Amsterdam to Barcelona Rail Tour

Welcome to the first day of your rail journey through Europe! Once you have checked in and met with your fellow travellers, your tour leader will take you to the city centre for a canal cruise of Amsterdam. You will explore the city from a unique perspective and gain an alternative view of this eclectic and bohemian city while drifting past famous landmarks and learning about Amsterdam’s interesting history. Before heading back to the hotel, we will stop for a welcome dinner where you can get to know your new train buddies.

The day is yours to explore all that Amsterdam has to offer! There are numerous museums and art galleries to choose from - why not visit Anne Frank’s house, the Van Gogh Museum, take a bicycle tour or simply wander the streets and canals? Alternatively, you can speak to your Expat Explore tour leader about optional experiences available to enjoy. 

Today we head to the train station and make our way to the home of the European Parliament, Brussels. Arriving in the afternoon, we will drop our bags off at the hotel and head out for an orientation tour of the city centre. Highlights of the orientation tour include the Park of Brussels, the Grand Place, the Broodhuis History Museum and Brussels Town Hall. You will have the afternoon to explore more of the city at your leisure. Take a trip to the intriguing Atomium and take in the panoramic views of the city. Or spend the afternoon strolling through the historic streets, taking in the sights, visiting museums and even doing some shopping!

After breakfast, we’ll say farewell to Belgium and take a short train ride to Paris, France. Say bonjour to the ‘City of Lights and Love'. After storing your bags at the hotel and freshening up, we will head to the eclectic, bohemian and historic neighbourhood known as the Latin Quarter for lunch. After enjoying your first taste of traditional French cuisine, we head out on a walking tour of the French capital, guided by your Expat Explore tour leader. Get your cameras ready - you’ll be seeing some of the city’s most treasured landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the home of Napoleon’s tomb, Les Invalides. The afternoon is yours to explore the city's iconic attractions, to-die-for galleries and superb cuisine.

Today is yours to discover Paris exactly as you wish! This eclectic city has so much to experience; from art, culture and fashion to beautiful gardens and historic sites. Soak up the Parisian vibe, do as the locals do and enjoy coffee and a croissant - a classic French combo! Alternatively, join a full-day Paris optional excursion. Embark on an in-depth tour of Paris guided by your tour leader. 

Today we leave the monument-lined boulevards, boutiques, stunning architecture and traditional bistros of Paris behind, and cross the border into the Swiss Alps by rail. Once we cross into Switzerland make sure to get your cameras ready! The magnificent scenery you see as you glide through the Swiss Alps is something you’ll never want to forget. Spend the night in the Jungfrau region - a World Heritage Site that is home to Europe's largest glacier. Welcome to your home for the next two days, the Swiss Alps! 

The splendour of the Alps is yours to discover today – don’t miss the chance to join our optional excursion up to Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe! The trip to the top is a real highlight! Look out for quaint villages nestled in the valleys beneath snow-capped peaks and tumbling mountain waterfalls. Once we’ve reached the top, enjoy the year-round snow and breath-taking views of the surrounding glaciers and craggy mountaintops. Once you’ve had a chance to explore and capture as many photos as possible, it’s back down to lower altitudes for the rest of the afternoon. Take the chance to head into nearby Interlaken to see the lakes of the region, shop for chocolates or have a fondue!

Can't get enough of Switzerland? Good! Hop aboard and enjoy a scenic train trip to Geneva - Switzerland’s second-largest city. Arrive around midday and enjoy ample time to explore this unique destination. Geneva is a cosmopolitan city surrounded by incredible scenery including the picturesque Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc in the distance. Geneva boasts exquisite watchmakers, stunning landscapes and an amazingly diverse cultural scene! Get to know more about Geneva on an orientation tour of the Old Town, enjoy an included cruise on Lake Geneva and admire views of the Jura mountains today.

Feel like you need a little more time in Geneva? Well, this morning is free for you to explore the delightful city. Grab some more photos or pick up some souvenirs before heading to the train station in the afternoon. Today our European train adventure takes us back into France, where we will overnight in ‘The City of Popes’, also known as Avignon. This amazingly preserved, fortified city commune with a long history, stunning architecture and religious significance will take you back in time. Enjoy an orientation walking tour of Avignon’s historic centre, where your tour leader will take you to the Papal Palace, Pont d’Avignon and more. After the tour, your evening is free to explore.

Departing Avignon we take the delightful train journey to Nice. Along the way take in impeccable views of the Mediterranean coastline, hilltop villages and churches, and views of the wine-producing Chateau de Montfaucon on the River Rhône. Once in Nice, we will head to the hotel to check-in and freshen up for this afternoon's orientation tour of the city. Your tour leader will take you to the stunning Old Town of Nice also known as ‘Le Vieux Nice’. Here you will roam along the narrow streets, dotted with beautiful Baroque cathedrals, boutique shops and charming restaurants. End the evening with an included dinner and sample some local Nice specialities. Ah, la vie est belle!

The day is free to explore the French Riviera at your leisure. This is the playground for the rich and famous so keep your eyes open for celebrities and stars whilst enjoying the sights! This afternoon join your tour leader on an optional experience to the glitz and glamour of world-famous Monaco. Arriving in Monaco, we visit the Prince's Palace - the residence of the Prince of Monaco. Take in the amazing vistas from a viewpoint overlooking the harbour and visit the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo. Have some free time trying to win your fortune on the tables this evening! 

Today we leave the magical Cote d'Azur behind us and leave for Spain on a plane! Arriving in Barcelona, we head to the hotel to check-in and freshen up. Meet with your guide and head out to the heart of Barcelona on a tour of the city’s fascinating Gothic Quarter. A patchwork of architecture dating back to the Middle Ages, wander through the narrow winding roads and feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The city comes alive at night, so, after dinner, head back into the heart of the action for some music and atmosphere.

A free day in Barcelona! We recommend taking in the panoramic splendour and city views from Park Guell. The park offers an interestingly whimsical design typical of Anton Gaudi. Another Gaudi classic is the incredibly impressive and unfinished Sagrada Familia. Don't skip a beat there's so much to explore. Museums, the 'Old Town', art galleries and some of the best shopping in Europe. You can even consider catching a traditional Flamenco show; a dance of passion, style, flair and energy - not to be missed.

After breakfast, your 14-day tour of Europe by train concludes. It has been two weeks of incredible sights, scenery and experiences! It is time to say your goodbyes to your fellow travellers, and of course, the incredible continent of Europe! Be sure to swap contact information with your new travel friends so you can keep in contact once you’re home!