Worldwide Destinations
Freedom To Wander
Belgium-Luxembourg-Netherlands w/Insight Vacations
Take in the beauty of scenic Belgium, Luxembourg and The Netherlands. Indulge in local cuisine, cruise through canals, and watch local craftsman create traditional clogs. Enjoy a very special visit to the Keukenhof Gardens to see millions of tulips!
Take in the beauty of scenic Belgium, Luxembourg and The Netherlands. Indulge in local cuisine, cruise through canals, and watch local craftsman create traditional clogs. Enjoy a very special visit to the Keukenhof Gardens to see millions of tulips!
COUNTRY ROADS OF BELGIUM, LUXEMBOURG & THE NETHERLANDS
BELGIUM - Is famous for beer, chocolate, waffles and French fries. The national dishes are "steak & fries" and "mussels with fries". It is a country in Western Europe, known for its medieval towns, Renaissance architecture and as headquarters of the European Union & NATO.
LUXEMBOURG - Is a small European country, surounded by Belgium, France and Germany. Its mostly rural, with dense foresst and nature parks in the north, rocky gorges in the east and the Moselle river valley in the southeast. Its capital, Luxembourg City, is famed for its fortified medieval old town perchered on sheer cliffs.
NETHERLANDS - Is a country in northwestern Europe that is known for a flat landscape of canals, tulip fields, windmills and cycling routes. Amsterdam, the capital, is home to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and the house where Jewish diarist Anne Frank hid during WWII. Canalside mansions and a trove of works from artists including Rembrandtaand Vermeer remain from the city's 17th century "Golden Age."
On certain days of the tour you will have Optional Experiences to choose from at an additional charge.
Please see Other Information Tab for detailed information.
Airfare additonal for US to Brussels & Amsterdam to US OR roundtrip US to Amsterdam | Please call for Air Inclusion Rates
Fly into Brussels and out of Amsterdam OR In/Out of Amsterdam with additional 2 hour train from Amsterdam to Brussels to begin tour
$200 non-refundable deposit due at time of booking
Final payment 60 days prior
Single Supplement Rate $6,565.00
Day One
Welcome to Brussels - Airport transfers depart Brussels airport for your centrally-located hotel. After checking in, the afternoon is yours to relax. Join your Travel Director for a visit to the cheeky Manneken Pis statue and a leisurely stroll around the Grand Place, voted the most beautiful square in Europe. 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 travelers.
DDay Two
The Battlefield of Waterloo or Chocolate Truffle Making Lesson - Explore Brussels with Insight Choice. Learn about Napoleon’s final defeat at Waterloo or alternatively, join a private chocolate truffle making lesson and tasting with a master chocolatier, and further explore Brussels with a Local Expert. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the lively city of Antwerp. Later you have a choice of cuisine and ambience from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening.
FB, DDay Three
Ghent and on to Bruges - In the morning, admire the contrast of the Chinese and Japanese Pavilions and the impressive, metallic spheres of the Atomium. Your journey then crosses the pasture lands of Flanders to reach Ghent, the City of Flowers, offering a fascinating cultural mix of medieval heritage and modern urban life. With a Local Expert, take a stroll through the historical streets and be mesmerised by the outstanding beauty of its quays, churches and squares. Visit St. Bavo's Cathedral, former home of the Eyck masterpiece, and see the Castle of the Counts. We continue to Bruges, where you'll stay for the next two nights. Meet your Local Expert in Bruges for a stroll along cobbled streets, lined with high-gabled houses from the 16th century. Visit the Market Square dominated by the 83-meter medieval bell tower, The Belfry of Bruges. Explore Burg Square with its ornate Gothic town hall and glorious frescoes on the walls of the Holy Blood Chapel.
FBDay Four
Bruges - Enjoy a relaxed start and leisurely morning to explore the city of Bruges at your own pace. With your free afternoon, perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the historic town of Ypres? Explore the market square and attend the famous Last Post Ceremony, commemorating the fallen Allied Forces on the surrounding Flanders Fields.
FBDay FIve
Luxembourg - Travel into the French-speaking region of Wallonia, where picturesque country roads lead you to the late 19th century Maredsous Abbey. Surrounded by the lush greenery of the Molignée valley, the Benedictine monks have toiled for over 100 years to create a cultural household for arts and crafts and a successful school, brewery and cheese plant. Your visit concludes with a sample of freshly brewed beer and a taste of creamy, golden-crusted cheese. Continue on to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to arrive at your 18th century château home for two nights. In the evening, you will be served a fresh and delicious Farm-to-Table Dinner at restaurant L'Écurie du Parc. See the 12th century Clervaux Castle illuminated on your stroll after dinner.
FB, DDay Six
Luxembourg City and Countryside - Your travels continue to Luxembourg City for sightseeing with your Local Expert. Visit the grave of U.S. General George S. Patton, laid to rest alongside the men who fought and died in his great Third Army. Admire the view over the Petrusse Ravine from the Pont Adolphe and stroll through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the cathedral and the Palace of the Grand Duke. With the afternoon free for you to explore at your leisure, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the ancient Roman city of Trier, home town of Karl Marx, to explore with a Local Expert?
FB, DDay Seven
Explore Bastogne then on to Rotterdam - Head for Bastogne to visit the Mardasson Monument, a starshaped memorial dedicated to the U.S. troops who died during Battle of the Bulge in World War II. You may choose to climb to the top for a perspective of what it might have been like during the winter of 1944. Visit the Bastogne War Museum, a fascinating modern and interactive memorial center highlighting the causes, events and consequences of WWII. Travel through the center of Belgium as your journey continues to Rotterdam, the world's largest port rebuilt after wartime devastation. During your orientation with your Travel Director, see the impressive market hall and its radical modern design and the Erasmus Bridge.
FBDay Eight
Delft and The Hague - Visit one of the manufacturers of original Delft blue pottery before moving on to the Hague, the elegant governmental center of the Netherlands. See the Binnenhof courtyards where the Parliament is situated and the impressive Peace Palace. Select departures visit Keukenhof Gardens one of the world's largest flower gardens, an unforgettable experience not to be missed. Pass through picturesque villages and windmills of the Dutch countryside to Amsterdam for three fabulous nights.
FBDay Nine
Amsterdam Sightseeing - After a leisurely start today, you explore Amsterdam, a living museum of the 17th century, yet still a vibrant metropolis and port. The best way to see this remarkable city is from the water as you cruise through the canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the elegant merchants houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, their facades are a reflection of when trade flurished during Amsterdam's Golden Age. Relax as you pass stunning gables, beautiful churches and the iconic Magere Brug, better known as the Skinny Bridge. Disembark your cruise to wander the city and see the floating flower market, Dam Square and the Royal Palace. The rest of the day is at your leisure. With your free time, there's the opportunity to venture out to the Dutch Countryside to the village of Marken.
FBDay Ten
A True Dutch Delight - If you choose, you could start the morning by visiting the world's largest flower auction at Aalsmeer. Later, in Amsterdam, visit the newly refurbished Rijksmuseum with a Local Expert, Amsterdam's famed treasure trove of Dutch art, housing Rembrandt's ‘Night Watch.' Journey to the village of Monnikendam, learn the secrets of the Cheese Maker's craft, from milk to the finished product. Then witness a traditional Shoemaker turn a block of wood into clogs. In the evening, join your newfound friends and Travel Director at a beautiful restaurant in Monnikendam to enjoy your Celebration Dinner.
FB, DDay Eleven
Depart Amsterdam - Bid farewell to Amsterdam as you transfer to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport.
FBFB=Full Breakfast, D=Dinner
Suggested Packing
-Comfortable walking shoes
-Hat and Sunscreen
-Cash and Credit Cards (Only those needed)
-Medicine and spare prescriptions
-Extra glasses and/or contacts
-Book, Word Search and/or Crossword Puzzle
-Binoculars
-Seat Cushions and/or Blanket (If attending a parade or show)
-Ear plugs and sleep mask
-Mini-Sewing Kit
-Toiletries and Tissues
-Chargers for devices (Cell phones, Tablets, etc.)
-Extra Memory Cards (Digital Cameras) or Extra Film
Activity Level 3
This travel experience is perfect for those who want to see everything their destination has to offer. With the ability to navigate hills and uneven ground (1-2 hours with little difficulty), as well as climb into various modes of transportation, you'll be able to explore every corner of your destination without missing a thing. Plus, with some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure, you'll have the perfect harmony of flexibility and exploration.
Optional Experiences
Day Two - Antwerp Unveiled - Join this half-day experience to Antwerp, the second largest city and biggest port of Belgium. Discover the city with your Local Specialist and see the largest Gothic cathedral of Belgium, famous for its artworks by Peter Paul Rubens. You can also enjoy a traditional beer or wine in the beautiful square right by the cathedral. Adult: $54.88 US
Day Three - Scenic Bruges Canal Cruise & Dinner - A boat trip on the picturesque canals of Bruges allows us to admire the city's most romantic and beautiful sights from an entirely different angle (a photographers paradise). Afterwards, we'll enjoy a traditional dinner with drinks on the charming market square. Adult: $85.01 US
Day Four - Magical Bruges by Horse and Carriage - What could be more magical than a horse and carriage ride by the colorful canals and squares of the ‘Venice of the North’? See the Lake of Love with its gliding swans, the ornate bridges, the steep gabled houses erected in the canals, the bells of the carillon chiming – all of which conjure up a fascinating dream-like atmosphere. Photo stops included, of course. Adult: $51.65 US OR
Ypres Excursion and Last Post Ceremony - Travel with your Local Specialist to the historic town of Ypres, a ‘city of peace’ known for its involvement in World War I. Visit two well-known cemeteries and attend the famous Last Post Ceremony, which commemorates the fallen of the British Army and her allies on the surrounding Flanders Fields. You’ll also have the chance to visit Ypres' lovely market square and take in the atmosphere of this unique location. Adult: $61.33 US
Day Six - Excursion To The Roman City Of Trier In Germany - Drive into Germany to visit the ancient Roman city of Trier, home town of Karl Marx. Sightseeing with a local expert will reveal the superb Porta Nigra and the Imperial Baths, the largest outside Rome. You'll also walk through the old town to see the fine Liebfrauenkirche, as well as Marx's house. After free time in the center, we'll proceed to the nearby hills for great views over the Moselle River and the surrounding wine region. Adult: $50.57 US
Day Seven - Rotterdam Harbor Cruise & Dinner - A fascinating opportunity to experience the bustle of Europe’s largest port, so crucial to the Dutch economy. We'll admire the city’s impressive skyline and take in all the activity of the harbor, shipyards, docks and the ultra-modern technology of the container port. The cruise ends with a view of the steamship SS Rotterdam, the flagship liner of the Holland America Line. Later, we’re off to a favorite local restaurant for a delicious three-course dinner with unlimited drinks. Adult: $104.37 US
Day Eight - Kinderdijk Exploration and Boat Ride - Join us to discover the spectacular straight line of 19 working windmills at the Kinderdijk. Part of a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site and situated below sea-level, they were built around 1740 to pump water out of the reclaimed 'polder' lands. You’ll also admire the classic Dutch landscape between the Rhine river branches of the delta, during a relaxing boat ride. Adult: $52.73 US OR
Dutch Indonesian Rijsttafel Dinner - Don't leave Amsterdam without trying a Rijsttafel (literally: “rice table”): many small, shareable dishes, ranging from mild to spicy, in all colors of the rainbow, served with rice. A result of the Dutch Colonization of Indonesia, it's now considered by many Dutch as their signature dish. Indonesia was formerly a treasured colony of the Netherlands and during this period the Dutch embraced the delicious Indonesian cuisine both at home and abroad. The Rijsttafel became a star on the menu. Adult: $77.47 US
Day Nine - Traditional Dutch Countryside Tour - Take a break from the hectic pace of city life and unwind as you visit the ‘scenic Dutch countryside’. Enjoy a boat trip on the IJsselmeer lake (1100 kms) and visit the village of Volendam and the island village of Marken. You’ll be able to enjoy the tranquility of the countryside surroundings and immerse yourself in the old way of life. There will be free time to stroll around the villages and shop for traditional Dutch souvenirs. Adult: $49.50 US
Day Ten - Aalsmeer Flower Auctions - Experience the excitement at the very epicenter of the international flower trade! Each day, over 19 million flowers are sold at 'Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer', the world's largest flower auction. Witness all the action from a specially-designed viewing gallery as traders bid against the clock for a mind-blowing assortment of blooms. A unique experience you'll remember forever! Adult: $34.43 US
