Compare Holland, Luxembourg & Belgium by Great Value Vacations vs Cruise on the IJsselmeer, one of Holland's treasures by CroisiEurope
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 9 days | 6 days |
| Price From | $ 3,828 | $ 2,215 |
| Price Per Day | $ 425 | $ 369 |
| Highlights |
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CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
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| Trip Style | Group tour | River cruise |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
Please note: GOOD NEWS - The local tour operator will no longer require a COVID-19 vaccination for travelers as of March 1, 2023. For travelers departing before March 1, the tour operator requires that travelers aged 12 and older provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy), in English, for all vacations. Proof of vaccination must be completed at least 14 days prior to the tour start date. *Exceptions apply to children who do not qualify for vaccination. Embark on a unique once-in-a-lifetime journey to three amazing countries! This escorted vacation will allow you to experience the "must-sees" of iconic cities and villages such as Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Brussels, Bruges, and more. Walk through the winding streets of medieval towns, become awestruck by Holland's vast, bright tulip fields, and relive history at some of the world's most legendary sites. Upon arrival to bustling Amsterdam, enjoy dinner and a glass of wine while you befriend your travel companions. Sleep off the jet lag and get ready for a vacation that's chock full of excitement. Enjoy tours of the city that include a canal cruise, visits to the Rijksmuseum and the Royal Delft Pottery Factory, and excursions to the famous bulb field and flower parks in South Holland. Next, your guide will escort you to the historic city of Luxembourg. Visit Nuenen, "Van Gogh Village," see the Cathedral of Our Lady, and pay your respects at the American Memorial of the Battle of the Bulge. Spend a night in Bruges before moving on. After a stop in Waterloo, head to your final destination: Brussels. Arrive in the thriving capital and visit St. Michael Cathedral, the Grand Palace, and the world-famous statue of Manneken Pis. Enjoy free time to explore Brussels on your own, then set off on a mini-journey to Bruges. Wander through this perfectly preserved medieval town, indulge in Belgian chocolate, and do some souvenir shopping in the famous Market Square. |
Cruise on one of the largest lakes in the Netherlands in the heart of authentic towns and villages. Between historical monuments and unmissable traditions, discover the beauty of Holland through its canals, the cheese museum, the mills of the seventeenth century, old fishing ports and the village of Giethoorn. The Keukenhof Gardens, true haven of peace, are considered the most beautiful floral gardens in the world. |
Day 1 Welcome to Amsterdam!
Arrive in Amsterdam and settle into your first luxurious accommodation. At 6pm, meet your tour director and traveling companions for a delicious welcome dinner. Wine, dine, and get to know new friends! Clink glasses and say "cheers" to an amazing journey.
Day 2 Amsterdam
Wake up, enjoy a bountiful breakfast buffet, and get ready for an exciting first day in Amsterdam. Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of the capital city, float by gabled merchant houses on a canal cruise, and see the arched drawbridges reminiscent of the Golden Age. Next, visit the magnificent Rijksmuseum and come face-to-face with priceless paintings by Rembrandt and other Dutch masters. After your museum visit, explore Dam Square and the city center at your own pace.
Day 3 Amsterdam - Keukenhof - Delft & The Hague - Amsterdam
Frolic through the famous tulip fields in South Holland and the extraordinary Keukenhof flower park in the springtime (departures March 28 - May 16). Become awe-struck as you stroll through the world-renowned Royal Delft Pottery Factory. See a magnificent collection of hand-painted pieces and watch skilled craftsmen at work! Listen carefully to your tour guide as you drive through The Hague, then make your way back to Amsterdam to visit the Heineken Experience. Learn about the history of beer and the art of brewing (departures May 30 - October 3). Treat yourself to a Dutch dinner, then take a walk through Old Amsterdam.
Day 4 Amsterdam - Maastricht - Bastogne,Belgium - Luxembourg
Enter the Province of Limburg and stop in the picturesque city of Maastricht with its famous Vrijthof Square. Cross the border and in Bastogne, visit the fascinating Bastogne War Museum, then see the Americal Memorial of the Battle of the Bulge, where thousands of soldiers and civilians died during the winter of 1944-1945. Arrive in Luxembourg, capital of one of Europe’s smallest sovereign states.
Day 5 Luxembourg
Travel through time as your local guide shows you the city's past and present - from the fortifications and the Old Town, to the modern administrative centers. Enjoy stunning views of the Alzette and Pétrusse Gorges! Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady, see the turreted Grand Ducal Palace, stroll along the panoramic cliff path known as "the most beautiful balcony in Europe," and experience the unforgettable Grave of General Patton.
Day 6 Luxembourg - Waterloo, Belgium - Bruges
Drive through the Belgian Ardennes to Flanders and to Waterloo. Visit the site where Napoleon was defeated and European history changed course, and relive the famous Battle of Waterloo. Arrive in Bruges, one of Western Europe’s most perfectly preserved medieval towns.
Day 7 Bruges - Brussels
This morning, a canal cruise (weather permitting) and Belgian chocolate bonbons will give you the first taste of this delightful town. The Local Guide will show you the Madonna of Bruges by Michelangelo in the Church of Our Lady, featured in the movie The Monuments Men, and the famous Market Square. Also enjoy a traditional lace demonstration, a reminder of Bruges’ history of cloth-making. Continue to Brussels, the thriving capital, where your orientation features the Rue Royale, the Parliament Buildings, the Royal Palace, and St. Michael’s Cathedral. Continue on foot and enter Grand Place to admire its baroque guild houses and the gothic Town Hall. You won’t want to leave Brussels without touching the statue of Everard t’Serclaes, a 14th-century hero, for good luck, and taking pictures of the tiny but world-famous statue of Manneken Pis.
Day 8 Brussels
This morning is your chance to join a half-day optional excursion to Antwerp, the second-largest Belgian city and one of the world’s most important ancient seaports. Balance of the day is at leisure to further explore Brussels at your own pace. Tonight, a farewell dinner at the lively Chez Léon restaurant, specializing in Moules et Frites (mussels and fries), is the perfect way to celebrate the success of your trip.
Day 9 Depart Belgium
Enjoy one last Belgian breakfast, squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage, and say goodbye to your travel companions. Head to the airport and spend your flight home dreaming about your next adventure.
Day 1 AMSTERDAM or surroundings(2)
Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner. Free evening.
Day 2 AMSTERDAM or surroundings(2) - LEMMER
This morning, join us for the excursions proposed:CLASSIC: Guided tour of Amsterdam.DISCOVERY: Bike tour in Amsterdam. You'll be able to explore and learn about all the must-see and out-of-the-way sites.We'll spend all afternoon sailing towards Lemmer.
Day 3 LEMMER - ENKHUIZEN
This morning, join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Giethoorn, a charming lakeside town, followed by a boat ride on the canals. We'll cruise on the IJsselmeer, one of the largest inland freshwater lakes in Holland. We'll reach Enkhuizen in the afternoon. Enjoy time at leisure to discover Enkhuizen on your own. The Zuiderzee Museum will give you a glimpse of everyday life in those former fishing harbors (entrance fee not included).
Day 4 ENKHUIZEN - HOORN
We'll spend this morning cruising on the Markermeer towards Hoorn.This afternoon, join us for the excursions proposed:CLASSIC: Guided tour of Alkmaar and its Cheese Museum.DISCOVERY: Bike tour on the polders.
Day 5 HOORN - AMSTERDAM or surroundings(2)
We'll spend this morning cruising towards Amsterdam.This afternoon, join us on an excursion for both packages: Stroll through the Keukenhof Gardens(1)(only on pre-booking before departure). Outside the opening dates of the park, this visit will be replaced by an optional guided tour of Volendam, a port specialized in eel-fishing, and Zaanse Schans.Tonight's our gala dinner and evening.
Day 6 AMSTERDAM or surroundings(2)
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.
