Description
Cruise along the mighty Rhine and Moselle rivers, and meander through the canals of Amsterdam and Bruges to see small towns and medieval villages where customs of centuries ago, are well preserved. Appreciate the cultural diversity of four nations. Learn of decisive battles which changed the course of world history. And, pause to reflect on the tragic losses of WWI as a lone bugler plays ‘The Last Post’ at Belgium’s Menin Gate.
This holiday is provided by a 3rd party supplier, Back Roads Touring.
- Have an opportunity to create your own personal Eau de Cologne
- Explore the back roads of some of Benelux’s lesser known towns and regions
- Experience the moving Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate in Ypres
- Enjoy the many historical sites in Waterloo
Arrive in Amsterdam then drive south to historic Utrecht to visit the imposing Kasteel de Haar, then stroll around the unique bi-level canals of Utrecht. Continue to the city of Maastricht, hemmed in by Germany and Belgium, and check in to Kasteel Vaeshartelt or similar. (D)
Overnight: Kasteel Vaeshartelt (or similar)
In Cologne, visit the famous Cathedral, then at the House of 4711 we create our own personal Eau de Cologne. Following the Rhine River we reach the town of Boppard. Stay two nights at Bellevue Rheinhotel or similar. (B)
Overnight: Bellevue Rheinhotel (or similar)
The choice is yours: an optional cruise on the Upper Middle Rhine or discover the delights of Oberwesel and Bacharach with our tour leader. If you prefer, enjoy a day at leisure in Boppard, where we recommend visiting Marksburg Castle. (B, D)
Overnight: Bellevue Rheinhotel (or similar)
Embark on a boat trip down the Moselle River, then walk through Trier, considered to be the oldest town in Germany. Next we drive to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Stay one night at Hotel Simoncini or similar. (B)
Overnight: Hotel Simoncini (or similar)
Walk through the old city and drive through Luxembourg’s so called ‘Little Switzerland’ before arriving at the Abbey town of Echternach. In Belgium, we visit the War Museum at Bastogne, for an insight into the notorious ‘Battle of the Bulge’. Our final destination is Durbuy where we stay two nights at Hotel Le Sanglier des Ardennes. (B, D)
Overnight: Hotel Le Sanglier des Ardennes (or similar)
The choice is yours today; spend the day in Durbuy or join our tour leader on an excursion to picturesque Dinant and its impressive 11th century fortified Citadel. After some time at leisure (be sure to try the local ‘couques de Dinant’ biscuit), we visit the 18th century Gardens of Annevoie. (B, D)
Overnight: Hotel Le Sanglier des Ardennes (or similar)
Heading north we stop at Villers Abbey of the Cistercian Order. In the town of Waterloo, where Napoleon was ultimately defeated, we visit the Wellington Museum. After checking in to the Grand Hotel Casselbergh, or similar, you have a choice: relax in Bruges or join our tour leader on an excursion to Ypres for the moving Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate at 8pm, a memorial dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers who were killed in the Ypres-Salient in WWI and whose graves are unknown. We return to Bruges. (B)
Overnight: Grand Hotel Casselbergh (or similar)
Bruges, with its canal system and guild houses, is fascinating to explore. After a short walking tour, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Tonight we enjoy dinner together. (B, D)
Overnight: Grand Hotel Casselbergh (or similar)
In Antwerp we stroll through the historic city centre and in Kinderdijk we see no less than 19 windmills, before we drive to Delft, famous for its blue and white ceramics. We visit the Royal Delft factory. Later check in to Stempels Hotel, or similar, for the next two nights. (B)
Overnight: Stempels Hotel (or similar)
Explore some of the Netherland’s smaller towns including Edam and Marken. We spend the afternoon exploring Haarlem’s old city before our final dinner this evening. (B, D)
Overnight: Stempels Hotel (or similar)
In Amsterdam visit the floating flower market and enjoy a cruise along the city’s canals – a colourful climax to our beautiful tour. (B)
Pick-Up & Drop-Off You will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home.
