Canals, Champagne & Culture: A Journey through the Netherlands, Belgium & France

Narrow canals, stone bridges, and bike-brimmed lanes - this is Amsterdam, the lively starting point of your journey. Check into your hotel,* an impressive historic building with rich history and your home for the next three nights. As arrival times may vary, there are no scheduled activities during the day. Spend time as you wish, exploring the city independently. Tonight, get a taste of the local flavors and meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.

See the city the way it’s meant to be seen – by canal on a private boat. Cruise under sloping bridges and pass by classic Dutch houses. Continue discovering Amsterdam on a walking tour with a local guide. After, chat with a local about the city’s progressive (and often controversial) culture. Enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure to spend time in the city however you wish.

Make the most of a free day in Amsterdam. Perhaps you’ll visit the Van Gogh Museum** and explore the Anne Frank House.** Or, choose an optional excursion to Delft,*** spending the day in this picture-perfect city where the artistic legacy of Johannes Vermeer lives on. After a guided walking tour, visit the Royal Delft earthenware factory which has been producing hand-painted blue motifs since the 16th century, and try your hand at painting a tile before returning to Amsterdam. No matter how you spend your day, complete it with an Impact Moment at A Beautiful Mess - a restaurant that helps refugees find independence in the Dutch community. Be united by food and enjoy locally sourced, environmentally conscious ingredients over dinner featuring authentic Middle Eastern and North African flavors.

Today, it’s your choice as you visit Holland’s storied windmills in Kinderdijk. Take this opportunity to enjoy a short boat ride along the canal, walk along the winding paths, and venture inside of a working windmill -OR- ride a bike alongside a local guide, pedaling through the Kinderdijk landscape. No matter what you choose, take in the wind, water, and open spaces that make Dutch history come to life in Kinderdijk (UNESCO). End your day in storybook Bruges, your home for the next two nights, and join in an evening stroll in the city.

Wander the cobblestone streets of Bruges and get familiar with this cozy Belgian city on a walking tour with a local guide this morning. Then, cruise through fairytale canals before connecting with local traditions. Taste Belgian chocolate and learn about the intricate craft of lace making. After an afternoon at leisure, cheers to the day with a visit to a local brewery where you’ll taste Belgium’s most classic beverage. Continue tasting your way across local cuisines and enjoy dinner on your own.

Journey through Flanders into France, savoring the charm of lesser-known cities and villages along the way. Visit Arras in northern France, which stands out with its striking Flemish-Baroque architecture and vibrant local markets. Join in a walk around its core, the Grand Place and Place des Héros - lively gathering spots where locals come together over coffee and conversation - and immerse yourself in the welcoming atmosphere. Back on the road to Reims, take your time to unwind as you enter the heart of France’s illustrious Champagne region. Settle into your hotel before tasting your way through French cuisine.

Uncover the city’s Celtic roots and Gothic architecture during a guided walking tour in Reims. Step into the cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims and gaze up at a sea of colorful stained glass. This afternoon, cityscapes give way to vineyard rows as you make your way along the Route du Champagne. Learn all about this world-famous artisan production during a tour and tasting at a nearby maison du champagne.**** Enjoy your afternoon and evening at leisure.

Say bonjour to Paris, the French capital. This morning, begin your Paris journey in style as you glide along the iconic Seine River on a scenic lunch cruise. While savoring delicious French cuisine, take in panoramic views of Paris’s most celebrated landmarks - from the majestic Eiffel Tower to the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral - all unfolding before you like a living postcard. This afternoon, settle into your charming neighborhood, your home for the next two nights. Wander through its quaint streets, discover hidden cafés, and soak in the local atmosphere. As evening falls, watch the city transform. The soft glow of twilight gives way to a dazzling display of lights, earning Paris its well-deserved nickname, La Ville Lumière, the City of Light. Enjoy your evening at leisure, or perhaps you’ll choose to experience Paris’ nightlife during an optional dinner at the dynamic Paradis Latin***** cabaret show, featuring champagne, can-can dancers, and endless excitement.

This morning, step into the enchanting enclave of Montmartre as you join a local expert and ride Le Métro to this historic hilltop neighborhood. Stroll through its charming cobblestone streets where artists set up their easels. Admire the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica, with its graceful white domes and sweeping city views, before exploring the Musée de Montmartre, a hidden treasure nestled in a 17th-century house. The afternoon is yours to embrace the magic of Paris however you choose. Perhaps you'll wander along the Seine, or maybe you’ll indulge in some shopping along the Champs-Élysées, the world-famous avenue brimming with elegance and energy. End the day and toast to a wonderful journey over an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower featuring French cuisine and breathtaking views.

Say au revoir to Europe as you depart for home.

Say au revoir to Europe as you depart for home.