Europe Tours in December 2026

The tour leader was excellent, reaching out individually to all participants. The local guides also did a great job. The tour had stops throughout the country and all were beautiful and interesting. The hotels were also wonderful and well located.

It was a very busy, interesting tour. Our flights were right on time. Tour guides and bus drivers excellent. We saw a lot of country, food and accommodations more than adequate. The Vienna opera was the highlight of the trip for me.

ACCOMODATION SOBEK STONE HOUSE Very comfortable, warm & cosy for the colder winter months. Indoor pool, variable temperature but ideal for a relaxing dip or short lengths after a long day. Bar & restaurant good for snacks & drinks. Staff extremely efficient & courteous. Location perfect for access to town without the noise & hubbub. Noisy dogs are part of the course in this area. Great view of balloons from terrace. ITINERARY Walks are all not too demanding, meaning you can concentrate on the scenery & there's bags of that. Variety from rock formations to interesting towns & slot canyons. Highlights are the Fairy Chimneys & the Petra-esque churches and houses hacked out of the rocks. Expect some challenges in the way of mud, water & sheepy smells. It's all part of the experience. GROUP Probably the best one yet, in quite a few years of using Explore. Not a diva in sight & no arguments or schisms which can occur after a few days together. Interesting people doth maketh for a better-eth tour-eth. TOUR LEADER Alkan was brilliant, went the extra mile and then some, to keep us all happy. I took a few photos & was always way behind, but he coped with all our foibles easily. Lots of knowledge without overkill. Loved his daily briefs on a range of eclectic topics. BALLOONS I booked before arriving but then the flights were cancelled for the next 6 days. The company refunded the cost with no problem. I then joined the group for the one arranged by the tour leader. We took off on the last day. It is a spectacle & worth every penny. Ours was Eur 170 paying by card, cheaper by cash.

Every experience was spectacular on this tour. My favorite experience was the Salzberg cathedral organ concert. The christmas markets were an enjoyable experience The optional of the Tyrolean dinner and show was excellent. Going up to Hungerberg mountain was fun. Seeing the Marienplatz was a sight to behold and also the Hofbrauhouse.

I loved this tour. Each of the Christmas Markets were different. The shopkeepers were gracious and helpful. The crew aboard ship insisted on spoiling us, which was wonderful. I loved the guides and the city tours. Along with good food and beautiful scenery it made for an unforgettable trip.

The Reindeer safari, Husky safari, meeting Santa and Sparkle the Elf, Accomodations were excellent in the log cabin and the glass igloo!