France, Belgium & The Netherlands
Country Roads of Belgium, Luxembourg & The Netherlands
Country Roads of Belgium, Luxembourg & The Netherlands Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam
- Arrive in Amsterdam and transfer to your hotel.
- Enjoy a Welcome Dinner in an elegant restaurant in the quaint village of Monnickendam.
Day 2: Amsterdam Exploration
- Explore the Rijksmuseum with your Local Expert, discovering masterpieces of Dutch art.
- Cruise along Amsterdam's old waterways, admiring architectural gems from the 17th century.
Day 3: Volendam and Delft
- Journey through the picturesque polder landscape to Volendam.
- Visit a rustic cheese farm to learn about the dairy industry and witness clog making.
- Continue to Delft and visit a manufacturer of original Delft blue pottery, seeing the potters at work.
Day 4: Ghent and Bruges
- Explore Ghent with a Local Expert, visiting St. Bavo's Cathedral and the Castle of the Counts.
- Travel to Bruges and visit the Market Square, the belfry of the Market Hall, and the Gothic town hall in Burg Square.
- Experience a Dine-Around Evening in beautiful Bruges, enjoying regional dishes and famous Belgian beer.
Day 5: Bastogne and Luxembourg
- Visit the modern Bastogne War Museum, gaining insight into World War II history.
- Continue to Luxembourg and enjoy views over the Petrusse Ravine.
- Walk through the UNESCO-listed Old Town with your Local Expert.
Day 6: Waterloo and Maredsous Abbey
- Visit the site of the Battle of Waterloo, discovering its significance in European history.
- Experience a guided tour of Maredsous Abbey, learning about the monks' dairy process and brewing recipe.
- Sample the abbey's ales and cheese.
Day 7: Departure from Amsterdam
- Transfer to the airport for your departure flight, or extend your stay in Amsterdam with optional activities.
Included Insight Services:
- Expert Travel Director to guide you throughout the journey.
- Luxury, air-conditioned coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
- Personal radio headsets for freedom during visits to highlights.
- Baggage handling and hotel tips included.
- Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
- Insight Flourishes showcasing local specialties.
- Transfers available at scheduled times for arrival and departure flights.
- Optional transfers available for purchase or self-arranged.
Normandy, Brittany & The Loire Valley
Normandy, Brittany & The Loire Valley Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Bayeux
- Arrive in Bayeux and transfer to your hotel.
- Enjoy a Welcome Dinner featuring delicious Farm-to-Table cuisine prepared with locally-sourced ingredients.
Day 2: Bayeux and Normandy Beaches
- Explore Bayeux and visit the famous Bayeux Tapestry, depicting the story of the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
- Join an emotive journey tracing the story of the D-Day landings at the Normandy Beaches.
- Visit the American Military Cemetery at St-Laurent-sur-Mer, the D-Day Museum, and the bunkers at Pointe du Hoc with a Local Expert.
Day 3: Mont-Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo
- Travel to Mont-Saint-Michel and savour your first sight of the fortified island.
- Cross the causeway for a guided tour of the abbey with your Local Expert.
- Continue to Saint-Malo and explore the walled city with your Local Expert, culminating at the cathedral.
Day 4: Chateau d'Usse and Loire Valley
- Visit the fairytale Chateau d'Usse, said to be the inspiration for Charles Perrault's tale 'Sleeping Beauty.'
- Travel to the Loire Valley and enjoy a fun and informative wine tasting in Saumur, discussing grape varieties and local terroir.
- Check into your chateau hotel and indulge in an elegant Celebration Dinner featuring fresh, seasonal produce and wine.
Day 5: Villandry and Chartres
- Visit Villandry Castle and explore its magnificent formal gardens beside the Cher River.
- Journey to Chartres and marvel at the stained-glass windows of Chartres Cathedral, considered the finest medieval glass in France.
Day 6: Paris and Bastille Day
- Travel to Paris and join in the Bastille Day celebrations commemorating the French Revolution.
- Enjoy the remarkable display of fireworks lighting up the summer sky.
- Optional activities in Paris available for exploration.
Day 7: Departure from Paris
- Transfer to the airport for your departure flight, or extend your stay in Paris with optional activities.
Included Insight Services:
- Expert Travel Director to guide you throughout the journey.
- Luxury, air-conditioned coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
- Personal radio headsets for freedom during visits to highlights.
- Baggage handling and hotel tips included.
- Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
- Insight Flourishes showcasing local specialties.
- Transfers available at scheduled times for arrival and departure flights.
- Optional transfers available for purchase or self-arranged.
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