Ultimate Benelux & Paris Explorer: 9-Day Guided Tour

Amsterdam • Volendam • Brussels • Bruges • Paris • London

Experience the rich culture, historic cities, and scenic landscapes of the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and the United Kingdom on this 9-day escorted journey. Explore winding canals, medieval cobbled streets, iconic landmarks, and world-class museums, all while traveling with expert guides in small groups for a premium, immersive experience.

DAY 1 | Monday – Depart for the Netherlands

Depart from your U.S. city for Amsterdam, the sophisticated and vibrant capital of the Netherlands. Prepare for a journey through historic cities, charming villages, and iconic European landmarks.

DAY 2 | Tuesday – Arrive in Amsterdam

Arrive in Amsterdam, Holland’s cosmopolitan capital. Transfer to your hotel and settle in. Most flights arrive early; if your room is not ready, leave your luggage with the concierge. Your Tour Manager will provide personalized suggestions to start exploring Amsterdam on your own.

In the evening, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM.

Overnight: Amsterdam
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3 | Wednesday – Amsterdam Canal Cruise & Volendam Excursion

Board a glass-top boat for a scenic canal cruise, gliding past elegant 16th-century merchant houses, historic churches, and gabled mansions.

Next, visit Volendam, a picturesque fishing village on the old Zuiderzee. Explore the harbor, traditional wooden houses, and a local cheese farm, where you’ll learn the centuries-old Dutch cheese-making process and see classic clogs, aprons, and bonnets. Conclude with a stop at a historic windmill.

Tonight, join the optional Amsterdam City Walk with dinner, exploring hidden streets before enjoying a traditional meal.*
*Note: The City Walk is cancelled on Christmas Eve; an included hotel dinner will be offered instead.

Optional: Amsterdam City Walk with Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4 | Thursday – Brussels & Bruges

Depart Amsterdam and journey through Holland’s iconic windmill-studded countryside to Brussels, Belgium’s vibrant capital. See Heysel Stadium, the futuristic Atomium, the Opera House, Royal Palace, Grand Place, and the famous Manneken Pis fountain.

Continue to Bruges, known as the “Venice of the North.” Explore the medieval streets and landmarks including the Market Square with its 13th-century Belfry, Town Hall Square, and Our Lady’s Church, housing Michelangelo’s Madonna statue. Dinner is served at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Bruges
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5 | Friday – Explore Bruges & Travel to Paris

Spend the morning exploring Bruges at your leisure, wandering its picturesque canals, boutique shops, and charming streets. Later, depart for Paris, the “City of Light.”

In the evening, join the optional Evening in Paris with dinner, and savor a French bistro meal while experiencing the city’s magical nightscape.

Optional: Evening in Paris with Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6 | Saturday – Paris City Tour

Take a guided tour of Paris: drive along the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, and view the iconic Eiffel Tower. Explore the Left Bank (Rive Gauche), including Montparnasse and the vibrant Latin Quarter.

Spend the afternoon at leisure or join the optional tour to the Palace of Versailles to witness the grandeur of French classical architecture, the lavish State Apartments, and the meticulously manicured gardens.

Optional: Palace of Versailles (PM)
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7 | Sunday – Train to London via the Chunnel

Transfer to Gare du Nord and travel to London via the world-famous 31-mile Chunnel. Upon arrival, begin a panoramic city tour of London, passing Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace.

Overnight: London
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8 | Monday – Full Day in London

Enjoy a full day at leisure in London, one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Options include:

• British Museum, Tower of London, West End Theatre, London Eye, Madame Tussauds, National Gallery, or Globe Theatre

• Savor a traditional English afternoon tea

• Shop at Harrods or along Regent Street

Perhaps join the optional Tower of London & St. Paul’s Cathedral tour for a deep dive into London’s history. Celebrate your final night with a farewell dinner.

Optional: Tower of London & St. Paul’s Cathedral (AM)
Overnight: London
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9 | Tuesday – Depart England

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight, taking home memories of iconic European cities, historic landmarks, and unforgettable cultural experiences.

Meals: Breakfast

Tour Highlights & Special Features

• Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Glide past historic mansions and gabled houses

• Volendam Excursion: Visit a traditional cheese farm and charming fishing village

• Brussels: See Grand Place, Atomium, Royal Palace, and Manneken Pis

• Bruges: Explore medieval streets, Market Square, and Our Lady’s Church

• Paris: Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Latin Quarter

• London: Iconic landmarks on panoramic city tour; optional historical sites

• Travel by train via the Chunnel for a seamless Europe experience

Package Includes

• Round-trip flights: New York–Amsterdam, London–New York (other departure cities available)

• 6 nights accommodations: 2 nights Amsterdam, 1 night Bruges, 2 nights Paris, 2 nights London

• Daily breakfast; selected dinners included

• All transfers per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles

• Services of English-speaking Tour Manager & local guides

• Entrance fees and sightseeing as listed

• Wireless headsets for enhanced touring

• Tips for porters, wait staff & local guides

Additional Notes

• Optional tours available for booking prior to departure

• Expect 3–4 hours of walking on sightseeing days; cobblestone streets and steps may be encountered

• Hotels are located outside Amsterdam city center due to coach regulations