Best of Holland, Belgium, & Luxembourg

10 Days – 3 Countries – 7 Cities

This is an International vacation the whole family will love –  or if you are traveling with a group – everyone will love.  You’ll visit places in Amsterdam; such as the Hague, maybe take a boat ride or visit a castle for a real adventure.  When going to Luxembourg don’t forget to visit the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial where you’ll find the final resting place of General George S. Patton.  Your visit to Bruges should include a Magical City Tour in a horse drawn carriage.  You will be able to see where in 1815 Napoleon fought his famous last battle in Waterloo; against the Duke of Wellington.  Be sure to experience Antwerp, the second largest city and biggest port of Belgium before departing.  When you return to the United States and home, be sure to let all your friends know what a wonderful experience this vacation was.  A great history lesson for the children.

Best of Holland, Belgium, and Luxembourg

10 DAYS-3 COUNTRIES-7 CITIES

This is an International vacation the whole family will love –  or if you are traveling with a group – everyone will love.  You’ll visit places in Amsterdam; such as the Hague, maybe take a boat ride or visit a castle for a real adventure.  When going to Luxembourg don’t forget to visit the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial where you’ll find the final resting place of General George S. Patton.  Your visit to Bruges should include a Magical City Tour in a horse drawn carriage.  You will be able to see where in 1815 Napoleon fought his famous last battle in Waterloo; against the Duke of Wellington.  Be sure to experience Antwerp, the second largest city and biggest port of Belgium before departing.  When you return to the United States and home, be sure to let all your friends know what a wonderful experience this vacation was.  A great history lesson for the children.

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 travelers 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:  A Welcome Reception         HOTEL:  Apollo Hotel

AMSTERDAM SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME:  Explore Amsterdam’s historic city center 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 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.

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 port city of Rotterdam where we will enjoy an informative talk 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 cozy cafés.   MEAL:  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.

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 Defense 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.

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 center stage today. We spend some time strolling through its town center 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   HOTEL:  Novotel Kirchberg

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:  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 center 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.

LUXEMBOURG CITY – ORVAL – DINANT – BRUGES (2 NIGHTS): Begin the day visiting 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 medieval village of Bruges, we stop in Dinant whose famous son, Adolphe Sax, is credited with having invented the saxophone.  MEAL:  Buffet Breakfast    HOTEL:  Golden Tulip De Medici

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

Magical Bruges By Horse and Carriage:  Experience a magical carriage ride by the colorful 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.

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

BRUGES SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME: Wake up in beautiful Bruges and enjoy 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. 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.    MEALS:  Buffet Breakfast & Dinner with Wine

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 savor a selection of Belgian beers.

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 multicultural melting pot, which you will have an opportunity to explore the city. 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:  Buffet Breakfast  HOTEL:  Sofitel Europe

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.

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.  MEAL(S) Buffet Breakfast & Farewell Dinner

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

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.

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 Trafalgar Amsterdam hotel and not at the airport.  MEAL:  Buffet Breakfast

TravelKatz will be happy to point you in the right direction when it comes to traveling in Europe.  This area is one of the most popular!  Call or email TravelKatz at 352-277-7300 or [email protected] to get on board with this vacation for your family, friends, or special group.