European Journey: From Canals to Palaces

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, 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.