Compare Cruising the Romantic Rhine & Magical Moselle by Just Go! Holidays vs Country Roads of Belgium, Luxembourg & the Netherlands - Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 1,281 | $ 4,175 |
| Price Per Day | $ 128 | $ 348 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Enjoy a holiday with a difference as we embark on a leisurely cruise through the spectacular scenery of the Rhine and Moselle rivers; some of the most picturesque waterways in Europe. Sit back and relax as we glide through a landscape of scenic valleys and dramatic gorges scattered with romantic hilltop castles, terraced vineyards and delightful riverside towns and villages, stopping to experience the highlights along the way. |
This 11-day guided tour whisks you through scenic Belgium, Luxembourg and The Netherlands. In Luxembourg, indulge in a farm-to-table feast at the horse-stables-turned-restaurant L'Écurie du Parc, then stroll past the 12th-Century Clervaux Castle after dinner. Climb to the top of the star-shaped Mardasson Monument for a birds-eye view of the fields where the World War II��s Battle of the Bulge was fought. Cruise through Amsterdam’s canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sailing past 16th-Century merchant houses and the iconic Magere Brug — the skinny, white-painted wood bridge over the Amstel River. Later, join a Local Expert at the Rijksmuseum, where you can view Rembrandt's ‘Night Watch’, or visit the Floriade Horticultural Expo, and see a shoemaker whittle wood into traditional clogs. |
Day 1: Belgium
Ferry to Calais and onwards to Belgium, stopping en-route in Lille. Later, we check in to our Belgian hotel where we stay overnight.
Day 2: Cologne
Leaving our hotel, we stop en-route in Monschau before continuing to Cologne where we board the MV Prinses Christina.
Day 3: Andernach
Leaving Cologne, we make the leisurely journey to Andernach, a charming riverside town nestled on the banks of the Rhine. As one of Germany’s oldest towns, it still has remnants of the old town fortifications and is also home to the world’s highest cold water geyser.
Day 4: Cochem
Our destination today is Cochem. Surrounded by steep vineyards, this lovely town of half-timbered houses and winding streets also boasts a flower-bedecked promenade and a magnificent castle that rises dramatically above the town.
Day 5: Boppard
Our next stop is Boppard. Lying in the Rhine Gorge and once a Roman fort, the ‘Pearl of the Rhine’ is renowned for its fine Riesling wine.
Day 6: Rüdesheim
We arrive in the picturesque town of Rüdesheim. There’ll be time to wander its lovely streets including the charming, cobbled Drosselgasse, packed with wine taverns, restaurants and half-timbered buildings.
Day 7: Optional excursion to Heidelberg ($22) & Koblenz
Why not join an optional excursion to Heidelberg. Built on the banks of the River Neckar, the city is surrounded by lush green hills and boasts a castle and Baroque-style Old Town full of grand and beautifully-preserved buildings. We rejoin the ship at Koblenz.
Alternatively, we cruise from Rüdesheim to Koblenz. Built at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, the town is full of historic buildings, cosy lanes and romantic squares, all overlooked by the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.
Day 8: Königswinter
We arrive in Königswinter this morning. Drachenfels mountain, which rises behind the town, is crowned by the ruins of a 12th-century castle reached by the Drachenfels Railway, the oldest in Germany with a cog wheel. Later, we cruise back to Cologne, arriving mid afternoon.
Day 9: Bruges
We disembark our ship and head to the lovely city of Bruges. Known as ‘the Venice of northern Europe’, Bruges is a beautifully-preserved medieval city of picturesque canals, impressive squares of pretty guild houses and narrow cobbled lanes crammed with fine chocolate shops, lace boutiques and souvenir shops. After time at leisure, we head to our overnight hotel where a light evening meal is included.
Day 10: Calais
We head to Calais for our return ferry home, stopping en-route in the Flemish town of Ypres.
Day 1: Welcome to Brussels
Airport transfers depart Brussels airport for your centrally-located hotel at 09:00, 11:00 and 14:30. After checking in, the afternoon is yours to relax. At 17:00, join your Travel Director for a visit to the cheeky Manneken Pis statue and stroll leisurely around the Grand Place, voted the most beautiful square in Europe. Your delightful first evening also includes a Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant in the heart of the Old Town, with an opportunity to mingle with your fellow travellers.
NH Collection Brussels Centre.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: The Battlefield of Waterloo Relaxed Start
Leaving the city limits behind, visit the Battlefield of Waterloo to learn about Napoleon’s final defeat in 1815. Immerse yourself in the action at the Panorama, where a huge 360-degree mural depicts a key moment in the raging battle. If you're feeling energetic, you can climb the 226 steps to the top of the Lion's Mound for panoramic views over the battlefield and countryside. Return to Brussels, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. In the afternoon perhaps join an Optional Experience to the lively city of Antwerp?In the evening, choose from a selection of hand-picked local restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening. Why not choose We Exist, a Syrian initiative supporting immigrants as they build a new life.
NH Collection Brussels Centre.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 3: Ghent and on to Bruges
In the morning, admire the contrast of the Chinese and Japanese Pavilions and the impressive, metallic spheres of the Atomium.Your journey then crosses the pasture lands of Belgian Flanders to reach Ghent, the City of Flowers, offering a fascinating cultural mix of medieval heritage and modern urban life.With a Local Expert, take a stroll through the historical streets and be mesmerised by the outstanding beauty of its quays, churches and squares. Visit St. Bavo's Cathedral, former home of the Eyck masterpiece, and see the Castle of the Counts.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Bruges.
Breakfast
Day 4: Sightseeing Bruges Relaxed Start
Meet your Local Expert from Bruges for a stroll along cobbled streets, lined with high-gabled houses from the 16th century. Visit the Market Square dominated by the 83-meter medieval bell tower, The Belfry of Bruges. Explore Burg Square with its ornate Gothic town hall and glorious frescoes on the walls of the Holy Blood Chapel. With your free afternoon, perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the historic town of Ypres? Explore the market square and attend the famous Last Post Ceremony, commemorating the fallen Allied Forces on the surrounding Flanders Fields.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Bruges.
Breakfast
Day 5: Luxembourg
Travel into the French-speaking Walloon region, where picturesque country roads lead you to the late 19th century Scourmont Abbey. The surrounding plateau on which it is built was once considered wild and barren land, but the Trappist monks have toiled for over 100 years to create a successful farm, brewery and cheese plant. Visit the Chimay Experience to learn about the production secrets of Chimay Trappist beers. Your visit concludes with a sample of freshly brewed beer and a taste of golden-crusted cheese. Continue on to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to arrive at your 18th century château home for two nights. In the evening, you will be served a fresh and delicious Farm-to-Table Dinner at restaurant L'Écurie du Parc. See the 12th century Clervaux Castle illuminated on your stroll after dinner.
Château d'Urspelt (Castle Rooms), Clervaux.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: Luxembourg City and Countryside
Your travels continue to Luxembourg City for sightseeing with your Local Expert. Visit the grave of U.S. General George S. Patton, laid to rest alongside the men who fought and died in his great Third Army. Admire the view over the Petrusse Ravine from the Pont Adolphe and stroll through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the cathedral and the Palace of the Grand Duke. With the afternoon free for you to explore at your leisure, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the ancient Roman city of Trier, home town of Karl Marx, to explore with a Local Expert?
Château d'Urspelt (Castle Rooms), Clervaux.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: Explore Bastogne then on to Rotterdam
Head for Bastogne to visit the Mardasson Monument, a star-shaped memorial dedicated to the U.S. troops who died during Battle of the Bulge in World War II. You may choose to climb to the top for a perspective of what it might have been like during the winter of 1944. Visit the Bastogne War Museum, a fascinating modern and interactive memorial centre highlighting the causes, events and consequences of WWII. Travel through the centre of Belgium as your journey continues to Rotterdam, the world's largest port rebuilt after wartime devastation. During your orientation with your Travel Director, see the impressive market hall and its radical modern design and the Erasmus Bridge.
Inntel Hotels Rotterdam Centre.
Breakfast
Day 8: Delft and The Hague
Visit one of the manufacturers of original Delft blue pottery before moving on to the Hague, the elegant governmental centre of the Netherlands. See the Binnenhof courtyards where the Parliament is situated and the impressive Peace Palace. Select departures visit Keukenhof Gardens one of the world's largest flower gardens, an unforgettable experience not to be missed. Pass through picturesque villages and windmills of the Dutch countryside to Amsterdam for three fabulous nights.
Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam.
Breakfast
Day 9: Amsterdam Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Today you explore Amsterdam, a living museum of the 17th century, yet still a vibrant metropolis and port. The best way to see this remarkable city is from the water as you cruise through the canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the elegant merchant houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, their facades are a reflection of when trade flourished during Amsterdam's Golden Age. Relax as you pass stunning gables, beautiful churches and the iconic Magere Brug, better known as the Skinny Bridge. Disembark your cruise to wander the city and see the floating flower market, Dam Square and the Royal Palace. The rest of the day is at your leisure. With your free time, perhaps venture out to the Dutch Countryside to the village of Marken?
Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam.
Breakfast
Day 10: Horticulture or Museums of Amsterdam
Explore Amsterdam with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the horticultural expo Floriade, a colourful garden festival dedicated to sustainable technologies to make our cities greener. Alternatively, join a Local Expert and visit the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, two world-class exhibitions abundant in masterpieces. Journey to the picturesque village of Monnickendam and discover Dutch traditions. Learn the secrets of the cheese maker's craft, from milk to the finished product and witness a shoemaker turn a block of wood into clogs. Tonight, join your newfound friends and Travel Director at a beautiful restaurant to enjoy your Celebration Dinner.
Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 11: Depart Amsterdam
Transfers to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport arrive at 08:00 and 10:00.
Breakfast
