Itinerary – Belgium & the Netherlands
Belgium and the Netherlands
Marvel at the great historical, cultural, and aesthetic treasures of Belgium and the Netherlands as you travel through breathtaking landscapes and wander through fantastically charming villages. From palaces to parliaments, churches to cathedrals, canals to rivers, your camera won’t have a quiet moment as you witness splendid architectural feats, indescribably beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and delicate artisan craftsmanship.
Itinerary
Day 1: Amsterdam – Arrival Upon arrival to Amsterdam Airport, you are met by our local representative and transferred to Brussels. See St. Michael’s cathedral and the crypt of the Royal Family. Continue along the Royal Residence towards the Atomium, Chinese Pavilion, and the Japanese Tower. Next, see the Basilica of Koekelberg, where you will enjoy a splendid view overlooking the city. Pass the column of Congress, Royal Palace, and Belgian Parliament, then finish with a walking tour of the Grand Place and a visit to the nearby famous “Mannekin Pis” statue. Check in to your hotel in Brussels. Enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel and overnight.
Day 2: Brussels – Brugge & Ghent After breakfast at your hotel, depart for the historic city of Brugge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Church of Our Lady with its Madonna and Child by Michelangelo and the towering 13th-century belfry. Continue to the city of Ghent and see the St. Nicolas Church, the Belfry, and the Cathedral. Enjoy a walking tour of the historic center and the picturesque Graslei harbor. Return to your hotel in Brussels for an overnight stay.
Day 3: Brussels – Kinderdijk – Keukenhof – Amsterdam After breakfast at your hotel, depart Brussels for Amsterdam. En route, stop in Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the largest concentrations of traditional Dutch windmills is found. Continue to Keukenhof, with its 79+ acres of gardens, for a visit. Overnight at your hotel in Amsterdam.
Day 4: Amsterdam – City Tour & Canal Cruise Breakfast at your hotel. Visit the Anne Frank house and Museum and Rembrandt’s family home. Next, take a tour along the picturesque canals of Amsterdam; from the boat you will have the best views of this charming city while enjoying a light lunch. Visit the Flower Market with free time to explore. Continue to the Rijksmuseum for a tour of Dutch art from 1200 to the present, with more than a million artifacts and works. Overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 5: Amsterdam – Volendam – Edam Breakfast at your hotel. Visit Volendam, Edam and Marken, three picturesque fishing villages located along the former Zuiderzee, with time for lunch (excluded) and a pleasant walk. Visit a traditional cheese making farm and a clog maker. Return to Amsterdam for an overnight stay. The elegant NH Carlton Amsterdam hotel is the perfect destination for travelers looking to explore the Dutch capital. Thanks to a prime location in the center of the city, guests have a multitude of recreational and sightseeing activities within their grasp.
Day 6: Amsterdam – Rotterdam – Delft Breakfast at your hotel. Take a scenic bus tour to Rotterdam, a city renowned for its architecture. Enjoy lovely views of the Maas River, port, and traditional houses with free time to explore on foot before heading to the 185-meter high Euromast Tower. Continue to historic Delft to visit the famous blue pottery factory. Last stop is the miniature town of Madurodam, showcasing small scale replicas of the special buildings, castles, railway network, and houses of Holland. Upon return to Amsterdam, enjoy a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant (Die Silveren Spiegel) and overnight at your hotel.
Day 7: Amsterdam – Departure After breakfast at your hotel, you are transferred to the airport to board your return flight home.