Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Belgium

We'll gather at our hotel at around 4 p.m. in Belgium's bustling capital city, Brussels, where you'll meet your guide and tour buddies. After an introduction meeting, we'll take an evening stroll through our neighborhood before enjoying dinner together. Sleep in Brussels (2 nights). No bus. Walking: light.

Day 2: Historic Brussels

Today we'll learn about this happening city, known as the "unofficial" capital of Europe. In the capable hands of a local guide, we'll explore Brussels' Grand Place (considered the grandest square in Europe) with its splendid medieval guild halls, mouthwatering waffles and the quirky Mannekin Pis statue nearby. In the afternoon we'll tour the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, home to dazzling Flemish and Belgian masterpieces. The rest of your afternoon and evening are free for more exploration. No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 3: Europe's Parliament

This morning we'll get an inside look at what makes today's Europe tick, with a visit to the European Parliament. With the help of an expert, we'll learn about the governing body that serves the second largest democratic electorate in the world (490 million people). This afternoon we're off to the charming town of Bruges, where we'll get oriented and tour the city's brewery before enjoying dinner together. Sleep in Bruges (3 nights). Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 4: Gothic Bruges

We'll explore the streets and alleyways of Gothic Bruges through the eyes of a local guide this morning, then visit the Memling Museum, home to world-class Flemish art. We'll also get a taste of Belgium's famous chocolate. The afternoon is free to explore more of the city. Your options include climbing the bell tower, cruising the canals, or hopping a bicycle and exploring the nearby countryside. No bus. Walking: moderate to strenuous (your choice).

Day 5: Flanders Fields

We'll board our bus this morning and drive to the World War I battlefields around Ypres. With the aid of a local expert, we'll tour battlefield monuments, visit a thought-provoking museum, and see the "fields where poppies grow." In the late afternoon we'll return to Bruges where the rest of your day will be free. Tonight is yours with many characteristic pubs filled with "beer pilgrims" just steps away from our hotel. Bus: 2 ½ hrs. Walking: moderate. 

Days 6: Challenging the Sea

Today we'll discover how a country stays dry when nearly half of its land is below sea level (and its agenda to stay that way with a rising sea level). Over centuries, the Dutch have created an immense system of dams, barriers and dikes for protection from the North Sea. We'll explore some of these engineering marvels together to gain a better appreciation of the fragility of the Low Countries. This afternoon we'll continue on to the traditional Dutch town of Delft, our home for the next two nights. Sleep in Delft (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 7: Dutch Day Trip

This morning we'll drive east to visit Arnhem, the sight of the World War II battle made famous in "A Bridge Too Far." In the afternoon we'll explore Netherlands' first and largest open-air museum — a finger-in-the-dike trip back in time complete with whirling windmills. You'll have a free evening back in Delft to spend as you please. Bus: 4 ½ hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 8: Tulips & Red Lights

We'll begin our day learning about the huge Dutch flower industry with a visit to the Aalsmeer Flower Auction. Imagine Europe's biggest building, filled with acres of flowers. After checking into our Amsterdam hotel, we'll go on a walking tour through the historic heart of Amsterdam. We'll window-shop the Red Light District and learn about how the Netherlands regulates the world's oldest profession. Sleep in Amsterdam (3 nights). Bus: 2 ½ hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 9: Amsterdam's Art

We'll start the day examining the masterpieces at the remarkable Rijksmuseum. After lunch we'll continue our art education with a visit to the Van Gogh Museum, home to 200 works of this creative genius. You'll have some free time this afternoon to explore on your own. No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 10: More Amsterdam

This morning we'll visit Anne Frank's house for a thought-provoking look at the hideaway of Anne and her family during the Nazi Occupation of the Netherlands. After our visit, we'll take a walking tour of Amsterdam's quirky Jordaan neighborhood and learn about the Dutch system of "coffee shops" and its creative and pragmatic drug policy. Tonight we'll share a farewell dinner together and toast these two mighty countries. No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 11: Tour Over After Breakfast

Amsterdam's Schipol Airport is an easy train ride away. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Tot ziens!.

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

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