Canals, Champagne & Culture: A Journey through the Netherlands, Belgium & France featuring the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens
Canals, Champagne & Culture: A Journey through the Netherlands, Belgium & France featuring the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens
12 Days Starting in Amsterdam, Netherlands and ending in Paris, France
Visiting: Amsterdam, Bruges, Reims, Paris
Tour operator:
Tour code:
16254
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an enchanting journey through the Netherlands, Belgium, and France with the "Canals, Champagne & Culture" tour. Begin in Amsterdam, exploring its iconic canals and vibrant culture, before visiting the breathtaking Keukenhof Gardens. Experience the charm of Kinderdijk's windmills and the storybook allure of Bruges, where you'll savor Belgian chocolate and beer. Traverse the poignant World War I battlefields en route to Reims, the heart of France's Champagne region, for a taste of its sparkling wines. In Paris, discover the secrets of perfume making, wander through historic neighborhoods like Le Marais, and enjoy a Seine River cruise. Conclude your adventure with an unforgettable dinner at the Eiffel Tower, capturing the essence of these three captivating countries.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Overnight Flight
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: The Manor
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.
Day 2 : Amsterdam, Netherlands
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
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. Get a taste of the local flavors and meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.
Day 3 : Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: hotel
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.
Day 4 : Amsterdam - Keukenhof Tulip Gardens
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Hotel Aragon
Meals Included: Dinner
This morning, explore the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens,** featuring acres of tranquil ponds, shaded paths, and more than 7 million tulips and other flowers on exhibit, including hyacinths, daffodils, lilies, roses, carnations, and irises. Afterward, return to Amsterdam in the late afternoon for some free time. Complete your day 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 with your inspiring hosts.
Day 5 : Amsterdam - Kinderdijk - Bruges, Belgium
Location: Bruges
Accommodation Name: hotel
Today, it’s your choice as you visit Holland’s storied windmills. Perhaps you’ll stroll along the winding paths and venture inside of a working windmill -OR- bike alongside a local guide through Dutch landscapes. No matter what you choose, take in the wind, water, and open spaces that make Dutch history come to life in Kinderdijk (UNESCO). End your day in storybook Bruges, your home for the next two nights, and join for an evening stroll in the city.
Day 6 : Bruges
Location: Bruges
Accommodation Name: Continental Hôtel
Wander the cobblestone streets of Bruges and get familiar with this cozy Belgian city on a walking tour with a local guide this morning. Then, cruise through fairytale canals before connecting with local traditions. Taste Belgian chocolate and learn about the intricate craft of lace making. After an afternoon at leisure, cheers to the day with a visit to a local brewery where you’ll taste Belgium’s most classic beverage. Continue tasting your way across local cuisines and enjoy dinner on your own.
Day 7 : Bruges - World War I Battlefields - Reims, France
Location: Reims
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Traverse Flanders with a local expert. Witness the stars and stripes raised over the graves of the valiant soldiers who gave their lives on the Western Front during the First World War inspiring John McCrae’s poem, “In Flanders Fields.” Take time to unwind with a glass of wine as you enter the heart of France’s illustrious Champagne region – Reims. Settle into your hotel before tasting your way through French cuisine paired with a glass of champagne.
Day 8 : Reims - Champagne Winery - Reims
Location: Reims
Accommodation Name: Renaissance Paris République Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
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. Enjoy an extraordinary culinary experience during a lunch and Impact Moment at L’ExtrA, an inclusive, eco-responsible restaurant. 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.
Day 9 : Reims - Meaux - Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: hotel
Make your way to the French capital this morning. Pause in Meaux – the capital of the famous Brie cheese. Learn about the artisanal production methods and aging process from a local cheese enthusiast before sampling some for yourself. Say bonjour to Paris this afternoon and learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop led by an expert perfumer, affectionately referred to as nez (nose). Explore your new neighborhood – your new home for the next three nights – until the sun fades and the “City of Light” debuts its sparkling grandeur. Enjoy your evening at leisure.
Day 10 : Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: hotel
Start your day alongside your Tour Manager wandering through one of the most popular quarters of Paris – Le Marais. This neighborhood is famous for old-world charm, narrow cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, and tranquil gardens among a vibrant Jewish community. Enter the kitchen of an authentic Parisian bakery to see the workspace and learn the history behind how these bakers make their delicious bread. Explore Paris as you please this afternoon. Perhaps you’ll take a stroll through the Tuileries Garden or elegant Place Vendôme displaying jewelry and high fashion. Experience Paris’ nightlife during an optional dinner at the dynamic Paradis Latin**** cabaret show, featuring champagne, can-can dancers, and endless excitement.
Day 11 : Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Be romanced by Paris today. Join a guided walk to discover the city’s oldest settlement, Île de la Cité. Sparkling with history, it is home to iconic Notre Dame and the beautiful bridges that straddle the Seine. Enjoy essential Paris during a cruise on the Seine before continuing to legendary Saint-Germain-des-Prés with free time to explore one of the city’s most beautiful areas on your own. End the day with an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower, featuring French cuisine and breathtaking views.
Day 12 : Paris - Tour Ends
Location: Paris
Say au revoir to Europe as you depart for home.
What's Included
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Transport
Travel through the Netherlands, Belgium, and France with a mix of private boat cruises, walking tours, and guided excursions, ensuring a seamless and immersive exploration of each destination's unique charm and culture.
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Meals
Enjoy a welcome dinner in Amsterdam, dinner at the Eiffel Tower, and other meals as specified in the itinerary.
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Guided Tours
Participate in guided tours in Amsterdam, Bruges, Reims, and Paris, including a walking tour in Le Marais and a guided walk on Île de la Cité.
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Cultural Experiences
Learn the secrets of perfume making in Paris, tour a traditional brewery in Bruges, and sample legendary Belgian beers.
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Impact Moments
Experience Impact Moments at Amsterdam’s A Beautiful Mess and at L’ExtrA restaurant in Reims.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the Paradis Latin cabaret show in Paris are not included and may require additional payment.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks outside of those specified in the itinerary are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
Experiences
Connect with local traditions in the storybook Belgian city of Bruges (UNESCO).Immerse yourself in France's countryside during an exploration of its Route du Champagne (UNESCO).Learn the secrets of perfume making in Paris.
Options
Paris: Showtime in Paris! Join us for a spectacular evening in one of Paris’s most beloved institutions, the famous Paradis Latin. Situated in a building associated with Napoleon and rebuilt by Gustav Eiffel himself, the Paradis has been running here since 1889. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner with wine, then bring on the champagne and let the show commence! Duration approximately 5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Please note that as a typical Parisian cabaret, the show does contain some tasteful nudity and may be considered unsuitable for children. If less than 10 travelers pick this optional, the same can operate using taxi as a transport.
Culinaries
Be connected by food during Impact Moments at Amsterdam’s A Beautiful Mess and at L’ExtrA restaurant in Reims.Tour a traditional brewery in Bruges and sample some legendary Belgian beers.Meet local cheese enthusiasts in Meaux and sample their famous Brie.Dine at the Eiffel Tower.
Must See
Make the most of a full-day exploration of Amsterdam, the bustling capital of the Netherlands.Stand before the iconic Dutch windmills of Kinderdijk (UNESCO).Explore Le Marais, an authentic Parisian neighborhood.Explore the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens.
Choice Highlights
Amsterdam This is the capital city of The Netherlands, with a population of about 1.5 million in the metro area. It is known for its rings of canals, the Red Light District, the Anne Frank House and its famous museums (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, etc.). Amsterdam has a rich history in commerce, mostly due to the country’s colonies all over the world, and this gives the city a fascinating flavor and diverse population even now. There are great restaurants and shopping, and it is a very comfortable place to walk around in. It is also a great starting point from which to explore The Netherlands and beyond.
Canal Cruise Take a cruise on Amsterdam's famous canals and get to know the city from the water.
Keukenhof Tulip Gardens
Impact Moments
Kinderdijk Kinderdijk is a small village located in the Netherlands in South Holland. The main attraction of the village are the windmills here. The area features 19 windmills which were built around 1740. The windmills are the largest concentration of old windmills in the Netherlands. They are also known as one of the best known Dutch tourist sites.
Choice on Tour: Kinderdijk Boat or Bike Tour
Bruges Bruges is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium. Located in the northwest of the country,Bruges has most of its medieval architecture intact. The historic centre of Bruges has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Along with a few other canal-based northern cities, such as Amsterdam, it is sometimes referred to as "The Venice of the North". In the last half of the 19th century, Bruges became one of the world's first tourist destinations attracting wealthy British and French tourists. Today, it attracts some 2 million tourists annually.
Reims Reims is one of the capitals of province of Champagne. A such it is a major market for the region's world-famous sparkling wine. It was here in its Cathedral that the first king of France, Clovis, was baptized, becoming the recognized place for the coronation of most of France's succeeding monarchs. It was also in Reims, in a modern technical college near the train station, that the document was signed marking the surrender of Germany, bringing to and end the Second Word War in Europe.
Route du Champagne Winding through sleepy villages, rolling hills, and sun-soaked vineyards is the Route du Champagne, a route that stretches around 700km or 434 miles through the Champagne region of France. The route is known for its world-class vineyards and unparalleled viticulture.
Paris This French capital is one of the world's greatest cities and certainly one of its most beautiful. The Eiffel Tower, Arch of Triumph, Louvre and Orsay Museums, the Champs Elysees, Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur, and many others are all iconic symbols of the "City of Light", renowned for fabulous dining, high fashion and the French savoir faire. One can keep returning to Paris over a lifetime and still not see everything it has to offer.
Parisian Bakery Workspace
Parfum Workshop
Le Marais
Île de la Cité
Seine River Cruise Separating Paris into the Left and Right Banks is the River Seine. One of the best ways to see Paris is by water. Floating along as the sun sets in a glass-roofed boat, you watch the city come to life. Guided narration and themed music allow you to soak in the atmosphere of Paris as you cruise past Notre Dame, the Musee D'Orsay and the Eiffel Tower.
Eiffel Tower Dinner Built in 1889 as part of the World's Fair by the architecture team of Gustave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris today. Located on the first level is 58 Tour Eiffel, a gourmet restaurant with stunning panoramic views of Paris. Since food is another big part of Parisian culture, the meal is several courses, beautifully displayed and accompanied with wine, coffee and tea.
Mode of Transport
Travel through the Netherlands, Belgium, and France with a mix of private boat cruises, walking tours, and guided excursions, ensuring a seamless and immersive exploration of each destination's unique charm and culture.
Accommodation
Stay in impressive historic buildings throughout your journey, including The Manor in Amsterdam, Hotel Aragon, and Continental Hôtel in Bruges, and the Renaissance Paris République Hotel in Paris, offering comfort and a rich cultural experience.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of unique experiences such as learning the secrets of perfume making in Paris, tasting Belgian chocolate and learning about lace making in Bruges, and sampling Brie cheese in Meaux. Additionally, there are Impact Moments at restaurants in Amsterdam and Reims that focus on locally sourced, environmentally conscious ingredients.
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What cultural activities are part of the itinerary?
Cultural activities include exploring the historic Le Marais neighborhood in Paris, visiting the iconic Dutch windmills of Kinderdijk, and taking a guided walking tour in Reims to uncover its Celtic roots and Gothic architecture. The tour also includes a visit to the World War I battlefields in Flanders and a perfume-making workshop in Paris.
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Are there any special dining experiences during the tour?
Yes, the tour features several special dining experiences, including a welcome dinner in Amsterdam, a culinary experience at L’ExtrA restaurant in Reims, and an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower in Paris. There is also an opportunity to dine at the Paradis Latin cabaret show in Paris.
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What opportunities are there to learn about local traditions?
Participants will have the chance to connect with local traditions in Bruges by tasting Belgian chocolate and learning about lace making. In Meaux, they will learn about the artisanal production of Brie cheese. The tour also includes a visit to a traditional brewery in Bruges to sample Belgian beers.
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What are the highlights of the Amsterdam portion of the tour?
In Amsterdam, highlights include a private canal cruise, a walking tour with a local guide, and an Impact Moment dinner at A Beautiful Mess restaurant. There is also a visit to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, featuring over 7 million tulips and other flowers.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
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