DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Belgium
Depart for Belgium
DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Brussels, Transfer to Antwerp
Arrive in the capital city of Brussels, and transfer to Antwerp located in the Flemish region of Belgium. Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Your tour begins with an orientation meeting with your Belgian Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a reception. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 3 PM
Overnight: Antwerp
DAY 3, Thursday - Visit Chocolate Nation, Antwerp Walking Tour
This morning, visit Chocolate Nation and embark on a journey into the world of Belgian chocolate. Watch as an expert chocolatier demonstrates the art of chocolate making, and savor some decadent samples. Later, take a walking tour of Antwerp one of Europe's most historic port cities, where more than half of the world's diamonds are traded. Evidence of the wealth produced from trade during the 16th century can be seen in the opulent homes that line the city streets. During the walking tour, view the diamond district, the unique marketplace, surrounded by the mighty Renaissance Town hall and numerous guild halls. Admire the Cathedral of our Lady, the highest Gothic building in the Low Countries. Spend the rest of the day at leisure
Overnight: Antwerp
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Friday - Medieval Bruges, Ghent City Tour
Discover the medieval city of Bruges, also known as the "Venice of the North" and home to some of Europe's best-preserved medieval buildings. Here, view the Beguinage Convent and walk along the picturesque winding cobbled alleys. View the Market Square and Belfry, and the Town Hall Square with its Chapel of the Holy Blood. Next, travel to the historic city of Ghent, a showcase of Flemish wealth, located in Flanders, the northern region of Belgium. The city tour includes views of the 7th century St. Bavo Cathedral, Church of St. Nicholas, the gigantic Belfry, a symbol of the city's independence and the Gothic style Cloth Hall, glorifying the city's major industry. Afterward, return to Antwerp
Overnight: Antwerp
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Saturday - Full Day in Antwerp or Optional Amsterdam Tour & Canal Cruise
Today is free to explore Antwerp at your own pace. Perhaps, join the optional Amsterdam Tour & Canal Cruise. Depart Antwerp and travel north to Amsterdam. Upon arrival, begin your panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam. View the Royal Palace on Amsterdam's Dam Square, the Dutch National Monument dedicated by Queen Juliana as a memorial to the victims of WWII and Nieuwmarkt with the most impressive of Amsterdam's remaining city gates. Afterward, board a glass-top boat for a cruise of the winding canals of historic Amsterdam for an up-close view of stately mansions, 16th century gabled merchant houses, and churches with bell towers. Late afternoon return to Antwerp
Optional: Amsterdam Tour & Canal Cruise
Overnight: Antwerp
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Sunday - Kinderdijk, Dordrecht, Willemstad
Begin your exploration at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, on the north bank of the river Noord. Visit the well-known windmill park, dotted with 19 traditional windmills built in the 1700s. Learn about their significance and the vital role they played in the development of the country. During this excursion, tour a windmill and gain insight into the daily lives of millers and the crucial part these windmills had in water management. Next, head to the city of Dordrecht boasting a rich maritime heritage. Conclude with a tour of Willemstad, located on Holland's Diep River. The town, named after King Willem of Orange, is acclaimed for its well-preserved fortifications. View some of the town's architectural landmarks; the Mauritshuis, De Koepelkerk Church, the first church built in the Netherlands specifically for Protestant worship, d'Orangemolen, a stately white windmill, and Old Town Hall
Overnight: Antwerp
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Monday - Full Day in Antwerp or Optional Brussels City Tour
Spend the day at leisure or choose the optional Brussels City Tour. In the afternoon, head to Brussels, the capital of Belgium. Begin the exploration of the city with a panoramic tour offering views of the Royal Palace, the Museum district, and the Palace of Justice. Visit the 17th century Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its architecture. Admire the intricate facades of guild halls, the towering spire of the Town Hall and the Maison du Roi. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the historic center to view the famous Manneken Pis fountain. Free time to explore the city on your own and to have dinner before returning to Antwerp
Optional: Brussels City Tour
Overnight: Antwerp
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Tuesday - Full Day in Antwerp or Optional Mechelen with Het Anker Brewery Visit*, or Optional Keukenhof Gardens Tour*
On your last day at leisure in Antwerp, join the optional Mechelen with Het Anker Brewery Visit* or Keukenhof Gardens*. Depart Antwerp this morning and travel to Mechelen. Upon arrival, begin your walking tour and view the Palace of Margaret of Austria, Veemarkt, and Grote Markt. Admire the soaring towers of St. Rumbold's Cathedral and the tranquil Beguinage, a UNESCO listed enclave of whitewashed houses and quiet courtyards. Conclude the tour with a visit to Het Anker Brewery, sampling their renowned Gouden Carolus ales and learning about centuries of Belgian brewing tradition. Spend free time exploring on your own and have lunch. Return to Antwerp in the afternoon. In season (dependent on weather) between mid-March to mid-May, the Mechelen with Het Anker Brewery Visit optional is replaced with the Keukenhof Gardens Tour. Explore the beautiful Keukenhof Gardens, the largest and most spectacular flower gardens in the world. On the return to Antwerp, stop at the port city of Rotterdam for a panoramic tour. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
*Keukenhof Gardens Tour operates March 20-May 11 and the Mechelen with Het Anker Brewery Visit operates the rest of the time.
Optional: Mechelen with Het Anker Brewery Visit
Optional: Keukenhof Gardens Tour
Overnight: Antwerp
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9, Wednesday - Flight to Toulouse
Transfer to the airport in Brussels for your flight to Toulouse, the capital of the Occitanie region in South-West of France. Arrive at your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your French Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a reception
Overnight: Toulouse
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10, Thursday - Toulouse Walking Tour
This morning, take a walking tour of Toulouse, a city that serves as the headquarters of Airbus and is known for its aerospace engineering and manufacturing. Begin at the Capitole Square, home to the Capitole de Toulouse, a Neoclassical building housing the City Hall, and Opera House. Admire the pink-hued buildings, a signature feature of Toulouse, as you make your way to the Saint-Sernin Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church is one of the largest Romanesque churches in Europe and is an important stop along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Spend the rest of the day at leisure
Overnight: Toulouse
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11, Friday - Explore Carcassonne
Depart Toulouse and travel through the Languedoc region where vineyards and olive groves dot the countryside to Carcassonne. On arrival, begin your exploration of enchanting Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of Europe's most well-preserved medieval towns. Marvel at the imposing ramparts and defensive towers that encircle the city, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Stroll along the cobbled streets to the St. Nazaire Basilica, adorned with magnificent stained glass and intricate carvings, featuring both Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Spend free time to explore and perhaps sample traditional dishes like cassoulet for lunch. In the afternoon, sample some of the finest regional wines. Afterward, head back to Toulouse
Overnight: Toulouse
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12, Saturday - Full Day in Toulouse or Optional Lourdes Tour & Pic du Jer Funicular with Caves
Today is free to explore Toulouse at your own pace. Perhaps, join the optional Lourdes Tour & Pic du Jer Funicular with Caves. Travel to Lourdes, a renowned pilgrimage site, nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains. Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of Lourdes as you explore the neo-Gothic Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, a Roman Catholic church that dominates the skyline. Visit the sanctuary and the grotto while strolling through the peaceful grounds, and light a candle at the crypt before taking a moment of reflection and prayer. Next, board a funicular* and ascend the slopes of Pic du Jer in the French Pyrenees, while admiring views of Lourdes. At the top, explore the highest caves in France carved into the mountainside. Later, return to Toulouse. Tonight, choose the optional Traditional Southwestern French Dinner at a local restaurant known for its authentic cassoulet
*The funicular is currently closed for maintenance and will reopen on Apr 27. It operates from Apr 10 to Nov 4, subject to weather conditions.
**During Mar, Nov, & Dec in place of the funicular, enjoy regional delicacies and visit the Sainte-Marie Cathedral in the town of Saint-Bertrand-de-Commings.
Optional: Lourdes Tour & Pic du Jer Funicular with Caves
Optional: Traditional Southwestern French Dinner
Overnight: Toulouse
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13, Sunday - Discover Albi, Cordes-sur-Ciel
Your day of exploration begins with a scenic drive to Albi, a historic city nestled along the banks of the Tam River. Upon arrival, visit the imposing Sainte-Cecile Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest brick cathedrals in the world. Admire its facade adorned with intricate sculptures and elaborate carvings. Tour the treasury rooms before continuing with a walk through the streets of the medieval Old Town. View the Palais de la Berbie, a fortified palace that once served as the residence of the bishops of Albi, and now houses the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum. Free time to explore and to sample the culinary delights of Albi, including duck confit. Later, discover the fortified town of Cordes-sur-Ciel, perched atop rolling hills, and view the towering stone walls crowned by the Saint-Michel Church. Arrive at the hotel in the afternoon
Overnight: Toulouse
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14, Monday - Full Day in Toulouse or Optional Mirepoix with Farmers Market, Montbrun-Bocage & Carla Bayle Villages
Spend another day at leisure, or choose the optional Mirepoix with Farmers Market, Montbrun-Bocage & Carla Bayle Villages*. Depart Toulouse and travel south to the medieval town of Mirepoix. On arrival, immerse yourself in the vibrant ambience of the town's traditional farmers market (weather dependent). View stalls brimming with fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and delectable local delicacies. After exploring the market, walk through the streets and admire the impressive Gothic Cathedral and the intricately carved facades of historic buildings. Free time to sample traditional Occitan cuisine for lunch at one of the cafes, or bistros. Continue through Montbrun-Bocage & Carla Bayle villages at the base of the Pyrenees mountains before arriving in Toulouse
*Operation will depend on weather conditions.
Optional: Mirepoix with Farmers Market, Montbrun-Bocage & Carla Bayle Villages
Overnight: Toulouse
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 15, Tuesday - Full Day in Toulouse or Optional Full Day Auvillar & Montauban with Cheese Farm Visit
On your last day at leisure in Toulouse, participate in the optional Full Day Auvillar & Montauban with Cheese Farm Visit. Set out from Toulouse for an excursion to the village of Auvillar, renowned as one of the "Most beautiful Villages of France". Walk through the Place des Halles and admire the circular Halle d"Auvillar, once bustling with market life. Next, travel to Montauban, where you'll have lunch on your own, followed by an orientation tour highlighting the city's brick architecture and lively squares before returning to Toulouse. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Optional: Full Day Auvillar & Montauban with Cheese Farm Visit
Optional: Toulouse Food Tour
Overnight: Toulouse
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 16, Wednesday - Depart France
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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