European Journey: From Canals to Palaces

Arrive in the Netherlands and explore Amsterdam’s cultural heritage and canals. Then, continue to Belgium with stops in Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent before heading to Brussels and its unique magic. In France, begin your adventure in Paris, followed by a tour of Normandy’s D-Day beaches. End your incredible experience with the abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel and the palace of Versailles.

Departure Date: June 19 - 30, 2025

Itinerary

1st Day: Canada - Night on board

Arrive at your departure airport to catch a flight to Amsterdam.

2nd Day: Amsterdam

Arrive in Amsterdam and self-transfer* to your hotel. This cosmopolitan, global city represents a center of culture, art, and technology that takes influences from all over the Low Countries and the world.

You're free for the rest of the day to rest, or take a stroll along the city's famous canals. Try local Gouda cheese or a special Dutch pancake, both widely available around the city center. Overnight in Amsterdam.

3rd Day: Amsterdam

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off for an Amsterdam city tour and really get to know your new surroundings. See the stunning Rijksmuseum, home to famous works by Dutch Golden Age masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer. Enjoy the included audio guide to fully appreciate the rich history on display at this cultural landmark.

Next, set off on a canal cruise through the iconic city center and discover why Amsterdam is known as the “Venice of the North.” Appreciate the distinctive architecture and see how locals live in low-slung houseboats along the canals’ edge.

Afterward, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the charming streets of Amsterdam, or join an optional Countryside and Windmills Tour* with cheese tasting, or a visit to Keukenhof Gardens** with tickets, round-trip bus transfer, and an audio guide onboard. Overnight in Amsterdam.

*Optional Countryside and Windmills Tour: Dive into the scenic Dutch countryside on a tour full of unique experiences. Begin with the iconic windmills at Zaanse Schans, followed by a cheese-making demonstration and tasting in Volendam. Wander through the charming streets of Edam, enjoy a boat ride to the picturesque fishing village of Marken, and watch a traditional clog-making demonstration.

**Optional visit to Keukenhof Gardens: Escape into a colorful paradise of tulips with our direct Keukenhof bus tour from Amsterdam! Wander freely through the iconic Keukenhof Gardens, where every path unfolds stunning displays of vibrant blooms, captivating scents, and picturesque landscapes. Perfect for a relaxing, unforgettable day immersed in nature’s beauty. This tour is seasonal and will be available from March 20th 2025 until May 11th 2025.

Included Activity

• Amsterdam City Tour
  Even though you will be seated most of the time, you may be required to walk short distances or climb some steps. Discover Amsterdam with a visit to the Rijksmuseum, home to outstanding works of Dutch Art. Then, see why Amsterdam is called the “Venice of the North” with a canal cruise.

4th Day: Amsterdam - Kinderdijk - Antwerp - Bruges

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to some iconic Dutch windmills. These 19 windmills, constructed in the 18th century, remain functional today, and help to drain excess water at the confluence of two rivers.

Next, head across the border to Belgium. Begin your tour of this new country in Antwerp, a coastal port city in the Dutch-speaking Flanders region. Go on an included tour to see the majestic Town Hall in the center, and traverse the historic Diamond District that remains a crucial part of the European diamond trade. Appreciate the gorgeous Flemish Renaissance architecture in the central square, Grote Markt. If you’re still curious to learn more about Antwerp’s stunning religious art, head on an optional tour of the Notre Dame Cathedral.*

Leave Antwerp behind and drive west to Bruges. Check in at the hotel and enjoy a free evening in the city. Overnight in Bruges.

*Optional tour of Notre Dame Cathedral: One of Antwerp’s major landmarks, this is the largest Gothic cathedral in all of the Low Countries. This short tour can be completed during free time following the included city tour. Please note that the cathedral can be closed unexpectedly–in this case, refunds will be issued.

Included Activity

• Visit to Kinderdijk
  Even though you will be seated most of the time, you may be required to walk short distances or climb some steps. Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, still has 19 old-fashioned windmills in operation. Learn more about this uniquely Dutch technology.

• Antwerp City Tour
  You will be required to walk short distances and climb some steps. Time will be spent both standing and sitting down. Learn how Antwerp’s history as a center of international trade brought incredible wealth to this city, resulting in beautiful Flemish Renaissance buildings and a huge ongoing diamond trade.

5th Day: Bruges

Breakfast at the hotel. Time to explore Bruges with a guided tour. Visit the Guild House to learn about the Hanseatic League, a wealthy and powerful Germanic trading empire that once dominated the Baltic Sea. See the Belfort van Brugge, an imposing medieval bell tower in the main square that is a symbol of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

End the morning with a canal cruise and take in more of the city as you float peacefully by. Enjoy a free afternoon to shop in the Grote Markt, appreciate a local museum, or try a famous Belgian beer. Afterward, feel free to join us for our optional Waffles and Beer Workshop*, where you can indulge in the rich flavors of Belgian beers while savoring delicious waffles. It’s a fantastic way to enhance your experience! Overnight in Bruges. 

*Optional Waffles and Beer Workshop experience: Enjoy a unique experience that seamlessly blends the rich flavors of Belgian beer with the art of waffle making. In this hands-on, interactive session, you'll begin with a curated beer tasting, where you'll select the ideal brew to infuse into your waffle batter. Next, partake in a personalized waffle baking class that will guide you through the entire process, ensuring you leave with delicious waffles and unforgettable memories.
Included Activity

• Bruges City Tour
  You will be required to walk short distances and climb some steps. Time will be spent both standing and sitting down. See Bruges’ Grote Markt and the Guild House–a symbol of the wealth of Hanseatic merchants–and the city’s symbolic belltower. Then, enjoy the city sights on a canal cruise.

6th Day: Bruges - Ghent - Brussels

Breakfast at the hotel. Say goodbye to Bruges and hello to Ghent. The fourth-largest city in Belgium, Ghent is a beautiful and compact pedestrian paradise. While on a walking tour, take in the medieval architecture that lends this stunning city an Old-World charm. See the stone Sintmichielsbrug, or Saint Michael’s Bridge, as well as the Ghent Belfry, some of the city center’s major landmarks. In order to see one of Jan van Eyck’s most famous works, you’ll have to do an optional tour of Sint Baafscatedraal* that many consider to be the main highlight of the city.

Finally, spend the afternoon in Brussels, the Belgian capital. Unlike every other city on this tour, Brussels is predominantly French-speaking, but officially bilingual with Dutch. The home of such famous products as Belgian waffles and Belgian chocolate, Brussels is a culinary delight. Take a tour of the city center, visiting the Grand Place and the famous Manneken Pis statue. Overnight in Brussels.

*Optional tour or Sint Baafscatedraal: “The Mysterious Lamb” is an altarpiece made up of twelve panels. This famous work by Jan van Eyck is the centerpiece of this medieval cathedral, and narrowly escaped destruction by the Nazis in World War II. This activity will be after the included city tour.

Included Activity

• Brussels City Tour
  You will be required to walk short distances and climb some steps. Time will be spent both standing and sitting down. Brussels is known for its beautiful architecture, museums, and delicious Belgian fries. Visit the Grand Place in the city center, said to be one of the most beautiful squares in the world.

• Ghent City Tour
  You will be required to walk short distances and climb some steps. Time will be spent both standing and sitting down. The fourth-largest city in Belgium, Ghent is a pedestrian paradise and its cobblestone streets still give you a sense of the prosperous medieval city.

7th Day: Brussels

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you have an entire day to immerse yourself in the enchanting city of Brussels, where historic architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine await your discovery. Stroll through its charming streets, visit iconic landmarks, and savor local delicacies at your leisure. For those seeking a delightful twist, we also offer an optional Chocolate Museum Visit with Workshop* in the heart of the city, where you can indulge in the rich flavors of authentic Belgian chocolate. Overnight in Brussels.

*Optional Chocolate Museum Visit with Workshop Experience: Unleash your creativity as you craft your own personalized chocolate tablets with guidance from a professional chocolatier. Once you’ve mastered the art of chocolate-making in the workshop, immerse yourself in the world of chocolate at the Choco-Story Brussels museum, where you can explore fascinating exhibits with an audio guide at your own pace.

8th Day: Brussels - Paris

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you’ll say goodbye to Belgium, self-transfer to the train station to take a direct train to Paris, where your French adventure begins. Upon arrival at the train station* in France, you’ll head to your hotel to check in and get settled. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Paris on your own, discovering the magic of the City of Light and Love. Take some time to discover the city’s most famous tourist sites, the local culture, and of course the typical French cuisine. Overnight stay in Paris.

9th Day: Paris - Beaches of Normandy - Caen

Breakfast at the hotel. Say goodbye to the cosmopolitan bustle of Paris as you head north towards the beaches of Normandy. Stop in the charming village of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont on arrival in this picturesque region, known for its rugged landscape and seaside towns. Learn more about Normandy’s pivotal role in World War II by visiting the Utah, Omaha, and Juno beaches where Allied troops landed in 1944 to turn the tide of the conflict. Afterwards, head to historic Caen and check in to your hotel for the evening. Overnight stay in Caen.

Included Activity

• Visit the D-Day landing beaches
  Even though you will be seated most of the time, you may be required to walk short distances or climb some steps. Step back in time with a visit to the beaches of the famous Allied landings during World War II. See Utah, Omaha, and Juno beaches and learn more about the events surrounding this pivotal turning point.

10th Day: Caen - Mont Saint Michel - Caen

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart in the morning for Mont-Saint-Michel. This tiny tidal island and UNESCO World Heritage Site sits about 1 km off the coast of mainland France, and hosts a permanent population of just 29 people. At low tide, pilgrims would walk across the seafloor to visit the islet’s stunning Abbey, a local landmark visible from quite a distance. Explore Mont-Saint-Michel on your own, with an option to enter the Abbey*. Head back to your hotel in the afternoon. Overnight stay in Caen.

*Optional entrance to Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey: Dive deeper into the rich history of the abbey, which is an essential part of the town as a whole and a protected monument since 1862

Included Activity

• Visit to Mont-Saint-Michel
  You will be required to walk short distances and climb some steps. Time will be spent both standing and sitting down. Visit Mont-Saint-Michel, a small island off the coast of mainland France, which is known as a destination for pilgrims and for its stunning abbey which sits atop the town.

11th Day: Caen - Palace of Versailles - Paris

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out of your hotel in Caen and start your journey back to Paris by road. Before leaving Normandy, make a stop at one of the local cidreries, where delicious apple cider is produced. Discover how it’s made and be sure to try some for yourself!

Continue your journey, arriving at the Palace of Versailles in the afternoon. Visit this UNESCO-listed chateau and enjoy a visit of the structure and grounds, learning about its former inhabitants from the Sun King to Marie Antoinette. When finished, make the short drive into Paris and check in to your hotel there. Overnight stay in Paris.

Included Activity

• Cider tasting in Normandy
  Even though you will be seated most of the time, you may be required to walk short distances or climb some steps. Stop at a local “cidrerie” and learn more about the process of making apple cider in the traditional French manner. Taste some cider for yourself as part of the tour!

• Visit to the Palace of Versailles
  You will be required to walk short distances and climb some steps. Time will be spent both standing and sitting down. Take a tour of the iconic Palace of Versailles, a symbol of French royal power and grandeur in the 17th and 18th centuries. See rooms like the Hall of Mirrors as well as the palace gardens.

12th Day: Paris

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day in Paris, enjoying all that this European capital has to offer. As this is your last full day in France, be sure to take full advantage! Try visiting the Louvre* on one of our optional excursions, or just bring a baguette and some cheese to a picturesque Parisian park. Overnight in Paris.

*Optional Louvre Museum & Cruise on the Seine: Get two fun activities all in one! Visit the Louvre to admire some great works of art, plus hop on a boat and cruise down the Seine, taking in the Parisian skyline from the water.

13th Day: Paris - Canada

Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, self-transfer to the airport** for your return flight back to Canada. Arrive in Canada and end your journey.

Call us to book this incredible adventure!!