Country Roads of Belgium, Luxembourg & the Netherlands (Classic, 11 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of Europe, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes converge. From the bustling streets of Brussels to the serene canals of Amsterdam, each day offers a new adventure. Discover medieval towns, indulge in culinary delights, and explore iconic landmarks with expert guidance. Whether you're strolling through flower-filled gardens or savoring local delicacies, this tour promises a rich tapestry of experiences that will captivate your senses and leave you with cherished memories. Join us for a journey that celebrates the essence of European charm and hospitality.
Included
4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
10 Breakfast (B)
1 Dinner (D)
Brussels: Your delightful first 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.
Maredsous Abbey: Visit the late 19th century abbey, surrounded by the lush greenery of the Molignée valley. Then, learn about the production secrets of the Maredsous Benedictine beers and cheeses before sampling freshly brewed beer along with a taste of creamy, golden-crusted cheese.
Luxembourg City: At restaurant Les Écuires du Parc, savour a freshly prepared Farm-to-Table meal of locally sourced, seasonal produce.
Monnickendam: Enjoy a Celebration Dinner with wine in an elegant restaurant in the quaint village of Monnickendam.
Accommodation as stated in the itinerary
Brussels: No visit to Belgium is complete without a trip to the site of the historic Battle of Waterloo. Your Travel Director reveals how the Battle of Waterloo was fought at this very spot between Napoleon’s French Army and a coalition led by the Duke of Wellington and Marshal Blücher, ending a 23-year war and Napolean’s imperial power. Step inside the museum and the underground Visitor Centre to enhance your discovery through a 3D film and monumental panoramic painting depicting the battle.
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
Amsterdam: Led by your Travel Director, wander the city to see the floating flower market, Dam Square and the Royal Palace.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
Brussels: Join a private chocolate truffle-making lesson and tasting with a master chocolatier to get up close and personal with the decadent flavours of Brussels. Then enhance your discovery exploring Brussels with your Local Expert. Visit the cobbled square of the Grand-Place, home to the Town Hall and other buildings of political significance. This 12th century, Gothic architectural gem also hosts many concerts, fairs and folklore events and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
Monnickendam: Journey through the polder landscape to visit Monnickendam. Along the way, visit a rustic cheese workshop to learn the secrets of the dairy industry and witness the ancient art of clog making.
City tours of Ghent, Bruges, Luxembourg City, and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam all with Local Experts.
Brussels: Visit the Grand Place and view the Mannekin Pis.
Brussels: See the Atomium, and the Chinese and Japanese Pavilions.
Ghent: Visit St. Bavo's Cathedral with a Local Expert, former home of the Van Eyck masterpiece, and see the Castle of the Counts.
Bruges: Visit the Market Square and famous belfry of the Market Hall with your Local Expert. See the Gothic town hall in Burg Square and the frescoes on the walls of the Holy Blood Chapel.
Luxembourg City: With your Local Expert, enjoy views over the Petrusse Ravine and walk through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the cathedral, the Palace of the Grand Duke and visit the grave of U.S. General George S. Patton. Lookout from the Pont Adolphe.
Bastogne: Experience a fascinating insight into the history of the World War II at the modern Bastogne War Museum. Visit the Mardasson Monument, dedicated to those who fell during the Battle of the Bulge.
Rotterdam: Witness the impressive market hall and Erasmus Bridge on your orientation of this modern city.
Delft: Visit one of the manufacturers of original Delft blue pottery and see the potters at work on your guided tour.
The Hague: See the Parliament and the Peace Palace.
Amsterdam: Cruise along the waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century.
Amsterdam: Explore the Rijksmuseum, the Dutch national museum and largest art museum in the Netherlands, with a local art historian. Witness famous works by Van Gogh, Vermeer, and Rembrandt.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Brussels
- Brussels - Arrival day
- More
- Grand-Place
- Tenreuken park
- More
Welcome to the heart of Europe! Upon arrival at Brussels airport, you'll be whisked away to your centrally-located hotel (Hilton or similar). After settling in, the afternoon is yours to unwind. Later, join your Travel Director for a visit to the whimsical Manneken Pis statue and a leisurely stroll around the Grand Place, renowned as Europe's most beautiful square. Conclude your delightful first evening with a Welcome Dinner, complete with wine, at a charming local restaurant in the Old Town, where you'll have the chance to mingle with fellow travelers.
Day 2 – Day 2: Discover Brussels
- Waterloo
- Brussels
- More
- Wintertuin
- More
Today, delve into the rich history of Brussels with Insight Choice. Opt to learn about Napoleon's final defeat at Waterloo or indulge in a private chocolate truffle-making lesson with a master chocolatier. Further explore Brussels with a Local Expert, and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Consider an optional excursion to the vibrant city of Antwerp.
Day 3 – Day 3: From Brussels to Bruges via Ghent
- Ghent
- Bruges
- Brussels
- More
- Atomium
- Saint Bavo's Cathedral
- Belfry of Bruges
- House Of Giants
- More
Begin your day by marveling at the Atomium's futuristic design before journeying through Flanders' lush pastures to Ghent, the City of Flowers. With a Local Expert, explore the city's medieval streets, visit St. Bavo's Cathedral, and see the Castle of the Counts. Continue to Bruges, where you'll stay for two nights. In Bruges, enjoy a guided stroll along cobbled streets, visiting the Market Square and the Belfry of Bruges. Discover the ornate Gothic town hall and the Holy Blood Chapel's frescoes in Burg Square.
Day 4 – Day 4: Leisure in Bruges
- Bruges
- More
- Yper Museum
- More
Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Bruges at your own pace. With the afternoon free, consider an optional trip to the historic town of Ypres. Wander the market square and attend the poignant Last Post Ceremony, honoring the fallen Allied Forces of Flanders Fields.
Day 5 – Day 5: Wallonia to Luxembourg
- Luxembourg
- Bruges
- Charleroi
- More
- Clervaux Castle
- More
Travel into the picturesque Wallonia region, visiting the late 19th-century Maredsous Abbey. Here, Benedictine monks have crafted a cultural haven for arts, crafts, and culinary delights. Sample their freshly brewed beer and creamy cheese before continuing to Luxembourg. Arrive at your 18th-century château home for two nights. In the evening, savor a Farm-to-Table Dinner at Les Écuries du Parc and see Clervaux Castle illuminated on a post-dinner stroll.
Day 6 – Day 6: Explore Luxembourg City
- Luxembourg
- More
- Pétrusse Casemates
- Grand Ducal Palace
- More
Embark on a guided tour of Luxembourg City with a Local Expert. Visit the grave of U.S. General George S. Patton and admire views over the Petrusse Ravine from the Pont Adolphe. Stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, visiting the cathedral and the Palace of the Grand Duke. The afternoon is yours to explore or join an optional excursion to Trier, the ancient Roman city and hometown of Karl Marx.
Day 7 – Day 7: Luxembourg to Rotterdam via Bastogne
- Bastogne
- Rotterdam
- Ettelbruck
- More
- Bastogne War Museum
- Battle of the Bulge Monument
- More
Journey to Bastogne to visit the Mardasson Monument, dedicated to U.S. troops of the Battle of the Bulge. Explore the Bastogne War Museum, a modern memorial center highlighting WWII's impact. Continue through Belgium to Rotterdam, the world's largest port. During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the market hall's radical design and the iconic Erasmus Bridge.
Day 8 – Day 8: Rotterdam to Amsterdam via The Hague
- Delft
- The Hague
- Rotterdam
- Amsterdam
- More
- Peace Palace
- More
Visit a Delft Blue Pottery manufacturer before heading to The Hague, the Netherlands' elegant governmental hub. See the Parliament and the impressive Peace Palace. Depending on the season, visit Keukenhof Gardens, one of the world's largest flower gardens. Pass through picturesque villages and windmills en route to Amsterdam, where you'll spend three fabulous nights.
Day 9 – Day 9: Explore Amsterdam
- Amsterdam
- More
- Dam Square
- Cantonspark
- More
Start your day with a leisurely exploration of Amsterdam, a living museum of the 17th century. Cruise through the UNESCO-listed canal district, admiring the elegant merchant houses. Disembark to wander the city, visiting the floating flower market, Dam Square, and the Royal Palace. The rest of the day is yours to explore or venture to the Dutch countryside, visiting the village of Marken. In the evening, enjoy a Dine-Around experience at a hand-picked local restaurant.
Day 10 – Day 10: Art and Tradition in Amsterdam
- Amsterdam
- More
- Rijksmuseum
- Moco Museum
- More
Begin your morning with a visit to the Van Loon Museum, followed by a guided tour of the Rijksmuseum, home to Dutch art treasures like Rembrandt's 'Night Watch.' Journey to Monnikendam to learn the secrets of cheese-making and witness a traditional shoemaker craft clogs. In the evening, dine with newfound friends and your Travel Director at a beautiful restaurant in Monnikendam.
Day 11 – Day 11: Farewell to Amsterdam
- Amsterdam - Departure day
- More
As your enchanting journey concludes, bid farewell to Amsterdam and transfer to Schiphol Airport for your onward travels. Reflect on the memories made and the friendships forged during this unforgettable multi-day tour.
Similar tours
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.