12 Day Luxury Small Group Cologne Rhine Gorge Trier and Amsterdam
Mighty rivers and meandering canals. Medieval cities where time-honoured traditions continue to flourish. Poignant memorials and reminders of battles that turned the tides of history. Delve into the culture of four unique countries on this wonderfully varied tour.
Our adventure map
Day by day
First Day welcome to Amsterdam
Arrive into Amsterdam and enjoy a private transfer to your pre-tour accommodation where the rest of your day is at leisure.
Second Day we head to Maastricht
After meeting in Amsterdam, we drive south to luxurious Kasteel de Haar. We tour the lavish interior and stroll around the gardens, before heading down to Maastricht, where we experience our own taste of country life with a stay in historic Buitenplaats Vaeshartelt, near Maastricht. (D)
Hotel: Kasteel Vaeshartelt
Third Day we journey to Cologne then Boppard
The morning takes us to Cologne, where we turn our gaze upwards to the sky-scraping spires and lofty arches of the UNESCO protected Gothic cathedral. Then we follow our noses to an Eau de Cologne House to learn all about this world-famous scent. From Cologne, our path follows the majestic Rhine River to the town of Boppard, where we enjoy dinner together. (B, D)
Hotel: Bellevue Rheinhotel
Fourth Day explore Rhine Valley at leisure
Today is free for you to spend as you wish. Explore charming Boppard, with its cluster of riverside buildings encircled by the hills and woods of the Rhine Valley. Or leave dry land behind on a day cruise through the Rhine Gorge. Take in sights that seem straight out of a storybook, from deep forests to sheer cliffs capped by medieval fortresses. (B)
Hotel: Bellevue Rheinhotel
Fifth Day we cruise to Trier then its onto Luxembourg
We swap road for river as we cruise down the Moselle, watching as rugged terrain gives way to terraced vineyards. Next we walk through Trier, whose Roman ruins stand testament to the heritage of the town, thought to be the oldest in Germany. Then we travel on to the next country on our adventure: the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. (B)
Hotel: Hotel Simoncini
Sixth Day we tour Luxembourg then dine in Durbuy
Today begins with a walking tour of the old city of Luxembourg. Afterwards, we drive to ‘Little Switzerland’ from where we cross into Belgium, whose landscapes carry enduring reminders of the many battles fought here. Our first stop is the War Museum at Bastogne, where we gain an insight into the notorious Battle of the Bulge, the biggest battle fought by the United States in World War II. We reach Durbuy in time for dinner together, and make ourselves at home in this pretty medieval town that will be our base for the next two nights. (B, D)
Hotel: Hotel Le Sanglier des Ardennes
Seventh Day your choice, Durbuy or Dinant
The morning you have a choice: either spend time exploring Durbuy, or join our tour leader on a trip to Dinant, with its impressive 11th century fortified citadel. You’ll have free time here, too – just be sure to fit in a local favourite, ‘Couques de Dinant’, which are hard cakes moulded into intricate shapes. Then we come back together to explore the grand, 18th century Gardens of Annevoie. (B, D)
Hotel: Hotel Le Sanglier des Ardennes
Eighth Day go from Durbuy to Waterloo, Ypres then stop at Bruges
Our compass points north today. First on the agenda is the peaceful Villers Cistercian Abbey, before we carry on to the town of Waterloo, where we learn about the eponymous battle at the Wellington Museum. We continue to Ypres where we’ll pause at the Menin Gate to witness the Last Post Ceremony – a poignant, nightly memorial dedicated to the unknown soldiers of World War I. The evening brings us to Bruges, a beautiful city where we?’ll spend the next two nights. (B)
Hotel: Hotel Oud Huis de Peellaert
Ninth Day lets explore Bruges
Bruges, its medieval canal system lined with half-timbered guild houses, is fascinating to explore. After a short walking tour, the rest of the day is yours until we meet up for dinner together. (B, D)
Hotel: Hotel Oud Huis de Peellaert
Tenth Day we leave Bruges for Delft then Haarlem
We almost come full circle as we return to The Netherlands. We pause in Kinderdijk to watch the windmills and continue to Delft, a charming city circled by canals, and famed for its delicate blue and white ceramics. We gain an inside look into the crafting of this historic pottery at the Royal Delft factory, before continuing on to Haarlem. (B)
Hotel: Duin and Kruidberg
Eleventh Day its onto Edam then return to Haarlem
Marken and Edam – centuries old market towns where timeless traditions continue to this day – are our stomping ground this morning. Afternoon sees us back in Haarlem, where we explore the historic centre before sitting down to a farewell dinner. (B, D)
Hotel: Duin and Kruidberg
Twelfth Day final day in Amsterdam
Our road brings us back to Amsterdam. Before we say goodbye, there’s time to visit the Albert Cuyp market – a bustling city institution dating back over 100 years. Then a cruise along the famous canals sees us end our tour in style. (B)
Travel Highlights
- Private transfers to and from the airport
- 11 nights’ boutique hotels accommodation
- Experienced Tour leader
- Luxury mini-coach transportation
- European breakfast daily (B)
- 6 x evening meals (D)
- Local guides in Trier and Luxembourg
- Moselle Boat Trip
- Amsterdam canal cruise
- Included Entrances: Kasteel de Haar, Cologne Cathedral, Eau de Cologne House, Bastogne War Museum, Gardens of Annevoie, Villers Abbey, Wellington Museum, Royal Dutch Delftware Manufactory.
The Difference
Journey along scenic trails to explore Benelux’s lesser-known towns regions
Enjoy a private walking tour of Trier and Luxembourg
Take time to reflect at the moving Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate in Ypres
Guarantees, Bonds and Awards
- This tour is run by our outstanding travel partners who are award winners British Travel Awards Best Small Group.
- All Tours are Guaranteed Departures.
- Tours are fully bonded, protected and guaranteed and you pay the operator directly when booking.
- ABTA protected
Best prices, more information and booking
Great Discounts are available – please speak with our expert who can arrange extra unique discounts.
Only £100 per person deposit required (except for last minute bookings).
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