Best of Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg - 10 Days
10 Days
Brussels
Amsterdam
***
Trafalgar Tours
10-Day Benelux Tour of Brussels, Luxembourg, Bruges and Amsterdam
Trace the Low Countries from Brussels’ Grand Place to Ghent’s towers and Bruges’ canals. Pause at Bastogne, discover Trappist brewing at Orval Abbey, take in Luxembourg City’s gorge-top views and end among Amsterdam’s gabled facades and Dutch Masters...
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Brussels
Arrival Transfer: Depart the airport at 10:30, 14:30
Welcome: Meet your Travel Director at 16:45
Launch your holiday in Brussels. Later, you’ll meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner.
Day 2: Brussels Your Way
Today, your Travel Director will take you on an orientation tour of Brussels, see the Atomium, designed for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair, Manneken Pis and the exquisite Grand Place with its opulent and ornate guildhalls. After you will have an opportunity to explore the capital as you wish, stroll past the Royal Palace and through the leafy lanes of Brussels Park or indulge in tasting delicious chocolate. Your Travel Director will assist you to make the most out of your remaining day at leisure.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Waterloo Explored- EUR 55 pp
In 1815 Napoleon fought his famous last battle here against the Duke of Wellington. You’ll visit the battlefields and monuments and discover how the face of Europe was changed forever. You’ll also see the famous iron lion monument on top of the hill, which you can climb if you wish. The monument was built by the widows of veterans and you'll hear their story as you gaze at the spectacular panoramic view.
Antwerp Unveiled - EUR 56 pp
Join this half-day experience to Antwerp, the second largest city and biggest port of Belgium. Discover the city with your Local Specialist and see the largest Gothic cathedral of Belgium, famous for its artworks by Peter Paul Rubens. You can also enjoy a traditional beer or waffle in the beautiful square right by the Cathedral.
Day 3: Continue to Ghent and Bruges
Delve into centuries of trade heritage in the medieval port city of Ghent, with its picturesque riverine backdrop. See the three famous towers – Saint Nicholas Church, the Belfry and Saint Bavo's Cathedral – before continuing on to Bruges.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Ypres Excursion and Last Post Ceremony - EUR 61 pp
Travel with your Local Specialist to the historic town of Ypres, a ‘city of peace’ known for its involvement in World War I. Visit two well-known cemeteries and attend the famous Last Post Ceremony, which commemorates the fallen of the British Army and her allies on the surrounding Flanders Fields. You’ll also have the chance to visit Ypres' lovely market square and take in the atmosphere of this unique location.
Day 4: Uncover the Treasures of Bruges
Wake up in beautiful Bruges and join a Local Specialist for a walking tour of the town. Take to the water and enjoy a whimsical sightseeing cruise along the city's wonderful canals lined with Gothic facades. Dive Into Culture next and admire the delicate art of Belgian lace. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, immersing yourself in the old-world allure of this town, indulge your taste buds on an Optional Experience discovering Belgium's Best Traditions and Tastes, before joining the rest of your group for a 3-course evening meal.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Belgium's Best Traditions and Tastes - EUR 59 pp
You’ll discover all the secrets and techniques that make Belgian chocolate the most exquisite in the world. Then head to a Belgian Brewery to savour a selection of Belgian beers.
Day 5: Journey to Luxembourg
Travel towards the Duchy of Luxembourg, stopping in Dinant, the hometown of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone. Enjoy time for lunch before continuing to Bastogne, remembered for its fierce skirmishes during the World War II Battle of the Bulge. Visit the 12th-century Cistercian Orval Abbey for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and discover one of the few breweries producing Trappist beer. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel in Luxembourg City.
Day 6: See the Sights of Luxembourg City
Spend your morning at leisure, soaking up the charm of this petite nation, or choose an Optional Experience to explore the Roman heritage of nearby Trier. This afternoon, pause at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial, the poignant resting place of General George S. Patton and thousands of American soldiers. Later, join a Local Specialist for a walking tour of Luxembourg City, passing the ornate façades of the Grand Ducal Palace and the Cathedral before taking in panoramic views across the deep gorges carved by the Alzette and Pétrusse rivers.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Discover the Roman City of Trier - EUR 51 pp
Drive into Germany to visit the ancient Roman city of Trier, home town of Karl Marx. Sightseeing with a Local Specialist will reveal the superb Porta Nigra and the Imperial Baths, the largest outside Rome. You'll also walk through the old town to see the fine Liebfrauenkirche, as well as Marx's house. After free time in the centre, we'll proceed to the nearby hills for great views over the Moselle River and the surrounding wine region.
Day 7: Onwards to Maastricht and Amsterdam
Continue to the fortified city of Maastricht, where you’ll spend time strolling through its historic town centre. Journey on to Amsterdam and cruise the city’s famous waterways, admiring its gabled façades and scenic canal views.
Day 8: Explore Amazing Amsterdam
Dive into Culture as you join a sightseeing tour of the Rijksmuseum with a Local Specialist this morning. Come face-to-face with masterpieces including Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, Van Gogh’s self-portrait and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid. Then explore Amsterdam’s historic city centre. Celebrate spring with an included visit to Keukenhof (subject to season), where you’ll stroll through a wonderland of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. This evening, you could choose to join an Optional Experience for dinner.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Van Loon Museum - EUR 54 pp
In the heart of the canal district lies Museum Van Loon, a magnificent private residence built in 1672. The former residence of the artist Ferdinand Bol, the 18th-century interior still evokes the splendour of the Golden Age. With our Local Specialist, we’ll discover the large collection of paintings, fine furniture, precious silver and porcelain from several centuries. A short walking tour in the heart of the city gives a glimpse behind the façades of Amsterdam's world-famous canals and immerses you in an authentic Amsterdam experience.
Muiderslot, a Genuine Castle - EUR 73 pp
Take a short drive with our Local Specialist to the imposing Muiderslot Castle, for a real taste of Dutch history. It's part of Amsterdam's Defence Line and features on the UNESCO World Heritage List. During your guided tour through rooms refurbished in 17th-century style, it's easy to picture yourself in a Rembrandt painting, as it evokes the period when Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft, known as the "Dutch Shakespeare", occupied the castle. You'll also enjoy a garden tour and a refreshment in a typical Dutch Inn.
Monnickendam Dinner & Dutch Countryside - EUR 79 pp
A beautiful countryside drive brings us to historic Monnickendam, the small fishing village that was formerly a major Dutch port. A walk along the wonderful streets and past lovely gabled houses brings us to the town’s former cheese weigh-house, now an atmospheric restaurant, for a delicious three-course dinner with wine, beer and soft drinks.
Day 9: Discover Delft and Rotterdam
Soak up the gezellig Dutch atmosphere this morning, before heading to Delft via The Hague. Dive Into Culture during a visit to the Royal Delft Pottery workshop and admire the delicate blue and white porcelain that has made this historic town famous. We continue our journey south, arriving in the edgy port city of Rotterdam where we will enjoy an informative orientation tour. Heading back to Amsterdam, join together for a Be My Guest dinner.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Kinderdijk Exploration and Boat Ride - EUR 55 pp
Join us to discover the spectacular straight line of 19 working windmills at the Kinderdijk. Part of a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site and situated below sea-level, they were built around 1740 to pump water out of the reclaimed 'polder' lands. You’ll also admire the classic Dutch landscape between the Rhine river branches of the delta, during a relaxing boat ride.
Day 10: Depart Amsterdam
Bid Amsterdam a fond farewell this morning as you prepare to close the curtain on a memorable holiday. You can, of course, extend your stay.
Departure Transfer: Arrive at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) 08:00, 10:00
Includes
- 9 nights in handpicked 3 & 4 star hotels in great locations
- Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
- 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
- Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
Excludes
- Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
- Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights
- Driver & Tour Director gratuities - these can be pre-paid, please ask your reservations agent when booking your tour
Choose Your Departure Date
Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?
A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.
The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.
For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.
The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice.
Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.
YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.
CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.
What does the tour cost include?
The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.
Can i book flights through you?
Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines.
When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for any flight requirements.
You are, of course, welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.
Can i add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?
Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.
Can i book twin beds or triple/quad rooms?
Yes, we have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.
If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.
For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.
For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.
How much is the solo/single supplement?
Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
How many guests will be on this tour?
Trafalgar welcomes guests from all over the world to have an amazing, shared travel experience. While we can’t share details of who you’ll be travelling with and how many people are on your tour in advance of your tour, you can see our average group sizes below. You’ll meet your group at your tour welcome when you start your trip.
Europe trips: An average of 40 to 45 guests and a maximum of 53
United States and Canada trips: A maximum of 52 guests
Australia and New Zealand trips: A maximum of 50 guests
Asia trips (except Sri Lanka): A maximum of 32 guests
Sri Lanka trips: A maximum of 48 guests
Africa trips: A maximum of 36 guests
Latin America trips: A maximum of 40 to 45 guests
How much walking will be on this tour?
With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.
Leisurely: Tours will typically have 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs.
Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs.
Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.
Do your coaches have on-board wifi and bathroom faclilites?
Regardless of where in the world your tour visits, we do our best to ensure your coach is as comfortable as it can be. However, there can be differences depending on where in the world you're visiting:
Europe, North & South America, Australia & New Zealand trips:-
We pride ourselves on having the best-in-class fleet of fuel-efficient coaches. The high vantage point from your coach’s window means you can take in all the glorious scenery, whether it’s a vast rural landscape or an urban city centre. Facilities you’ll enjoy are:
- Reclining seats
- An on-board restroom
- Charging points (please note that these are power points, and not USBs)
- WiFi
- Air-conditioning
Africa & Asia trips:-
Africa and Asia tour vehicles do not have Wi-Fi. On Asia trips, there are no onboard rest rooms, but we always ensure there are regular rest stops.
Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?
Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.
Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.
Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.
We suggest that your insurance covers the following:
- Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
- Loss or damage to your property and baggage
- Loss of cash, credit cards etc
- Medical costs and personal accidents
Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive.
Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel.
Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.
What does a guaranteed departure mean?
A guaranteed departure means the tour will operate no matter how many people are booked to travel on that departure.
In the slim case that a guaranteed departure you are booked on has to be withdrawn due to unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid, or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.
What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?
Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.
Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:
Europe trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.
Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.
Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.
Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.
United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:
From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.
USA trips incl transiting travellers:
US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website.
Canada trips:
Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.
Rest of the World trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
What if I have mobility issues?
Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.
What if I have food allergies?
Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.
You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.
How much luggage can I bring?
Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in).
In addition guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).
Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.