Grand Tour of Holland, Luxembourg and Belgium
3 nights Accommodation in Brussels, 3 nights Accommodation in Luxembourg, 2 nights Accommodation in Ghent, 3 nights Accommodation in Bruges, 1 night Accommodation in Antwerp, 5 nights Accommodation in Amsterdam
From Windmills to Castles: A Journey through Time and Landscape
Welcome to the Grand Tour of Holland, Luxembourg, and Belgium! Get ready to embark on a remarkable journey through three charming countries that boast rich histories, cultural diversity, and breathtaking landscapes. From the enchanting windmills and tulip fields of Holland to the medieval castles and lush forests of Luxembourg, and finally, to the artistic wonders and delectable cuisine of Belgium, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant cities that showcase a blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. Discover the iconic landmarks, picturesque canals, and intricate architecture that define the heart of Amsterdam, Brussels, and Luxembourg City. As you traverse the picturesque countryside, you will be captivated by the idyllic landscapes, quaint villages, and the warm hospitality of the locals.
Prepare to indulge in a delightful culinary journey, savoring delicious Dutch cheeses, Belgian chocolates, and delectable Belgian waffles. Explore the historic battlefields and World War II memorials that pay tribute to the region’s tumultuous past, while also celebrating its resilience and progress.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Private Arrival Transfer
Welcome to Belgium! Private transfer from Brussels airport to your accommodation in Brussels. Overnight in Brussels.
Day 2: Medieval heart of Brussels tour
Meet your private guide at a designated meeting point and start your walking tour of Brussels. You will discover the rich 1000-year history of the Belgian capital. Visit and learn more about some amazing and iconic monuments, such as the Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula and the Manneken Pis, the famous little statue which is one of the symbols of the city. Walk across the Grand Place, the lively Saint Géry area and visit the old port of Brussels. The tour will end at the city center. You have the rest of the day to explore Brussels on your own. Overnight in Brussels.
Day 3: Brussels Chocolate workshop
When visiting the chocolate capital of the world, learn to make your own cocoa treats with a fun chocolate workshop in Brussels. Discover the world of chocolate making at a chocolate workshop for beginners, run by Laurent Gerbaud: taste a variety of different cocoa beans and create your own chocolates to take home with you! Learn easy and authentic methods you can mimic in your own kitchen. Overnight in Brussels.
Day 4: Brussels ~ Luxembourg with en route stop in Dinant
Meet your driver and private transfer to your hotel in Luxembourg. Before arriving at your destination, take a stop in Dinant to visit this picturesque village. You will have the opportunity to visit the Citadel of Dinant, a fortress located on a rocky outcrop which offers a spectacular view over the Meuse Valley. Overnight in Luxembourg.
Day 5: Day trip to Trier
Today catch a train to Trier and visit one of Germany’s oldest cities. Once you arrive at your destination, meet your private guide at a designated meeting point to start a 2-hour walking tour of the city. During the tour, you will pass by four UNESCO World Heritage buildings in the form of the Porta Nigra, cathedral, Liebfrauenkirche and basilica. While at the Dreikönigenhaus (House of the Three Magi), Judengasse (Jews’ Alley) and Hauptmarkt, you’ll experience the fascinating time of the Middle Ages, when defensive citizens used architectural tricks to try and protect their goods and chattels, St Peter became the city’s patron saint, and self-assured citizens fought the bishop for imperial immediacy. At the end of the tour, you will have free time to explore the city on your own: take a visit to the city museum, spoil yourself with some wine or enjoy a panoramic cruise along the river, passing by the 1800-year-old basalt pylons of the Roman Bridge. Overnight in Luxembourg.
Day 6: Moselle river valley/Remich & Schengen
Today explore the romantic region of Moselle River, with its small fairytale villages, rolling hills covered by vineyards and ancient legends.
Morning meeting with your driver at your hotel and transfer to Pfaffenthal. Here you will enjoy a short panoramic photo stop at the Pfaffenthal elevator before continuing to Remich. You will have a commented private wine the Caves St Martin in Remich and free time for lunch in the village. Later, move to Schengen for an independent visit of the European Museum. Finally, return to Luxembourg City. Overnight in Luxembourg.
Day 7: Luxembourg ~ Ghent with en route stop in Namur
Private transfer from your hotel to Luxembourg to Gent with en route stop in Namur for an independent visit. Once a critical junction for both road and shipping transport, today Namur is an important university town. The hill on which the citadel sits was already of great military importance by Roman times, and today it’s one of the town’s most important tourist attractions. At the end of the visit, continue to Ghent. Overnight in Ghent.
Day 8: Ghent walking tour / Ypres and WWI sites tour
Meet your guide at a designated meeting point and start your walking tour of the historical city center of Ghent. Together with your expert guide, you will visit the highlights of the city. Famous to host one of the most prestigious research universities in Belgium and Europe the town of Ghent is also known as “Belgium’s best-kept secret”. From the characteristic narrow streets and beautiful squares of the historic center rise beautiful monuments such as the three towers where Emperor Charles V was born in 1500 and the famous Saint-Michael’s bridge. During the tour, you will discover the “medieval” heart of the city with its old port along the Leie, the guild houses, the Gravensteen, the meat hall with its impressive wooden trusses, the beautiful churches, the belfry with its dragon on top and of course the impressive Saint Baafs Cathedral. After an independent lunch, meet your driver and reach Ypres. Upon arrival, meet your local guide who will take you to the main WWI sites in the center of Ypres. The moving Menin Gate, the Irish Cross and the sober Saint George’s Memorial Church are vivid witnesses of the war’s past in the city. At the end of the day, return to Ghent with your driver. Overnight in Ghent.
Day 9: Ghent ~ Bruges / Canal cruise
Independent transfer from your hotel to Ghent railway station. Train to Bruges. In the afternoon, enjoy a 30-minute boat trip on the Bruges canals. Discover the most beautiful places of Bruges from a completely different view. Overnight in Bruges.
Day 10: Bruges walking tour / De Halve Maan Brewery tour
Meet your guide at a designated meeting point to start a memorable tour through Bruges. An enthusiastic local guide will show you the uniqueness of the city. Discover the enchanting Beguinage, the picturesque canals and waterways, the romantic Quai of the Rosaries, the surprising mix of architecture on Castle Square, the charming Gods Houses and the ancient Market Place. In the afternoon, make your way to the brewery De Halve Maan in the city center. During a guided tour you’ll see what goes on behind the scenes of their family brewery. Discover the many brewing installations that have been used over the past centuries. At the end of the tour, drink a glass of unfiltered Brugse Zot Blond, Brugse Zot Dubbel or Straffe Hendrik Tripel. Overnight in Bruges.
Day 11: De Haag
Reach Bruges station on your own to catch the train to Ostend, where you will arrive in about 13 minutes. Once in Oostende, a beautiful town on the sea, you can catch the tram that runs along beautiful beaches till De Haan, perfect for a relaxing and thrilling walk on the seaside. North Belgian coast hides a little discovered gem, the charming and comfortable resort town of De Haan, situated twelve kilometers from Ostend. The tram is a very comfortable way to move between these two cities and other settlements in the coastal area. That is why, if you want to get to De Haan quickly from Ostend, simply find the tram that goes in the right direction. The ride will be not long, roughly fifteen minutes.
Return to Bruges by train. Overnight in Bruges.
Day 12: Bruges ~ Antwerp / Royal Museum of Fine Arts
Independent transfer from your hotel to Bruges railway station to board your train to Antwerp. Upon arrival, Independent transfer to your hotel in Antwerp. In the afternoon, you will have your tickets to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. Overnight in Antwerp.
Day 13: Antwerp ~ Amsterdam
Independent transfer from your hotel to Antwerp railway station. Take a train to Amsterdam. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your accommodation. Overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 14: Evening canal cruise
In the evening, go to the designated pier and enjoy a 90-minute cruise that will show you the unique atmosphere of Amsterdam at night. Thousands of lights illuminate the hundreds of bridges and iconic canal houses and give the city an almost magical appearance. Enjoy the beautiful views that pass you by as night falls over Amsterdam. Overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 15: The best of Amsterdam
Meet your guide at your hotel and discover the highlights in the old town of Amsterdam such as canals, canal houses, Dam square, Rembrandt house, Jordaan area and Jewish quarter.
Go off the beaten path for the hidden treasures only known by locals such as the lovely hidden gardens and residential courts, picturesque streets and markets.
Listen to the stories about Amsterdam’s history and why it’s such a liberal city nowadays and how this is related to the history of Amsterdam, the city’s golden age (17th century) in particular. Learn about Dutch culture (why is everyone riding a bike?). Experience local food such as the best apple pie in town, a Dutch beer and real Dutch ‘bitterballen’ in an old ‘brown’ cafe or eat Dutch raw herring on the street Discover the beauty of the Amsterdam School architecture style (1915-1940) and modern architecture. Overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 16: Rotterdam & The Hague
Begin your tour by meeting your guide/driver at a centrally located meeting point and reach Rotterdam, your first destination of the day, in about 60 minutes.
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and is particularly famous for its commercial harbor. You will enjoy a 75-minute boat tour, the best way to view one of the world’s largest ports, Rotterdam’s imposing skyline, cutting-edge architecture, harbors, shipyards, and docks. The next visit on tour is Delft, where you will have the chance to see the city’s canal-streaked historic town center and its historical monuments, including the Old Church and New Church. While there, you will visit a factory specializing in handmade Delft Blue pottery, the most coveted porcelain since the 17th century.
Finally, discover The Hague, home of foreign embassies and international organizations such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. The city is also known for its historical sites. The Palace of Peace and Justice, which houses international courts, is located in The Hague, as are 150 other international organizations. Alongside this are several royal palaces and monuments, including the Mauritshuis museum and Binnenhof (the Dutch parliament).your train to The Hague with your guide and explore this wonderful small town.Overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 17: Zaanse Schans
Meet your driver-guide at selected location and enjoy a 5-hour small group tour limited to 8 travelers to visit a very authentic piece of Holland: Zaanse Schans. This is for many people the quintessential view of the Netherlands.
With its original windmills, old houses and original industrial buildings it’s like going on a trip down Dutch memory lane. Near Zaanse Schans the area is famous for its traditional green timbered houses and warehouses. See the famous fishing village of Volendam, visit the famous harbor, take a stroll on the dike, and have a photo taken in traditional Volendammer costume. Visit a cheese factory, where you’ll see a demonstration about Dutch cheese and learn everything there is to know about making it. You can taste and smell the different cheeses produced at the factory.
Get to know the famous fish dishes of the village by having lunch at one of the restaurants by the harbor (not included in the tour price).
Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a walk through Broek, one of the most charming villages of the Waterland area. This former island is one of the few villages in the Netherlands where traditions are well preserved. Visit the wooden shoe factory and see how craftsmen quickly transform blocks of wood into wooden shoes, known as klompen. Overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 18: Departure
Independent departure transfer.
