Christmastime through the Netherlands and Belgium
December 3rd - 19th, 2027
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17 Days traveling through the beautiful cities, towns and villages of the Netherlands and Belgium with as many Christmas Markets and Christmas Activites as we could fit in. 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! And did I mention chocolate? Belgium is our favourite place in the world for chocolate. We have actually taken the Eurostar from London to Brussels just so we could get chocolate! As this tour is still almost 3 years away, there will most likely be changes here and there with some additions and deletions. The theme, itinerary and the overall feel of the tour will stay the same.
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Price includes 17 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!
$10795US per person.
$1495 single supplement.
$1000 deposit to book your spot.
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Please do not sign up for a tour until you have read through our
Terms and Conditions. Especially in regards to mobility, luggage
limits etc. You must agree to this prior to signing up.
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Day 1 – December 3rd - 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. Our first stop today is to 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 visit the Museumplein are of downtown Amsterdam which comes alive with twinkling lights and buzzing Christmas market. We then have a late afternoon Festive Afternoon tea in the city before we take an Amsterdam Light Festival Evening Cruise. Amsterdam is beautiful city to admire from the water, especially during the winter months. The canals appear even more picturesque, and the water sparkles with added charm. So let yourself be enchanted by the light show that makes Amsterdam shine during dark days. Overnight Amsterdam. (B,D)
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Day 2 – December 4th - 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 a Festive 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 the museum with an extensive collection of historic and modern pieces. The emphasis of our visit will be on the Delft Christmas Collection. The rest of the afternoon is free in Amsterdam. Overnight Amsterdam. (B,L)
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Day 3 – December 5th - 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. Once we are back in Amsterdam, and as it is Christmastime we will settle in for another Festive Afternoon Tea before we take in the World Christmas Circus which has been a regular tradition here in the Netherlands during the Christmas holidays. This year, the World Christmas Circus once again offers an impressive programme full of the best acts, including comical clowns and agile acrobats. The event is a true spectacle and rivals circus festivals in cities such as Paris and Monte Carlo. We then return to our hotel to settle in before dinner. You may want to take another excursion through the markets either befroe or after dinner. They are spectacular at night! Dinner and Overnight Amsterdam. (B,L,D)
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Day 4 – December 6th - This morning we make our way south 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 visit the Winter Wonder Weeks with the House of Sinterklaas, the Floating Ice Rink and the Nostalgic Fair. The Hague for the Royal Christmas Fair. With dozens of Christmas houses, thousands of LED lights, atmospheric fires, mulled wine and an almost daily visit from the one and only Santa Claus, this Christmas market appeals to every imagination. The special programming with Christmas choirs, storytellers, children’s activities and musical performances also makes this Christmas market more than worth a visit! The end of the day sees us at Gouda for a Gouda By Candelight Christmas. A leisurely stroll through Gouda's historic streets, illuminated by the warm glow of candlelight. Local shops and cafes invite visitors to explore, creating a charming atmosphere filled with holiday spirit. Artisans display their crafts, while live music adds to the joyful ambiance. The event showcases the town's rich heritage, making it a delightful outing for all ages. We then make the short journey to our accommodation to get checked in before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Rotterdam. (B,D)
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Day 5 - December 7th - 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 a Festive Afternoon Tea aboard as we cruise along. The rest of the day and evening is free in Rotterdam. Overnight Rotterdam. (B,L)
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Day 6 - December 8th - On our way to Eindhoven 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 we will stop for lunch and do 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 Eindhoven. (B,L,D)
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Day 7 - December 9th - Our first stop today is Maastricht to experience the enchantment of Magical Maastricht. A city full of winter wonders where you can lose yourself in the magic of twinkling lights, atmospheric Christmas markets, and the heartwarming coziness provided by the people of Maastricht. Create memories never to be forgotten, together with friends and loved ones with a surprising time of warmth and love, and a time of wonder. The buzz of winter magic is captured with a nostalgic carousel, a sheltered ice rink, and a sky-high Ferris wheel. You can enjoy a hot chocolate in a cozy chalet or a mulled wine in the traditional Almhütte while seeking out the tastiest local products and the most delightful gifts made by creative makers from Maastricht. We then make our way to Valkenburg for their Christmas Market. The caves of Valkenburg in the most southern tip of The Netherlands are turned into the most stunning Christmas Markets in The Netherlands. They’re really like fairytales. The caves are filled with stalls selling handmade presents, like hats, gloves, beauty products and Christmas lights. In one of the caves, you can even see some sculptures and cave paintings. If this sounds a little claustrophobic to you, don’t worry, the Christmas market above ground is also very much worth a visit.We then make our way to Liege, for the biggest Christmas Village in Belgium, and the oldest too. Loyal to the long-standing Germanic tradition of Christmas markets, in the very heart of the city, the Liege Christmas Village reproduces the special magical and fairy-tale atmosphere of the Christmas festivities. We will get settled into our accommodation and then you will have the evening free to explore the market and find some dinner. Overnight Liege. (B,L)
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Day 8 - December 10th - Today we will visit some of the loveliest towns of Belgium on our way to Antwerp. Our first stop will be the Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market which brings a real touch of magic to the town. Louvain-la-Neige welcomes more than 80 craftsmen, producers and creators where you are sure to find something to spoil or surprise the ones you love. Select from atypical presents, traditional art objects, unique affordable items, poetic and original toys, jewelry, Christmas wreath tinsel and lights, candles and decoration. While you are finding the perfect gift you can also indulge in sweets and gourmet snacks as well as local, regional or international specialities. While strolling around the chalets you will be amazed by the snowy fir trees, can warm up by the fire and taking time to relax in one of those nicely decorated huts or converted cable cars. Then we make our way to Leuven where the Christmas Market is known as one of the Best Christmas Markets in Belgium. Leuven, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities (founded in 1425) is 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, so you may need to have one with lunch. Our next stop is 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. Dinner and Overnight Antwerp. (B,D)
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Day 9 - December 11th - This morning will be spent in Antwerp. First things first, so we will head to the Christmas Market, or I should say markets as the they are located at Grote Markt, Suikerrui, Handschoenmarkt, the Groenplaats, and Steenplein at the foot of Antwerp Steen Castle. To make sure we take it all in, we will have a Guided Christmas Market Tour where the diamond city shines during Christmas like none other. Come and wander through the market packed with charming little stalls and twinkling lights, while sipping on hot and spiced mulled wine. The air filled with the sounds of carol singers and with the overwhelming smell of Christmas cutting through the cold winter air. Try some sweet waffles, sausages, and many other delicacies while we take you on a winter joyride through the market and tell you about it’s centuries-old traditions and origins. We will have a Festive Afternoon Tea here in Antwerp and then this afternoon we make our way to 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. The Gentse Winterfeesten is an authentic Christmas market right in the enchanting heart of Ghent. The entire Winterfeesten area and all squares will ooze the atmosphere of the Nordics. Just imagine the smell of pine, lots of greens, cosiness, lights, northern lights, moose, chalets, homeyness and warmth! It is a great place to spend festive and heartwarming time with friends and family as you walk through a Scandinavian Christmas village, right in the middle of a wintery pine forest. After a very enjoyable day, we make our way to our accommodation in Bruges to get checked in before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Bruges. (B,L,D)
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Day 10 – December 12th - As we are about half way through the tour, today will be spent at your leisure 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 can arrange for you to do both! you can explore the historical center of this UNESCO world heritage site on foot and then by boat with a local guide. You 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. Enjoy your day in this loveliest of European Towns where the small of chocolate will permeate your clothes for days! Take the rest of the afternoon and evening to get rested up for the second half of the tour. Overnight Bruges. (B)
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Day 11 – December 13th - 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. Ypres 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. This afternoon we take a lovely coastal drive and eventually end up back in Bruges. Our first stop will be 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. Our next stop is Ostend which also has a lovely Christmas Market. 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. You can find some dinner here before we return home. Overnight Bruges. (B,L)​
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Day 12 – December 14th - 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 our accommodation. Overnight Brussels, (B,L,D)
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Day 13 – December 15th - 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. Overnight Brussels. (B,L)
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Day 14 - December 16th - The end of today will find us making our way to our lovely wee Christmas Castle we make a few stops along the way. Our first stop is Charleroi for their Christmas Market. The Charleroi Christmas village invites you to end the year the year in style and start the new year in the best way. You will discover around fifty exhibitor chalets, offering culinary specialties: mulled wine, champagne and oyster bar, pancakes, waffles, and much more. You will also find craft creations and unique gift ideas to slip under the tree or into a stocking. The ideal opportunity to please or treat yourself during this festive period. Immerse yourself in a sparkling setting and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the holidays! We will stop for a Festive Lunch and then make our way to the wee village of Dinant, listed as one of the most beautiful villages of Belgium. Dinant’s name comes from the Celtic 'Divo Nanto' meaning 'Sacred Valley' and the town is dramatically perched on the narrow banks of the River Meuse, at a point where the river cuts deeply through the limestone of the Condroz plateau. The river was an important means of transport for the town, being used to bring in raw materials and to distribute finished goods. The town also had workshops where locally quarried bluestone and marble was dressed before also being distributed along the river. The construction and geographical location seem indeed to have sprung from a film set like Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones! Dinner and Overnight Rochfort. (B,L,D)
Day 16 - December 17th - This morning we will visit Rochefort, know as the town at the crossroads. In Rochefort, two roads crossed, so a castle was built here, along with a town, surrounded by a wall. While the site was strategic, the town was unable to develop, caught between the imposing castle and the hill, so Rochefort will never be a sprawling town. It is also known as the town of a Trappist Beer as beer has been brewed in Rochefort since 1595 by the monks of Saint-Remy Abbey which was founded in 1230. Our next stop is Bouillon where the impregnable fortress that was home to Duke Godfrey of Bouillon (1060-1100),who was briefly the Crusader King of Jerusalem, still towers majestically over the slate roofs of the town beneath its walls on the bank of the River Semois. We will visit the castle before we make our way to Givet, on the Meuse close to the Belgian border has been awarded the title of Plus Beau Détour de France (Most beautiful detour in France): for its exceptional landscape and its historic buildings, including the Charlemont fortress built for Emperor Charles V. Lying in the broad Meuse valley, the small town of Givet has linked its destiny with this river. A commercial waterway, in the Middle Ages the Meuse quickly took on a strategic importance. Whoever held sway over it was master of the economy in northern Europe. So Givet became a fortified town! Then once back home we get settled into our wee castle before we celebrate Christmas Eve! Dinner and Overnight Rochfort. (B,D)
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Day 15 - December 18th - Today we will celebrate Christmas Day, so Merry Christmas! We will have a leisurely morning of checking to see what Santa put in our stockings followed by a late breakfast. Our 17th Century Chateau is a landmark amidst the strong-willed landscape of the Ardennes. Drawing from its ancient roots and sourced by its natural surroundings, the estate offers a genuine Ardennes experience ranging from a boutique hotel, restaurant and spa. We will gather this afternoon for Christmas Dinner followed by a get together for gift exchange and making merry. A walk in the immense estate where the dense forests, meandering rivers and ancient bastions of the Ardennes make up for an unspoilt scenery fit for both leisurely walks and daring hikes. Pursue the wavering paths ahead guided by one of three routes traced out for you. You will want to spend some time pulling yourself together and getting your suitcase packed so you can enjoy the evening. We will meet this later for a light buffet, reminiscing and enjoying each others company before ending our day together and the tour as well. Farewell Dinner and Overnight Rochefort. (B,L,D)
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Day 17 - December 19th - This morning we make our way to the Brussels Airport for the journey home. Keep in mind that we will be an hour away from the airport.
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