Day 2: Paris
This morning: free time en Francais. From canaltaronja.cat the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay to the l’Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysées, you’ll be sure to make a solid dent in your bucket list. Hop on an optional bike tour of Paris or roam the streets on your own before our gourmet picnic at the Eiffel Tower. End your day with an optional Seine River cruise or a #throwback bohemian cabaret show.
Included today:
-Gourmet picnic by the Eiffel Tower
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Paris bicycle tour
-Seine River cruise
-Traditional cabaret show
Day 3: Paris to Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Trade in Parisian streets for snowy peaks. Home to the highest point in Europe, 72 waterfalls and one of the largest nature conservations in Switzerland, Lauterbrunnen is obviously where we’re spending the night. Urban charm ain’t got nothing on Swiss scenery. Upon arrival, chow down on Swiss cuisine and hit the bar for a nightcap.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Day 4: Swiss Alps
Scenic hikes and jaw-dropping views are on today’s agenda. Go low key with a mountain walk or hop on board the Jungfraubahn railway for an optional visit to the Jungfrau Mountain summit. Expect fairytale villages en route and sky-diving out of a helicopter upon arrival (if heights don’t scare you). Another local feast awaits your return, regardless of how you make your way back down.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Jungfrau excursion
-Helicopter ride
-Skydiving
Day 5: Swiss Alps to Venice, Italy
Time to yodel your way down the mountains and into the land of the long boot to say ciao to Venice. Check out our accommodation, have an Eat Pray Love-worthy relationship with an irresistible Italian (meal) and get pumped for living out your own version of The Italian Job tomorrow.
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
-Dinner
Day 6: Venice
You know it as the floating city, but this place is actually sinking (slowly). Check out St. Mark’s Square, Accademia Bridge and a who’s who of the city’s usual suspects on a guided walking tour, then jump on a vaporetto and explore the Grand Canal. Also on the schedule: an optional gondola ride through the maze of marble bridges and gelato shops we call Venice. Throw away your map in the afternoon and try to find the world’s most epic little bookshop, Libreria Acqua Alta, or just go on a mission to find the perfect gelato.
Included today:
-Walking tour of Venice
-Vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Gondola ride on the Grand Canal
Day 7: Venice to Munich, Germany
It’s time to get to know the city where beer is officially considered a food. Your Trip Leader will clue you up on the Bavarian capital on a walking tour. Slide on your Lederhosen and have a royal Happy Hour experience (none of that craft beer nonsense here) at the 426-year- old Hofbräuhaus – the recipes here were passed down from Wilhelm V, the Duke of Bavaria.
Included today:
-Walking tour of Munich
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Lunch
Day 8: Munich to Rhine Valley
Medieval castles, vineyards and the mighty Rhine River are all up next today. Breathe in as we weave our way through narrow cobblestone streets and tunnels, then give Queen B a run for her money with your own 12th-century castle quarters. Besides its obvious appeal (fairytale views over the Rhine, anyone?) half of Germany’s wine comes from here. Shame not to try some.
Included today:
-Rhine Valley River Cruise
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Rhine Valley River cruise
Day 9: Rhine Valley to Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amster-DAM it’s going to be a good day! Start dreaming of cheese, clogs and cheeky cafe stops as we roll through tulip and windmill dotted fields to Amsterdam. Learn how cheddar and the chunky wooden shoes are made, and then get your bearings on a walking tour of the vibrant capital. End the night with a cone of hot chips with mayo. Mmm.
Included today:
-Walking tour of Amsterdam
-Steins and Cuckoos demonstration
-Dutch cheese and clogs demonstration
Meals:
-Breakfast
Day 10: Amsterdam
Join the 881,000 bicycles and get local on a city bike tour of Amsterdam’s iconic canals, bridges and parks. Culture fiends, delve deeper with a visit to the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh or Rijksmuseum. Still thirsty for more? Check out the Heineken Experience for an interactive visit and tasting at the brewery. Top it off with a dinner cruise on the canal.
Included today:
-Canal dinner cruise
Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner
Optional activities:
-Bicycle tour of Amsterdam
Day 11: Amsterdam to London, England
After all the Amster-damage has been done and dusted, it’s time to hit the road and make tracks to ol’ Blighty. Soak up all the happy group vibes you can possibly handle – this is your last coach ride with the gang. #sadface.
Meals:
-Breakfast
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