’Tis (almost) the season! In preparation for the most wonderful time of the year, Expat Explore has spoken to our holly jolly tour leaders to find out more about the tours that are embarking this festive season. Find out what to look forward to and get ready to press play on real travel as we celebrate Europe in all its majesty over Christmas and New Year.
In 2021, you can hop on board four exciting tours including Great Britain Christmas, Eastern Highlights Christmas & New Year, European Taster Christmas, and Europe Jewel Christmas & New Year.
Take a look below for a quick word from each of our tour leaders.
Have a very British Christmas with tour leader Luke
Host of Behind the Bucket List and expert tour leader Luke cannot wait to be back on the road, leading his first tour since 2019! “I could not be more excited to share this news with you, but not only that, to be able to invite you guys to join me on a Christmas tour of Great Britain!”
What to look forward to on the Great Britain Christmas tour with Luke in 2021:
“We’ll be exploring some of the incredible highlights of Great Britain” explains Luke. “Starting in London, we’ll head up towards Cambridge then York”. Next, it’s on to Scotland, “with a bit of Hadrian’s Wall, Gretna Green, seeing the highlands… obviously including the Loch Ness!” Christmas Day will be spent as you wish in gorgeous Edinburgh with an included festive lunch. The tour then heads to the Lake District and Liverpool before heading to Bath and Stonehenge with a little stop at Stratford-Upon-Avon.
As a local Brit, Luke knows all about the highlights and hidden gems of Great Britain. Luke is particularly looking forward to ending the tour at the legendary Stonehenge, which you can explore as an optional add-on activity. Luke describes Stonehenge as “not only one of the most important prehistoric sites in England but also that of the entire world!”
The Great Britain Christmas tour is filling up fast. “Book now and you may just get to see me in my Santa outfit,” says Luke. We can assure you that you do not want to miss that!
Explore Eastern Europe with tour leader Dee this festive season
Tour leader Dee specialises in Eastern Europe and has taken hundreds of people around this region! Dee has almost 10 years of tourism experience and has been with Expat Explore since 2017. Besides Eastern Europe, Dee’s favourite destination is the Balkan region. “I love the Balkan lifestyle – no stress, go slow or, in their words, ‘polaco polaco’.” says Dee, “It’s a true mantra in the Balkans and a recipe for a long, happy life.”
What to look forward to on the Eastern Highlights Christmas & New Year tour with Dee in 2021:
Dee will be leading the fast approaching Eastern Highlights Christmas & New Year tour to show you some of her favourite highlights in the region. Look forward to a lazy Christmas afternoon in Prague, sipping hot mulled wine and post-holiday shopping in Kraków. “I can already hear the Christmas carols in my ears!” says Dee says. Her favourite part of the tour is spending the last day of the year in gorgeous Ljubljana in the Balkans. The Slovenian capital city boasts some of the best Christmas lights around. “As we celebrate the end of the year here, how can the beginning of the next year go wrong?!” asks Dee.
“Breathing in this simple, stress-free air, along with excellent cuisine, breathtaking views and gorgeous architecture is what I will never get enough of!” explains Dee. “I am ready to show you all that Eastern Europe has to offer! And trust me – there is no better time for it than Christmas!”
Find out just what makes this European region so dear to Dee’s heart and book our Eastern Highlights Christmas & New Year tour now!
Get a taste of Europe at Christmas with tour leader Roma
Tour leader Roma was born in Lithuania, “adopted” by Italy and cultured by all of Europe! Growing up behind “the iron curtain”, she always dreamed about the lands beyond. For Roma, Europe’s history, culture and art were like something out of a fairytale. Back then she didn’t know that one day she would share her favourite stories about and passion for Europe as a tour guide!
What to look forward to on the European Taster Christmas tour with Roma in 2021:
This European Taster Christmas tour begins in Amsterdam and stops over in Ghent, Belgium before arriving in Paris. “No story about Europe can be told without Paris, it’s my secret love, I hope Italy forgives me for that!” says Roma. “I don’t believe there is another city on our continent that has so many soul-warming treasures in art, history, fashion, food and wine.” Next, it’s onto the Swiss Alps! “Switzerland is what doctors would prescribe after a busy time in Paris. Natural beauty, fresh crisp air, mountains, snow and chocolate to die for… it’s like going to a spa!” explains Roma. Next on the itinerary is Germany, as no fairytale would be complete without a few castles! Roma reminds us that the romantic Rhine valley is the perfect setting for castle spotting.
Join Roma on this journey, to see, hear, taste and experience Europe’s magic on the Europe Taster Christmas tour!
Discover top European destinations during Christmas and New Year with tour leader Gustavo
Passionate tour leader Gustavo is absolutely thrilled to be back on road leading the Europe Jewel Christmas & New Year tour! “I have no words to describe my happiness, I am very excited to go back to a few of my favourite places after a 20-month break!” says Gustavo.
What to look forward to on the Europe Jewel Christmas & New Year tour with Gustavo in 2021:
Gustavo can’t wait to spend Christmas Day in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe; Prague. “From seeing the stunning city on foot and going to the Prague Castle, to crossing the famous Charles Bridge over the beautiful Vltava River, what a great place to spend Christmas!” says Gustavo. He is also looking forward to returning to Budapest, which he considers one of the most stunning cities in Eastern Europe. According to Gustavo, one of the highlights of this trip is the most amazing river cruise on the Danube River. Another top destination is Italy which feels like home to him as “nothing beats Italian food, fashion and history!” In Venice, enjoy a gondola ride optional, choose to watch a glass blowing demonstration and walk around the gorgeous St. Mark’s Square.
New Year’s Day will be spent in the breathtaking Swiss Alps. Travellers have the opportunity to visit Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe”. Next, it’s on to Paris, the city of love! “Here we will go on an amazing driving tour around important sights like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées and many more!” explains Gutavos. In Gustavo’s opinion, French cuisine is the best in Europe! He’s looking forward to having baguettes, croissants, snails and duck! Gustavo also notes that the Paris+ optional walking tour is the best way to see the city.
Gustavo could go on for hours about his favourite destinations on this tour but he would rather tell you more onboard the coach! Discover the magic of our Europe Jewel Christmas & New Year tour with Gustavo!
Why wait until next year to travel? Press play on real travel and adventure now! Choose between the Eastern Highlights Christmas & New Year, Europe Taster Christmas, Europe Jewel Christmas & New Year or Great Britain Christmas tour and make the 2021 festive season one to remember!