Itinerary

1. Overnight Flight

   From iconic Dutch windmills and cozy Belgian streets to the world-renowned Champagne region and the “City of Light,” experience the essence of 3 European countries. Connect with deeply rooted cultures as you make your way through the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.

   Accommodation: Swissôtel

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands - Tour Begins

   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 3 nights. Get a taste of the local flavors and meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.

   Meals: Dinner
   Accommodation: Swissôtel

3. Amsterdam

   See the city the way it’s meant to be seen – by canal. On your private boat, cruise under sloping bridges and pass by quintessential Dutch houses. Then, discover Amsterdam’s rich culinary heritage on a locally-led food tour of the multicultural Jordaan district. During your walk, you will get to experience a historic proeflokaal (tasting room) and partake in a tasting of genever, local Dutch gin. As the day draws to a close, meet with a local for a chat about the city’s progressive and often controversial culture. The evening is yours.

   Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
   Accommodation: Hotel Aragon

4. Amsterdam - Optional Excursion

   Make the most of a free day in Amsterdam. You could visit the Van Gogh Museum* and explore the Anne Frank House.* Or opt to spend the day in Royal Delft.** This picture-perfect town has changed little since the times of Johannes Vermeer, who captured its charm in the most iconic paintings of the Dutch Golden Age. Your guided tour concludes with a visit to the Royal Delft porcelain manufacture which has been producing the renowned hand-painted, blue motives since the 16th century. Try your hand at painting a tile before returning to Amsterdam for an evening at leisure.

   Meals: Breakfast
   Accommodation: Hotel Aragon

5. Amsterdam - Kinderdijk - Bruges, Belgium

   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.

   Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
   Accommodation: Continental Hotel

6. Bruges

   This morning, wander the cobblestone streets of Bruges while you get familiar with this cozy Belgian town during an orientation walk. Cruise through fairytale canals before connecting with local traditions – tasting Belgian chocolate and learning about the intricate craft of lace making. After an afternoon at leisure, conclude the day with a visit to a local brewery, where you embark on a tasting of Belgium’s most quintessential beverage.

   Meals: Breakfast
   Accommodation: Continental Hotel

7. Bruges - World War I Battlefields - Reims, France

   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.

   Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
   Accommodation: La Maison Favart

8. Reims - Champagne Winery - Reims

   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.

   Meals: Breakfast
   Accommodation: La Maison Favart

9. Reims - Meaux - Paris

   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.

   Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
   Accommodation: La Maison Favart

10. Paris - Optional Excursion

    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.

    Meals: Breakfast

11. Paris - Optional Excursion

    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.

    Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

12. Paris - Tour Ends

    Say au revoir to Europe as you depart for home.

    Meals: Breakfast