Compare The Magic of Montreux with a Rhine Cruise by Titan Travel vs Country Roads of Belgium, Luxembourg & the Netherlands - Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 2,721 | $ 4,175 |
| Price Per Day | $ 272 | $ 348 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities | N/A | N/A |
| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | This classic Rhine cruise begins with time to explore Switzerland, with a two-night stay in Montreux. This charming town enjoys a stunning location on the edge of serene Lake Geneva, with a dramatic backdrop formed by the snow-covered peaks of the Alps. Included excursions bring opportunities to taste exquisite Swiss chocolate and cheese, and discover the magnificent views from the peak of Mount Rigi, before we cruise down to Germany and France, with opportunities to discover old half-timbered towns and even older forests, as we make our way to Cologne and Amsterdam. | 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 UK - Geneva - Montreux
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your flight to Geneva. On arrival, transfer to Montreux and our hotel for two nights, the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4T) or similar.
Day 2 Montreux
Today is free for you to explore Montreux at your own pace. Your included Riviera Card allows unlimited free travel on local trains and buses, and a discount on boat cruises on Lake Geneva and on some museums and attractions, making it easier for you to enjoy this lovely city and its beautiful surroundings. A visit to Château de Chillon is highly recommended. This majestic castle on the shores of Lake Geneva contains formal great halls, a bedroom preserved in its original, subdued Bernese style, and underground rooms which inspired Lord Byron to write ‘The Prisoner of Chillon’.
Day 3 Montreux - Broc - Gruyères - Basel
Today starts with a visit to Broc and a grand chocolate factory - Maison Cailler, home of the oldest Swiss chocolate brand still in existence. Discover the story of the company and how chocolate is produced, from the journey of cocoa to the creation of the company’s trademark flavours, before tasting some of their exquisite chocolate. We then head to medieval Gruyères, where we enjoy a short orientation tour of the picturesque town before enjoying a delicious cheese fondue in a local restaurant. Our journey then continues to Basel, where we embark MS Serenade 1 (4T) and the Captain’s gala dinner is served this evening.
Day 4 Basel (Mount Rigi)
Our exciting included excursion takes us first to Goldau, where we board our first cogwheel train to take us through the scenic valley up to the top of Mount Rigi for 360-degree panoramic views of the spectacular alpine scenery. Later, we take a different cogwheel train route down the mountain to Vitzhau, on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Here we join a steamboat for a scenic cruise to Lucerne where there is free time to explore before returning to our ship in Basel for dinner.
Day 5 Breisach
Explore the town of Breisach and its landmark Stephansmunster cathedral or join an optional excursion to the Black Forest that encompasses a boat trip on beautiful Lake Titisee and time to explore Triberg with its waterfalls and cuckoo clocks. The evening we depart for Strasbourg.
Day 6 Strasbourg
We awake in France this morning, and join an included guided tour of Strasbourg, home to the European Parliament, a magnificent Gothic cathedral and a UNESCO-listed Old Town, known as ‘Petite France’, filled with pretty half-timbered houses. We also enjoy a cruise along the city’s canals before we depart this evening.
Day 7 Mainz - Lorelei Passage - Koblenz
Spend your morning strolling through Mainz to discover the variety of architecture here, including the half-timbered buildings of the Altstadt; or alternatively join an optional walking tour of the pretty town of Speyer that includes an 11th century cathedral. This is one of the most important monuments from the Holy Roman Empire era, with a crypt which contains the tombs of eight of Germany’s emperors and kings. This afternoon our cruise continues through the Lorelei Passage, passing the fabled Lorelei Rock, to Koblenz where we dock overnight.
Day 8 Koblenz - Cologne
We sail to Cologne, arriving early afternoon to start your independent explorations, or to join a fascinating optional walking tour. Cologne’s must see sights include the Old Town with its narrow cobble-stoned alleys and busy squares, the magnificent UNESCO-listed medieval cathedral, which was constructed over the course of 700 years, and the Mikveh, a Jewish ritual bath, one of the markers of a Medieval Jewish community. We continue into the Netherlands this evening.
Day 9 Cologne - Amsterdam
We make our final journey to Amsterdam. After lunch, we explore this fascinating city on an included guided tour. This cosmopolitan capital delights visitors with its pretty canals criss-crossed by over 1,000 bridges, the exquisite architecture and world-class art collections. Enjoy a canal cruise to view such treasures as the famous Skinny Bridge, the Montelbaanstoren tower and the Jewish Quarter, where Anne Frank’s house can be seen. This evening we enjoy the Captain’s farewell gala dinner on board.
Day 10 Amsterdam - UK
Transfer to Amsterdam Airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
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
