Benelux Canals, Castles & Christmas Magic (from Thessaloniki & Athens)

After breakfast, we’ll start our tour of Amsterdam early—a city that captivates with its architecture, artistic heritage, and everyday life along the canals. Our tour combines travel by bus, where permitted, with walking through the historic center. We’ll explore Museum Square, home to the imposing Rijksmuseum—which we’ll view from the outside—and visit Royal Coster Diamonds, by group reservation, for a brief presentation on the art of diamond cutting. We’ll then walk through the heart of the city, taking in Dam Square, the Royal Palace, and the New Church, and take in the sights of Rokin, the canals, and the distinctive facades of the old merchant houses. Around noon, we offer the option to join an optional excursion to the Dutch countryside, with an early departure to make the most of the limited daylight in winter. Our first stop is Zaanse Schans, a historic village with windmills and traditional wooden houses along the Zaan River. We’ll stroll along its paths and get a glimpse of the area’s old artisanal way of life. Depending on the workshops’ schedules, we’ll have the opportunity to watch a demonstration of wooden shoe-making and learn about Dutch cheeses. Any visits to windmills and museums are separate excursions. We’ll continue on to Volendam, the old fishing village on the shores of the Markermeer. We’ll stroll along the picturesque harbor, past traditional houses, shops, and small restaurants. Here you can try herring or kibbeling—the popular crispy fish bites—and enjoy the atmosphere of the Dutch countryside. Return to Amsterdam in the late afternoon. Those not participating in the excursion will have free time in the city to visit museums (with advance reservations), go shopping, or enjoy a coffee. For the evening, we recommend an optional canal cruise, subject to availability, so you can enjoy the city from the water. Overnight stay.

After breakfast, we’ll set off with our luggage for Belgium. Our first stop is Antwerp, a major European port on the banks of the Scheldt, known for its diamond trade, fashion, and rich artistic tradition. Our tour focuses on the historic center and the Grote Markt, featuring the Renaissance City Hall, the guild houses, and the Brabo Fountain. We’ll admire the exterior of St. Mary’s Cathedral and stroll through the surrounding narrow streets, past chocolate shops, small boutiques, and traditional cafés. A short break for lunch and some free time to explore on your own. We’ll continue on to Brussels, the capital of Belgium. Our first stop for photos will be the Atomium, the iconic monument created for the 1958 World’s Fair. This is followed by a panoramic tour of the city’s main landmarks: the European Quarter, the Cinquantenaire Park area, the Royal Palaces, and the Royal Square, with the route adjusted as needed to avoid traffic. Next, we’ll walk through the historic center toward the imposing Grand Place, with City Hall and the ornate facades of the guild houses. We’ll also explore the elegant Saint-Hubert Royal Arcades and the small but famous Manneken Pis. Check-in at the hotel. In the evening, the city’s festive side awaits us, with Winter Wonders, the Christmas markets, and the illuminated squares in the city center. Free time to enjoy a warm waffle, Belgian chocolate, or dinner at one of the city’s restaurants. Overnight stay in Brussels.

After breakfast, you’re free to spend your time in the Belgian capital however you’d like. Alternatively, join us on an optional full-day excursion to Dinant and Luxembourg. As we travel through Wallonia, we’ll discover a different side of Belgium, with small villages, farmland, and wintry landscapes. Our first stop is Dinant, built on the banks of the Meuse River, beneath a sheer cliff. We’ll take a walk around the Charles de Gaulle Bridge, with its colorful saxophones commemorating Adolphe Sax, the famous inventor and native son of the city. We’ll see the Church of the Virgin Mary and admire the imposing Acropolis from below, towering over the rooftops. A short break for photos and coffee by the river. We continue on to Luxembourg City, the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The city impresses with its elevation changes, bridges, and historic fortifications. During our walking tour, we’ll explore the Place de la Constitution, the area around the Cathedral of Our Lady, and the Place Guillaume II, and we’ll see the exterior of the Grand Duke’s Palace. We’ll continue along the Chemin de la Corniche promenade, with its beautiful views of the Alzette Valley and the Grund neighborhood. We’ll have free time for lunch and a stroll through the city center, where the Winterlights Christmas markets lend a festive atmosphere to the squares. In the afternoon, we’ll depart for Brussels. Arrival in the evening and overnight stay.

After breakfast, we’ll leave early with our luggage for Ghent, one of the most interesting cities in Flanders. The last day of our trip is dedicated to two medieval towns before we head directly to the Brussels airport. In Ghent, we’ll stroll through the historic center and see the exterior of St. Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry, and St. Nicholas’ Church. We’ll continue on to St. Michael’s Bridge, one of the most picturesque spots for photos, and the Graslei and Korenlei quays, with the impressive facades of the old guild houses. Our visit focuses on walking and getting to know the city, with no scheduled visit to the “Lamb of God” exhibition. We then depart for Bruges, the city of canals, cobblestone streets, and exceptionally well-preserved medieval architecture. Our walk begins in the area of the Lake of Love, the famous Minnewater, and continues toward the historic center. We’ll pass by the area of the old St. John’s Hospital and the Church of Our Lady, which we’ll view from the outside, and we’ll seek out the beautiful sights around St. Boniface Bridge. We’ll continue on to Burg Square, with its Gothic City Hall, and the central Markt Square, where the famous Bell Tower stands out. In the afternoon, we’ll depart for Brussels Airport. We return with memories of three countries, historic cities, and festive squares, having experienced the unique character of each destination on a rich journey to the heart of the Benelux.

Notes

The order of the itinerary may vary depending on circumstances, without any omissions.