Amsterdam and Belgium – Netherlands, Belgium Cultural

WHAT TO EXPECT

Visit the world-famous 17th century capital of Netherlands. Enjoy the historic buildings, beautiful museums and pleasant ambiance. Go for a boat tour on the canals, stroll through Vondelpark, and go shopping in the inner city. Although beauty is in the eye of the beholder, we can safely place Amsterdam among the most beautiful capitals in Europe. Amsterdam is a unique city! Belgium is one of the smallest European countries but it has many reasons for visiting it. For a small country, it has a lot of beautiful and historical cities, fine food, and rich culture. Its highest point lies at 694 metres above sea level and the Belgians built 6 metres of stairs on it to allow visitors to reach an altitude of 700 metres. Tolerance and diplomacy are keywords for Belgium. According to international polls, Belgium’s nation is one of the most satisfied in the world. So come to Belgium and see it for yourself as well.

Itinerary and Location

Itinerary can be flexible and can be tailored with special interest and client’s requests, the following is just an idea. Driver guide or minivan possible with local guides. Hotels 3 to 4 Star hotel.

Day 1

Private transfers from the airport or station to your hotel. This is your free time to enjoy this vibrant city. Welcome drinks and dinner at one of the city’s traditional restaurants.

Day 2

After breakfast enjoy a guided walking city tour and discover some of Amsterdam’s most interesting sites, including the Rokin district, the floating flower market, Dam Square, the Royal Palace, the impressive 15th-century Nieuwe Kerk Cathedral, Beurs van Berlage – the former stock exchange – the Basilica of St. Nicholas, and the Jewish quarter. In the afternoon you will embark on a 1 hour canal cruise enjoying the UNESO listed canal ring. Then you will continue with a Craft Beer Tour – a celebration of Amsterdam’s craft beer.

Day 3

Today you venture into the Dutch countryside and visit the picturesque windmill village of Zaanse Schans, with its typical green-timbered houses and warehouses, where you will stop to visit a working windmill. Then you continue to the famous and lively fishing village of Volendam, where you will have free time to explore the quaint antique stores, colourful markets and seafood vendors. You will also stop at a local cheese farm, where you will learn the centuryold technics of cheese making, followed by tasting some of the country’s finest cheeses. Late afternoon you return to Amsterdam and you can enjoy free time to explore at leisure.

Day 4

After breakfast you depart for Hague and then continue to Belgium’s capital city of Brussels. You will begin your short visit of Hague at the Gothicstyle (Inner Court) complex, the seat of the Dutch parliament, and 16th-century Noordeinde Palace – the king’s workplace. The city is also home to the U.N.’s International Court of Justice, headquartered in the Peace Palace, and the International Criminal Court.

You continue your journey to Belgium and after lunch you start your guided tour of the historic centre of Brussel, which is home to the most important institutions of the European Union. Beginning at the majestic Grand Place, you will stroll along the small streets to discover the most charming areas of this city that is full of history. Visit the famous Manneken Pis, the murals of Tintin, the Royal Palace, and the Sablon, and the majestic courthouse. Ending your tour with a visit to one of the city’s local beer halls, where you can enjoy tasting one of the famous Belgian artisanal beers.

Day 5

Today, you journey to Bruges – the capital of West Flanders in northwest Belgium. This pretty, historic town is bursting with UNESCO sites and is famous for its picturesque canals, cobble-stoned streets and medieval buildings. Tucked away at the southern end of Bruges is the beautiful area known as “Minnewater”, your first stop to see the “Lake of Love” and “Lovers Bridge”. From here you take a walking tour to discover the best this city has to offer, including the 800-year-old Saint John’s Hospital, the 13th-century Our Lady’s Church, the Market Square with the Belfry, and the medieval Chapel of the Holy Blood. You will also enjoy a cruise on the canals, then stop at one of Bruges’ renowned chocolatiers to taste a few of their bonbons and pralines. After lunch you return to Brussels and the afternoon is yours to explore. Farewell dinner & drinks in one of the city’s quaint restaurants.