The ultimate tour of major cities in the Low Countries, hitting all the cultural centers of the Netherlands and Belgium. Experience this rich history and artistic culture like never before!
Land in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and experience the city’s cosmopolitan delights. Head to the Hague to see “Girl with a pearl earring” before stopping at either Keukenhof or Delft. Make your first stop in Belgium with Antwerp, a famous port, before visiting the canal-side cathedrals of Bruges and Ghent. End your journey in Brussels with a Belgian chocolate treat.
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Arrive at your departure airport to catch a flight to Amsterdam.* Night on board.
*Important: If your outbound flight leaves at dawn (before 04:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the selected departure day.
Arrive in Amsterdam and go through customs at the airport. This cosmopolitan, global city represents a center of culture, art, and technology that takes influences from all over the Low Countries and the world.
There won’t be a group meeting today, so catch a cab or public transportation to the hotel. You’re free for the rest of the day to rest, or take a stroll along the city’s famous canals. Try local Gouda cheese or a special Dutch pancake, both widely available around the city center. Overnight in Amsterdam.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off for an Amsterdam city tour and really get to know your new surroundings. See the stunning Rijksmuseum, home to famous works by Dutch Golden Age masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer. Enjoy the included audio guide to fully appreciate the rich history on display at this cultural landmark.
Next, set off on a canal cruise through the iconic city center and discover why Amsterdam is known as the “Venice of the North.” Appreciate the distinctive architecture and see how locals live in low-slung houseboats along the canals’ edge. After disembarking, enjoy a free afternoon to enjoy the city center as you please. Overnight in Amsterdam.
Breakfast at the hotel. Head straight to the Hague, the second major Dutch city and official capital. Begin with another city tour to see the main sites in this beautiful city. At the Mauritshuis Museum, you’ll see more important works of Dutch Art like the famous Girl with a Pearl Earring. Next, visit the Binnenhof District, known for hosting the Dutch legislature and other important government buildings. Tour these majestic squares and examine the historic architecture as you learn more about Dutch history.
If your trip falls between June and February, your next stop is Delft. This city is smaller than Amsterdam or the Hague, but features a compact and charming old town that is a pleasure to explore on foot. Delft is famous for its handmade blue and white ceramics, which make a great souvenir! This city is also where the artist Johannes Vermeer was born. Explore the city on an included guided tour through the center of this 400-year-old city.
If you are traveling between March and May, head from the Hague to Lisse to see Keukenhof, an enormous garden park dedicated to one of Holland’s most well-known exports: the tulip. These months are the peak season to see the tulips in bloom, with fields upon fields of different colors and varieties to admire. Transfer back to the hotel. Overnight in Amsterdam.
Please note: Keukenhof opening dates are subject to change. This day’s included activity will be confirmed by your guide in advance.
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to some iconic Dutch windmills. These 19 windmills, constructed in the 18th century, remain functional today, and help to drain excess water at the confluence of two rivers.
Next, head across the border to Belgium. Begin your tour of this new country in Antwerp, a coastal port city in the Dutch-speaking Flanders region. Go on an included tour to see the majestic Town Hall in the center, and traverse the historic Diamond District that remains a crucial part of the European diamond trade. Appreciate the gorgeous Flemish Renaissance architecture in the central square, Grote Markt. If you’re still curious to learn more about Antwerp’s stunning religious art, head on an optional tour of the Notre Dame Cathedral.*
Leave Antwerp behind and drive west to Bruges. Check in at the hotel and enjoy a free evening in the city. Overnight in Bruges.
*Optional tour of Notre Dame Cathedral: One of Antwerp’s major landmarks, this is the largest Gothic cathedral in all of the Low Countries. This short tour can be completed during free time following the included city tour. Please note that the cathedral can be closed unexpectedly–in this case, refunds will be issued.
Breakfast at the hotel. Time to explore Bruges with a guided tour. Visit the Guild House to learn about the Hanseatic League, a wealthy and powerful Germanic trading empire that once dominated the Baltic Sea. See the Belfort van Brugge, an imposing medieval bell tower in the main square that is a symbol of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
End the morning with a canal cruise and take in more of the city as you float peacefully by. Enjoy a free afternoon to shop in the Grote Markt, appreciate a local museum, or try a famous Belgian beer. Overnight in Bruges.
Note: the canal cruise is not suitable for the winter season, and so is only included between March and mid-November. In the colder months, you will have additional free time in Bruges.
Breakfast at the hotel. Say goodbye to Bruges and hello to Ghent. The fourth-largest city in Belgium, Ghent is a beautiful and compact pedestrian paradise. While on a walking tour, take in the medieval architecture that lends this stunning city an Old-World charm. See the stone Sintmichielsbrug, or Saint Michael’s Bridge, as well as the Ghent Belfry, some of the city center’s major landmarks. In order to see one of Jan van Eyck’s most famous works, you’ll have to do an optional tour of Sint Baafscatedraal* that many consider to be the main highlight of the city.
Finally, spend the afternoon in Brussels, the Belgian capital. Unlike every other city on this tour, Brussels is predominantly French-speaking, but officially bilingual with Dutch. The home of such famous products as Belgian waffles and Belgian chocolate, Brussels is a culinary delight. Take a tour of the city center, visiting the Grand Palace and the famous Manneken Pis statue. Overnight in Brussels.
*Optional tour or Sint Baafscatedraal: “The Mysterious Lamb” is an altarpiece made up of twelve panels. This famous work by Jan van Eyck is the centerpiece of this medieval cathedral, and narrowly escaped destruction by the Nazis in World War II. This activity will be after the included city tour.
Breakfast.* Self transfer to the airport. Arrive in Canada and end your trip.**
*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
**Depending on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in Canada the following day.
Terms & Conditions:
Prices quoted are per person based on double occupancy, for select dates and gateways, and reflect all promotional savings, and are subject to availability at time of booking. Prices are available from other departure cities, contact your travel agent. Prices were valid at time of publishing and are subject to change without notice. Promotional offer may be changed or withdrawn at any time.
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