Netherlands, Belgium & Luxembourg: Benelux Gems

Arrive in Amsterdam, where you are met and transferred to your boutique hotel set alongside the city’s iconic canals. This evening, gather for a welcome reception and dinner.

This morning, join a local expert as you cruise Amsterdam’s historic canals, revealing the waterways that form the nexus of this historic city. Continue on foot through the city center, pausing at Museum Van Loon, a sumptuous townhouse built in 1672 for a pupil of Rembrandt. This canal house’s impressive interiors, garden and coach house afford a glimpse into the lifestyles of the city’s wealthy and powerful elite. Afterward, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure for your own explorations.

Depart this morning for historic Utrecht, pausing at a local dairy farm for a tour and a tasting of Holland’s world-renowned cheeses. After lunch in Utrecht’s charming old town center, continue to your hotel in Liège, Belgium.

Cross the border to nearby Aachen, Germany’s westernmost city. Once a Roman settlement, Charlemagne chose this city as his capital, and it remained the seat of the Holy Roman Empire for centuries. Dig into this history during a tour with a local expert. After lunch at leisure, embark on an e-bike ride through the countryside outside Maastricht, pausing in the ancient cellars of Château Neercanne to savor a wine tasting and view the Maastricht Treaty, the founding document of the European Union. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Delve into the Battle of the Bulge, a pivotal chapter of World War II history on a visit to the Bastogne War Museum, exploring history through scenography, witness testimonial and multimedia installations. Then, join a local guide to tour nearby battle sites aboard an authentic U.S. Army Willys Jeep, rolling through the quiet beauty of Ardennes landscapes that once raged with Germany’s desperate gambit to mount a final offensive and the heroism of the Allied troops who turned back their assault. Continue to Luxembourg, where you check into your castle hotel. This evening, journey through pastoral farmland near Luxembourg to reach a local restaurant for dinner.

Today, explore the capital of one of Europe’s smallest states, Luxembourg. Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the confluence of two rivers, Luxembourg City juxtaposes its cosmopolitan lifestyle alongside fairytale castles, meandering casements and the trappings of its venerable grand duchy roots. Visit one of the largest castles west of the Rhine, magnificent Vianden Castle. With origins dating to the 10th century, the Romanesque castle was one of Europe’s grandest, most luxurious feudal residences of the Middle Ages.

This morning, cross the idyllic countryside back to Belgium, pausing at Waterloo for views over the battlefield where British and Prussian forces defeated Napoleon Bonaparte, marking the end of an era of French domination in Europe. After lunch, continue to Ghent. Filled with cathedrals and museums, Ghent traces its roots to Roman times. It’s now the capital of the province of East Flanders and one of Europe’s largest inland ports. Here, a local expert reveals the town’s pedestrianized city center lined with medieval architecture, pausing to take in the storybook grandeur of Gravensteen Castle.

Drive to Brussels for an introduction to Belgium’s busy capital, where medieval architecture mingles with shimmering high-rises. Throughout its tumultuous history, Brussels has been occupied by the Romans, Vikings, Spanish, French, Austrians and English. Today, Brussels is home to both the European Union and NATO. Explore this culinary enclave known for its fine chocolates, double-fried frites and distinctive beers on a pub crawl with a real beer sommelier, seeking out the city’s rich history and tasting delicious local beers at favorite local haunts along the way, while your host tells fun tales about how they are brewed. Afterward, enjoy time for lunch at leisure before returning to Ghent for the rest of the day.

Drive to Bruges, the West Flanders capital known for its canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings. Indulge in a hands-on workshop devoted to the artistry of fine Belgian chocolates followed by lunch at a traditional restaurant. Cap off your day with time at leisure to explore Bruges before returning to your hotel. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner.

Today, you are transferred to the airport for your departure.