A sensational summertime tour to see and experience one Europe's most unique and surprising cities... vibrant  Amsterdam. And to visit two of Belgium's majestic Flemish cities... beautiful Bruges and historic Brussels.

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What a wonderful week this will be!

 

The week will be packed learning about Dutch and Belgium history and culture; seeing UNESCO world heritage sites; visiting world-renowned art museums seeing paintings by famous Dutch artists - Rembrandt, Vermeer & Van Gogh; discovering many of Europe's most grand architecture; tasting Holland cheese and Belgium chocolate; and much more!

 

We'll meet in Amsterdam where we'll be based our first four nights in a luxury boutique hotel located on one of the city's most beautiful canals.

 

With our local Dutch historian, art & architecture guide, we'll visit Amsterdam's top museums and landmarks including... the renowned Rijks Museum and Van Gogh Museum... exploring and learning about Amsterdam's unique waterways canal system and 17th-century gabled architecture... seeing Dam Square and the Royal Palace within Amsterdam's Old Town.

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We'll take day trip to the Dutch countryside to discover and learn about the history of Holland through its windmills and farmlands with our local expert guide. We will explore the villages around Edam and the Beemster polder (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to find out how their residents came to live in an area below the water level. And we'll visit Schermermolen -- a museum inside a still-functioning windmill.

 

Our Holland itinerary will also include:

• Anne Frank House -- where Anne Frank hid in a secret annex for more than 2 years during WWII and where she wrote her diary.

• Amsterdam Boat Tour -- we'll tour through Amsterdam's canal belt (a UNESCO World Heritage site,) with awe inspiring views of the city's 17th-century architecture and quaint bridges.

• Dutch Cheese Tasting Session -- Holland is one of the world largest cheese producing countries. Its cheeses have distinctive and complex tastes characterizing Holland artisan cheeses from other countries. We'll have a special cheese tasting session with a Dutch expert.

 

There will be free time in Amsterdam for personal sightseeing and shopping... taking a stroll through the city's infamous Red Light District... seeing Vondelpark... visiting Rembrandt's house... or relaxing at an outdoor cafe.

 

Then we're off to Belgium!

 

We'll travel 1st-class by train from Amsterdam Centraal railway station to Brussels, the capital of Belgium. We'll be based for two nights in the historic city-center of Brussels near the La Grand-Place and the Manneken Pis.

 

In Brussels we'll take a morning leisure walking tour of the city center with our local historian guide to see and learn about: the opulent guild houses, City Hall and Maison du Roi in La Grand-Place  (considered one of Europe's most beautiful squares;) Place Bourse; Royal Gallery of Saint-Hubert, a dazzling 19th-century glass-covered shopping arcade; and the interior of Brussels Cathedral. We'll take an afternoon driving tour of the Belgium capital to see the Royal Palace; the European Union headquarters; NATO headquarters; Brussels Park; and the Atomium, the 1950s futurist landmark building originally constructed for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair. Late afternoon we'll have a tasting session of delicious Belgium chocolates... and a cocktail hour time Belgium beer tasting session will be offered.

 

Friday we are off on a day trip to explore picturesque Bruges with our local historical guide. Bruges is a city not to be miss!

 

Listed on UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Bruges has Europe's best-preserved example of a medieval city center, with its bell tower elevating over the city. With its center closed off to cars, all the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city is easily explored on foot... and on a boat ride we'll take along Bruges' quiet canals with white swans on the water.

 

Our pleasure walking tour with our local historian guide will take us from Burg Square to Markt Square and the celebrated Jan van Eyck Square. We'll explore both well-known parts of Bruges and other lesser-known sections. Architecture will be a feature of our tour, including the intricate designs of the City Hall, Church of Our Lady, Basilica of the Holy Blood and Saint-Salvator Cathedral.

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While the city is small, there many pleasures around each corner, from lace boutiques and chocolate shops to architectural and historical treasures. There will be free time for individual exploring... shopping ... stopping for Belgium frites... or relaxing at an outdoor cafe with a Belgium beer.

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Friday evening we’ll gather back in Brussels for a traditional Belgium Flemish-French cuisine farewell gala dinner.

 

Great trip for friends, couples and for solo travelers. Limited to 15 persons.

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Holland & Belgium History, Culture, Art & Architecture Tour Is Designed To Provide:

• A fabulous summertime vacation experience in Holland & Belgium!

• Friendly and fun small group environment limited to 15 persons. Enjoy the camaraderie and begin friendships with like-minded travelers.

• A comprehensive week visiting "the best" in Amsterdam, Bruges and Belgium ... learning about each city's history and culture... staying in premiere/signature boutique hotels located in the historic city centers of Amsterdam and Brussels... learning about & seeing famous paintings of the great Dutch masters... taking a boat tour through Amsterdam's historic canal district and along scenic the canals of Bruges... having a tasting session of Holland cheeses and Belgium chocolate... and much more!

• Free time for personal exploring & sightseeing... shopping... relaxing.

• Optional group morning pleasure walks led by WalkEurope president, Tom Harter.

• Recommended restaurants should you want to explore on your own, yet everyone own, is invited to join for local-cuisine group meals.

• Concierge service & support – fully escorted tour, personal & customized service for a fun and WORRY-FREE vacation!

 

What's Included:​​

• Six nights accommodations in luxury/premiere hotels.

• Daily hotel buffet breakfasts.

• Welcome Reception -- an opportunity to meet other guests and review the week's itinerary.

• Farewell Dinner -- featuring traditional Belgium cuisine hosted by WalkEurope.

• Tour of Rijks Museum with local Dutch art historian guide.

• Tour of Van Gogh Museum with local Dutch art historian guide

• Walking tour through central Amsterdam.

• Day trip to Dutch countryside to see and learn about Holland windmills and farming.

• Amsterdam Boat Tour -- through the historic canal district.

• Day trip to the Dutch countryside to see and learn about Holland windmills and farming.

• Holland Cheese Tasting Session.

• Walking tour through central Brussels.

• Driving tour to see Brussels landmarks - EU & NATO headquarters, Royal Palace, Brussels Park, the Atomium.

• Day trip to Bruges with local Belgium historical guide.

• Belgium chocolate tasting session.

• Belgium beer tasting session.

• Museums, palaces, castles, villas entrance fees for all group activities and day trips.

• Morning Pleasure Walks - optional before breakfast group pleasure walks.

• 1st-class train transportation from Amsterdam to Brussels.

• Ground transportation for all group activities and day trips.

• Concierge service & support.

 

Arrival & Departure City:

Arrival - Amsterdam, Holland

Departure - Brussels, Belgium 

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Space is Limited -- Reserve Early!

Limited to 15 persons.