April 3 – 14, 2024
Wed, April 3: Arrive Brussels, Tour Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Travel from your home city to Brussels, Belgium. Check in to your centrally-located hotel and take the afternoon to relax. In the early evening, gather for a Tour Orientation to meet your fellow travelers and learn more about the tour. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening at a select restaurant in Brussels featuring traditional Belgian cuisine.
Meals: D
Thur, April 4: Discover Brussels Tour, Free Evening
Start the day with a route by private coach to see the most iconic sites of Brussels outside the historic city center: The Atomium, the Royal Palace of Laeken (residence of the Belgian monarchy), the Japanese Tower, the Chinese Pavilion, the EU Quarter and Cinquantenaire Park – a vast set of gardens dotted with monuments, museums and arches. It was built in 1880 to commemorate the independence of Belgium. Stop along the way for traditional waffle tasting and Belgian fries. After lunch, take the later afternoon to relax or go out and discover more of Brussels on your own. The evening will be at leisure.
Meals: B, L
Fri, April 5: Brussels Historic City Center, Chocolate-Making Workshop, Free Evening
The morning will focus on Brussels’ historic city center: Grand Place – the central square of Brussels considered to be one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Europe, La Bourse – Brussels’ 1873 neoclassical stock exchange building, the iconic ‘Manneken Pis’ statue, the Royal St. Hubert Galleries and St. Catherine’s Place, Brussels’ trendy neighborhood with markets, cafes and boutiques. After lunch, participate in a hand-on Belgian chocolate-making class enjoying the chocolates of your labor! The evening will be at leisure.
Meals: B, L
Sat, April 6: Depart Brussels; Ghent Walking Tour, Canal Cruise, Arrive Bruges
Depart Brussels today and arrive in the medieval city of Ghent. In the Middle Ages, Ghent grew fantastically rich from cloth and wool and was the second biggest city in Europe. Today, its medieval heritage can be seen in the old merchants’ street that runs along the banks of the river, the guild houses, the Gothic spires of St. Bavo Cathedral, the medieval monasteries and the castles. Take a guided walking tour in Ghent and a canal cruise in this charming city to learn about the historic district including Gravensteen Castle dating back to 1180. Later in the day, depart Ghent and arrive in Bruges.
Meals: B, L
Sun, April 7: Bruges Walking Tour & Canal Cruise, Belgian Brewery, Free Evening
Bruges is Belgium’s fairy-tale city. Bruges has an expansive network of canals with overhanging willow trees, medieval buildings, lush gardens, old bridges and beautiful parks. Walk the heart of the city and explore the Markt, Minnewater Lake, the Beguinage and Walplein Square. After lunch, visit a Belgian brewery to taste their artisan beers. The evening will be at leisure in Bruges.
Meals: B, L
Mon, April 8: Royal Delft Earthenware Factory Tour, Free Afternoon, Dinner in Delft
Today, leave Belgium and arrive in Delft, Holland known for its world-famous blue earthenware. Royal Delft has been produced since the 17th century. From 1600 to 1800, this earthenware was popular among wealthy families. At its peak, there were 33 factories in Delft. The only one remaining today is Royal Delft. With a tour at the factory and a visit to the museum, you’ll learn about the history and production process of Delftware and see artists at work. The afternoon will be free for discovering this charming city on your own from your centrally located hotel. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a select restaurant in Delft to explore Dutch cuisine.
Meals: B, D
Tues, April 9: Keukenhof Gardens, Lunch, Commercial Flower Fields, Arrive Amsterdam
Today, depart Delft and drive to Keukenhof Gardens where 7 million tulip bulbs with 800 varieties bloom during springtime. This visit is during the height of the seasonal bloom. Besides 80 acres of flowers, you’ll also enjoy the spectacular flower shows, unique artwork and flower projects at Keukenhof. After your visit to Keukenhof Gardens, travel to Amsterdam along a route of commercial flower fields as far as the eye can see. Get your camera out – this is a photo op like no other! Once in Amsterdam, the evening will be at leisure.
Meals: B, L
Wed, April 10: A Day In Amsterdam with the Anne Frank House, Free Afternoon, Dinner Cruise
You’ll explore Amsterdam today with your local guide. Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The city is well known for its elaborate canal system and architecture of iconic narrow houses. You’ll visit Dam Square, Royal Palace, New Church, Begijnhof, the Floating Flower Market and see many charming canal views. During the tour, you’ll visit the Anne Frank House – now a museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist, Anne Frank. The later afternoon will be free to discover more of Amsterdam on your own or relax at the hotel. In the evening, take a gourmet dinner cruise on a vintage salon boat to explore Amsterdam at night.
Thurs, April 11: Van Gough Museum & Biking at Zaanse Schans
You’ll start the day at the Van Gough Museum. Explore Van Gough’s personal and artistic development with the guide who will highlight the major works of Van Gough. In the afternoon, drive to Zaanse Schans in the Dutch countryside where you’ll bike to see historic windmills and distinctive wooden village houses dating back to the 18th century. The 5-mile bike route on flat terrain takes you past handicraft workshops, windmills, museums, bakeries and warehouses. Stop and discover traditional Dutch history, culture and cuisine. (For those that do not want to bike, walking part of the bike route is an alternative). In the later afternoon, return to Amsterdam where the evening will be at leisure.
Meals: B, L
Fri, April 12: Geithoorn Village, Lunch, Visit A Cheesemaker’s Farm
Take a drive out of Amsterdam today to Geithoorn Village. Geithoorn is a unique car-free village of canals, old farms and charming houses. The houses are accessible only by boat. Geithoorn boasts a beautiful and serene atmosphere. Take a small electric boat to navigate along the narrow canals. Afterward, visit a family-owned cheese farm to meet the farmer in his field and see the full production process. This will be a non-commercial experience with tastings of authentic Dutch cheeses. Upon return to Amsterdam, the evening will be at leisure.
Meals: B, L
Sat, April 13: Amsterdam Free Day, Tour Farewell Dinner
Today, enjoy a free day on your own in Amsterdam. Discover more of Amsterdam today: visit another museum, shop for last-minute souvenirs, take a bike ride or just relax. In the evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner at a select restaurant featuring international cuisine.
Meals: B, D
Sun, April 14: Fly Home
Today, you will be transferred to the airport for the flight home from Amsterdam.
Meals: B
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