Belgium
Day 1
Depart United States for your overnight flight to Brussels.
Day 2
Morning arrival in Brussels. Transfer to the 4* Hotel Royal Crown Mercure. Afternoon free to recover from your transatlantic flight and explore your surroundings.
Evening welcome dinner at the panoramic restaurant of the NH Atlanta Hotel in Brussels city centre.
Day 3
Guided morning city of Brussels. Brussels is the capital of Belgium and seat of the European Community. During the extensive tour of this magnificent city, you pass the Royal Palace, the Palace of Justice and the Grand Place with its unforgettable guild houses and City Hall. Walk to the renowned statue of “Manneke Pis”, admire the handmade beauty of Belgian lace and taste the delicious world famous Belgian chocolates.
The evening is free for you to spend as you wish.
Day 4
Morning transfer to Bruges via Ghent. In Ghent you have a morning-guided tour of this picturesque, historical town. For lunch you will dine at the Brasserie Pakhuis, which is a magnificent restored 600 sq.m warehouse right in the heart of the historic centre of the city: great food in a spectacular setting.
Cuisine in traditional French-Italian style, plus contemporary creations and a wealth of Oysters, Shellfish and Seafood. There is also a vegetarian section, excellent wine list with wines from all over the world.
Early afternoon arrival in Bruges. After arriving in Bruges you will be transferred to the 3* Novotel in Bruges centre. Bruges is one of the oldest towns of the province of Flanders. Enjoy a city walk visiting the church of “Our Lady” with its famous Michelangelo sculpture “Madonna and Child”, admire the picturesque medieval “Beguinage”, a beautiful hidden courtyard still inhabited by nuns, maybe visit one of the museums, like the Memling Museum or enjoy a boat ride through the city. There will be a local guide to accompany you on your tour of Bruges.
The evening is at your leisure.
Day 5
Morning transfer to Amsterdam via Antwerp. Antwerp is the largest city in Flanders, the northern part of Belgium. The city owes its prosperity but also its cosmopolitan character, and its colourful and festive atmosphere mainly to its port, the second largest in Europe. The city is perhaps best known for its Diamonds with more than 50% of the world diamond production passing through it. Again, a guide will accompany you throughout your time in Antwerp.
Upon arrival in Amsterdam you will check into the 3* Nova Hotel.
Tonight you will enjoy a fantastic evening at Holland Village. Amidst a decor of old facades, canals and historic bridges you get a taste of Amsterdam.
Day 6
This morning you will enjoy a tour through old and New Amsterdam. See historical landmarks such as the Royal Palace, the Mint Tower, the Skinny Bridge and Portuguese Synagogue among other famous monuments.
The city is known for its tree-shaded canals, friendly multilingual people, bubbling nightlife and sophisticated shopping. A visit to the Rijksmuseum with its outstanding collection of masterpieces by famous artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals will complete the tour. A last stop can be made at one of Amsterdam’s renowned diamond polishing houses, where you will be shown the art of creating precious jewels.
This afternoon you will play your first game.
Day 7
Morning Free.
This afternoon you depart from Amsterdam for a drive through the farmland, reclaimed from the depths of the former Zuiderzee and surrounded by dikes. In the “Zaanse Schans” you will catch a glimpse of how the Dutch lived before industrialisation.
Here you find several of Holland’s 955 remaining windmills, all different shapes and sizes, still producing lumber, paint, oil, mustard and flour. The mills are surrounded by old-fashioned wooden houses (a rarity in Holland) - a breathtaking open-air museum. Afterwards there will be an opportunity to see local colour and traditional costumes in the fishing villages of Volendam and/or Marken. Stroll along the shopping streets and admire the harbour and local sights. Before returning to Amsterdam there will be a visit to an authentic Dutch cheese farm, where you can sample some of the famous Dutch cheeses.
The evening is free for you to enjoy Amsterdam’s nightlife.
Day 8/9
These days will be will be spent playing in a number of games. In the evenings you return to your hotel for free nights in the Amsterdam.
Day 10
Today is free for you to explore Amsterdam on your own. You may wish to visit attractions that have, so far, been missed or you may want to go shopping and pick up souvenirs and gifts for family and friends back in the States.
This evening you will enjoy a farewell dinner at D’Vijff Vlieghen. The city’s foremost gourmet restaurant that serves the finest Dutch cuisine in an historical 17th century environment. D’Vijff Vlieghen has nine interconnected dining rooms, each with its own distinctive style. All of’ them recreate the rich atmosphere of the Golden Age. The Rembrandt Room is particularly remarkable for its four original etchings made by the great Dutch master. In the Knights’ Hall, displays of helmets and armour recall the Eighty Years War with Spain. The Glass Room contains a collection of rare handmade glassware dating from the 17th century, whilst the 18th century panelling of the Bridal Room creates an intimate atmosphere.
Day 11
This morning is free for you to enjoy Amsterdam before returning to the hotel for the coach transfer to the airport and your flight back to the USA.
What’s Included
- Flights to and from the USA including Tax (price to be confirmed)
Accommodation:
- 2 nights bed and breakfast accommodation in the 4* Hotel Royal Crown Mercure, Brussels
- 1 night bed and breakfast accommodation in the 3* Novotel, Bruges
- 6 nights bed and breakfast accommodation in the 3* Hotel Nova, Amsterdam
- All accommodation is based twin rooms, dependent on numbers
Meals:
- Arrival dinner at the NH Atlanta Hotel in Brussels
- Lunch at the Brasserie Pakhuis in Ghent
- Dinner at the Holland Village in Amsterdam
- Farewell dinner at D’Vijff Vlieghen restaurant in Amsterdam
Coaching:
Guides:
- Half day local guide for city sightseeing in Brussels on day 2
- Half day local guides for city sightseeing in Ghent & Bruges on day 3
- Half day local guide for city sightseeing in Antwerp on day 4
- Half day local guide for city sightseeing in Amsterdam on day 5 and 6
- Tour escort throughout the tour from arrival in Brussels to departure from Amsterdam on day 11
- Tour escort’s accommodation and expenses
Entrances:
- Rijksmuseum
For more sample itineraries, please contact us.
As need dictates, STATS Tours may vary itineraries and event times.
