DAY 1

Welcome to Brussels.
Your complimentary, private transfer takes you to your local departure airport. Airport transfers depart Brussels airport for your centrally-located hotel at 09:00, 11:00 and 14:30. After checking in, the afternoon is yours to relax. At 17:00, join your Travel Director for a visit to the cheeky Manneken Pis statue and leisurely stroll around the Grand Place, voted the most beautiful square in Europe. Your delightful first evening also includes a Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant in the heart of the Old Town with an opportunity to mingle with your fellow travellers.
Hotel: NH Collection Brussels Centre.
Meal: Dinner with Wine

DAY 2

The Battlefield of Waterloo.
Leaving the city limits behind, visit the Battlefield of Waterloo to learn about Napoleon’s final defeat in 1815. Immerse yourself in the action at the Panorama, where a huge 360-degree mural depicts a key moment in the raging battle. If you’re feeling energetic, you can climb the 230 steps to the top of the Lion’s Mound for panoramic views over the battlefield and countryside. Return to Brussels, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Hotel: NH Collection Brussels Centre.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 3

Ghent and on to Bruges.
In the morning, admire the contrast of the Chinese and Japanese Pavilions and the impressive, metallic spheres of the Atomium. Your journey then crossed the pasture lands of Belgian Flanders to your next stop in Ghent, the City of Flowers and rival to Bruges for its rich treasury of medieval heritage. With a Local Expert, visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral with its Van Eyck masterpiece and see the Castle of the Counts. Continue to picture-perfect Bruges for a fabulous Dine-Around Evening, amid the old-world atmosphere of the town centre.
Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel, Bruges.
Meal: Breakfast,Dinner with Wine

DAY 4

Sightseeing Bruges.
Meet your Local Expert from Bruges for a stroll along cobbled streets, lined with high-gabled houses from the 16th century. Visit the Market Square dominated by the 80-metre belfry of the Market Hall. Explore Burg Square with its ornate Gothic town hall and glorious frescoes on the walls of the Holy Blood Chapel. With your free afternoon, maybe shop for handmade lace and praline chocolates? In the evening, perhaps an visit the town of Ypres, where buglers sound the Last Post each evening in a moving tribute to those who fell during World War I.
Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel, Bruges.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 5

To Luxembourg.
Travel into the French-speaking Walloon region where picturesque country roads lead you to the late 19th century Scourmont Abbey. The surrounding plateau on which it is built, was once considered wild and barren land, but the Trappist monks have toiled for over 100 years to create a successful farm, brewery and cheese plant. Visit the Chimay Experience to learn about the production secrets of the monks’ Chimay Trappist beers and cheeses, representing a thousand years of tradition. Your visit concludes with a sample of freshly brewed beer and a taste of their golden-crusted cheese. Continue on to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to arrive at your 18th century chateau home for two nights. In the evening, you will be served a fresh and delicious Farm-to-Table Dinner accompanied with wine at the restaurant L’Écurie du Parc. See the 12th century Clervaux Castle illuminated on your stroll after dinner.
Hotel: Château d’Urspelt (Castle Rooms), Clervaux.
Meal: Breakfast,Dinner with Wine

DAY 6

Luxembourg City and Countryside.
Your travels continue to Luxembourg City for sightseeing with your Local Expert. Admire the view over the Petrusse Ravine from the Pont Adolphe and stroll through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the cathedral and the Palace of the Grand Duke. Visit the grave of U. S. General George S. Patton, laid to rest alongside the men who fought and died in his great Third Army.
Hotel: Château d’Urspelt (Castle Rooms), Clervaux.
Meal: Breakfast,Dinner with Wine

DAY 7

Explore Bastogne then on to Rotterdam.
Head for Bastogne to visit the Mardasson Monument, a star-shaped memorial dedicated to the U. S. troops who died during World War II’s Battle of the Bulge. You may choose to climb to the top for a perspective of what it might have been like during the winter of 1944. Visit the Bastogne War Museum, a fascinating modern and interactive memorial centre highlighting the causes, events and consequences of WWII. Travel through the centre of Belgium as your journey continues to Rotterdam, the world’s largest port rebuilt after wartime devastation. During your orientation with your Travel Director, marvel at the radical modern design of the city that has become its distinguishing feature and see the impressive market hall and the Erasmus Bridge.
Hotel: Inntel Hotels Rotterdam Centre.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 8

Delft, the Hague and on to Amsterdam.
Visit one of the manufacturers of original Delft blue pottery before moving on to the Hague, the elegant governmental centre of the Netherlands. See the Binnenhof courtyards where the Parliament is situated and the impressive Peace Palace. Pass through picturesque villages and windmills of the Dutch countryside to Amsterdam for three fabulous nights.
Hotel: NH Hotel Amsterdam Centre.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 9

Amsterdam Sightseeing.
Today you explore Amsterdam, a living museum of the 17th century, yet still a vibrant metropolis and port. The best way to see this remarkable city is from the water as you cruise through the canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the elegant merchant houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, their facades are a reflection of when trade flourished during Amsterdam’s Golden Age. Relax as you pass stunning gables, beautiful churches and the iconic Magere Brug, better known as the Skinny Bridge. Disembark your cruise to wander the city with your Travel Director. See the floating flower market, Dam Square and the Royal Palace. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Hotel: NH Hotel Amsterdam Centre.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 10

A True Dutch Delight.
If you choose, you could start the morning by visiting the world’s largest flower auction at Aalsmeer? Later, in Amsterdam, visit the newly refurbished Rijksmuseum with a Local Expert, Amsterdam’s famed treasure trove of Dutch art, housing Rembrandt’s ‘Night Watch. ‘ Journey to the village of Monnikendam and learn the secrets of the Cheese Maker’s craft, from milk to the finished product. Then witness a traditional Shoemaker turn a block of wood into clogs. In the evening, join your newfound friends and Travel Director at a beautiful restaurant to enjoy your Celebration Dinner.
Hotel: NH Hotel Amsterdam Centre.
Meal: Breakfast,Dinner with Wine

DAY 11

Depart Amsterdam.
Transfers to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport arrive at 08:00 and 10:00. On arrival at your home airport, your driver will greet and escort you to your waiting car for your private transfer home.
Meal: Breakfast

Authentic Dining

• Bruges: Experience a Dine-Around Evening in beautiful Bruges; enjoying regional dishes, excellent service and famous Belgian beer.
• Scourmont Abbey: Visit the late 19th century abbey, built upon what was once wild and barren land. Then, learn about the production secrets of the Chimay Trappist beers and cheeses before sampling freshly brewed beer along with a taste of golden-crusted cheese.
• Luxembourg: After admiring Luxembourg countryside, savour a freshly-prepared Farm-to-Table meal at restaurant L’Écurie du Parc, made of locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients typical of the region.
• Monnickendam: Enjoy a Celebration Dinner with wine in an elegant restaurant in the quaint village of Monnickendam.
• Dining Summary: 10 Breakfasts (B) and 5 Dinners with Wine (DW) all with tea or coffee.

Insight Experiences

• Amsterdam: Explore the Rijksmuseum with a local art historian.
• Volendam: Journey through the polder landscape to visit Volendam. Along the way, visit a rustic cheese workshop to learn the secrets of the dairy industry and witness the ancient art of clog making.

Stay in Style

• Clervaux: The Château D’Urspelt is a magnificent 18th century residence, classified as a national monument and fully renovated to feature both modern convenience and style, together with traditional charm.

Top Rated Highlights

• Keukenhof Festival: Visit Keukenhof to see millions of multi-coloured bulb-flowers in bloom on select departures.
• Brussels: Visit the Grand Place and view the Mannekin Pis.
• Waterloo: 200 years after the fall of Napoleon, visit the site to discover why the Battle of Waterloo was such a defining moment in European history. Those feeling adventurous can experience panoramic views from atop the Lion’s Mound, worth the effort of the 230 steps.
• Brussels: See the Atomium, and the Chinese and Japanese Pavilions.
• Ghent: With a Local Expert, visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral with its Van Eyck masterpiece and see the Castle of the Counts.
• Bruges: Visit the Market Square and famous belfry of the Market Hall with your Local Expert. See the Gothic town hall in Burg Square and the frescoes on the walls of the Holy Blood Chapel.
• Luxembourg: With your Local Expert, enjoy views over the Petrusse Ravine and walk through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the cathedral, the Palace of the Grand Duke and visit the grave of U.S. General George S. Patton. Lookout from from the Pont Adolphe.
• Bastogne: Experience a fascinating insight into the history of the World War II at the modern Bastogne War Museum. Visit the Mardasson Monument, dedicated to those who fell during the Battle of the Bulge.
• Rotterdam: Witness the impressive market hall and Erasmus Bridge on your orientation of this modern city.
• The Hague: See the Binnenhof courtyards and the Peace Palace.
• Delft: Visit one of the manufacturers of original Delft blue pottery and see the potters at work on your guided tour.
• Amsterdam: Cruise along the old waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century.
• Amsterdam: Led by your Travel Director, wander the city to see the floating flower market, Dam Square and the Royal Palace.
• Scenic Drives: Enjoy the scenery as you travel through Flanders, the Walloon region, along the River Meuse, across Ardennes Plateau and through the Semois Valley and Dutch countryside.

Included Insight Services

• Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
• Enjoy the comfort of Insight’s luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
• Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert’s fascinating commentary.
• We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
• Hotel and restaurant tips are included – you’ll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
• Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
• From time to time, your Travel Director will enchant you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
• If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.