European Journey: From Canals to Palaces

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.

*Airport transfer in Amsterdam is not included. You will have the possibility to add a private transfer to your package for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process. 

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 is available from March 19th 2026 until May 1st 2026.

Please note: today, you'll be able to choose only one optional activity for your free afternoon in Amsterdam.

Important: Take into account that if you travel during the Christmas season you’ll have a very special plus: you’ll be able to see the city's decorations and visit the Christmas markets in some of the cities. Take advantage to enjoy the most magical time of the year!

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.

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.

Note: the canal cruise is not suitable for the winter season, and so is only included between March and mid-November. In the colder months, you will have additional free time in Bruges.

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.

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.

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.

*You will have the possibility to add a transfer from Paris train station to your hotel for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.

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.

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.

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.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day in Paris, taking in all that this European capital has to offer. As this is your last full day in France, be sure to take full advantage! Join our optional city tour and Seine River cruise*, or enjoy a classic French experience with wine and cheese tasting.**Overnight stay in Paris.

*Optional City Tour & Seine River Cruise: Hop aboard the panoramic coach and plug in your audio guide for a fascinating overview of the city’s iconic landmarks. After the tour, step onto an all-glass boat with open-air observation decks for a one-hour cruise, complete with recorded commentary and panoramic views of Paris from the water.

**Optional Wine and Cheese Tasting in Paris: For a bit of curiosity and fun, put your wine and cheese connoisseur skills to the test—or start honing them—during this 1.5-hour experience led by experts. Located in a lively district, relax in a charming wine bar as you discover the perfect pairings of local gourmet cheeses and wines suited to your palate. You’ll learn about grape varieties, winemaking techniques, and more.

Please note: You can only choose one optional tour on this day.

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.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on your last day.

**Airport transfer in Paris is not included. You will have the possibility to add a private transfer to your package for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.