What do you get when you combine picturesque Venetian canals, hilltop Bavarian castles, snow-capped Swiss mountain ranges, and bustling medieval cities? Some would say this trip and, sure, they’d be right. But what do you really get? A fairytale.
Pack your appetite for adventure (and pasta) and board your overnight flight to Italy. This is the time to rest up—new countries, cultures, and cuisines await.
Day 2: Arrive in Venice + Welcome Dinner
Welcome to Venice, the renowned former naval power of Italy. Grab your walking shoes, a good map (like a *really* good map) and hit the narrow, winding, organized, yet maddeningly confusing streets. The one-of-a-kind canals have to be seen to be appreciated. Watch the gondolas, browse the shops and eat the gelato until you can't eat anymore. Then eat more.
In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner of local cuisine and drinks with fellow travelers at an authentic local spot. Afterwards, you’re free to take the party elsewhere!
Today’s highlights
Land at the airport and meet a waiting EF representative.
Transfer to your hotel to check in and check out your room.
Get familiar with the area around your hotel with an introductory walk with your Tour Director.
Travel to and tour the Santa Margherita neighborhood of Venice.
Travel questions?
Chat with a Trip Expert!
1-800-766-2645
Monday–Thursday, 9am–7pm ET
Friday, 9am–5:30pm ET
Accommodations
We handpick every accommodation and focus on locations and properties where local culture is at your doorstep. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used properties for this tour.
This classic hotel is located in Mestre with easy access to the heart of Venice. Guests enjoy an onsite restaurant, free WIFI and welcoming common spaces. Nearby you'll find cocktail bars, gelato shops and the Venice Mestre...
Holiday Inn Express Munich City West
This modern hotel is conveniently accessible from Munich City Centre. Guests enjoy an onsite café and bar, 24/7 hotel supermarket and comfortable common spaces. Nearby you'll find Nymphenburg Castle and famous beer garden...
Hotel Terrace
This historic hotel is located on a Swiss mountain. Guests enjoy a stylish lounge, Belle Epoque reception area and stunning mountain views. Nearby you'll find mountain shops, a 12th-century monastery and Mount Titlis.
This tour is absolutely incredible, especially during the holiday season, as many of the cities included feature charming Christmas Markets that create a magical atmosphere! The hotels we stayed in were all excellent, offering comfort and convenience at every stop, including...
10/10 BOOK THIS TRIP!!
5 out of 5 stars
1st-time traveler Kersten, traveled in Dec 2024
This was my first trip with EF and I loved it! I just got back home yesterday and have already booked another trip if that tells you how much I enjoyed it. It was a nice mix of planned activities and free time. Tyson was a great tour director with lots of knowledge and great...
5 out of 5 stars
2nd-time traveler Mckenna, traveled in Nov 2024
Gia was the absolute best tour guided, she cared so much about her travelers and gave the best recommendations and was super knowledgeable! I want to travel with her again!
Worth Every Penny
5 out of 5 stars
1st-time traveler Sydney, traveled in Nov 2024
Just book it! This tour was absolutely everything and more. I went during the Christmas Markets, and it was truly magical. The pacing was a great balance of planned activities and free time, although you should do the suggested activities as they are worth it. I really have to...
Wonderful Busy Trip
5 out of 5 stars
1st-time traveler Patrick, traveled in Nov 2024
The tour is a great balance of some free time to explore on your own with the majority of the day planned out for you. My wife and I went the week of Thanksgiving and most places had Christmas Markets setup which were fun and interesting to explore. All the tour guides were...
Amazing time for first time in Europe
5 out of 5 stars
1st-time traveler Samuel, traveled in Nov 2024
This was an amazing first trip to Europe and an amazing way to do it. This is definitely the way to travel, especially if it’s your first time. The group I was with was amazing. We all got along very well. Our guide Jos was amazing at planning everything and communicating with...