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11 days Country Roads of Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands (Summer 2019)



Step back in time and immerse yourself in idyllic 17th century Dutch landscapes of gently turning windmills and charming bridges, arching over peaceful canals. Enjoy a slower pace of life with all the comforts of modern touches.

Day Location Description
1 Welcome to Brussels. Airport transfers depart Brussels airport for your centrally-located hotel at 09:00, 11:00 and 14:30. After checking in, the afternoon is yours to relax. At 17:00, join your Travel Director for a visit to the cheeky Manneken Pis statue and leisurely stroll around the Grand Place, voted the most beautiful square in Europe. Your delightful introductory evening also includes a Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant in the heart of the Old Town with an opportunity to mingle with your fellow travellers. Hotel: NH Collection Brussels Centre/NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon. Meals: Dinner with Wine
2 Relaxed Start The Battlefield of Waterloo. Leaving the city limits behind, visit the Battlefield of Waterloo to learn about Napoleon’s final defeat in 1815. Immerse yourself in the action at the Panorama, where a huge 360-degree mural depicts a key moment in the raging battle. If you're feeling energetic, you can climb the 230 steps to the top of the Lion's Mound for panoramic views over the battlefield and countryside. Return to Brussels, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. Perhaps venture further afield and visit Antwerp, Belgium’s biggest port? Maybe try the local food and drink, Belgian Stoemp and a Kwak, for dinner? Hotel: NH Collection Brussels Centre/NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon. Meals: Buffet Breakfast
3 Ghent and on to Bruges. In the morning, admire the contrast of the Chinese and Japanese Pavilions and the impressive, metallic spheres of the Atomium. Your journey then crossed the pasture lands of Belgian Flanders to your next stop in Ghent, the City of Flowers and rival to Bruges for its rich treasury of medieval heritage. With a Local Expert, visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral with its Van Eyck masterpiece and see the Castle of the Counts. Continue to picture-perfect Bruges for a fabulous Dine-Around Evening, amid the olde worlde atmosphere of the town centre. Hotel: NH Brugge Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
4 Relaxed Start Sightseeing Bruges. (Relaxed Start) Meet your Local Expert from Bruges for a stroll along cobbled streets, lined with high-gabled houses from the 16th century. Visit the Market Square dominated by the 80-metre belfry of the Market Hall. Explore Burg Square with its ornate Gothic town hall and glorious frescoes on the walls of the Holy Blood Chapel. With your free afternoon, maybe shop for handmade lace and praline chocolates? In the evening, perhaps an Optional Experience to the town of Ypres, where buglers sound the Last Post each evening in a moving tribute to those who fell during World War I. Hotel: NH Brugge Meals: Buffet Breakfast
5 To Maredsous Abbey and Luxembourg. Travel into the French-speaking Walloon region of Belgium. Picturesque country roads lead you to the neo-Gothic Maredsous Abbey, towering over the Molignée Valley. The Abbey itself dates back to the 19th century, whereas the monks’ dairy process and secret brewing recipe represent a thousand years of tradition. Sample for yourself the flowery, fruity ales along with the salty tang of their golden-crusted cheese. Only a short drive from here is Dinant on the River Meuse, its skyline dominated by the lofty citadel and onion-domed bell tower of the Collegiate Church. Continue on to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to arrive at your 18th century château home for two nights. Hotel: Château D'Urspelt (Castle Rooms) Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
6 Luxembourg City and Countryside. Your travels continue to Luxembourg City for sightseeing with your Local Expert. Admire the view over the Petrusse Ravine from the Pont Adolphe and stroll through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the cathedral and the Palace of the Grand Duke. Visit the grave of U.S. General George S. Patton, laid to rest alongside the men who fought and died in his great Third Army. With the afternoon free for you to explore at your leisure, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the ancient Roman city of Trier, home town of Karl Marx, to explore with a Local Expert? In the evening, you will be served a fresh and delicious Farm-to-Table Dinner that will of course be accompanied with wine. Hotel: Château D'Urspelt (Castle Rooms) Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
7 Explore Bastogne then on to Rotterdam. Head for Bastogne to visit the Mardasson Monument, a star-shaped memorial dedicated to the U.S. troops who died during World War II’s Battle of the Bulge. You may choose to climb to the top for a perspective of what it might have been like during the winter of 1944. Visit the Bastogne War Museum, a fascinating modern and interactive memorial centre highlighting the causes, events and consequences of WWII. Travel through the centre of Belgium as your journey continues to Rotterdam, the world's largest port rebuilt after wartime devastation. During your orientation with your Travel Director, marvel at the radical modern design of the city that has become its distinguishing feature and see the impressive market hall and the Erasmus Bridge. Hotel: Inntel Hotels Rotterdam Centre. Meals: Buffet Breakfast
8 Relaxed Start Delft, the Hague and on to Amsterdam. Visit one of the manufacturers of original Delft blue pottery before moving on to the Hague, the elegant governmental centre of the Netherlands. See the Binnenhof courtyards where the Parliament is situated and the impressive Peace Palace. Pass through picturesque villages and windmills of the Dutch countryside to Amsterdam for three fabulous nights. Hotel: QO Amsterdam. Meals: Buffet Breakfast
9 Relaxed Start Amsterdam Sightseeing. Today you explore Amsterdam, a living museum of the 17th century, yet still a vibrant metropolis and port today. The best way to see this remarkable city is from the water as you cruise through the canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the elegant merchant houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, their facades are a reflection of when trade flourished during Amsterdam's Golden Age. Relax as you pass stunning gables, beautiful churches and the iconic Magere Brug, better known as the Skinny Bridge. Disembark your cruise to wander the city with your Travel Director. See the floating flower market, Dam Square and the Royal Palace. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Hotel: QO Amsterdam. Meals: Buffet Breakfast
10 Relaxed Start A True Dutch Delight. If you choose, you could start the morning by visiting the world's largest flower auction at Aalsmeer? Later, in Amsterdam, visit the newly refurbished Rijksmuseum with a Local Expert, Amsterdam's famed treasure trove of Dutch art, housing Rembrandt's ‘Night Watch.' Journey to the fishing village of Volendam, situated on what was once the Zuider Zee. Learn the secrets of the cheese maker's craft, from milk to finished product and witness a traditional shoemaker turn a block of wood into clogs. In the evening, join your newfound friends and Travel Director at a beautiful restaurant to enjoy your Celebration Dinner. Hotel: QO Amsterdam. Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
11 Depart Amsterdam. Transfers to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport arrive at 08:00 and 10:00. Meals: Buffet Breakfast