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This 11-day Eastern Europe tour takes you on an unforgettable adventure through bucket-list destinations and hidden gems. Get ready for the world-famous canals of Venice and cruise along the waterways of Amsterdam. Discover the magic of fairytale cities like Prague, Vienna and Ljubljana. Bathe in geothermal springs in Budapest and soak up the vibrant, modern culture of Berlin. Indulge in delicious, authentic cuisines, uncover ancient history and experience new cultures and traditions. The best European trip packages combine action, intrigue and entertainment. This tour ticks all those boxes and more!
This tour forms the second half of our full-length Best of Europe tour; consider the full tour if you’d also like to visit other top destinations in the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland and more.- Enjoy free days to explore Vienna, Berlin and Amsterdam
- Experience hidden gem destinations Ljubljana, Bratislava and Dresden
- Guided tours of Vienna, Prague, Budapest and Berlin
- Visit Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, and Bruges, a medieval Belgian city
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DAY 1: Start of tour in Rome – Venice
This morning, meet your Expat Explore tour leader and other travellers for the start of the tour. Then, it’s time to leave the churches and basilicas of Rome behind and head to the canals of Venice! This floating city is home to top sights including the Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Square. This evening, join the Evening in Venice optional excursion and experience the lights of Venice from the canals! This excursion includes a water taxi cruise, gondola ride and dinner. This excursion will give you a completely different perspective and appreciation for the amazing structure of this one-of-a-kind city!
This tour includes no Rome hotel accommodation and forms the second half of the full-length Best of Europe 22-day tour, which starts and finishes in London – click here to see the full tour. There is an optional pre-tour add-on available on the Best of Eastern Europe tour which includes a 2-night pre-tour stay in Rome – please see the ‘Optional Excursions’ tab in our Help Section for more information.
Experiences
Explore Venice: Discover the magic of Venice, Italy’s unique floating city. Venice is full of iconic sights including St Mark’s Square, St Mark’s Basilica, St Mark’s Museum, Campanile, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Market and Scuola Grande di San Rocco. For the ultimate Venice experience, join today’s optional excursions!
On Tour Excursions
Rome Add-on Pre-tour
See iconic sights like Big Ben on a Thames cruise, discover Start the tour with two nights in Rome! Accommodation, breakfast, dinner, a walking tour of Rome and services of tour leader included.
£ 330
An Evening in Venice
Take a water taxi cruise and gondola ride of Venice’s iconic waterways. Soak up the romantic sights from the canals and enjoy an included dinner.
£ 125DAY 2: Ljubljana – Zagreb
Today’s first destination is the Slovenian capital Ljubljana. Often thought of as a hidden gem of Europe, its castles, stunning architecture and natural beauty mean it packs a punch more powerful than its small size would suggest! Embark on an orientation tour through the city with your tour leader. Then, head to another capital city; Zagreb in Croatia! Arrive and join your tour leader on an orientation walk of this fascinating city. Next, enjoy free time to explore Zagreb’s unique mix of Hapsburg and Communist architecture, learn historical and cultural facts and get a glimpse of everyday life here. Check into the hotel and with time to freshen up before an included dinner this evening.
Experiences
Orientation tour of Ljubljana: Enjoy a visit to Slovenia’s capital city. Ljubljana is a compact destination filled with historic streets, impressive architecture, picturesque riverside neighbourhoods and a hilltop castle looking over it all. Embark on an orientation tour with your tour leader.
Orientation walk in Zagreb: Your tour leader will take you on an orientation walk of Croatia’s capital city. See the landmarks like the Museum of Contemporary Art, Maksimir Park, and the Mirogoj.DAY 3: Zagreb – Budapest
Today, cross the border into Hungary and stop at the scenic Lake Balaton before arriving in the capital city, Budapest! Cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest straddles the historic Danube River and boasts numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well as natural geo-thermal springs, drawing travellers from around the world. Enjoy a locally guided driving tour of the city followed by free time this evening to explore. Why not visit one of the city’s famous bathhouses, try the local food or simply stroll around the city admiring its magnificent architecture? Tonight, choose to see the city illuminated at twilight during the Danube Dinner Cruise optional excursion.
Experiences
Driving tour of Budapest: 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. Learn more about Hungarian culture and language and the city’s fascinating history. Drink in incredible views from atop Gellert Hill and the Citadel, make 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.
On Tour Excursions
Danube Dinner Cruise
Indulge in a traditional Hungarian feast as you admire Budapest’s top sights from the water with a nighttime cruise along the Danube River.
€ 65DAY 4: Bratislava – Vienna
This morning, travel to the Slovakian capital, Bratislava! Surrounded by mountains, vineyards, ski runs and wilderness, Bratislava is a stunning city. See if you can spot Bratislava Castle while embarking on an orientation tour of the city. Then, it’s on to Vienna! Arrive and join a local guide on a walking and driving tour of the Austrian capital. As a European centre for art and culture for centuries, Vienna was host to some of the world’s leading musical minds – including luminaries like Mozart and Beethoven. Along with its classical heritage, magnificent concert halls, palaces and museums, Vienna is also a modern city, with a vibrant nightlife culture. Taste authentic Viennese cuisine at a local restaurant tonight.
Experiences
Bratislava orientation tour: Join your tour leader on an orientation tour to see some of the landmarks and historic sights of the city, including a photo stop at Bratislava Castle, which
Walking and driving tour of Vienna: 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. The tour starts at the Golden Mile on the RingStrasse (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.
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.
Dinner in a Viennese wine cellar: Enjoy dinner in a special location tonight! Tuck into a delicious meal in a historic Viennese wine cellar.DAY 5: Vienna: Free Day
Enjoy a free day to explore Vienna! Awash with imperial splendour, Vienna was once the centre of the powerful Habsburg monarchy, which dominated central Europe from the 16th-18th centuries. Join today’s incredible optional excursion to the striking Schönbrunn Palace, including a visit to a historic Viennese café for delectable coffee and cake. Classical music lovers can opt to join today’s optional excursion to indulge in a three-course dinner followed by a concert by one of the greatest composers of the Viennese classical period, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart! The concert will be held in the Schönbrunn Palace Orangery, where Mozart once performed.
On Tour Excursions
Imperial Vienna: Schönbrunn Palace & Viennese Café
Soak up Vienna’s imperial history, admire Schönbrunn Palace, visit a historic Viennese café and enjoy a VIP Swarovski Vienna tour.
€ 80
Classical Vienna: Concert & Dinner
Experience a delicious Austrian dinner followed by a Mozart and Strauss concert in the historic Schönbrunn Orangery.
€ 125DAY 6: Vienna – Prague
Today the tour makes its way to the Czech Republic! Prague is a beautiful city, boasting elaborate Baroque, Gothic, Art Nouveau and Cubist architecture, and rewarding those who explore it with quirky bars, cobbled lanes and secluded courtyards. Known for its brilliant beer and abundance of history, any exploration of Prague will be a rewarding one. Arrive and set off on a walking tour with a local guide. Look forward to must-see sights including the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, St. Vitus Cathedral and the Charles Bridge. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore more at your own pace. This evening, enjoy the option of a four-course dinner along with a traditional Czech folk music and dance show!
Experiences
Prague walking tour: A local guide will introduce you to the must-see sights of Prague including the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, St. Vitus Cathedral and the Charles Bridge.
On Tour Excursions
Traditional Czech Folk Music & Dance Evening
Enjoy a delicious three-course Czech dinner with unlimited drinks while delighting in a traditional folk show complete with Czech music and dancing!
€ 60
DAY 7: Dresden – Berlin
Today’s first stop is the city of Dresden in Germany. After WW2 bombing attacks ruined the city centre, the city was practically rebuilt from scratch to offer visitors the pristine and stylish Dresden of today. Enjoy an orientation walking tour of the city and try some of the local delights, such as Bratwurst. Next, journey to Berlin, Germany’s capital. Upon arrival, embark on a driving tour. See poignant attractions like the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and Checkpoint Charlie.
Experiences Explore the streets of Dresden Enjoy a lunch stop in Dresden. During WW2 the city was almost completely destroyed by bombing attacks. Luckily, most of its treasures were removed beforehand and today, Dresden has been carefully rebuilt. It is full of beautiful and striking architecture and is home to amazing museums, arts and culture. Take a walk through the city centre and choose a local spot to enjoy lunch.
Guided driving tour of Berlin: Your local guide will explain the amazing history of this vibrant city and show you all the must-see sights, including Alexanderplatz, Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the Berlin Wall and Reichstag. Take a note of those you want to explore further on your free day tomorrow!
DAY 8: Berlin: Free Day
Enjoy a free day to further explore the history of the German capital! The Berlin Wall stands as a sombre reminder of the controls imposed on Berlin during and after WW2, however, the bright street art that adorns it today seems to give it a peaceful purpose. Berlin also offers numerous free museums and galleries to visit, which all contribute to the understanding of this city’s modern history. A great optional which showcases the highlights of the city is the Berlin+ tour. Join to visit some of the city’s top attractions and gain a deeper insight into Berlin’s history as well as its modern culture today. Alternatively, experience an Evening in Berlin complete with a history tour and delicious dinner!
On Tour Excursions
Berlin+
Discover Berlin’s fascinating history and vibrant modern culture. Visit the East Side Gallery, the Hackescher Markt, the Berlin TV Tower and more.
€ 70
An Evening in Berlin
Explore Berlin’s Prussian history, from Museum Island to Unter den Linden, before indulging in a traditional, three-course dinner!
€ 70DAY 9: Berlin – Amsterdam
This morning, say auf Wiedersehen to Germany as the tour journeys on to the Netherlands. Watch as the landscape changes to windmills and waterways while approaching the capital city of Amsterdam. This evening, enjoy a twilight canal cruise, accompanied by interesting commentary about the city’s development and history. Afterwards, head for dinner at a local restaurant. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy the bars and cafés or even visit the famous Red Light District!
Experiences
Amesterdam Canal Cruise: Sail along Amsterdam’s stunning canals at twilight. Cruise past famous landmarks and admire the scenery from the atmospheric canals.DAY 10: Amsterdam: Free Day
Enjoy a full free day to experience the delights of Amsterdam! There are numerous museums and art galleries to choose from – why not visit the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum? Alternatively, join the Dutch countryside optional excursion to see how local Dutch cheese and clogs are made and visit the quaint Dutch villages of Volendam and Zaanse Schans for sightings of the iconic Dutch windmills! As tonight is the last night of the tour, adding the optional Dutch Pancake Soiree to the itinerary is highly recommended! This is the perfect way to bid farewell to fellow travellers.
On Tour Excursions
Dutch Countryside Tour
Experience the Dutch countryside! Enjoy cheese and clog-making demonstrations, visit Volendam and see the windmills of Zaanse Schans.
€ 50
Dutch Pancake Soiree
Experience the Dutch countryside! Enjoy cheese and clog-making demonstrations, visit Volendam and see the windmills of Zaanse Schans.
€ 50DAY 11: Bruges – End of tour in London
After an Amsterdam adventure, there is one more stop before setting off for the UK. The Belgian city of Bruges is small but picturesque, with breathtaking architecture. Described as the ‘Venice of the North’, take some time to stretch your legs and indulge in a spot of sightseeing in beautiful Bruges. Don’t miss the opportunity to try an authentic Belgian waffle or beer while here! Afterwards, travel back to London, crossing the English Channel on the way. This is the perfect time to exchange contact details with new friends and travel buddies as you prepare to disembark in the capital. After 11 days of unforgettable travel highlights, this Eastern Europe tour comes to an end this evening in London.
Expreiences
Visit Bruges: Stop in this beautiful medieval town and enjoy some free time to explore. Try the signature national dish of moules-frites, see or even climb the Belfry Tower, have a Belgian beer or waffle and buy some amazing Belgian chocolate to take home! -
Accommodation
- 10 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)
Meals
- 10 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
Transport
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
- Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Tour Leader
- Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
- Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
12 Experiences!
- Explore Venice, Italy’s floating city
- Discover Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, on an orientation tour
- Explore Zagreb, capital of Croatia
- See the best-loved sights in Budapest on a driving tour
- Visit Bratislava; Slovakia’s capital city
- Discover Vienna on a walking and driving tour
- Enjoy dinner in a Viennese wine cellar
- Prague walking tour
- Explore the historic streets of Dresden
- Guided driving tour of Berlin, capital of Germany
- Cruise the canals of Amsterdam while having dinner
- Visit the medieval Belgian city of Bruges
DEPARTURE DATES AND RATES
Start Date / End Date Status Price Per Person 01 Apr 2025 – 11 Apr 2025 SOLD OUT! 22 Apr 2025 – 02 May 2025 SOLD OUT! 13 May 2025 – 23 May 2025 Book now with low deposit Now $1,925 03 Jun 2025 – 13 Jun 2025 Book now with low deposit Now $1,925 10 Jun 2025 – 20 Jun 2025 SOLD OUT! 24 Jun 2025 – 04 Jul 2025 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,890Now $1,78515 Jul 2025 – 25 Jul 2025 Book now with low deposit Now $1,925 05 Aug 2025 – 15 Aug 2025 SOLD OUT! 26 Aug 2025 – 05 Sep 2025 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,890Now $1,87502 Sep 2025 – 12 Sep 2025 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,890Now $1,78516 Sep 2025 – 26 Sep 2025 SOLD OUT! 07 Oct 2025 – 17 Oct 2025 Book now with low deposit Now $1,925 14 Oct 2025 – 24 Oct 2025 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,890Now $1,71531 Mar 2026 – 10 Apr 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,985Now $1,75521 Apr 2026 – 01 May 2026 Book now with low deposit Now $2,015 12 May 2026 – 22 May 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,985Now $1,64502 Jun 2026 – 12 Jun 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,985Now $1,85523 Jun 2026 – 03 Jul 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,985Now $1,64514 Jul 2026 – 24 Jul 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,985Now $1,64504 Aug 2026 – 14 Aug 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,985Now $1,64525 Aug 2026 – 04 Sep 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,985Now $1,75515 Sep 2026 – 25 Sep 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,985Now $1,64506 Oct 2026 – 16 Oct 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,985Now $1,64513 Oct 2026 – 23 Oct 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,985Now $1,645
