Every Expat Explore tour is packed with unforgettable experiences. But why stop there? On top of the incredible included activities, we offer a range of expertly-crafted optional experiences designed to take your adventure to the next level! From in-depth city tours and unique day trips to foodie feasts and cultural deep-dives, there’s something for everyone. While it’s totally up to you to join or not, some are just too good to miss!
Read on to find out more about these exciting experiences and ways to personalise your tour. Discover our travellers’ tried-and-tested, most-loved optional excursions!
What are optional experiences?
Before and during your tour, you may hear our team of travel experts refer to optional experiences in a variety of ways. You may have already heard terms like “optional excursions”, “personalisations” or “X-tra X-periences”. All of these names refer to the same thing – an extra experience that you can add to your tour for an additional cost.
Optional experiences allow you to personalise your tour. Are you a foodie? Join a food tour and taste your way through local cuisine! History buff? Embark on a guided museum or city tour. Obsessed with natural wonders? Opt for an exciting journey through stunning scenery. The choice is yours!
Why are optional experiences not included?
Expat Explore offers our travellers the freedom to explore at their own pace during their free time on tour. Our tours are jam-packed and after a busy few days, some travellers prefer to rest on a free day. While we truly believe that all of our excursions are unmissable, it is completely up to you should you wish to personalise your tour with one, a few, all or none of the optional experiences available on tour. However, just know that choosing not to join an X-tra X-perience will undoubtedly result in serious FOMO!
How do I book an X-tra X-perience?
Most personalisations can be booked for on tour and paid to your tour leader. In Europe, Latin America and Japan, card payments and cash are accepted. In other destinations, only cash payments are accepted.
Some optional experiences can be booked and paid for before your tour begins. You’ll get an email with details on which excursions you can reserve in advance. The ones marked as “pre-book only” on the website must be booked before your tour due to immense popularity and limited spots.
So, what are the best X-tra X-periences?
Choosing our favourite optional experiences is like choosing a favourite child! They’re all wonderful in their own way. However, we have selected a few that our travellers absolutely love. These excursions are consistently highly-rated and recommended by our travellers – and they often get booked out!
Our Top (Traveller-Approved) X-tra X-periences
Jungfraujoch: Journey to the Top of Europe
Where: Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Which Tours: European Vistas, Europe Taster, Ultimate Europe and many more multi-country Europe tours
Reach new heights on an unforgettable journey to Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe! Hop on the Eiger Express cable car and soar to 3,454m above sea level, taking in breathtaking alpine views along the way. Arrive at Europe’s highest train station, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where snow blankets the peaks year-round.
Explore the massive Aletsch Glacier, the magical Ice Palace, and soak in 360° views from the Sphinx Observatory. Return via cable car or the scenic Jungfraubahn train for even more stunning vistas. This may just be one of the best experiences in Europe and has been voted the number one excursion by our travellers for several years!
Related: Discover Switzerland’s best outdoor adventures!
Alhambra Palace & Gardens – PRE-BOOK ONLY
Where: Granada, Spain
Which Tours: Highlights of Spain & Portugal, Spain & Portugal Explorer, Spain & Portugal Christmas and Spain & Portugal in Low Season
Discover the crown jewel of Granada! The Alhambra is a magnificent palace and fortress that stands as the oldest Muslim palace in the world. Spain’s most-visited monument is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, brimming with stunning Moorish architecture, intricate courtyards, and lush gardens. Step into history as you explore the magnificent Nasrid Palaces, wander through the serene Generalife gardens, and marvel at the grand Palace of Charles V. A visit to the Alhambra is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t want to miss!
As one of Spain’s top attractions, the Alhambra is incredibly popular. For this reason, this excursion needs to be booked at least 45 days prior to the start of your tour.
Related: Learn more about our unmissable Spain optional excursions!
Machu Picchu Day Trip – PRE-BOOK ONLY
Where: Sacred Valley, Peru
Which Tours: Sacred Peru
Perched high in the Peruvian Andes, Machu Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas, is one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological wonders. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and crowned as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007, this ancient citadel is one of the world’s top bucket-list experiences!
Your adventure begins with a scenic journey by train, bus, and foot, leading you to the awe-inspiring ruins. Step into history as you explore the mysterious stone terraces, temples, and panoramic viewpoints with an expert guide. This fully-guided excursion includes transport, transfers, permits, and a delicious lunch in Aguas Calientes. Pre-booking is required at least 45 days before departure as permits sell out months in advance!
Acropolis Guided Tour – PRE-BOOK ONLY
Where: Athens, Greece
Which Tours: Best of Greece, Athens, Mykonos & Santorini, Taste of Greece, Balkan Explorer and Best of the Balkans & Greek Islands
Join an expert local guide for an unmissable journey through the heart of ancient Athens as you encounter the legendary Acropolis! With skip-the-line access, you’ll explore iconic landmarks like the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike, and of course, the world-famous Parthenon. After the guided tour, enjoy free time at the top of the Acropolis to soak in the sweeping panoramic views and snap some memorable photos!
No trip to Athens is complete without a visit to the legendary Acropolis. For this reason, it can get very busy and we require that you book this tour 20 days before departure.
Eternal Rome: Colosseum & Vatican – PRE-BOOK ONLY
Where: Rome, Italy
Which Tours: Italian Delights, Best of Europe, Europe Explorer and many more Italy tours!
No trip to the Eternal City is complete without stepping into history’s grandest stage! Walk in the footsteps of gladiators at the Colosseum, explore the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum, and relive the glory of the Roman Empire with your expert local guide.
Then, immerse yourself in the artistic wonders of the Vatican! Marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel and discover the world-famous treasures of the Vatican Museums. This excursion must be reserved at least 30 days before departure due to high demand. You have the option to join either the Colosseum or Vatican tours only but you’ll save by booking this combined experience!
Classical Vienna: Concert & Dinner
Where: Vienna, Austria
Which Tours: Best of Eastern Europe, Taste of Europe, Croatian & Eastern Delights and Central & Eastern Europe Explorer
Indulge in a magical evening of Austrian culture, gourmet dining, and world-class music. Begin with a delectable three-course dinner at a charming local restaurant, savouring authentic Viennese flavours. Then, step into history at the Schönbrunn Palace Orangery, where Mozart himself once performed!
Be mesmerised by the beautiful melodies of Mozart and Strauss, brought to life by talented musicians in an idyllic setting. During intermission, stroll through the stunning Orangery Gardens, home to rare and exotic plants. A night of fine dining, classical music, and timeless elegance awaits!
Full Day Game Drive with Lunch
Where: Kruger National Park, South Africa
Which Tours: South Africa Escape and Kruger Safari & the Panorama Route
For most who dream of visiting South Africa, a safari adventure is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Set off on an unforgettable full-day game drive through Kruger National Park with a highly-skilled guide who knows exactly where to find the action! These expert trackers follow the movements of Africa’s most incredible wildlife, giving you the best chance to witness animals up close, in their natural habitat.
Capture exceptional photos and videos, and if luck is on your side, you might even spot the Big Five (Rhino, Lion, Cape Buffalo, African Elephant and Leopard) in a single day! Midway through your adventure, enjoy a delicious bush lunch surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wild.
Related: How to pack for a South African safari.
Danube Dinner Cruise
Where: Budapest, Hungary
Which Tours: Eastern Highlights, Central Europe in Low Season, Europe Jewel and Prague to Budapest Rail Express
Set sail on a dazzling nighttime sightseeing cruise along the Danube and see Budapest in all its illuminated glory! With a local guide, marvel at iconic landmarks like the glowing Hungarian Parliament, majestic Buda Castle, and the fairytale-like Fisherman’s Bastion.
Sip on a complimentary welcome drink as you soak in the unmatched views of Budapest. Then, delight in a feast of Hungarian favourites like rich beef goulash and flavourful chicken paprikash. Vegetarian options are also available.
Related: Looking for more reasons to visit Hungary?
Ring of Kerry Day Trip
Where: Killarney, Ireland
Which Tours: Irish Explorer, Best of UK & Ireland and Ireland in Low Season
Get ready for a journey around the dreamy Ring of Kerry! Sit back and enjoy a scenic coach ride through Ireland’s most jaw-dropping landscapes. Snap postcard-perfect photos from epic viewpoints like Ladies View, Caherdaniel, and Moll’s Gap.
Step back in time at the Kerry Bog Village Museum and discover what life was like in 19th-century Ireland. Then, take a charming jaunting (horse and carriage) ride through the lush beauty of Killarney National Park – an absolute must-do!
Winter Note: The experience may vary slightly in colder months, but the magic of the Ring of Kerry never fades!
Viking Village and Norwegian Fjords Cruise
Where: Flam, Norway
Which Tours: Best of Scandinavia & the Baltics, Copenhagen to Helsinki and Scandinavian Escape
Step into the world of the Vikings at Njardarheimer in Gudvangen. Visit a traditional Viking village and experience how these legendary warriors lived when they weren’t conquering the seas. Then, set sail on an unforgettable cruise through the jaw-dropping UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord – every moment is a photo opportunity!
Travel in style aboard the award-winning Vision of the Fjords, a sleek, modern vessel designed for unbeatable panoramic views. Prepare for an epic journey through Norway’s most spectacular landscapes!
Related: We’ve got your guide to Norway in winter!
These are just a taste of the many optional excursions and personalisations waiting for you on our group tours. Check your tour page and inbox for the full lineup of remarkable experiences that you won’t want to miss!
Before you embark on an optional excursion – book your dream tour! Have a look at our upcoming departures and find the best fit for you.