DAY 2: Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS
This morning, join your local guide and enjoy a unique perspective of
this beautiful city with a private canal cruise. Continuing your tour by
foot, you will also visit the house in which Anne Frank wrote her
celebrated diary during the Second World War.
In the afternoon explore Amsterdam the Dutch way - by bike. Meet your
private cycling guide for a three hour tour on which you will see major
sights such as the harbour, Jordaan Quarter, Vondel Park and Rembrandt’s
House. Also see some of the less well known parts of the city such as
the smaller canals and hidden courtyards. ►For Amsterdam hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 3: Zaanse Schans, NETHERLANDS
This morning visit the Zaanse Schans Open-Air Museum. Buildings from all
over the Zaan region have been moved here, and you will be able to see
how the traditional wooden clogs are made, see how the famous Dutch
cheeses are produced, and watch skilled artisans as they hand paint
pottery, just like they do in Delft.
Returning to Amsterdam, the afternoon is at leisure to explore
independently. Amsterdam is certainly a joy for art lovers, with the Van
Gogh museum, Rijksmuseum and the Hermitage Museum Amsterdam all within
easy reach. Alternatively, discover the splendor of the Golden Ages,
with a visit to the Museum Van Loon, a traditional townhouse
immaculately preserved, or the Amstelkring Museum where hidden away in
the attic of a seemingly normal townhouse is a clandestine church. For
those looking for something more interactive, a visit to the NEMO
science center, where the motto is ‘forbidden not to touch’. Take the
slanting stairs to the roof for a panoramic view of the city.
Whatever you choose to do, be sure to include a stop at the Pancake
House. The Dutch pannekoeken, savoury or sweet are delicious! ►For Amsterdam hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 4: Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS - Kinderdijk - Antwerp, BELGUIM - Bruges, BELGUIM
Meet your English speaking driver this morning and make your way to
Bruges stopping en-route at the UNESCO site of Kinderdijk, where a
magnificent collection of 19 windmills stretch along the waters edge. As
25% of The Netherlands lies below sea level, these windmills were used
to pump water out, thus protecting the land. You will have opportunity
to see inside one of the windmills to see how it worked. You may wish to
stop in the cosmopolitan city of Antwerp for lunch at leisure and a
couple of hours to shop; Antwerp is well know for its chocolates and
diamonds! Arrive into Bruges late afternoon. ►Suggested hotel: Kempinski Hotel Duke’s
Palace
DAY 5: Bruges, BELGUIM
Known as the Venice of the North, what better way to discover Bruges
than by boat. A public canal cruise will introduce you to the city
before walking tour of the cobbled streets and splendid squares takes
you to the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the 14th century City Hall.
This afternoon enjoy a workshop of chocolate. One of the best chocolate
chefs in Belgium will offer you a demonstration of how to make different
pralines and the products he uses to do so. You will, of course, be
allowed to sample some chocolate along the way. ►Suggested hotel:
Kempinski Hotel Duke’s
Palace
DAY 6: Bruges, BELGUIM - Ghent - Brussels, BELGUIM
Transfer to Brussels this morning stopping en-route in Ghent. Admire the
view of the three medieval towers of St Nicholas Church, the gilded
spires of the Belfry and the honey-coloured sandstone tower of St Bavo’s
Cathedral from St Michaels Bridge before going on to Graslei, a
beautiful street along the bank of the old harbour lined with a
magnificent row of gabled guild houses.
The Gravensteen is the imposing castle of the counts of Flanders, the
only one to have survived more or less intact over the centuries. In St
Bavo’s Cathedral you can view one of the great masterpieces of Flemish
painting, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by Jan van Eyck.
Arrive in Brussels mid-afternoon and check-in to your hotel. The
remainder of today is at leisure. ►Some suggested Brussels hotels (in alphabetical order): Conrad Brussels
Hotel Amigo ►Together, we will find the best choice for you!
DAY 7: Brussels, BELGUIM
Meet your driver and local guide for your final day of sightseeing
(8hrs). Enjoy a walking tour of the old town, which will start with a
visit to the Grand'Place, the magnificent square at the heart of the old
quarter, considered to be one of Europe's most ornate market squares.
Close to the Grand'Place is Brussels' most famous resident, the Manneken
Pis, a bronze statue of a small boy watering the fountain. Enjoy an
overview tour of the city which will include the Royal Palace, Royal
Square and Louise Square.
This afternoon, drive out to the Atomium, from the top of which you will
enjoy a panoramic view of Brussels. At the foot of the Atonium you find
Mini-Europe. Here you have the opportunity of a whistle-stop tour of
Europe, see how many of it’s famous landmarks you recognize. ►For Brussels hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 8: Brussels, BELGUIM
Transfer to the airport this morning for your onward flight home.