Cross the Dutch countryside to Kinderdijk (UNESCO), where iconic Dutch windmills spin slowly over the marshy landscape. Experience the story of wind, water, and of the Dutch willpower that harnessed the elements during a guided tour of the Nederwaard Museum Mill built in 1738.
This evening, step into a storybook when you end your day in Bruges, settling in for the next 2 nights. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Aragon (2 Nights)
Today, traverse the Flanders, a major battle theatre on the Western Front during the First World War between 1914-18. A local expert recounts the area's eventful history as you pause to see the stars and stripes raised over the graves of the valiant soldiers who gave their lives in the same battlefields that inspired John McCrae's poem, “In Flanders Fields.”
Early this evening, trade your waffles for wine as you enter Reims, set in the heart of France's illustrious Champagne region. Settle into your city-centric boutique hotel before dining your way through French cuisine with a 5-course tasting menu and glass of champagne. (B/D) Stay: Continental Hotel (2 Nights)
Discover Reims, uncovering the city's Celtic roots and Gothic architecture during a guided walking tour. Step into the cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims, gazing up at a sea of colorful stained glass. Cityscapes give way to vineyard rows as you make your way along the Route du Champagne, learning about this world-famous artisan production during a tour and tasting at a nearby maison du champagne.
Then immerse yourself in the countryside because it's your choice! Stroll through the vineyards for a visit the eco-museum of Verzenay -OR- climb the 101 steps to the top of the museum's lighthouse for unencumbered views over the rolling hills of the Champagne countryside. (B)
Make your way to the French capital this morning. Pause in Meaux, the capital of brie cheese – one of France's famous soft cheeses. Learn about the artisanal production methods and aging process from a local cheese enthusiast before sampling some of this delectable product for yourself.
This afternoon say bonjour to Paris, a hub of innovative cuisine and artistic culture, and your home for the next 3 nights. Explore your new neighborhood until the sun fades and the “City of Light” debuts its sparkling grandeur. Then, spin the wheels of time from the backseat of a retro car, cruising through the chic boulevards to the Montmartre neighborhood, where hip bohemia meets heaven-seeking basilicas. (B/L) Stay: La Maison Favart (3 Nights)
This morning, the ethereal glass pyramid at the Louvre's entrance serves as your gateway into another realm, where ancient sculptures lead to 19th-century canvases. In company of an expert guide-lecturer, marvel at masterpieces such as the Venus of Milo and Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People before making your way to Da Vinci's renowned Mona Lisa.
Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore Paris as you please. Perhaps you'll take a leisurely stroll through the Tuileries Garden or elegant Place Vendôme with its glittering vitrines displaying jewelry and high-fashion designs. This evening, experience Paris' nightlife during an optional dinner at the dynamic Paradis Latin cabaret show, featuring champagne, can-can dancers, and endless excitement. (B)
Be romanced by Paris – today is yours for the taking. Perhaps you'll visit the Orsay Museum, a former railway station that now houses the world's best impressionist art. Or channel your inner royal on an optional excursion to the magnificent Royal Palace of Versailles. Relive history as you wind your way through sprawling green gardens and palace halls with a local guide. From the prominent Hall of Mirrors to the opulent bedchamber of the queen, take in the palace's most famous sights before returning to Paris.
Tonight, enjoy a romantic dinner cruise along the Seine River. Set against Paris' glittering skyline, dine on French specialties while peering up at the Eiffel Tower and gently gliding under romantic bridges. (B/D)
Narrow canals, stone bridges, and bike-brimmed lanes – this is Amsterdam, the lively starting point of your journey. Check into your hotel, located in the heart of the city center and your home for the next three nights. Get a taste of the local flavors and meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner. (D) Stay: Swissôtel (3 Nights)
See the city the way it's meant to be seen – by canal on a private boat. Cruise under sloping bridges and pass by classic Dutch houses. Continue discovering Amsterdam on a walking tour with a local guide. Complete your day with an Impact Moment at “A Beautiful Mess” – a restaurant that helps refugees find independence in the Dutch community. Be united by food and enjoy locally sourced, environmentally conscious ingredients over dinner with your inspiring hosts. (B/D)
Make the most of a free day in Amsterdam. Perhaps you'll visit the Van Gogh Museum and explore the Anne Frank House. Maybe you'll opt to spend the day in Royal Delft. This picture-perfect town has mostly stayed the same since the times of Johannes Vermeer's iconic paintings of the Dutch Golden Age. Conclude your guided tour with a visit to the Royal Delft porcelain manufacturer which has been producing hand-painted blue motives since the 16th century. Try your hand at painting a tile before returning to Amsterdam.
Spend the late afternoon chatting with a local about the city's progressive (and often controversial) culture. Enjoy an evening at leisure to spend time in the city how you choose. (B)
Today, it's your choice as you visit Holland's storied windmills. Perhaps you'll stroll along the winding paths and venture inside of a working windmill -OR- bike alongside a local guide through Dutch landscapes. No matter what you choose, take in the wind, water, and open spaces that make Dutch history come to life in Kinderdijk (UNESCO). End your day in storybook Bruges, your home for the next two nights. (B/D) Stay: NH Brugge (2 Nights)
Wander the cobblestone streets of Bruges and get familiar with this cozy Belgian town on a walking tour with a local guide this morning. Then, cruise through fairytale canals before connecting with local traditions. Taste Belgian chocolate and learn about the intricate craft of lace making. After an afternoon at leisure, cheers to the day with a visit to a local brewery where you'll taste Belgium's most classic beverage. Continue tasting your way across local cuisines and enjoy dinner on your own. (B)
Traverse the Flanders with a local expert. Witness the stars and stripes raised over the graves of the valiant soldiers who gave their lives on the Western Front during the First World War inspiring John McCrae's poem, “In Flanders Fields.” Take time to unwind with a glass of wine as you enter the heart of France's illustrious Champagne region – Reims. Settle into your city-centric boutique hotel before tasting your way through French cuisines during a five-course tasting paired with a glass of champagne. (B/D) Stay: Continental Hôtel (2 Nights)
Uncover the city's Celtic roots and Gothic architecture during a guided walking tour in Reims. Step into the cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims and gaze up at a sea of colorful stained glass. Cityscapes give way to vineyard rows as you make your way along the Route du Champagne. Learn all about this world-famous artisan production during a tour and tasting at a nearby maison du champagne. Enjoy your afternoon and evening at leisure. (B)
Make your way to the French capital this morning. Pause in Meaux – the capital of the famous brie cheese. Learn about the artisanal production methods and aging process from a local cheese enthusiast before sampling some for yourself. Say bonjour to Paris this afternoon and learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop led by an expert perfumer, affectionately referred to as “Nez” (Nose).
Explore your new neighborhood – your new home for the next three nights – until the sun fades and the “City of Light” debuts its sparkling grandeur. Enjoy your evening at leisure. (B/L) Stay: Courtyard Paris Gare de Lyon (3 Nights)
Start your day alongside your Tour Manager wandering through one of the most popular quarters of Paris – Le Marais. This neighborhood is famous for old-world charm, narrow cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, and tranquil gardens among a vibrant Jewish community. Enter the kitchen of an authentic Parisian bakery to see the workspace and learn the history behind how these bakers make their delicious bread.
Explore Paris as you please this afternoon. Perhaps you'll take a stroll through the Tuileries Garden or elegant Place Vendôme displaying jewelry and high fashion. Experience Paris' nightlife during an optional dinner at the dynamic Paradis Latin cabaret show, featuring champagne, can-can dancers, and endless excitement. (B)
Be romanced by Paris – today is yours for the taking. Perhaps you'll visit the Orsay Museum, a former railway station that now houses the world's best impressionist art. Perhaps you'd rather witness authentic royalty on an optional excursion to the Royal Palace of Versailles. From the prominent Hall of Mirrors to the opulent bedchamber of the queen, take in the palace's most famous sights with your local guide before returning to Paris. End the day with an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower, featuring French cuisine and breathtaking views. (B/D)
Say au revoir to Europe as you depart for home. (B)
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