Upon arrival in Frankfurt, you'll be warmly welcomed by your Tour Manager. From there, we'll journey directly to Heidelberg, where your hotel awaits. After checking in, join our Tour Manager for a leisurely introduction to the picturesque old town of Heidelberg. Stroll through its historic streets lined with Renaissance architecture, see the iconic Heidelberg Castle perched majestically over the Neckar River, and explore the bustling market squares brimming with lively cafes and shops. As dusk settles, we gather for a delightful German welcome dinner, a perfect opportunity to unwind and immerse ourselves in local flavors and hospitality amidst the enchanting ambiance of Heidelberg's old town.

Meals: In-flight, D

Get the day off to a good start with a guided sightseeing of Heidelberg Castle. Perched majestically over the Neckar River, Heidelberg Castle offers breathtaking views of the town and surrounding hills. Learn about its rich history, from its medieval origins to the Renaissance splendor it boasts today. After bidding farewell to our knowledgeable local guide, you'll have the rest of the day and evening at your leisure. Why not try the regional specialties like schnitzel or bratwurst paired with fine German beer or wine. Alternatively, take a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks or ascend the Philosophers' Walk for panoramic views. Heidelberg's old town promises a blend of history, culture, and relaxed elegance.

Meals: B

Today, we embark on a picturesque Rhine River cruise, starting our journey in Bingen. As we travel north along the UNESCO-protected valley, a succession of majestic castles unfolds along the riverbanks. Our leisurely voyage concludes in St. Goar, from where we continue our castle filled day, as we travel to the enchanting Eltz Castle. A delightful forest walk leads us to this fairy-tale-like castle, where a guided tour awaits. Following this scenic day excursion, you'll have the evening to explore at your leisure back in Heidelberg.

Meals: B

Today we journey to Brussels, the heart of Europe and the capital of Belgium. Upon arrival in Brussels in the early afternoon, we have the perfect opportunity to delve into the city's rich tapestry of sights. Our adventure begins with a comprehensive panoramic bus tour, offering a sightseeing of the city's iconic landmarks. We'll then pause for a leisurely exploration of the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere. No visit to Brussels would be complete without a visit to the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a beautiful 19th-century arcade lined with luxury shops and cafes. Lastly, we'll encounter the beloved symbol of Brussels, the Manneken Pis, a charming statue that captures the city's whimsical spirit. Cap off the day with a delightful dinner before heading to Ghent for an overnight stay, reflecting on the cultural and historical richness of Brussels, a true gem of Europe.

Meals: B, D

Start your day with a visit to the remarkable Gravensteen Castle, situated in the heart of Ghent. This medieval fortress, dating back to the 12th century, offers a fascinating glimpse into Belgium's feudal history. Explore its ancient walls, towers, and dungeons, where you can envision the lives of knights and nobles amidst stunning panoramic views of Ghent. Next, immerse yourself in a quintessential Belgian experience with a "Belgian Chocolate Hunt". Led by your knowledgeable Tour Manager, indulge your sweet tooth as you embark on a delightful journey through Ghent's picturesque streets. Discover the secrets behind Belgian chocolate craftsmanship as you visit renowned chocolatiers, sampling a variety of exquisite chocolates along the way. From rich pralines to delicate truffles, each chocolatier unveils unique flavors and traditions that define Belgium's renowned chocolate culture. After this delectable adventure, the afternoon is yours to explore Ghent at your leisure. Wander through the city's charming cobblestone streets lined with medieval architecture. Visit St. Bavo's Cathedral to admire its awe-inspiring Gothic interiors, including the famous Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers. Alternatively, delve into Ghent's vibrant art scene at the Museum of Fine Arts or take a leisurely boat ride along the scenic Graslei and Korenlei canals.

Meals: B

Experience a journey through history as we travel back to the battlefields of World War I and Flanders Fields. Our day begins with a visit to the Flanders Field American Cemetery and Memorial, a poignant tribute to the fallen soldiers. Next, we continue to the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the trenches and gain a historical perspective on the battles near Ypres. Our journey then takes us to Ypres and the iconic Menin Gate. Here, you'll have time to enjoy lunch and explore the charming town. In the afternoon, we visit the Essex Farm Cemetery and the John McCrae dressing station, the very place where McCrae penned his famous poem after burying his friend and brother-in-arms, Alexis Helmer. Before returning to Ghent, we will stop at the Christmas Truce Memorial, a small statue with a profound message of peace. End your day with a relaxing evening back in Ghent.

Meals: B

Today, we embark on a journey to Bruges, a gem of a town renowned for its rich history as a medieval trading hub. This picturesque city boasts remarkable architecture and ornate houses that reflect its historical affluence. Today, we embark on a journey to Bruges, a gem of a town renowned for its rich history as a medieval trading hub. This picturesque city boasts remarkable architecture and ornate houses that reflect its historical affluence. Next, we visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a beautiful Romanesque and Gothic church. This basilica is famous for housing a revered relic: a vial said to contain a cloth with the blood of Jesus Christ, brought to Bruges during the Second Crusade. The relic is paraded through the streets of Bruges annually during the Procession of the Holy Blood. In the late afternoon, we return to Ghent, where you will have a free evening to explore at your leisure.

Meals: B

We bid farewell to Ghent as we travel north into The Netherlands, with our first stop in the charming town of Delft. Known for its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and world-famous Delftware, Delft offers a glimpse into Dutch heritage and culture. Our visit begins with a guided sightseeing walk through the town. We'll explore the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) and the Oude Kerk (Old Church). The Nieuwe Kerk is renowned for its magnificent Gothic architecture and as the burial site of the Dutch royal family, including William of Orange. The Oude Kerk, with its leaning tower, is the final resting place of many notable figures, including the master painter Johannes Vermeer. As we stroll through Delft, you'll hear fascinating stories about the many famous artists from the town, such as Vermeer and Carel Fabritius, who flourished during the Dutch Golden Age. We'll also see the iconic Market Square, where you can admire the stunning City Hall. We continue onwards to Amsterdam, where we'll settle into our hotel. In the evening, we will embark on a scenic canal cruise, providing a unique perspective of this vibrant, water-rich city. You'll glide past charming houseboats, historic bridges, and stunning 17th-century merchant houses, gaining a first impression of Amsterdam's enchanting atmosphere. We will end the day with a dinner, enjoying the culinary delights of Dutch cuisine.

Meals: B, D

This morning, we begin our day with a visit to the Anne Frank House and Museum, the site of the world-famous "Secret Annex" hidden behind a bookshelf. This is where Anne Frank wrote her diary, later published by her father, Otto Frank, the sole surviving family member. Our exploration continues with our local expert guide for stroll through the city by foot. We end near Jewish quarter, where you will have time for lunch. A visit to the Resistance Museum and the Holocaust Museum, both situated in Amsterdam's historic Jewish Quarter. These museums offer profound insights into the experiences and struggles of the Dutch people during World War II. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. You can choose to explore more of Amsterdam's rich cultural offerings or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll through the picturesque canals and vibrant neighbourhoods.

Meals: B

Enjoy a free day in Amsterdam at your own pace. Your Tour Manager will be available to help you navigate the city's many attractions. You might choose to visit the renowned Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum, both located just a stone's throw from the charming neighborhood of De Pijp. Here, you can explore the Albert Cuyp Market, the longest daily market in Europe, bustling with local vendors and vibrant culture.

In the evening, we will gather for a memorable farewell dinner, bringing our tour of Castles, Chocolates, and Canals to a delightful close. 

Meals: B, D

Transfer to Amsterdam airport for your return flight to the USA.

Meal: B