Country Roads of Belgium, Luxembourg & the Netherlands
Experience Overview
This 11-day guided tour whisks you through scenic Belgium, Luxembourg and The Netherlands. In Luxembourg, indulge in a farm-to-table feast at the horse-stables-turned-restaurant L'Ecurie du Parc, then stroll past the 12th-Century Clervaux Castle after dinner. Climb to the top of the star-shaped Mardasson Monument for a birds-eye view of the fields where the World War II’s Battle of the Bulge was fought. Cruise through Amsterdam’s canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sailing past 16th-Century merchant houses and the iconic Magere Brug — the skinny, white-painted wood bridge over the Amstel River. Later, join a Local Expert at the Rijksmuseum, where you can view Rembrandt's ‘Night Watch’, and see a shoemaker whittle wood into traditional clogs.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Brussels: Join a private chocolate truffle-making lesson and tasting with a master chocolatier to get up close and personal with the decadent flavors of Brussels. Then enhance your discovery exploring Brussels with your Local Expert. Visit the cobbled square of the Grand-Place, home to the Town Hall and other buildings of political significance. This 12th century, Gothic architectural gem also hosts many concerts, fairs and folklore events and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.
- Brussels: No visit to Belgium is complete without a trip to the site of the historic Battle of Waterloo. Your Travel Director reveals how the Battle of Waterloo was fought at this very spot between Napoleon’s French Army and a coalition led by the Duke of Wellington and Marshal Blücher, ending a 23-year war and Napolean’s imperial power. Step inside the museum and the underground Visitor Center to enhance your discovery through a 3D film and monumental panoramic painting depicting the battle.
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Authentic Dining
- Brussels: Your delightful first evening also includes a Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant in the heart of the Old Town with an opportunity to mingle with your fellow travelers.
- Maredsous Abbey: Visit the late 19th century abbey, surrounded by the lush greenery of the Molignée valley. Then, learn about the production secrets of the Maredsous Benedictine beers and cheeses before sampling freshly brewed beer along with a taste of creamy, golden-crusted cheese.
- Luxembourg City: At restaurant Les Écuires du Parc, savor a freshly prepared Farm-to-Table dinner of locally sourced, seasonal produce.
- Monnickendam: Enjoy a Celebration Dinner with wine in an elegant restaurant in the quaint village of Monnickendam.
Insight Choice
- Brussels: Join a private chocolate truffle-making lesson and tasting with a master chocolatier to get up close and personal with the decadent flavors of Brussels. Then enhance your discovery exploring Brussels with your Local Expert. Visit the cobbled square of the Grand-Place, home to the Town Hall and other buildings of political significance. This 12th century, Gothic architectural gem also hosts many concerts, fairs and folklore events and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.
- Brussels: No visit to Belgium is complete without a trip to the site of the historic Battle of Waterloo. Your Travel Director reveals how the Battle of Waterloo was fought at this very spot between Napoleon’s French Army and a coalition led by the Duke of Wellington and Marshal Blücher, ending a 23-year war and Napolean’s imperial power. Step inside the museum and the underground Visitor Center to enhance your discovery through a 3D film and monumental panoramic painting depicting the battle.
Insight Experiences
- Monnickendam: Journey through the polder landscape to visit Monnickendam. Along the way, visit a rustic cheese workshop to learn the secrets of the dairy industry and witness the ancient art of clog making.
Summary
- City tours of Ghent, Bruges, Luxembourg City, and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam all with Local Experts.
Top Rated Highlights
- Brussels: Visit the Grand Place and view the Mannekin Pis.
- Brussels: See the Atomium, and the Chinese and Japanese Pavilions.
- Ghent: Visit St. Bavo's Cathedral with a Local Expert, former home of the Van Eyck masterpiece, and see the Castle of the Counts.
- Bruges: Visit the Market Square and famous belfry of the Market Hall with your Local Expert. See the Gothic town hall in Burg Square and the frescoes on the walls of the Holy Blood Chapel.
- Luxembourg City: With your Local Expert, enjoy views over the Petrusse Ravine and walk through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the cathedral, the Palace of the Grand Duke and visit the grave of U.S. General George S. Patton. Lookout from the Pont Adolphe.
- Bastogne: Experience a fascinating insight into the history of the World War II at the modern Bastogne War Museum. Visit the Mardasson Monument, dedicated to those who fell during the Battle of the Bulge.
- Rotterdam: Witness the impressive market hall and Erasmus Bridge on your orientation of this modern city.
- Delft: Visit one of the manufacturers of original Delft blue pottery and see the potters at work on your guided tour.
- The Hague: See the Parliament and the Peace Palace.
- Amsterdam: Cruise along the waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century.
- Amsterdam: Led by your Travel Director, wander the city to see the floating flower market, Dam Square and the Royal Palace.
- Amsterdam: Explore the Rijksmuseum, the Dutch national museum and largest art museum in the Netherlands, with a local art historian. Witness famous works by Van Gogh, Vermeer, and Rembrandt.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Trip Details
Product Code: 19573
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Insight Vacations (CA)
Supplier Code: 304.81A
Starts: Brussels, Belgium
Finishes: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,535 ($503 /day)
Itinerary
Airport transfers depart Brussels airport for your centrally-located hotel. After checking in, the afternoon is yours to relax. Join your Travel Director for a visit to the cheeky Manneken Pis statue and a leisurely stroll around the Grand Place, voted the most beautiful square in Europe. Your delightful first evening also includes dinner at a local restaurant in the heart of the Old Town, with an opportunity to mingle with your fellow travelers.
Accommodation: Sofitel Europe, Brussels
Meals: Dinner
Explore Brussels with Insight Choice. Learn about Napoleon’s final defeat at Waterloo, or join a private chocolate truffle making lesson and tasting with a master chocolatier, and further explore Brussels with a Local Expert. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the lively city of Antwerp.
Accommodation: Sofitel Europe, Brussels
Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, admire the contrast of the Chinese and Japanese Pavilions and the impressive, metallic spheres of the Atomium. Your journey then crosses the pasture lands of Flanders to reach Ghent, the City of Flowers, offering a fascinating cultural mix of medieval heritage and modern urban life. With a Local Expert, take a stroll through the historical streets and be mesmerized by the outstanding beauty of its quays, churches and squares. Visit St. Bavo's Cathedral, former home of the Eyck masterpiece, and see the Castle of the Counts. We continue to Bruges, where you'll stay for the next two nights. Meet your Local Expert in Bruges for a stroll along cobbled streets, lined with high-gabled houses from the 16th century. Visit the Market Square dominated by the 83-meter medieval bell tower, The Belfry of Bruges. Explore Burg Square with its ornate Gothic town hall and glorious frescoes on the walls of the Holy Blood Chapel.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu, Bruges
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed start and leisurely morning to explore the city of Bruges at your own pace. With your free afternoon, perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the historic town of Ypres. Explore the market square and attend the famous Last Post Ceremony, commemorating the fallen Allied Forces on the surrounding Flanders Fields.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu, Bruges
Meals: Breakfast
Travel into the French-speaking region of Wallonia, where picturesque country roads lead you to the late 19th-century Maredsous Abbey. Surrounded by the lush greenery of the Molignée valley, the Benedictine monks have toiled for over 100 years to create a cultural household for arts and crafts and a successful school, brewery and cheese plant. Your visit concludes with a sample of freshly brewed beer and a taste of creamy, golden-crusted cheese. Continue on to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to arrive at your 18th-century château home for two nights. In the evening, you will be served a fresh and delicious Farm-to-Table dinner at restaurant Les Écuries du Parc. See the 12th-century Clervaux Castle illuminated on your stroll after dinner.
Accommodation: Château d'Urspelt (Castle Rooms), Clervaux
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Your travels continue to Luxembourg City for sightseeing with your Local Expert this morning. Visit the grave of U.S. General George S. Patton, laid to rest alongside the men who fought and died in his great Third Army. Admire the view over the Petrusse Ravine from the Pont Adolphe and stroll through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the cathedral and the Palace of the Grand Duke. The afternoon is free for you to explore Luxembourg City at your leisure, or perhaps join an Optional Experience to the ancient Roman city of Trier, home town of Karl Marx, to explore with a Local Expert. Later, return to your hotel in the stunning scenery of the Luxembourg Ardennes hills.
Accommodation: Château d'Urspelt (Castle Rooms), Clervaux
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Head for Bastogne to visit the Mardasson Monument, a star-shaped memorial dedicated to the U.S. troops who died during Battle of the Bulge in World War II. You may choose to climb to the top for a perspective of what it might have been like during the winter of 1944. Visit the Bastogne War Museum, a fascinating modern and interactive memorial center highlighting the causes, events and consequences of WWII. Travel through the center of Belgium as your journey continues to Rotterdam, the world's largest port rebuilt after wartime devastation. During your orientation with your Travel Director, see the impressive market hall and its radical modern design and the Erasmus Bridge.
Accommodation: Doubletree Rotterdam City Center
Meals: Breakfast
Visit one of the manufacturers of original Delft blue pottery before moving on to the Hague, the elegant governmental center of the Netherlands. See where the Parliament is situated, and the impressive Peace Palace. Select departures visit Keukenhof Gardens, one of the world's largest flower gardens, an unforgettable experience not to be missed. Pass through picturesque villages and windmills of the Dutch countryside to Amsterdam for three fabulous nights.
Accommodation: Apollo, Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast
After a leisurely start today, you explore Amsterdam, a living museum of the 17th century, yet still a vibrant metropolis and port. The best way to see this remarkable city is from the water as you cruise through the canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the elegant merchants houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, their facades are a reflection of when trade flourished during Amsterdam's Golden Age. Relax as you pass stunning gables, beautiful churches and the iconic Magere Brug, better known as the Skinny Bridge. Disembark your cruise to wander the city and see the floating flower market, Dam Square and the Royal Palace. The rest of the day is at your leisure. With your free time, there's the opportunity to venture out to the Dutch Countryside to the village of Marken. Later in the evening, savor a delicious meal at a charming restaurant in the heart of the city.
Accommodation: Apollo, Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Start the morning with a visit to the newly refurbished Rijksmuseum with a Local Expert, Amsterdam's famed treasure trove of Dutch art, housing Rembrandt's ‘Night Watch.' If you choose, continue your cultural exploration with a visit to the Van Loon Museum, an elegant 17th-century canalside house. Later, journey to the village of Monnikendam, learn the secrets of the Cheese Maker's craft, from milk to the finished product. Then witness a traditional Shoemaker turn a block of wood into clogs. In the evening, join your newfound friends and Travel Director for dinner at a beautiful restaurant in Monnikendam.
Accommodation: Apollo, Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Bid farewell to Amsterdam as you transfer to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Insight Vacations (CA)
Part of The Travel Company (TTC) family of brands, Insight Vacations began operations in 1978 and is based in Cypress, CA. Journeys are featured to destinations, such as the U.S. and Canada, Europe, Latin America, North Africa, Asia, the UK and Ireland. The company offers are a variety of tours under the classifications of Regional Journeys, Country Roads, Discovery Journeys, Easy Pace trips, and Special Interest tours. Insight is the ideal name for the tour operator, as the journeys provided by Insight Vacations allow travelers to gain further insight into whatever destination they wish to explore. For example, Discovery Journeys are the ideal choice for first-time visitors to Europe. Itineraries include Dine-at-Home or Farm-to-Table experiences so travelers can learn more about how locals live and dine. Regional Journeys allow trip-goers to see a specific location in Europe that they have always wanted to see – Poland, Switzerland, Italy, etc. The carefully planned trips enable customers to immerse themselves in one specific region or country and to become acquainted with its culture, traditions, and people. For anyone seeking travel off the beaten track, Insight Vacations offers Country Roads – trips that lead travelers off the well-tread tourist trail to explore hidden gems where visitors can savor the local produce with Farm-to-Table dining. Some trips are offered under the Easy Pace travel style – the ideal trip choice for trip-goers who wish to slow their pace during their vacation. During these tours, vacationers stay at least 3 nights at each destination, giving them some additional time to explore a place and enjoy it. Regardless of the travel style, many of the vacations offered by Insight Vacations begin with Relaxed Starts – giving travelers time to sleep in a little, spend more time at breakfast, or explore an area on their own. The tour company prides itself on providing business class tours that features luxury coaches with 40 seats. While most coach touring operators provide vehicles with 53 seats, Insight Vacations has re-configured its motor coaches to hold up to 40 guests. This gives passengers extra leg room while traveling and offers them more space and privacy.
In Business Since 1978
Reviews
Wendy - Traveled, April 2025
Local tour guides were exceptional! Our bus was very capable and went above expectations. Our tour director went out of his way to please everyone which at times, was not a good thing. This trip's name was misleading. It should be called big cities and highways. Landing in Brussels, spending 3 days. and leaving from Amsterdam after 3 days we felt mislead. We were also forced into the optional experiences since little else was offered in the towns on the itinerary. For example, we could take the optional tour to Trier, Germany, or stay in Luxembourg where we already had a morning tour. Our chateau was in the country ( and lovely) but far away from where the bus would leave us. We did book our own chocolate making tour in Brugge, which was the highlight of our trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/08/2025
Darryl - Traveled, April 2025
This was our 7th Insight tour and they have all been great. Great tour directors, bus drivers and good local guides. The extra room on the buses make for a more comfortable trip as well. All being well we will be back with Insight touring again. Great tour, great sites to visit, our tour guide and our bus driver were great. Was very organised, attentive, knowledgeable of all the places we went and had a great sense of humour. Was very polite, was always ready to help with our bags and was a great driver, especially in the tight spaces you encounter in European cities. Many Thanks to both.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/09/2025
Donald - Traveled, April 2025
I was concerned when I got an email asking for information, including my passport information. My travel agent assured me that I didn’t need to fill that out. Not sure why it was sent in the first place. The Tour Guide did not spend a lot of time on details with everyone on the coach and sometimes Went very fast for those of us that don’t walk that fast. Nevertheless, it was a great trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/08/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2025
Keukenhof Gardens was spectacular! The Bastogne War Museum was wonderful and well done. We did not see a block of wood being turned into a wooden shoe as advertised. We stoped to take a quick photo of the Peace Palace but did not get to tour The Hague because it was King’s Day. We went to a beach with fast food restaurants instead.? You must extend your trip and book far in advance to see the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/08/2025
Peggy - Traveled, April 2025
Very excellent service. Very thorough. We enjoyed the trip to Antwerp. This could be another stop instead of an option.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/08/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2025
Very good. Beautiful tulips and windmills!!! Most of the accommodations were very good.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/07/2025
Irene - Traveled, April 2025
They take pride in all of their customers. They were helpful in making this trip a reality with only 5 weeks notice. I enjoyed the trip which covered a lot of places. Our tour director was awesome and very knowledgeable. Everything was wonderful but it would be nice if we had extra time in the museums to see more and a half hour more when we were in the towns to run to a cathederal or purchase items. I love to see as much as I can about the culture of the town or city. Overall this was an awesome experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/01/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2025
The bus and driver were very experienced and I felt very safe. Our tour director was very resourceful and organized. I would of liked a map our tours maybe available every day so we could follow where we were going. Also maybe having some water available on the bus would of been appreciated also. This is my first tour with Insight and I would recommend to anyone. So convenient and well organized. The tour of Country Roads of Belgium Luxembourg & Netherlands was excellent. I enjoyed everything and the tour guides were excellent. The only negative was that sometimes I wish we had more free time after our walking tours. Sometimes we were left with only 1 hr or 1.5 hours to get lunch and tour more on our own and sometimes that only left time to have lunch.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/02/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2025
1 Vegetarian customers find it very difficult as there is no choice for lunch and dinner. 2 Request you to mention tour cost in Rupees for Indian customer since the Franchise in India is not accepting prevailing conversion rate in India and also charging transfer charges over and above the tour cost resulting in few thousands extra. 3 This time we found the hotels were provided. in outskirts of the cities in 2 to 3 locations like Amsterdam , Luxembourg etc and it was difficult to visit the city center. 4 At least 50% accommodation should be in 5 Star hotels 5 Overall the experience was very good and we really enjoyed te tour. 6 Finally last but not least, the tour director was very good , cooperative and Knowledgeable. The transportation was really good with efficient driver. 1 By and large the Itinerary was good but entry was required for some of the important monuments 2 You would have added 2 more extra days and covered some more places in Belgium and Netherlands.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/05/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2025
The itinerary covered the cities well. The Tour Director was excellent and caring attending to each guests needs and concerns. Each city was walkable if you have the stamina and watch out for loose unlevel cobblestones roads and sidewalks and bicycles flying by you. Assume Pedestrians have no right of way, bicycles do!!! There were too many stops to view military cemeteries and memorials. Some local guides paced themselves a bit too fast but were very educational. Make sure you take an umbrella or raincoat and prepare to wear layers because the weather can go from cold to hot or you can get a short lived drizzling of rain in the month of April. We were given 3 hrs to visit the Keukenhof Gardens we covered about 90% including taking tons of pictures. Ideally 4 hours would be perfect. It is 79 acres a lot of paved walking area to cover, the hotel rooms were nice but the chateau in Luxembourg was 1 hr drive away from the city of Luxembourg. All the boat cruises were fantastic. There were only two things that were disappointing the driver in all my previous multiple tours always helped the women off the bus and smiled and greeted everyone with a smile. This one failed to do so on both counts. I was traveling with my wife so she did not need it but there were several elderly women and he just stood on the sideline, this was a first,maybe that is a new protocol because of COVID. The only other warning is do not order the pork dish at the restaurant L’Ecurie du Parc in Luxembourg. It was a kids portion, tough, all bone and fat and only 2 small morsels of meat. The trip was enjoyable and exceeded our expectations except for the 3 observations noted above. Insight always comes through for us! I have traveled extensively to over 32 European countries with Tour group so I am not a Newbie so have comparisons to go by for your benefit. Enjoy experiencing the Beauty God has created for us to enjoy. Travel while you can still walk, climb and crawl!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/30/2025
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