Benelux Discovery — Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg — 8 D/7N

Spring tulip blooming - photo courtesy of Netherland Tourist BoardSelf discover the highlights of the Low Countries… a delightful package of ancient, historic chateaux and delicious cuisine, bound together with more unspoiled off-the-beaten-track delights than heretofore imaginable.

The Benelux is the name for a economic union formed by three countries of Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg, a definite precursor of the European (Economic) Union. As such, borders here have been ‘open’ for many more years than in the rest of the EU. The Benelux countries of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg offer the tourist different styles of architecture, languages (many speak English), and cuisines that attract visitors. Their compact size also makes them easy to get around in.

Luxembourg and the East of Belgium is rather hilly but the rest of the area is known as “The Low Countries” as this is the delta of the rivers Scheldt, Meuse, Rhine and Ems. Originally swamp land, enterprising fishermen slowly became traders between the grain markets of the Baltic Sea and the provision markets of Southern Europe. This dedication to trade made its towns some of the largest cities in Europe in those day, and created the wealth of medieval buildings that we can still admire today, like in Amsterdam, which became the new world capital of trade, as proved by the many “Houses of the Lords” lining the famous canals. The land of much of the swampy region has been reclaimed through the centuries, creating some of the largest hydraulic works in the world, and adding the attraction of windmills to the exploring tourist.

Windmill at sunset - photo courtesy of Netherland Tourist BoardSELF DRIVE PROGRAMS - Probably, the best way to independently travel in Europe is by self-drive car as it allows you to be mobile at all times, to stop whenever you want, to visit to your heart’s content! A limitless number of itineraries are possible, as you can combine any of the different regions and cities to create “your own” program. All our self drive example itineraries will be customized with your choice of car and with accommodation at selected hotels, villas, boutique properties, manor houses or castles as per your preference. Take them as they are, lengthen, shorten, combine them as you desires or just use them for ideas in creating “your itinerary” to discover Europe “as you want”! If you like the tour and decide to further customize it, just let us know of your needs and desires, we will prepare the exact itinerary you are looking for.

Wallonian Castle - photo courtesy of Belgium Tourist BoardSketch Itinerary

  • Day 1 — Amsterdam, Fryslan (Holland) - Drive north this morning enroute to the “real” Holland. The first stop is the ancient Zuider Zee port of Hoorn with its 16th and 17 centuries houses. Continue on to Enkhuizen with its exceptional Zuider Zee Museum, and finally crossing the great Afsluitdijk into the northern countryside district of Fryslan.
  • Day 2 — Blokzijl (Holland) - Today’s drive take you through the Frisian Lake District to see some of the most unusual aspects of landscape imaginable . Next you will visit a fascinating “water village” where the aspects of life are carried out by taking boats from one place to the next. The best way to enjoy this unique place is to hire a boat and float past the beautiful old houses and gardens that reach down to the water’s edge.
  • Day 3 — Wittem (Holland) - Leave Blokzijl this morning via the Palace of Het Loo to visit the palace and magnificent gardens. Then its on to the Kroller-Muller Museum with 276 works by Vincent Van Gogh. Continue further south to the beautiful Geul Valley where your medieval castle awaits you.
  • Day 4 — Echternach (Luxembourg) - Today’s routing takes you from Holland as you drive via the Belgian town of Spa which was, at one time, the most fashionable resort in Europe. Drive deep into the Luxembourgian Ardennes where many of the towns and villages have a history of over 1000 years. Settle into the Bel Air situated in a magnificent 20 acre park.
  • Day 5 — Noirefontaine (Belgium) - Leave Echternach this morning via Luxembourg City to the unique Abbaye d’Orval. This Cistercian monastery, founded in 1070, is one of the most famous in Europe. Today the ruins are part of the entire complex and provide a fascinating look back in history. The been and cheese produced here are knownall over the world. Continueto the Moulin Hideux which has been a beautiful country inn for over 50 years.
  • Day 6 — Bruges (Belgium) - After breakfast leave Noirefontaine using the autoroute past Tournai and Kortrijk en route to Bruges. Bruges is a Flemish town dating from at least the 8th century, but by the 12th it was a major importer of wool from England which made it an important cloth making center and thus became the commercial and financial hub of northern Europe. Today, most of the buildings stand just as they did then.
  • Day 7 — Bruges (Belgium) - Full day at leisure to explore this medieval treasure. With its many canals, Bruges is often called the “Venice of the North”. The town is also renowned throughout the world for its woven lace. , and lace centers are open every afternoon if you’d like an up close presentation. The night time illuminations of the old and historic buildings make for an unforgettable evening.
  • Day 8 — Brussels - The morning to explore Bruges before the short drive to Brussels for the conclusion of this magnificent adventure.

Vantage World Strongly Recommends Insurance for all your Travel Programs

Insure My TripWe provide, through TravelSafe Insurance, one of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of travel insurance, a TravelSafe Custom Plan, where you decide the benefits YOU want and the levels of protection YOU desire including access to their 24-hour emergency assistance service from anywhere in the world. Click the link below the Plan Benefits table for plan details.

Adobe PDF format
US Residents - Download Full Plan Details Here

Adobe PDF format
Canadian Residents - Download Full Plan Details Here

Also tagged with: Independent Journeys, Europe, Luxembourg, Self Drive, Belgium, Holland, Educational, Cultural, Art / Architecture, Customized Programs, Module, Intriguing Getaway


Vantage World Strongly Recommends Insurance for all your Travel Programs

Insure My Trip We provide, through TravelSafe Insurance, one of the nation's largest and most respected providers of travel insurance, a TravelSafe Custom Plan, where you decide the benefits YOU want and the levels of protection YOU desire including access to their 24-hour emergency assistance service from anywhere in the world. Click the link below the Plan Benefits table for plan details.