Four amazing countries in one trip! Each place had its own unique charm, and the itinerary was perfectly balanced. Switzerland’s Alps and Italy’s gelato were highlights!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lisbon, Rome, Zurich, Mont Blanc
Lisbon, Rome, Zurich, Mont Blanc, Milan, Madrid, Barcelona, Girona, Leysin
ABOUT THIS TRIP
This incredible journey takes you to the highlights of the most iconic and important sights in Europe. Your journey begins in the capital of Spain, Madrid, where you will enjoy a comprehensive tour through the center, including Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, the Gate of Alcalá, Plaza de Colón, and Plaza Mayor. On the way to Barcelona, you will go on a guided tour to the Monastery of Poblet, located in northeastern Spain, one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in the world. In Barcelona, tour the city and discover the iconic Ras Ramblas Street. Your tour continues with driving in the region of Provence to arrive in the charming town of Chamberry. Continue to Switzerland and enjoy beautiful lakes and mountains with snowcapped peaks on your way to Zurich. Your journey continues in Rome, the ancient Capital of Italy, and get to know about its history on a panoramic tour and in the Trastevere area. You will also visit St. Peter’s Basilica in the heart of Vatican City and the impressive Roman Coliseum. Moving to Venice, you will take the boat, cross the Grand Canal to the Island of Venice, and visit the marvelous St. Mark´s Square and the Murano Glass Factory. Then travel along a very scenic road between the mountains on your way to Kitzbuhel in Austria and take a cable car ride up to the high mountains that surround the city with fantastic scenery. Later, you will explore the beautiful Traunsee Lake in Traunkirchen and see four castles. The next stop is Vienna, with its majestic avenues, palaces, and vibrant city center. Here, you will visit the Schonbrunn Palace and enjoy its beautiful gardens. Next, you will continue to Hungary and discover its spectacular capital, Budapest on a Scenic city tour followed by a boat tour along the river Danube. Your journey will end in Prague, where your local expert will provide an informative city tour, and you will discover monuments, including Prague Castle dominates the city, before you take a boat tour on the Vltava River.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Madrid, Prague, Zurich, Innsbruc
Madrid, Prague, Zurich, Innsbruck, Rome, Florence, Venice, Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest, Barcelona, Girona, Chambery, Leysin , Milan
I had done one trip previously – Amalfi coast hiking, fall 2023 – with EXPLORE. I was so impressed I asked my excellent guide, Pete, what else he would recommend knowing my abilities and interests. He immediately recommended the Slovenia trip, and it actually was on my list of places to visit. He had apparently set the trip up about seven years ago and was very familiar with it.
I have been in 50 countries to date - some several times- and Slovenia is now in my top five and I am already planning my return for next May.
We had a lovely small group, being the first of these hikes of the season, hailing from Canada, Spain, Australia, and the UK.
The accommodation, staff, management, and food at Art Hotel Kristal were A+ – and I especially loved and took advantage of the options of the sauna and cold plunge, Ayurvedic massages with the wonderful Bhatri, chocolate tasting with the owner, Alenka, and a fantastic wine tasting with her son, Jan. I went home with a lovely assortment of chocolates and also a wonderful bottle of wine that I will try to hold onto for a few years until it is optimal to drink.
The hikes were not difficult at all, but I found that I did feel like I got a good amount of exercise by the end of the day. I spent my free day doing a mountain bike ride. The whole area around Lake Bohinj is stunning and there are so many activities that one can partake in, as well as really yummy local restaurants close by the hotel. I loved that the hotel offered a pre-fixe three course menu for hotel guests for only €25 on the nights that were not included with the hike. An incredible bargain given the quality of the food, as with almost all of the food we had in Slovenia, it was locally sourced and delicious. I am not typically a meat eater, but I had the venison twice – locally sourced, and wild – and it was by far the best I have ever had.
I would definitely stay at this hotel when I return to the area. I would strongly encourage others to spend some time in Ljubljana – either before or after the trip. A beautiful city a two hour bus ride awaythat is just the right size and full of so much to offer. Next time I am going to see a lot more of this country – it is half the size of Switzerland, but the variety of the terrain and ecosystems is quite impressive. Also, to be noted is that English is widely spoken and children start in grade 3, learning this second language. The Slovenians couldn’t have been nicer and more helpful everywhere I went. What can I say?? Get yourself to Slovenia before it is overrun: safe, clean, and green – a beautiful country of farmers, foragers, wine makers, and beekeepers. Also note that they have some fantastic fly fishing there as well as mountain and road biking – very cycling friendly. After all, it is the country of Pogacar.
Trekking and HikingWaterfalls
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ljubljana, Bled, Bohinj Lake, Sa
Ljubljana, Bled, Bohinj Lake, Savica Waterfall, Lake Bled, Brod, Julian Alps
20% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Dive deep into the region’s culture, natural wonders, traditions and historical significance in a one-of-a-kind experience along the Rhine. Delve into the region’s world-renowned museums. Along the way, indulge in Central Europe’s delicious cuisine.
Oh, and did we mention the scenery? Standing on the top deck of your ship, watching the ever-changing landscape turn increasingly dramatic, you’ll understand why people have been raving about the Rhine River Valley for centuries—and there’s definitely no cause to stop.
Jewish Heritage Program (select sailings): Our Jewish Heritage Program is the only one of its kind on the rivers and allows you to dive into Central Europe's enduring Jewish legacy with visits to museums, memorials, synagogues and more. Please note: Tours that fall on Saturdays will not operate due to Shabbat, and some sites may be closed for inside viewing during the High Holidays, Passover, and other significant events.
Cruise
Tour Type
Cruise Tour
Accommodation
Ship Cabin
Age Range
2-99 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Amsterdam, Basel, Harlingen, Arn
Amsterdam, Basel, Harlingen, Arnhem, Cologne, Sankt Goar, Mainz, Speyer, Strasbourg
Take a ten-day rail-only adventure from Paris to Rome. You’ll start in the City of Lights, then you’ll zoom to Switzerland for a mountain getaway. In Lausanne, see the iconic Cathedral and maybe visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Vineyard Terraces of Lavaux for a wine tasting, then head to Lucerne for incredible views of the lake and surrounding Alps on Mount Pilatus. Take the Gotthard Panorama Express to the city of Bellinzona, where you’ll hop on another cable car for more mountain views. Make your way to Rome, where you’ll have plenty of free time to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World and sit down to a fresh lunch with an Intrepid Foundation partner, Cooperativa Coraggio.
ExplorerTrain tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Paris, Rome, Lausanne, Lake Luce
Paris, Rome, Lausanne, Lake Lucerne, Lucerne, Ticino Valley Natural Park
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
