Benelux—Netherlands, Belgium, and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

After breakfast, we set off for a day dedicated to the famous Dutch capital. Amsterdam, a unique city that combines timeless charm with a modern character, reveals its beauty through its countless canals and lively, multicultural atmosphere. During our tour of the historic center, which is bordered by three main semicircular canals and hundreds of bridges, we will see—among other sights—the imposing Rijksmuseum, the towering Western Church, the impressive Royal Palace on Dam Square, as well as the floating Central Station. As we walk, we will cross Waterlooplein, Rembrandt Square, the flower market, and Rokin, ending up back at Dam Square, the heart of the city. Next, we’ll visit Museum Square and the famous Coster Diamonds, where we’ll learn about the diamond-cutting process and admire rare historical jewelry and countless diamonds from the company’s unique collection. From there, we recommend continuing with a unique experience: a cruise through the city’s canals. During this enchanting journey, you’ll enjoy the distinctive architecture and unparalleled views of Amsterdam’s iconic landmarks—from the Rijksmuseum and the Western Church to the Skinny Bridge and the Amstel Hotel. This tour will take you from the 17th century to modern-day Amsterdam, offering unforgettable sights. At noon, we invite you to enjoy an unforgettable experience on an optional excursion to the Dutch countryside, full of idyllic landscapes and authentic charm. Our first stop is Zaanse Schans, a living open-air museum that transports us back to the era of windmills and traditional Dutch life. There, we’ll wander among authentic windmills, see how the famous Dutch cheeses are made, and watch the art of wooden shoe-making. Next, we head to the enchanting Volendam, a seaside fishing village that looks like it’s jumped right off a postcard. There, you’ll have the chance to stroll along the picturesque harbor, sample local delicacies—such as fresh eel and herring—and admire the locals in their traditional costumes. With its wooden houses in shades of green and white and its romantic atmosphere, Volendam offers unique photo opportunities and a sweet sense of nostalgia. In the afternoon, we return to Amsterdam, where you can enjoy your evening as you wish.

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we depart early in the morning from Amsterdam, heading for The Hague—the cosmopolitan seat of the Dutch government and international courts. The third-largest city in the Netherlands combines traditional Dutch architecture, elegant embassies, imposing churches, and lush green parks. During our tour, we will visit the famous Binnenhof, the country’s political center, as well as the Peace Palace, home to the International Court of Justice. The Hague exudes a unique blend of formality, as an international center of decision-making, and unpretentious elegance, as reflected in the cafés and pedestrian streets of its three central squares. We continue to picturesque Delft, a city steeped in history—the first capital of the Dutch state and birthplace of the great painter Johannes Vermeer. Along the way, we pass through the Oostpoort, the only surviving gate of the city’s original eight—an ideal spot for photos with the canals in the background. Our tour begins with the Oude Kerk (Old Church), a 75-meter-tall Gothic church, reached by a bridge crossing the canals. As we walk, we admire Delft’s picturesque canals, lined with houses featuring traditional gables, and end up at Markt Square, dominated by the imposing City Hall with its distinctive red windows. Here we will also visit the Vermeer Information Center, which gives us the opportunity to learn more about the life and work of this master artist. Our next stop is Antwerp, built on the banks of the Scheldt River, at the entrance to the North Sea. It is Belgium’s largest port and the second largest in Europe. We will begin our tour along the riverbanks and head toward the Cathedral and City Hall, in the heart of the medieval city. We’ll stroll down the famous shopping street and admire the Boerentoren, Europe’s first skyscraper. Hidden in the alleys, we’ll discover thousands of options: restaurants and bars, antique shops, art galleries, chocolate shops, diamond stores—Antwerp boasts the world’s largest diamond-processing industry—as well as boutiques by avant-garde designers, offering unique experiences. Late in the afternoon, we arrive in Brussels, our final destination for the day. During the journey, our guide will share some initial information about the city with us. After checking in at the hotel, you’ll have the chance to get a first taste of the enchanting atmosphere of Belgium’s capital by taking a stroll through the Grand Place—one of Europe’s most beautiful squares. With its impressive City Hall and ornate guild houses, the square has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.

We wake up in Brussels, in the heart of the European capital, and enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Today offers two options. You can either use your free time to explore Brussels at your own pace, or join an optional full-day excursion to two of Belgium’s most enchanting cities, Ghent and Bruges. Our tour begins in Ghent, a city that harmoniously blends medieval heritage with a modern character. We will tour the historic center, with stops at the impressive City Hall and the Government House. We will visit St. Nicholas Church, one of the city’s oldest monuments, as well as the imposing St. Bavo Cathedral, where the famous work of art by the Van Eyck brothers, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. Through our tour, we will discover the rich historical and commercial identity of Ghent, which during the Middle Ages was one of Europe’s most important ports. Then, we depart for Bruges, one of the most idyllic and romantic cities in Europe. The old town, with its medieval architecture and picturesque canals, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our tour begins at the Park with the Lake of Love, a fairytale setting that blends natural serenity with medieval elegance. We will visit the historic St. John’s Hospital, the oldest in Europe, as well as the Church of Our Lady, where Michelangelo’s iconic painting of the Madonna is on display—one of the very few of his works located outside Italy. The St. Boniface Bridge, one of the most photographed spots in Bruges, will transport us to another era, while our stroll continues to the imposing City Hall and the city’s narrow cobblestone alleys. Our day will culminate with a leisurely stroll along the picturesque canals, which have earned the city the title of “Venice of the North.” You’ll have free time to soak up the city’s atmosphere, sample Belgian chocolate, visit a museum, or take a romantic boat ride on the calm waters. Late in the afternoon, we return to Brussels, filled with impressions and images from two unique cities that enchant every visitor.

After a delicious breakfast, we begin our day with a guided tour of Belgium’s cosmopolitan capital, Brussels, one of Europe’s most important political and cultural hubs. Our tour begins at Cinquantenaire Park, where we will admire the imposing Arc de Triomphe, a symbol of Belgian national pride. Next, we visit the Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with a long history. Next is the heart of the city, the enchanting Grand Place, with its impressive guild houses, City Hall, and lively atmosphere that make it one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. We head toward the European Quarter, where the heart of the European Union beats—we’ll see the European Parliament, the European Council, and the buildings housing the member states’ delegations. Our tour continues to Grand Sablon Square, known for its aristocratic atmosphere, where the Gothic Church of Our Lady of Sablon stands out, a favorite destination for the city’s residents. We will pass by the National Conservatory, the impressive Palace of Justice with its panoramic view of Brussels, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Royal Square, with the Royal Palace in the background. Before saying goodbye to Brussels, we’ll stop at the Atomium, the city’s futuristic symbol—a unique monument that blends architecture with technology, offering a perfect conclusion to our tour. We then depart by road for Luxembourg, crossing southern Belgium and the lush green plains of Wallonia. Along the way, we’ll enjoy the stunning landscapes with picturesque villages, dense forests, and medieval castles that look like they’ve stepped out of a fairy tale. We’ll stop in Dinant, one of the most romantic towns in southern Belgium, built on the banks of the Lesse River. The city is known as the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone, and is renowned for its atmospheric beauty. You’ll have free time to stroll along the riverbanks, visit the iconic Dinant Fortress, or simply enjoy a coffee with a view of the imposing cliffs rising behind the city. As we continue our journey toward Luxembourg, we’ll be impressed by the changing natural landscapes, with hills, valleys, and small rivers creating a magical setting. We arrive in Luxembourg late in the afternoon and check into our hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or take a first stroll through the city, in anticipation of the rest of our adventure.