Noble Netherlands and Beautiful Belgium
April 23rd - May 9th, 2025
2 Weeks traveling through the beautiful cities, towns and villages of the Netherlands and Belgium with a day trip to Luxembourg. We will focus on the major cities of Amsterdam, the Hague and Rotterdam along with all the lovely cities and towns that make the Netherlands so special. In Belgium we will spend time in Antwerp, Bruges and Brussels, but our main focus will be on the enchanting villages that speak to our hearts and souls. And of course, there is chocolate!
Price includes 16 nights accommodation, all dinners, lunches listed in the itinerary and breakfast each morning, all activities, sightseeing and entrance fees as listed in itinerary, all taxes, fees and service charges. Guided minibus travel with luggage handling.
As this tour is our first venture into the Netherlands and Belgium, it will truly be an adventure!
$9795US per person. 2 Doubles and 2 Singles Available!
$1495 single supplement.
$500 deposit to book your spot.
Day 1 – April 23rd - This morning we gather in the lobby of our hotel and prepare for a full day of Amsterdam delights. The original river settlement was built by fishermen fishing for herring, and all over the city one can still find haringhandels (herring carts) selling the delicacy. We will take a private cruise down Amsterdam's famed canals as it is the best way to experience the city and view its amazing architecture. We will then stop for Afternoon Tea before we visit Anne Frank House. On 6 July 1942, the Frank family went into hiding in the building at Prinsengracht 263. The building housed Otto Frank’s business. Later, they were joined by the Van Pels family and Fritz Pfeffer. The building consisted of two parts: the main house and the annex. The eight people hid on the top floors of the annex. We will have an introductory tour to this museum with a story and then learn about the house and its occupants through quotes, photos, videos, and original items. We then make our way back to our accommodation before dinner. Welcoming Dinner and Overnight Amsterdam. (B,L)
Day 2 – April 24th - This morning we will visit Van Gogh Museum where with our professional guide we discover the major works and interesting lesser-known pieces of this troubled, 19th-century Dutch artist. Gaze at the legendary ‘Sunflowers,’ see his last work completed before his death, and admire other masterpieces as our guide sheds light on the different periods of his work and the landscapes, locations and people that inspired him. An ideal first-time insight into the museum and Van Gogh. We will stop for Afternoon Tea at the Royal Delft Museum before a visit to the factory and museum. Paintbrushes carefully touch the white earthenware, whilst elsewhere clay is poured into handmade moulds. In this pottery, craftsmen have been creating iconic Delft Blue for almost 400 years. Royal Delft, established in 1653, is the last remaining original Delftware factory in Delft from the 17th century that still produces hand painted Delft Blue according to centuries-old tradition. We will also see our museum with an extensive collection of historic and modern pieces. The rest of the afternoon is free in Amsterdam. Overnight Amsterdam. (B,L)
Day 3 – April 25th - Today we join the Grand Dutch Food Tour which is the most comprehensive, fun, interesting and diverse Dutch food tour of Amsterdam. In addition, this is also a history tour where between tastings you will learn about Amsterdam from its earliest beginnings through the Golden Age to the present in an inspiring and entertaining way. But above all, this tour is also about making you understand Amsterdam and Dutch culture while getting to know each other. As we walk around the city we will have six stops to indulge in unique samplings of food and drink. This afternoon you will have tickets for the Rijksmuseum. This iconic museum in the heart of Amsterdam is a must-visit for any culture lover. The Rijksmuseum houses more than 8,000 works of art from Dutch and European history, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh. What makes the Rijksmuseum one of the world’s most famous museums is the fame of the masterpieces in its collection. Like The Milkmaid by Vermeer, Self-portrait by Van Gogh, The Merry Family by Jan Steen and Rembrandt’s Night Watch. But so many other pieces in the collection could take you by surprise and capture your imagination. Like Breitner’s Girl in a White Kimono and the Asian Pavilion. No matter how old you are, or where you’re from, you’ll discover something new at the Rijksmuseum. You will be able to explore the museum at leisure before we meet up for dinner. Dinner and Overnight Amsterdam. (B,L,D)
Day 4 – April 26th - This morning we head slightly north of the city to visit to the picturesque Dutch Village Park at Zaanse Schans. Here we find iconic views of the six windmills set on the river Zaan, traditional houses, shops and museums. The Zaanse Schans area was actually set-up in 1963 as a reserve for historic buildings from the region. The buildings were transported here by land and water to be restored. The Zaan region is well-known for its green houses as it is thought that the green paint made of copper pigment had good weatherproofing qualities. Next we make our way to Broek in Waterland located in the municipality of Waterland, an area of the Netherlands on the western shores of the Markermeer and characterised by its flat grass plains intersected by rivers, canals and dikes. The town is a picturesque village perfect for those searching for natural beauty and tranquillity. The streets are lined with typical Dutch houses painted in quaint pastel colours and centre around the charming village church which dates back to the 17th century. The town also features a large lake, which is the perfect spot for picnicking in summer and ice skating in winter. If the weather is good, we will picnic here. We then make our way to Harlingen, located on the shores of the Wadden Sea in the northern Netherlands, Harlingen is a small town famous for its fishing industry that has become a popular tourist spot in recent years. Visitors can wander the quaint cobbled alleyways, admire the boats sailing from town to sea and take in the beautiful architecture. The town features a charming port filled with boats and ships, as well as numerous historic canal lines with attractive warehouses dating back to the 17th century and traditional houses. The old Harlingen lighthouse, built in the 1920s, still stands and has become the city’s most iconic landmark. We then make our way south to Almere where we find our accommodation and dinner waiting. Dinner and Overnight Almere. (B,L,D)
Day 5 – April 27th - This morning we make our way just a short distance to Naarden, a stunning example of a star fort, Naarden is known as one of the best-preserved fortified towns in Europe. Star forts grew in popularity over the 15th century as a highly efficient form of defence and are visually arresting forms of architecture. The town of Naarden is located on the typical six-pointed star design and surrounded by a moat and lush green fields. The town is just as beautiful up close as it is from afar. The St Vitus Church, a 14th-century basilica, lies at the heart of the town, while the old town hall is a wonderful example of a traditional Dutch building, with intricate brickwork, charming green shutters and a peaked roof. We next make our way to Leiden, Home to Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands, Leiden is known all over as one of the country’s main centres for history and culture. The birthplace of Rembrandt, this is an attractive city where traditional brick buildings cluster around the historic city, mingling with impressive university buildings. Like many Dutch cities, Leiden is located on the water; two branches of the Old Rhine enter the city and converge in the middle, with dozens of small canals branching off and winding throughout. We will have lunch here before we continue to the Hague for a Walking Tour of the city. We will take a walking trip through the largest Dutch city by the North Sea and find out why it’s called the City of Peace and Justice and why the government is seated at the Royal House of Orange of Nassau. We will explore the beautiful historic city center and learn the difference between the demonyms ‘Hagenaars’ and ‘Hagezen’. We make a final stop in Deft, known for its links with the great Dutch painter Vermeer, Delft is an astonishingly picturesque town worthy of its artistic heritage and home to dozens of beautiful, intersecting canals. We then make the short journey to our accommodation to get checked in before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Rotterdam. (B,L,D)
Day 6 – April 28th - Today will be spent in Rotterdam. This city on the river Meuse with its impressive skyline is perhaps the most dynamic city in the Netherlands. Flattened by bombs during World War II, today it is one of the most modern, innovative and unique cities in the Netherlands. Although only a fraction smaller than Amsterdam, it has a completely different look and feel than the capital. The city is characterised by an imposing skyline of skyscrapers and modern design, but also by icons such as the Erasmus Bridge, Rotterdam Central Station and of course the Euromast observation tower, which offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding areas. This can all be seen best on a cruise so we will experience the world’s smartest ports in all its glory! Among the busy traffic of sea-going and inland ships, this trip is a special journey through one of the largest harbours in the world. You can see Rotterdam’s impressive skyline with its imposing buildings glide by, and then get a unique view of the harbours shipyards, docks and the hypermodern transshipping of thousands of containers. Last but not least the tour will end with a view of the steamship ‘Rotterdam’, the former cruise flagship of shipping company Holland America Line. As an added treat, we will have afternoon tea aboard as we cruise along. The rest of the day and evening is free in Rotterdam. Overnight Rotterdam. (B,L)
Day 7 – April 29th - On our way to Antwerp today we spend some time exploring Dordrecht, a city of water, history and culture. The city embraces its rich history as it has known prosperity over the centuries as a prominent trading centre and hosted the first meeting of the States of Holland in 1572, which resulted in the foundation of The Netherlands. Discover the oldest city of Holland and feel the atmosphere of a city that continues to write history. While here we will visit Huis Von Gijn, The museum is the house of the banker and collector Simon van Gijn who lived there from 1864 until his death in 1922. Van Gijn left the house and most of his collections to the Old Dordrecht Society. His wish was for the collections to be made publicly accessible and for his home to be converted into a museum, maintaining the interior in its original state as much as possible. After visiting the museum you will be able to find some lunch and so some exploring before we continue our journey. Next we visit the Markiezenhof, the oldest city palace in the Located in the historical heart of Bergen op Zoom in the southwest of the country, the building dating from the late medieval period, hosts a museum which shows the history of the town and region, including a large exhibition on the history of fairs. The Markiezenhof residential palace was built in the 15th century for the lords and marquises of Bergen op Zoom. As the oldest city palace in the Netherlands, the Markiezenhof is one of Brabant´s four official top historical monuments, taking its place alongside St. John´s Cathedral in ´s-Hertogenbosch, the Great Church in Breda and Heeswijk Castle. We then get settled into our accommodation before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Antwerp. (B,D)
Day 8 – April 30th - As we are about halfway through the tour you will have the full day at your leisure. Antwerp, Belgium’s second city, lays claim to being the de facto capital of Flemish Belgium, boosting its credentials with an animated cultural scene, a burgeoning fashion industry, and more top-ranking cafés and restaurants than you could possibly sample alongside a spirited nightlife – quite enough to keep anyone busy for a few days, if not more. The city fans out carelessly from the east bank of the Scheldt, its centre a rough polygon formed and framed by its enclosing boulevards and the river. Recent efforts to clean and smarten the centre have been tremendously successful, revealing scores of beautiful buildings previously camouflaged by the accumulated grime. On the surface it’s not a wealthy city, and it’s rarely neat and tidy, but it is a hectic and immediately likeable place, with a dense concentration of things to see, not least some fine churches, including a simply wonderful cathedral, and a varied selection of excellent museums. Overnight Antwerp. (B)
Day 9 – May 1st - Today we will visit some of the loveliest towns of Belgium on our way to Bruges. Our first stop will be Mechelen, a small city, but well worth a visit as this historic city is a real concentration of heritage buildings. The town is home to the iconic St Rumbold’s Cathedral, Burgundian Hof van Busleyden city palace, cosy streets, quaint churches and beautiful baroque façades which grace the banks of the Dyle. Take a deep breath and climb the 514 steps of St Rumbold’s Tower for incredible views of the city. The 13th century Brusselpoort is also worth a visit. Next we visit Leuven, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities (founded in 1425). It’s a vibrant city retaining its historical personality, and with its university buildings evident across the city, well worth exploring. This is also our lunch stop and as the birthplace of Stella Artois, we may need to have one with lunch. After lunch we will spend the afternoon in Ghent, the second most populated city in Belgium with a lively vibe. Ghents best feature is its architectural wonders, and every corner involves a new ‘wow’ moment. While here we will have a guided walking tour to explore the city. We then make our way to our accommodation in Bruges to get checked in before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Bruges. (B,L,D)
Day 10 – May 2nd - Today will be spent in the lovely town of Bruges which always makes me think of chocolate! It’s a fairy tale destination that charms visitors with its picturesque mediaeval charm. Justifiably dubbed ‘the Venice of the North’, there’s no doubt that Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium. Imagine leisurely boat trips along charming canals, ambles along cobblestone streets (stopping off at a chocolatiers or two) and lifting your camera to snap image after image of captivating architecture. You can see all the wonders of Bruges both on foot and by boast, so we will do both! We will explore the historical center of this UNESCO world heritage site on foot and then by boat with a local guide. We will marvel at the Basilica of the Holy Blood, Gruuthusemuseum, and the Four Horsemen, discover charming secret gardens, romantic bridges, and medieval facades along with the richness of a chocolate tasting experience and then sail along the canals and spot swans next to the boat, near the Beguinage. Then we will have a Tastings of Bruge Tour to satisfy our cravings for local food and culture with highlights along the way, together with a foodie host. We will enjoy 10 delicious and typical tastings that range from sweet to savory as well as drinks on a tasty food tour in Bruges. Then the rest of the afternoon and evening are free to explore more. Overnight Bruges. (B,L)
Day 11 – May 3rd - This morning we will take a lovely coastal drive and eventually end up in Ypres. Our first stop will be Damme, located on the outskirts of Bruges. This beautiful medieval port town of Damme rests on the banks of Damse Vaart, a scenic, tree-lined canal that flows through town and continues into the neighboring Netherlands. Quite the ‘literary town’, Damme is home to a monthly book market and a number of bookshops and notable residents include Jacob van Maerlant, a 13th century Flemish poet whose statue is in the town square. Next we make our way to De Haan, voted one of Flanders’ most beautiful villages and one of the Belgian coastline’s most scenic spots. While parts of De Haan date back to the Middle Ages, much of the town today was formed when King Leopold II commissioned the construction of the resort town in the late 19th century. De Haan’s meandering streets are filled with beautiful Belle Époque buildings and the town was once home to Albert Einstein who lived there for a number of months before emigrating to the USA. We will stop for lunch here before continuing on to Nieuwpoort, a young and dynamic coastal town. This is a city that has its roots in medieval times, saw Spanish and Dutch armies try to conquer it, and had its most devastating blow during the Great War. Despite inundating its surroundings during the Battle of the Yser against the German Army, not much was left of Nieuwpoort. But its inhabitants were adamant on restoring their city to its former glory, and brick by brick, rebuilt each house that is in use to this day, with the year they were rebuilt noted on the front. We then get settled into our accommodation. Dinner and Overnight Veurne. (B,L,D)
Day 12 – May 4th - This morning we visit Ieper, formerly known by its French name Ypres and the unofficial capital of Flanders Fields, site of numerous battles during the First World War. IYpres boasts a historic Cloth Hall, impressive Cathedral and medieval Market Square. Despite centuries of history, however, this city is best known for what happened here a little over a hundred years ago. The “City of Peace” still commemorates these events daily, at the In Flanders Fields Museum and under its Menin Gate memorial. Night after night, the Last Post sounds in tribute to the soldiers who fell, ensuring that we never forget this war. Our next stop is Kortrijk, which combines the allure of a big city with small-town cosiness. The city is well known for the Leie river. In previous times, this river was of vital importance to the city’s flax industry. These days it mainly adds picturesque appeal. The riverbanks are a lovely place to spend time in the shadow of the Broel Towers. Use them as a starting point to explore the downtown area, a vibrant mix of ancient heritage, modern architecture and boundless creativity with a lively city centre. Kortrijk combines the allure of a big city with small-town cosiness. It’s rare to hear this city mentioned without a reference to the Leie river. In previous times, this river was of vital importance to the city’s flax industry. These days it mainly adds picturesque appeal. The riverbanks are a lovely place to spend time in the shadow of the Broel Towers. We then make our way to our accommodation to get settled in before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Charlaroi. (B,D)
Day 13 – May 5th - This morning we visit Namur, nestled at the confluent of the Sambre and the Meuse rivers, the Capital of Wallonia is an inviting place to explore, stroll around, relax or enjoy an adventure! You are sure to be captivated by its generosity, its gastronomy, its rich heritage and folklore. Picturesque, medieval Namur is overlooked by a sprawling hilltop citadel that has helped to protect its people during their turbulent past. The squares and cobbled streets of the town centre are lined with shops and an impressive clutch of restaurants. We then make our way to Dinant, undoubtedly one of the most picturesque towns in Belgium’s Wallonia region. The winding river valley and beautiful buildings of Dinant look like they are straight out of a fairytale. Nestled in a cliff face on the Meuse River, the picture-perfect town dates back to the Middle Ages. Dinant is also known as the hometown of Belgium’s most famous beer, Leffe, and the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone. Our next stop is Rochefort, a pastoral idyll on the banks of the River Lomme. Rochefort is a medieval town that has retained much of its beauty and charm, despite being the site of frequent conflicts, notably during the French Revolution and Second World War. Rochefort’s Rue de Behogne is the main hive of activity in town and leads up to the ruins of Chateau Comtal, a medieval hilltop castle. Ale fans will delight in Rochefort’s rich brewing history; beer has been brewed in town since as early as 1595 and Rochefort is renowned for its Trappist beer. Our final stop for the day is Bouillon, sitting on the banks of the Semois River just a few miles from the border with France, Bouillon is famed for its imposing castle located on a rocky bend in the river overlooking the town. Parts of the castle date back as far as the 8th century. Beyond Château de Bouillon, miles of footpaths allow visitors to explore the lush forests of the Semois Valley. Then just a short way to our accommodation. Dinner and Overnight Libramont. (B,L,D)
Day 14 – May 6th - Today we will take a day trip to Luxembourg, Europe's seventh smallest country. We will head for the capitol where everything is within walking distance – restaurants, cafés, bars, museums and shops. As the entire Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, relaxing strolls and fascinating insights into the history of the country and the city are virtually inseparable.Fall in love with the flavorful cuisine on this delicious food tour in Luxembourg! Enjoy a selection of 10 food and drink tastings hand-picked by your foodie local host, just for you. From yummy must-tries like Gromperekichelcher to unique dishes typical of the city such as Verwurelter; you’re in for a treat, so bring your appetite. This culinary tour in Luxembourg is a cultural journey that takes you further than the food you will eat. As we enjoy authentic local bites ranging from savory, sweet as well as drinks, we will discover the city and its highlights. We will stop to admire the Place Guillaume II, Grand Ducal Palace, and Notre-Dame Cathedral and hear about their local relevance as we hop from one food hot spot to the other - what can be better than that? Our guide is passionate about food and their city, so they know the best spots to get the most authentic and typical bites. After our tour you will have some time to explore before we return to our accommodation. Dinner and Overnight Libramont. (B,L,D)
Day 15 – May 7th - This morning we visit more beautiful villages of Belgium with a first stop at Durbuy. In the heart of Wallonia lies chocolate-box Durbuy; a Belgian Ardennes town that claims to be the smallest town in the world, and with its charming architecture and winding cobbled streets, one of the most beautiful too. A walk through Durbuy’s streets reveals quaint shops and plenty of opportunities to sample a Belgian beer or two. Look up on banks of the Ourthe River and you’ll see the stately 17th century Durbuy Castle. Our next stop is Spa, nestled amid the rolling hills and verdant forests of the Belgian Ardennes, Spa is the location of warm spring waters whose healing powers have seen people flock to the area since the 1st century. Often called the ‘Pearl of the Ardennes’, Spa became a haven for intellectuals in the 19th century, with literary greats including Victor Hugo and Alexandre Dumas said to have sought sanctuary here earning the town the nickname ‘Café of Europe’. Our final stop is Liège, a lesser-known but worthwhile destination for its sturdy medieval heart, huge riverside market and fiercely independent people. You can take a river cruise on the Meuse, explore the history of the Walloons or climb a medieval stairway so steep they call it a mountain. It’s also a great place to begin an exploration of World War II history, including the monumental Battle of the Bulge. The Meuse River runs through France, Belgium and the Netherlands before emptying into the North Sea, and the stretch which snakes through the middle of Liège presents a tapestry of medieval and modern buildings, set between bridges spanning the city’s halves, so we of course will take a lazy boat ride down the river, through the medieval heart of the town. Then we are off to Brussels to get checked into out accommodation. Overnight Brussels, (B,L)
Day 16 – May 8th - Today will be spent in the capitol city of Brussels, the beating heart of Belgium and is a feast of delights for visitors. Wonderful sights around the city include the Grand Palace, the Atomium and the comical bronze statue of a peeing boy, Manneken Pis! Plus, be sure to enjoy some fabulous shopping on Rue Neuve. But Brussels is also known for Chocolate so we will take a Walking and Tasting Tour of the Chocolate Shops of Brussels! With this guide tour we will learn about the culinary culture of Brussels and its love affair with chocolate. We will pass by the Royal Palace, located near the best chocolate shops in the city, and we will be able to go into some chocolate boutiques for a taste of different chocolates as the tour progresses. The idea of this tour is to get to know the best chocolate shops in Brussels such as Godiva, Pierre Marcolini, Chocolaterie Elisabeth, Wittamer, among others. After this sweetness overload we will be ready for afternoon tea! We then work off our afternoon tea with a walking tour of the fascinating city of Brussels, with a tour through the Medieval and Baroque city, the Industrial City, the Bourgeois City, and on to modern Brussels. This tour ensures we get to see all the parts of this multi-faceted city as we learn about the city’s museums, where the best bars and local beers are, and where to buy the best chocolate at a reasonable price. Our guide will also answer any practical questions we might have about restaurants, attractions, nightlife, or even just getting around on public transport. The tour will be split into two different areas: the Upper City and Lower City to help us better understand the origins and historic development of Brussels. Farewell Dinner and Overnight Brussels. (B,L,D)
Day 17 – May 9th - This morning we make our way to the Brussels Airport for the journey home.
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