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Europe Taster Christmas

7 days
Start and end in London
4.4
19 traveler reviews
Europe Taster Christmas - Expat Explore Travel
From
$2,570
-46%
US $1,395
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Plan your adventure:
Tour Operator:
Expat Explore Travel
Max group size:
51
Age range:
10 to 90
Operated in:
English
Tour id:
68595
Personalize:
Customize an existing itinerary or create your own.
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Enjoy a white Christmas in the snowy Swiss Alps
  • Explore Paris with a full free day
  • Visit the beautiful Rhine Valley in Germany
  • Cruise through Amsterdam’s iconic canals and see the festive sights

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 London - Paris
  2. Day 2 Paris: Free Day
  3. Day 3 Burgundy - Swiss Alps (Christmas Eve)
  4. Day 4 Swiss Alps: Free Day (Christmas Day)
  5. Day 5 Swiss Alps - Rhine Valley
  6. Day 6 Rhine Valley - Amsterdam
  7. Day 7 Bruges - London
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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Customer Photos

Number of tours

91

Age Range

10 to 80 years old

Response time

8 hours

Response rate

80%

Expat Explore is one of the industry’s leading coach tour operators. Their core mission is #TravelMadePossible - to make travel fun, convenient and affordable for travellers from all over the world. They offer a selection of more than 60 itineraries that explore destinations across Europe, North...

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Sustainability Initiatives

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Overall Rating
    Excellent
    4.4
  • Itinerary
    Excellent
    4.3
  • Guide
    Excellent
    4.5
  • Transport
    Excellent
    4.6
  • Accommodation
    Excellent
    4.1
  • Food
    Excellent
    4.1
  • 4.4
  • Most Recent
  • Most Popular
  • Highest First
  • Lowest First
  • Europe Taster Christmas reviewer 1
    · September 30th, 2024
    About two weeks of tour for 11countries.! Althought schedule is tight but really enjoy it!
    Europe Taster Christmas customer review photo 1
    Trip date: December 2023
  • MB
    · January 2nd, 2024
    Best tour so far even though it’s only 7 days and fast pace. Firo our tour guide is very knowledgeable and genuine in his dealings with the group. He tries his best to have a Chinese app to help interpret a non English speaking traveler which is very difficult when you travel solo and doesn’t speak English. Ivo , our tour bus driver is excellent in maneuvering tight street corners safely and very pleasant and kept everyone feel safe during long drives. I would give this tour and team Firo and Ivo a 5 star.
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    Expat Explore Travel commented on this review
    Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We're thrilled that the tour, was such a positive one for you. It's great to hear that Firo's knowledge and efforts enhanced your trip. We're grateful for your 5-star rating and we look forward to welcoming... Show more
    Trip date: December 2023
  • Europe Taster Christmas reviewer 3
    · December 30th, 2023
    This is more like regular taster! NOT Europe Christmas taster AND most of the time on this tour on the coach (We spent 3 days on the bus…. Didn’t see much!! I like Germany but (we on the bus more than half a day… as soon as we get there. Time to move on to next country)…. I’m not enjoy this tour……..
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    Expat Explore Travel commented on this review
    Thank you for your feedback about our tour. Please note that as a coach tour operator, our tours involve a significant amount of travel by coach as we move between different destinations. We understand that this might not be everyone's preferred way of... Show more
    Trip date: December 2023
  • OH
    · January 8th, 2023
    Great experiences, Switzerland was my highlight. This trip should just be a Paris, Switzerland and Amsterdam tour. The rest are not needed and was just a waste of time and days. This wasn’t a Christmas experience but a trip over Christmas. In the future I would recommend a more festive celebration on the day of Christmas such as decorations and even a Christmas popper ????‍♂️ On the table and a more celebratory vibes. Prepare to spend over £500 to enjoy this “drive” across Europe. Hotels were good standards Very single beds great showers. Paris had thin walls. Beware of snorers ????‍♂️ Drive was fine but ensure you use the rest stop and use the facilities before you leave your hotels. Tour guide seemed fed up but I wasn’t there to feed off others energy. The bus seating rotation was a shambles. Make a rule and stick to it!! Didn’t affect me but caused a couple bickering. At the end of it I’ve been everywhere man!
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    Europe Taster Christmas customer review photo 1Europe Taster Christmas customer review photo 2Europe Taster Christmas customer review photo 3Europe Taster Christmas customer review photo 4Europe Taster Christmas customer review photo 5Europe Taster Christmas customer review photo 6
    Trip date: December 2022
  • PT
    · January 3rd, 2023
    Fantastic! This trip is perfect if you know what you’re getting into. You don’t sleep much because you will see so much and travel every day during the tour. If you have the mindset that you will be seeing a lot of Europe in a short amount of time, this is amazing. If you plan on taking this tour to relax and unwind, it’s not going to be for you. Having said all that, my wife and I really enjoyed our time with Expat and our tour family we met along the way. The food, places you see, and experience is once in a lifetime. I will be doing this again!
    Show more
    Trip date: November 2022
  • KY
    · January 1st, 2023
    An enjoyable tour. Well organised and coordinated. Very friendly and knowledgeble tour guide. Truly a memorable trip. Well done!
    Trip date: December 2022
  • SM
    · December 29th, 2019
    Our family loved it! Our kids are older (24,22 and 15) and could keep up well. It would be hard for younger kids or older people. We are active but everyone was worn out by the time it was over. If you can’t live on 5-6 hours of sleep each night you might second guess. (You can sleep on the bus though). But if you want to see the most in the least amount of time, this is your tour! Carly, our tour guide, was amazing and kept us all on time and organized. We could not have done this without her. For the price, you can’t beat it! We will do another xpat explore tour.
    Show more
    Trip date: December 2019
  • AC
    · January 8th, 2019
    Fabulous tour of extremely good value. We had a wonderful time and could not rate this Expat Tour more highly. Thank you for an outstanding experience which was amazing in every way.
    Europe Taster Christmas customer review photo 1Europe Taster Christmas customer review photo 2Europe Taster Christmas customer review photo 3Europe Taster Christmas customer review photo 4Europe Taster Christmas customer review photo 5
    Trip date: December 2018
  • RM
    · January 25th, 2018
    The Christmas Europe Taster tour took us to 5 countries plus London where we were picked up (but no tour of London was given). The destinations were all good, especially since we had never been to Europe previously, and covered all the things for each country was most known. There is not a lot of free time to explore on your own except for some time in Paris and in Switzerland - so be sure to research what you can do besides the optional tours provided by ExPat on those days. Our tour leader (not "guide" and there is a big difference between these terms) gave general direction but if you are unfamiliar with the area and do not speak the language, you are at a disadvantage. Since it was our first time to Europe, we took the optional ExPat tours. Throughout the tour the tour leader gave us 20 minutes here, 30 minutes there, 10 minutes somewhere else, or even just 5 minutes. This allowed for picture-taking but not for exploring. Also, when we had 20 or 30 minutes before having to be back on the coach, the attractions were not open yet so all we could do was walk around the outside and take photos. We were not able to get the full experience of going inside due to the way the coach travel time/"free time" was planned. On the ExPat/Tour Radar website description of the Christmas Europe Taster tour, it says you can ski on the Swiss Alps on Christmas Day and lists an afternoon package for beginner skiers with lessons. We had planned to do this (planned cash and clothes for this optional activity) and were really looking forward to it. Once we were in the coach on the way to Switzerland we were informed this activity was not available because the instructors were off work on Christmas Day. A big disappointment. ExPat should have known the instructors were not working on Christmas Day, so it seemed like a "bait and switch." On top of this, the other optional tour was signifcantly more expensive and had to be paid in CASH, for which we were unprepared. We were not informed of this prior to the trip so had to use our credit and debit card to withdraw money. In Switzerland, the optional tour was 185 Swiss Francs each, which was approximately $200 USD ($400 total). Our bank limits cash withdrawal to $200/day, so we then had to exchange the American money we brought as a back-up in order to have enough for the tour. This left us short on cash for the remainder of the trip. The coach was average, but not as plush as American coaches: little leg room (especially on the side with the restroom - if you are tall, sit on the opposite side), no screens at each seat and the seat cushions were like that of a school bus rather than a coach. Seats did recline about the same amount that airplane seats recline. Not very comfortable for the amount of time spent on the coach. The accommodations were one step above camping in a tent. All of the rooms had twin beds and barely enough room to walk around the beds. Only one towel each was provided in most hotels, with no handtowels or washcloths. We chose this tour based on the number of countries visited during Christmas week. We were pleased with the ability to visit all the sites, however, this tour and level of accommodation and coach amenities (or lack thereof) is best for younger people or families who are not accustomed to any frills or are on a tight budget.
    Show more
    Trip date: December 2017
  • GP
    · January 5th, 2018
    I thought I was in a marathon or the Amazing Race
    Trip date: December 2017

Dates & Availability

7 days
Europe Taster Christmas
From London to London

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What our customers ask about this tour

    The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
    • Are international flights included in the tour price?

      Whilst internal flights are covered for certain itineraries, you will have to make your way to the meeting point for the start of your tour. When booking flights be mindful of departure times and possible delays.
      Tip: We suggest that you start comparing prices the moment your deposit is paid to avoid costly flights.

    • Are young children allowed?

      We have a set minimum age of 10 for our tours, but we're happy to consider younger children on a case-by-case basis. Just let us know your request, and we'll do our best to accommodate it. Expat Explore reserves the right to accept or decline the request at our discretion. We want to ensure everyone has a great time exploring with us!

    • Can you cater for my dietary requirements?

      We make every effort to include local cuisine on our tours to ensure an authentic experience for you. You'll receive an email before the tour begins, where we'll ask for your dietary preferences. We always have a vegetarian option, and we'll work hard to accommodate any other dietary needs or preferences you may have.

    • Do I need to exchange cash before I leave?

      Contactless payment is widely accepted across Europe – it’s best to bring a payment card with no overseas withdrawal fees.
      * Keep in mind that certain optionals are payable in cash to your tour leader whilst on tour. We suggest that you talk to your Tour Leader about when & where to draw cash to pay for the optional excursions.

    • If I wish to stay longer in the start or end destination, will Expat Explore assist with pre/post-tour accommodation?

      While Expat Explore cannot assist with booking pre or post-tour accommodation, we recommend Booking.com for affordable accommodation options prior to and after the tour. If hotel information is available, we can provide you with the details in advance so that you can book accommodation at or nearby the start hotel. Please request this by sending a message through on the conversation page.

    • Can Expat Explore issue me with a visa?

      While Expat Explore endeavours to stay current on all major entry requirements, we are not a registered visa agent. We are, however, able to make things a little easier by providing you with the required supporting documents for a visa application once your tour is paid in full. It is a requirement of the embassies that tours are paid for in full before visa support documentation is requested and applications are made. When you have made the final payment for your booking, simply reach out to our Customer Support Team to request your visa support documents and confirm which embassy you will be applying to.

    • How much spending money do I need for my holiday?

      This is up to you and will vary depending on how much you wish to spend on snacks, drinks, souvenirs etc. We do not include entrance fees to attractions and museums. We do, however, provide you with free time to see everything you want, and our tour leaders will have all the information on pricing and locations so you can manage your own budget. Please refer to your tour-specific pre-departure information and optional excursions guide for further details.

    • Is travel insurance compulsory?

      It's your responsibility to arrange sufficient travel insurance for your trip. When you travel with Expat Explore, both you and your personal belongings do so at your own risk. A comprehensive insurance policy should cover medical expenses for illness or accidents before or during the holiday, as well as reimbursement for lost holiday funds due to cancellation, curtailment, or other insurable events. Make sure there are no exclusions that would limit coverage for the activities included in your tour.

      We generally recommend WorldNomads because they cover a wide variety of nationalities, but you are welcome to use any supplier that offers you the most comprehensive plan.

      You are able to obtain travel insurance through one of TourRadars partners, XCover. Please reach out to receive a quote.

    • How fit do I need to be to join and what is the average age range?

      We embrace travelers of all ages and backgrounds, prioritizing attitude and mindset over age restrictions. However, our tours are fast-paced and jam-packed with experiences. Regrettably, individuals with mobility limitations or those using wheelchairs may find this tour challenging. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring quaint towns and navigating cobblestone streets. We want every traveler to fully enjoy their journey, so we encourage reviewing the itinerary carefully before making your booking decision.

    • If I book a tour for two or more people, will we share the same room?

      When you book for more than one person, we will by default group you together in the same room(s), unless you request single supplements or specifically request us not to.

      If there are unequal numbers (3, 5, 7 etc.) then the remaining traveller will be roomed with another passenger of the same gender, unless you opt to add a single supplement (subject to availability) to your booking. Please note that minors under the age of 18 cannot share with another traveller outside of your group's booking.

      If you are making separate bookings and would like to share the same room(s), please send us an email with the booking references for each of the travellers and the details of your preferred rooming allocation.

    Can’t find the answer to your question?
    Reach out to the experts at Expat Explore Travel with your enquiry, they usually respond within 8 hours.

    Good to Know

    • Currencies
      Euro
      Belgium, France, Germany and Netherlands
      Fr.
      Swiss Franc
      Switzerland
      £
      Pound Sterling
      England
    • Plugs & Adapters

      As a traveller from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, J, G. As a traveller from England you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, J.

      Type C
      Belgium, France, Germany and Netherlands
      Type E
      Belgium, France, Germany and Netherlands
      Type F
      Belgium, France, Germany and Netherlands
      Type J
      Switzerland
      Type G
      England
    • Vaccines
      • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
      • Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Germany and Switzerland. Ideally 6 months before travel.
    • Visa
      • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
      • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
    • Payment information
      • For any tour departing before January 21st, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after January 21st, 2025, a minimum payment of 10% is required to confirm your booking with Expat Explore Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
      • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Expat Explore Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
      • The following cards are accepted for "Expat Explore Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
    • Cancellation Policy
    • Accessibility
      Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

    Videos

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    • Official Trailer | Behind The Bucket List: Season 1
    • Best way to Travel - Group Tours - Fun, Easy & Affordable Trips with Expat Explore
    • Top of Europe, Jungfrau Glacier & Ice Palace Optional Excursion - Switzerland - Expat Explore
    • Magical Time to Spend Christmas in Europe this Winter - Expat Explore Travel
    • How to make Dutch Clogs - Amsterdam Tours - Expat Explore Travel Tips
    • Fun, Affordable Switzerland Coach Tours - Expat Explore Travel Stories
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    Expat Explore Travel | Christmas Video | Christmas Tour