Take a jaunt through Benelux - from fairy-tale castles to flowering fields, Rembrandt to Royal Delft. See the historic fortified city of Maastricht and the breathtaking gorge of Luxembourg's Alzette and Petrusse rivers.

9 NIGHTS accommodation

13 MEALS

• 9 hot buffet breakfasts
• 4 dinners (including Be My Guest)

ON-TRIP TRANSPORT

ARRIVE AMSTERDAM (3 NIGHTS)

Fall in love with the Lowlands, launching your holiday in the magical city of Amsterdam, whose labyrinthine canals and vibrant squares you will have an opportunity to explore on your own. Later, you'll meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception cruise, including a light meal and welcome drink. Cruise the city's famous waterways admiring the picture-perfect surrounds and gabled façades.

MEAL(S)

Welcome Reception

AMSTERDAM SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

Explore Amsterdam's historic city centre this morning and enjoy a Small Group Sightseeing tour of the Rijksmuseum with a Local Specialist. Come face-to-face with such masterpieces as Rembrandt's 'The Night Watch', Van Gogh's self-portrait, and 'The Milkmaid' by Vermeer. We leave great art behind and visit a historic diamond polishing factory where we'll 'Dive Into Culture' and gain insights into the tradition of diamond cutting. Celebrate spring and enjoy an included visit to Keukenhof (subject to season) where you'll stroll through an enchanting wonderland of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths with millions of blooms planted across the 32-hectare site.

MEAL(S)

Buffet Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

Dinner In A Historic Dutch House

Join us for a delicious meal of Dutch specialities, including drinks, in the elegant surroundings of this historic house.

Adult Price: €63.00

Hidden Amsterdam

Still in use by the Dutch Royal Family, The Royal Palace in Amsterdam was built in 1648. Originally serving as the Town Hall, it was also a Napoleonic Palace before its current role. Its rich history and the interior of this magnificent building in the heart of Amsterdam make this a must see.

Adult Price: €43.00

Van Loon Museum

In the heart of the canal district lies Museum Van Loon, a magnificent private residence built in 1672. The former residence of the artist Ferdinand Bol, the 18th century interior still evokes the splendour of the Golden Age. We’ll discover the large collection of paintings, fine furniture, precious silver and porcelain from several centuries. A short walking tour in the heart of the city will then take us to the Beguinage (Begijnhof), a hidden courtyard where extremely pious women lived for almost 700 years. This glimpse behind the façades of Amsterdam's world-famous canals is highly recommended.

Adult Price: €40.00

Holland's Favorite Foods

Nibble your way through Amsterdam's international dining scene on a tasting tour led by a local specialist. Learn about the international flavors that have influenced Dutch cuisine, while grabbing bites at a cheese shop, beer garden and family restaurant. Savour handpicked local delicacies including artisanal cheeses, a sweet ‘stroopwafel’ and the best fish in town. We'll wash them all down with a beer or jenever.

Adult Price: €62.00

THE HAGUE – DELFT AND ROTTERDAM EXCURSION

Soak up the gezellig Dutch atmosphere this morning, before heading to Delft via The Hague. We 'Dive Into Culture' during a visit to the Royal Delft Pottery workshop and admire the delicate blue and white porcelain that has made this historic town famous. We continue our journey south, arriving in the edgy port city of Rotterdam where we will enjoy an informative orientation and ascend the iconic Euromast Tower for stunning panoramic views of this city. Heading back to Amsterdam, consider a leisurely evening in one of the charming pleins lined with cosy cafés.

MEAL(S)

Buffet Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

Kinderdijk Exploration And Boat Ride

Join us to discover the spectacular straight line of 19 working windmills at the Kinderdijk. Part of a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site and situated below sea-level, they were built around 1740 to pump water out of the reclaimed 'polder' lands. You’ll also admire the classic Dutch landscape between the Rhine river branches of the delta, during a relaxing boat ride.

Adult Price: €32.00

Muiderslot, A Genuine Castle

We'll take a short drive to imposing Muiderslot Castle, which will give us a real taste of Dutch history. It's part of Amsterdam's Defence Line and is UNESCO World Heritage Listed. During your guided tour, through rooms refurbished in 17th-century style, you'll imagine yourself in a Rembrandt painting as it evokes the period when Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft, known as the "Dutch Shakespeare," occupied the castle. We'll also enjoy a garden tour and a refreshment in a typical Dutch Inn is included.

Adult Price: €56.00

Dutch Countryside Bicycle Ride with a Local

The Netherlands is well known for being the perfect country to go for a bike ride. We'll leave the hectic city behind and cycle into the beautiful and green nature reserve called “Waterland”. Our Local Specialist will take us through centuries-old picturesque villages with typical wooden houses. We'll cross wooden bridges, pass brooks and green pastures and ride along the Ijsselmeer. Comfortable bicycles, helmets and refreshment in a typical Dutch Café are provided. The best way to experience Holland!

Adult Price: €52.00

AMSTERDAM – MAASTRICHT – BASTOGNE – LUXEMBOURG CITY (2 NIGHTS)

The fortified city of Maastricht, with its beautiful old churches, ancient city walls, and stunning merchant houses, takes centre stage this morning. We spend some time strolling through its town centre before continuing to Bastogne, the site of bloody skirmishes in the World War II Battle of the Bulge. See the Mardasson Memorial, commemorating the almost 80,000 American soldiers who were injured or killed during the siege, before journeying to the Duchy of Luxembourg, where tonight we'll dine in our hotel.

MEAL(S)

Buffet Breakfast
Dinner

LUXEMBOURG CITY SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

This morning, we pay tribute to Allied Forces hero, General George S. Patton, whose final resting place is the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial. Later, we embark on a leisurely walking tour of Luxembourg City with a Local Specialist. Our route takes us past the Cathedral and the Grand Ducal Palace, with its Flemish Renaissance façades, and includes spectacular views of the gorge of the Rivers Alzette and Petrusse. Spend the rest of the day at leisure soaking up the quaint atmosphere of this tiny country or indulge in a coffee while you people-watch in the leafy Place d'Armes - the choice is yours.

MEAL(S)

Buffet Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

Roman Trier Discovery And Dinner

Your Local Specialist will reveal the historic Roman city of Trier, with free time in the centre before you proceed to the nearby hills, for views over the Moselle River and famous wine region. Here, in a traditional villa converted into a restaurant, you’ll enjoy a three-course dinner with drinks overlooking the valley.

Adult Price: €70.00

LUXEMBOURG CITY – ORVAL – DINANT – BRUGES (2 NIGHTS)

We begin our day with a visit to the 12th-century Cistercian Orval Abbey renowned for its distinct cheese, and for being one of the few breweries that produce Trappist beer. En route to the enchanting medieval village of Bruges, we stop in Dinant whose famous son, Adolphe Sax, is credited with having invented the saxophone. This evening, we 'Connect With Locals', joining Marc Nyssen at his 18th-century Bruges farmstead to learn about Flanders farm life and enjoy a hearty Belgian Be My Guest dinner.

MEAL(S)

Buffet Breakfast
Dinner with wine

BRUGES SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

Wake up in beautiful Bruges and join a Local Specialist for a walking tour of the town. Take to the water and enjoy a whimsical sightseeing cruise along the city's wonderful canals lined with Gothic façades. 'Dive Into Culture' next and admire the delicate art of Belgian lace. Spend the rest of the day on your own, immersing yourself in the old-world allure of this town.

MEAL(S)

Buffet Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

Magical Bruges By Horse And Carriage

Experience a magical carriage ride by the colourful canals and squares of the Venice of the North. You’ll see the Lake of Love with its gliding swans, the ornate bridges, the step-gabled houses reflecting in the canals and hear the bells of the carillon chiming.

Adult Price: €38.00

Antwerp Unveiled

Join this half-day experience to Antwerp, the second largest city and biggest port of Belgium. You’ll discover the city with your Local Specialist and visit the largest Gothic cathedral of Belgium to see artworks by Peter Paul Rubens. You can also enjoy a traditional beer or waffle in the beautiful square right by the Cathedral.

Adult Price: €40.00

Ypres Excursion and Last Post Ceremony

Travel with your local expert to the historic town of Ypres, a ‘city of peace’ famous for its involvement in World War I. Afterwards, you’ll visit two famous cemeteries and attend the famous Last Post Ceremony, which commemorates the fallen of the British Army and her allies on the surrounding Flanders Fields. You’ll also have the chance to visit Ypres' famous market square and take in the atmosphere of this unique location.

Adult Price: €38.00

BRUGES – GHENT – BRUSSELS (2 NIGHTS)

Delve into centuries of trade heritage in the port city of Ghent, with its picturesque riverine backdrop. See the medieval city's three famous towers - Saint Nicholas's Church, the Belfry and Saint Bavo's Cathedral - before continuing to Brussels, a multi-cultural melting pot, which you will have an opportunity to explore after your Travel Director shows you the city's highlights. See the Atomium, designed for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair, Mannekin Pis and the exquisite Grand Place with its opulent and ornate guildhalls. This evening, consider sampling mouth-watering Belgian cuisine washed down with the city's best beers.

MEAL(S)

Buffet Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

Belgium's Best Traditions and Tastes

You’ll discover all the secrets and techniques that make Belgian chocolate the most exquisite in the world. Then head to a Belgian Brewery to savour a selection of Belgian beers.

Adult Price: €39.00

BRUSSELS FREE DAY

Embrace a full free day to explore the Belgian capital as you wish. Stroll past the Royal Palace and through the leafy lanes of Brussels Park or indulge in tasting delicious chocolate. Your Travel Director will assist you to make the most out of your free day at leisure. This evening we celebrate a memorable sojourn through three fascinating countries during a Farewell Dinner.

MEAL(S)

Buffet Breakfast
Farewell Dinner

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

Waterloo Explored

In 1815 Napoleon fought his famous last battle here against the Duke of Wellington. You’ll visit the battlefields and monuments, and discover how the face of Europe was changed forever. You’ll also see the huge iron monument built by the widows of veterans, and hear their story as you gaze at the spectacular panoramic view.

Adult Price: €40.00

DEPART BRUSSELS

We bid Belgium a fond adieu this morning as we prepare to close the curtain on a memorable holiday. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply. Please note: Your coach returns to Amsterdam from Brussels on Day 10. You are welcome to use this complimentary transfer. Drop-off in Amsterdam will be at the hotel and not at the airport. Arrival will be at approximately 3pm, depending on traffic conditions.

MEAL(S)

Buffet Breakfast