European Escape: Amsterdam and Brussels

After breakfast in the hotel, your group will meet a local guide in the lobby for an exciting tour of this scenic city. This immersive city tour will take guests through Amsterdam's historic canals, iconic landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods, revealing the rich culture and charm of this Dutch gem. Afterward, guests will have the day at leisure to explore more of the city.

Approximately 800 years ago, the Amstel River was dammed, giving the town its name. Where medieval fishing boats once docked, your group will see 17th century houses, street performers and some of the city's most luxurious stores. Here in Dam Square lies the historic heart of Amsterdam. Your group will see the Royal Palace, which was originally constructed as the Town Hall, and pass the Mint Tower, with its clock and bells that still seem to echo Amsterdam's Golden Age. Also of particular interest is the 16th-century Weeping Tower, which according to legend, derived its name from the sailors' wives who used to bid their husbands an emotional farewell. Then, the tour will pass the Floating Flower Market on Singel Canal, which is a stunning mass of flowers strung along the canal on permanently-moored barges. Afterward, guests will return to the hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

After breakfast in the hotel your group will depart on a full-day excursion of windmills and tulips. This promises to be a glorious day spent outdoors admiring some of the best-loved sights in the Netherlands. With plenty of photo opportunities amid picture perfect surroundings, your group will be taking home some unforgettable memories. Afterward, they will return to the hotel in the private coach and enjoy the evening at leisure.

This morning, your group will set out by private coach for the famed windmills near Amsterdam and to visit Lisse with its Keukenhof Gardens. The first stop today will be in Zaanse Schans, a neighborhood in the town of Zaandam, where guests can admire its collection of historic windmills and its traditional craft shops. Afterward, the group will travel south to the lovely city Haarlem, where it will have free time for lunch. The group will then continue traveling south to the city of Lisse to tour the legendary Keukenhof Gardens where vast numbers of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths create dazzling patches of color. Blooms here – at their peak- have a short but glorious season. The park is said to be the greatest flower show on earth, and it's Holland's annual spring gift to the world. At the end of the tour, they will return to Amsterdam by private coach. (Please note that Keukenhof is only open from March to May. For groups traveling outside of that time, a guided tour of Haarlem is highly recommended with a possible visit to the Corrie ten Boom Museum. Alternatively, guests can visit Delft to tour one of its famous pottery workshops or visit a cheese farm in Volendam depending on their interests and by prior booking).

Brussels is a city of contrasts. One district is home to major modern European organizations and governing bodies like the European Commission, the European Parliament, and NATO. On the hand, the city is home to a historic center and neighborhoods that have maintained their traditional architecture as well as a slower pace. During this tour, your group will visit one of Europe's most beautiful squares, the Grand Place, which is home to the medieval Town Hall. Apart from its history and culture, Belgium is famous for its chocolate and beer – in fact, it produces some of the finest beer in the world. The tour will also include a tasting at the Cantillon Brewery, which has been brewing beer since the 1800s. Afterword, guests will be escorted back to the hotel.

This morning is completely free for guests to explore Brussels at their leisure. This city has an amazing variety of museums, churches, green parks (and chocolate shops). After your group members have had lunch on their own, they will reconvene in the hotel lobby for an afternoon excursion by private coach to Ghent. No dinners are scheduled in the evening after the tour, so guests are free to venture out and explore Brussels' superb foodie scene. The guide will be happy to share restaurant recommendations upon request.

In the afternoon, your group will be transferred to the historic city of Ghent, just an hour from Brussels. This short walking tour is a wonderful way to experience the city and see some of its beautiful architecture from up close. Accompanied by an expert guide, guests will visit the impressive Roman Catholic St. Bavo's Cathedral, named after a local saint, and home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece. The Gothic Cloth Hall is next, being the center of Ghent's cloth trade, followed by the Belfry bell tower, which played a key role in the city's past. Guests will also have the chance to visit famous squares such as the Friday Market Square and Groot Kanonpilen, and walk down the streets of Graslei and Korenlei, where historic houses line Ghent's canals. Afterward, they will be transferred back to their hotel in Brussels in the private coach. After the tour, the group will return to the hotel in Brussels by private coach.

This morning, your group will travel by private coach to one of Belgium's best loved cities, Bruges, the capital of West Flanders. A day-long exploration of this city awaits guests, accompanied by a local guide to show them around the best sights. In the afternoon, guests will return by private coach and freshen up. A group dinner is planned for later, so guests may be able to unwind, recount their travel stories and bid farewell to the others in their group on their last evening in delightful Brussels.

The entire city center of Dutch-speaking Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon their arrival by private coach, your group will meet a local guide who will lead them on a walking tour of this beautiful city, which is often called the "Venice of the North." In addition to exploring its cobblestone streets and medieval quarters, guests will take a boat cruise to experience Bruges' picturesque canals. During the tour of Bruges, there will be free time for lunch and shopping before all group members meet back up with the local guide who will accompany them back to the private coach. Guests will then be transferred back to their hotel in Brussels. (Please note that the boat cruises do not operate during the winter months).

After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, your group will be transferred by private coach to the international airport for their return flight home.