Holland, Luxembourg & Belgium

Welcome to Amsterdam! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Holland Days This morning, meet your Local Guide for a fascinating introduction to Amsterdam, the city built on about 11 million wooden poles and criss-crossed by over 165 canals. Board a boat for a canal cruise before visiting the Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more of this lively city. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT See the most fascinating views of Amsterdam on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” Go even deeper into the artistry of Amsterdam with a visit to the Netherlands’ national museum, the Rijksmuseum, illustrating 800 years of Dutch history through extraordinary works of art and photography.

Dutch Treats This morning, [LOCAL FAVORITE] visit the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens (departures March 20-May 8), or [LOCAL FAVORITE] visit the Heineken Experience, to discover the story behind the famous beer (departures May 22 - September 25). Continue to Delft for a guided visit of the Royal Delft Pottery Factory, where you can view the amazing collection of hand-painted pieces and see the skilled craftspeople at work. Later, reach The Hague for an orientation drive with a photo stop at the Dutch Parliament and the International Court of Justice, plus free time for lunch and to explore more. Return to Amsterdam. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Delft Blue pottery is part of the Dutch cultural heritage like windmills, wooden shoes, and Dutch cheese. Learn how this centuries-old craftsmanship has been passed on from generation to generation and the artisans who still create these iconic pieces today.

Heroic History This morning, depart the Dutch capital and drive to Maastricht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and birthplace of the European Union and euro currency. During your orientation of the city, visit the Vrijthof Square, and see the Basilica of Saint Servatius, the Basilica of Our Lady and the Helpoort city gate. Take some leisure time to explore on your own. Continue to Bastogne in Belgium and enjoy free time to visit the war museum, which houses an interactive exhibition, and the Battle of the Bulge Memorial, formerly known as the Mardasson Memorial. Cross the border into Luxembourg for a two-night stay. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Witness the bravery of WWII allied troops commemorated in the Bastogne War Museum for a fascinating and moving look at the heroes of the historic Battle of the Bulge. Visit the museum’s American Memorial honoring the 76,890 American soldiers killed, wounded, or missing during this valiant victory on the Western Front.