Itinerary Details
Day 1 Overnight Flight
From iconic Dutch windmills and cozy Belgian streets to the world-renowned Champagne region and the “City of Light,” experience the essence of three European countries. Connect with deeply rooted cultures as you make your way through the Netherlands, Belgium, and France in the heart of the holiday season.
Day 2 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hotel: The Manor
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.(D)
Day 3 Amsterdam
Hotel: The Manor
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. Spend the late afternoon chatting with a local about the city’s progressive (and often controversial) culture. Enjoy an evening at leisure to spend time in the city however you wish.(B)
Day 4 Amsterdam
Hotel: The Manor
Make the most of a free day in Amsterdam and explore Amsterdam’s Christmas markets throughout the city. 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.(B, D)
Day 5 Amsterdam - Kinderdijk - Bruges, Belgium
Hotel: Hotel Aragon
Today, visit Holland’s storied windmills and take in the wind, water, and open spaces that make Dutch history come to life in Kinderdijk (UNESCO). Enjoy a short boat ride along the canal, walk along the winding paths, and venture inside of a working windmill. End your day in storybook Bruges, your home for the next two nights, and join in an evening stroll in the city with an enchanting atmosphere, festive lights, and decorations filling the historic streets.(B, D)
Day 6 Bruges
Hotel: Hotel Aragon
Wander the cobblestone streets of Bruges and get familiar with this cozy Belgian city on a walking tour with a local guide this morning. Connecting with local traditions, taste Belgian chocolate, learn about the intricate craft of lace making and spend time exploring the Christmas markets. This afternoon, it’s your choice! Cheers to the day with a visit to a local brewery, where you’ll taste Belgium’s most classic beverage -OR- hop on a local train and discover the streets of nearby Ghent on a locally guided tour. Tonight, taste your way across local cuisines and enjoy dinner on your own.(B)
Day 7 Bruges - Arras, France - Reims
Hotel: Continental Hotel
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 time to unwind as you enter the heart of France’s illustrious Champagne region. Settle into your hotel and then enjoy the festive ambiance as you taste your way through French cuisine. Perhaps tonight you will join an evening walk and enjoy the beautiful lights that illuminate the town.(B, D)
Day 8 Reims - Champagne Winery - Reims
Hotel: Continental Hotel
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.(B, L)
Day 9 Reims - Paris
Hotel: Courtyard Marriott Paris Gare de Lyon
Say bonjour to Paris, the French capital. This morning, begin your Paris journey in style and 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, and explore Paris’ liveliest and biggest winter fair at the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market, La Magie de Noël.(B, L)
Day 10 Paris
Hotel: Courtyard Marriott Paris Gare de Lyon
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. You may explore the friendly vibe at Place des Abbesses Christmas markets and warm yourself with warm spiced wine and hot roasted chestnuts, or perhaps wander along the Seine. Maybe you’ll indulge in some Christmas 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.(B, D)
Day 11 Paris - Tour Ends
Say au revoir to Europe as you depart for home.(B)
