While its true that I have been focussing a lot more on high end luxe travel with great discounts and a wow factor, I also have great supplier at the budget end of travel. There is a LOT of Bang for Buck with some of my favourite inbound operators (that's 'industry speak' for the tour companies overseas.)
This is the flagship tour that started it all for the team. Journey to 8 of Europe’s most popular countries. Start off exploring the gem that is Paris, meander through the countryside of France. Cross borders to the heart of the Swiss Alps and make your way to the Top of Europe. Get to know the Italian way of life in Pisa, Rome, Florence and the romantic Venice. Finally, wake up to the vibrant streets of Amsterdam. If it’s a taste of Europe you want, this tour is for you. The Europe Escape remains one of the favorites!
12 Days | 8 Countries
France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, United Kingdom
Highlights
Enjoy full free days to explore Paris, the Swiss Alps & Rome in depth
Option to visit Jungfraujoch, the ‘Top of Europe’ or similar Swiss Alps mountain experience
Cruise the canals of Amsterdam and the Rhine river in Germany
Visit Munich, Innsbruck, Bruges & Venice
Normally starting at $2320 per person (at the tour operators already on sale price), Book during Black Friday sales period and Go West Travel provides 15% off. These deals sell fast so ask me about booking with a deposit of only – This Coach tour is known for lively young and young at heart environment run by a great Antipodean based operator. With 17 meals, and a mix of included sightseeing and free time its a good way for experienced travellers to mix partial ‘set and forget’ with time to do your own thing.
2022 Departures $1999 per person, book by 03 DEC 2020
09 Jan 2022 – 20 Jan 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,320 | AU$ 1,999 | ||
20 Feb 2022 – 03 Mar 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,320 | AU$ 1,999 | ||
13 Mar 2022 – 24 Mar 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,320 | AU$ 1,999 | ||
10 Apr 2022 – 21 Apr 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,320 | AU$ 1,999 | ||
17 Apr 2022 – 28 Apr 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,320 | AU$ 1,999 | ||
24 Apr 2022 – 05 May 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,320 | AU$ 1,999 | ||
01 May 2022 – 12 May 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,320 | AU$ 1,999 | ||
08 May 2022 – 19 May 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,320 | AU$ 1,999 | ||
15 May 2022 – 26 May 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,320 | AU$ 1,999 | ||
22 May 2022 – 02 Jun 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,320 | AU$ 1,999 | ||
30 May 2022 – 10 Jun 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,320 | AU$ 1,999 | ||
05 Jun 2022 – 16 Jun 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,320 | AU$ 1,999 | ||
13 Jun 2022 – 24 Jun 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,320 | AU$ 1,999 | ||
19 Jun 2022 – 30 Jun 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,320 | AU$ 1,999 | ||
03 Jul 2022 – 14 Jul 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,320 | AU$ 1,999 | ||
17 Jul 2022 – 28 Jul 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,320 | AU$ 1,999 | ||
31 Jul 2022 – 11 Aug 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,320 | AU$ 1,999 | ||
14 Aug 2022 – 25 Aug 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,320 | AU$ 1,999 | ||
28 Aug 2022 – 08 Sep 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,320 | AU$ 1,999 | ||
11 Sep 2022 – 22 Sep 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,320 | AU$ 1,999 | ||
25 Sep 2022 – 06 Oct 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,320 | AU$ 1,999 | ||
09 Oct 2022 – 20 Oct 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,320 | AU$ 1,999 | ||
23 Oct 2022 – 03 Nov 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,320 | AU$ 1,999 | ||
06 Nov 2022 – 17 Nov 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,320 | AU$ 1,999 | ||
20 Nov 2022 – 01 Dec 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,320 | AU$ 1,999 |
2021 Departures from $2261 pp, book by 03 DEC 2020
04 Apr 2021 – 15 Apr 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
Only 5 seats left at this price | AU$ 2,865 | AU$ 2746 | |
11 Apr 2021 – 22 Apr 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
Only 5 seats left at this price | AU$ 2,665 | AU$ 2546 | |
16 Apr 2021 – 27 Apr 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
Only 6 seats left at this price | AU$ 2,535 | AU$ 2416 | |
18 Apr 2021 – 29 Apr 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
Only 3 seats left at this price | AU$ 2,535 | AU$ 2416 | |
25 Apr 2021 – 06 May 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
Only 6 seats left at this price | AU$ 2,535 | AU$ 2416 | |
30 Apr 2021 – 11 May 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
Only 4 seats left at this price | AU$ 2,380 | AU$ 2261 | |
02 May 2021 – 13 May 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,665 | AU$ 2546 | ||
09 May 2021 – 20 May 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
Only 6 seats left at this price | AU$ 2,535 | AU$ 2416 | |
14 May 2021 – 25 May 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
Only 5 seats left at this price | AU$ 2,535 | AU$ 2416 | |
17 May 2021 – 28 May 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,775 | AU$ 2656 | ||
19 May 2021 – 30 May 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
Only 5 seats left at this price | AU$ 2,535 | AU$ 2416 | |
23 May 2021 – 03 Jun 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,775 | AU$ 2656 | ||
28 May 2021 – 08 Jun 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,775 | AU$ 2656 | ||
31 May 2021 – 11 Jun 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
Only 6 seats left at this price | AU$ 2,865 | AU$ 2746 | |
06 Jun 2021 – 17 Jun 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
SOLD OUT! | SOLD OUT | Sold Out | |
14 Jun 2021 – 25 Jun 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 3,140 | AU$ 3021 | ||
20 Jun 2021 – 01 Jul 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
Only 4 seats left at this price | AU$ 3,070 | AU$ 2951 | |
28 Jun 2021 – 09 Jul 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
Only 6 seats left at this price | AU$ 3,070 | AU$ 2951 | |
04 Jul 2021 – 15 Jul 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 3,070 | AU$ 2951 | ||
12 Jul 2021 – 23 Jul 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
Only 3 seats left at this price | AU$ 3,070 | AU$ 2951 | |
18 Jul 2021 – 29 Jul 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
Only 2 seats left at this price | AU$ 2,980 | AU$ 2861 | |
26 Jul 2021 – 06 Aug 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,980 | AU$ 2861 | ||
01 Aug 2021 – 12 Aug 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 3,070 | AU$ 2951 | ||
09 Aug 2021 – 20 Aug 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,725 | AU$ 2606 | ||
15 Aug 2021 – 26 Aug 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,865 | AU$ 2746 | ||
23 Aug 2021 – 03 Sep 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,980 | AU$ 2861 | ||
29 Aug 2021 – 09 Sep 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,725 | AU$ 2606 | ||
06 Sep 2021 – 17 Sep 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,980 | AU$ 2861 | ||
12 Sep 2021 – 23 Sep 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,980 | AU$ 2861 | ||
20 Sep 2021 – 01 Oct 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,980 | AU$ 2861 | ||
26 Sep 2021 – 07 Oct 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,865 | AU$ 2746 | ||
04 Oct 2021 – 15 Oct 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,725 | AU$ 2606 | ||
18 Oct 2021 – 29 Oct 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,725 | AU$ 2606 | ||
07 Nov 2021 – 18 Nov 2021 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,865 | AU$ 2746 | ||
22 Dec 2021 – 02 Jan 2022 | Advertised | Sale Price | Go West Travel Price |
AU$ 2,665 | AU$ 2546 |
Daily Tour Itinerary
Itinerary for Europe Escape Tour
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
DAY 1: London – Paris
Welcome to your 12 day Europe tour! Leaving London behind us, we make our way to Paris, crossing the English Channel and arriving in the ‘City of Lights’ 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
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!
Included Meals Dinner
DAY 2: Paris: Free Day
Breakfast:
Accommodation
Hotel ibis Paris La Défense Centre
B&B Hôtel Paris Porte des Lilas
B&B Hôtel Paris Italie Porte de Choisy
Hôtel Kyriad Paris Nord Porte de Saint Ouen
DAY 2: Paris: Free Day |
The wonderful thing about Paris, is that it there is so much to experience, regardless of the time of day, or season. The Seine River is the backbone of the capital, and flows through the heart of the city. The banks are peppered with book sellers and market stalls if you wish to walk. But, why not choose a cruise, and cruise your way past the grandeur of the gothic Notre Dame cathedral, to the epic Eiffel Tower? The commentary from the river boats will give you invaluable knowledge and information of the city. Famous architecture is scattered through the city, and ‘strolling’ is the best mode of transport for taking in every ounce of history. Paris Disneyland is perfect for the ‘young at heart’, and is only a short distance away. Your tour leader is brimming with ideas and local knowledge, so that you can get the best out of your time here. Don’t forget to find out where you can sample such French delicacies as frogs legs and snails – not your typical garden variety… |
Included Meals Breakfast: |
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 3: Burgundy – Swiss Alps |
Au revoir Paris! Today we sample a taste of small town France with a lunch stop in Burgundy. In the town of Beaune you can visit the beautiful Hospices de Beaune, or try the famous wine. After lunch we take a long scenic drive across the border into Switzerland. Welcome to the Swiss Alps, your home for the next two days! You are now completely surrounded by nature’s beauty. Literally, you can turn in any direction and you will see snow-capped peaks, clear-blue lakes and perfect hiking trails. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy your time in this idyllic place.Experiences Burgundy lunch stop: Enjoy a stop in Burgundy, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous wine-producing region. You will havesome free time to explore this beautiful medieval town centre and the opportunity to try local food and wine.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. |
Included Meals Breakfast: Dinner: |
Optional Excursions Swiss Dinner: € 25* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. |
DAY 4: Swiss Alps: Free Day |
The Swiss Alps has some of the highest peaks in the world! Surrounded by these peaks and glaciers you have the opportunity to feel on top of the world… Take a train or gondola to the top for magnificent mountain vistas. You have picture-perfect beauty all around you and endless photo opportunities. For those wishing to spend their free day exploring the local sights, you can feast on Swiss cheese fondue or do a spot of sightseeing. If you’re looking for keepsakes, there are great local places for shopping Swiss Army knives and watches. Or wander through the villages and breathe in that crisp, fresh, Alpine air! What more could you want on your free day?! |
Included Meals Breakfast: |
Optional Excursions White-Water River Rafting: CHF 108 Sky-diving: € 345 Paragliding: € 155 Full Day Beginner Package – Ski or Snowboard: € TBC Half-day Beginner Package – Ski or Snowboard: € TBC Night Sledding: € TBCSnowshoe Tour: € TBC Winter Alpine Adventure –Snowshoe tour + Day Sledding Combo: € TBC Swiss Dinner: € 25 Swiss Alps Mountain Experience: CHF various Train to Jungfraujoch: CHF 175* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. |
DAY 5: Swiss Alps – Florence – Tuscany |
It’s time to swap snow for gelato, as you continue your European tour through northern Italy to Florence. Once we arrive, your tour leader will take you on an orientation tour of the city. History oozes out of every pore of this artistic and cultural centre – the city is home to Michaelangelo’s ‘David’. After some free time to further explore Florence we head to our accommodation for the evening in the spa town of Montecatini Terme.ExperiencesOrientation tour of Florence: Your 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: |
Optional Excursions: Taste of Tuscany: € 35* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. |
DAY 6: Tuscany – Pisa – Rome |
Today, your Italian adventure continues! Make sure you prepare your camera for a photo opportunity of a lifetime when we stop at the Leaning Tower of Pisa! This world famous Bell tower is immaculately presented. A world heritage UNESCO site, The Leaning Tower is visited by tourists from every corner of the globe, and is one of the most popular cultural European landmarks. We then continue on to the capital, Rome! This afternoon is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of an optional excursion to visit the Vatican City – the smallest country in the world! Inside the walls, you can visit the Sistine Chapel and see for yourself the famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo, as well as numerous other famous art pieces dotted around the buildings.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! Included Meals Breakfast: Dinner: DAY 7: Rome: Free Day Rome wasn’t built in a day, but luckily you have a free one, in which to explore the city to your hearts content! This morning you will have the option of joining our ‘Conquer the Capital’ excursion, a fun-filled day of exploring Rome, seeing sights including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Pantheon, and enjoying a delicious lunch and gelato tasting. The city centre boasts ancient ruins, historical landmarks, religious buildings and a buzzing atmosphere like no other. The Colosseum is a spectacular icon of Rome, offering |
Included Meals Breakfast: |
DAY 8: Rome – Venice |
fabulous views of the city, and an unbelievable feeling of drifting backwards in time, to when gladiators, chariots and lions dominated the arena. For those who wish to enter, your tour leader can organise a tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum with a local guide this afternoon. Included MealsBreakfast: Optional Excursions Colosseum & Roman Forum Guided Tour: € 45 Rome – Conquer the Capital: € 40* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 8: Rome – VeniceAfter roaming Rome, you shall now visit Venice on the next leg of your 12 day Europe Tour! Take note of the scenery on the way – vineyards and orchards flash in front of a majestic mountain backdrop. The diversity of the Italian landscapes will continue to impress. And then…Venice. A unique city, perched across 118 islands, and known for its canals, gondolas, Venetian masks, piazzas, art, traditional glass and lace making. Your tour leader will introduce you to the city with an orientation walk so you can use your free time in the early evening to explore. See the world famous St Marks Square, Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. The evening is yours to enjoy authentic Italian delights, with hundreds of fantastic local restaurants and bars to choose from. After an espresso, explore Venice the traditional way – from the canals. Take a gondola ride which gives you a completely different perspective and appreciation for the amazing structure of this supremely unique location.ExperiencesOrientation 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. |
Included Meals Breakfast: |
Optional ExcursionsTrip T-shirt or Hoodie: € 21-32 Venice Gondola Ride: € 20 Venice Water Taxi: € 20* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. |
DAY 9: Innsbruck – Munich – Bavaria |
Arrivederci, Italy! Heading north toward Germany, you will encounter some of the most beautiful countryside in central Europe. The famous Brenner Pass will appear before you, and simply take your breath away, as we make our way to Austria for a comfort stop to get a taster of Innsbruck and its dramatic mountain backdrop. Arriving in Munich in the afternoon, there is plenty of time for an escorted walking tour of the city centre. With much of the city having to be restored after WW2, the modern and ancient history of Munich is fascinating, and the appreciation of the effort to rebuild the German city is gilded with respect. Munich plays host to one of the most famous beer festivals in the world – Oktoberfest! To give you a taste, this evening you will dine in a traditional beer hall, and enjoy a local beer on us! Prost!Experiences Scenic drive: Cross spectacular mountain passes and experience some amazing mountain vistas.Visit Innsbruck: Enjoy a comfort stop to experience this beautiful Austrian city that lies in a valley between high mountains, making for an incredible backdrop.Munich orientation tour: your tour leader will take you on an orientation of Munich to get you acquainted with this wonderful German city.German beer hall: Tonight we’ll take you to a traditional German Beer Hall. Sample German beer, along with traditional German cuisine. |
Included MealsBreakfast: :Dinner: |
DAY 10: Bavaria – Rhine Valley Your German adventure continues, with you heading to one of the most picturesque sections of the famous Rhine River. Once we arrive in the Rhine Valley, relax on board a Rhine riverboat as we head to our hotel in the heart of this picturesque region. This is the most concentrated stretch of castles in all of Europe, and it also features vineyards, charming medieval towns and lofty cliffs. Learn the story of the castles, many of which are now in ruins since the river barons left long ago. Once the cruise is over we’ll visit a local wine merchants 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 River Cruise: 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. |
Included MealsBreakfast:Dinner: |
DAY 11: Rhine Valley – Amsterdam |
This morning you will say your goodbye’s to Germany, and continue your Europe tour into the Netherlands. With your Expat Explore tour leader giving you a run down on local traditions and culture, you will be given an opportunity to indulge three of the most iconic Dutch products – cheese, clogs and windmills! A very entertaining cheese and clog making display, will have you fascinated and wanting to taste and ‘klomp’ (klompen is the Dutch word for ‘clogs’. Checking into your hotel you have a chance to freshen up, and then whisked to the centre of Amsterdam for a twilight canal cruise. Complete with pizza and ice cream, you will gain an alternative perspective of this eclectic and bohemian city whilst drifting past famous landmarks. Afterwards, you are free to explore the city to your hearts content. The cafes, restaurants and bars will be buzzing with activity and atmosphere.Experiences Visit the Riekermolen Windmill: Travel through the Dutch countryside and enjoy a photo stop at an iconic Dutch windmill.Cheese and clogs demonstration: Enjoy a visit to a local farm and see how these famous shoes are traditionally crafted by hand. You will also see how Dutch cheese is made and get to taste some fantastic cheeses! This is a great place to shop for some unique souvenirs!Amsterdam Canal Cruise: A perfect introduction to Amsterdam you will cruise along Amsterdam’s atmospheric canals. Included MealsBreakfast: Dinner: DAY 12: Amsterdam – Bruges – London |
After your Amsterdam adventure, you have one more stop before you set off for the UK. The Belgian city of Bruges, is a small but picturesque city, with breathtaking architecture and a wonderful personality. Described as the ‘Venice of the North’, take some time to stretch your legs and indulge in a spot of sight-seeing. Gastronomy is its forte, You will find plenty of chocolatiers ready to educate you on the quality of their produce. After your visit, you will then be on your way 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. Make sure you upload the highlights of your 12 day Europe tour onto our Facebook page, and we look forward to having you on tour with us again soon.Experiences Visit Bruges: A stop in this beautiful medieval town with some free time so you could try the signature national dish of frites andmoules, see or even climb the Belfry Tower, have a Belgian beer or buy some amazing Belgian chocolate. |
Included Meals Breakfast: |