Amsterdam, Luxembourg & Brussels 10 days
About This Experience
Wandering along meandering canals, historic bridges, gabled houses and blossoming gardens, you’ll feel as though you were transported into the pages of a storybook. Colorful and charming, Amsterdam tends to have this effect on its visitors. Delve into the Dutch city’s laid-back cafe culture and modern masterpieces before heading south to Luxembourg City’s quaint, cobbled streets and Belgium’s rolling countryside. Then, make a final stop in Brussels, the unofficial capital of Europe, to savor a bit of the sweet life.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
8 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 3 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Private deluxe motor coach
Multilingual Tour Director
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Amsterdam’s colorful canals & houseboats
Warm waffles, cool witbier & rich chocolates
Luxembourg City—the 2007 Capital of Culture
You’ll visit the birthplace of the European Union
The historical landscapes of forested Ardennes
Classic comics or Monet, Brussels’ museums offer both
Overnight Flight1 night
Amsterdam3 nights - hotel info
Day2
Day3
Cruise the canal ring, floating through vibrant villages on water
Breakfast
A local guide acquaints you with all the charm of Amsterdam this morning, from its canals to its gabled 18th-century homes. Later this morning, on a narrated canal cruise, you’ll pass along some of the city’s many waterways and view the houseboats that still serve as residences for many local citizens. On selected springtime departures, an optional excursion to the Keukenhof Gardens will be offered. This evening, opt for dinner and a relaxing cruise on Amsterdam’s canals.
Optional Excursions
Keukenhof Gardens $89* pp
With millions of flowers growing on 70 acres of gardens, Keukenhof has been a showplace for the Dutch floral industry for more than half a century. On this excursion, you may be able to view more than six million flowers in bloom, including daffodils, croci and hyacinths, as well as thousands of tulip varieties. Please note: Peak tulip season varies with the weather. This optional excursion is seasonal and runs only from late March through May.
Optional Excursions
Canal Cruise & Dinner $115* pp
Travel along the canals of Amsterdam on a low-slung house boat, enjoying the view of row houses lit up for the night. Your cruise will take you through the center of the city as you enjoy dinner by lantern light.
Day4
The highest museum density in the world means more masterpieces
Breakfast
You have a day to play in Amsterdam! Art lovers should plan to visit the recently renovated van Gogh Museum or the Stedelijk Museum (a collection of modern art). Alternatively, consider joining the optional excursion, A Day in Charming Delft. The excursion includes the world-famous flower market at Aalsmeer for a close-up look at one of Holland’s best-known national exports: its brilliantly hued tulips. Afterwards, the excursion continues to Delft, a charming town of canals, cobbled alleyways and medieval architecture.
Optional Excursions
A Day in Charming Delft $105* pp
Pay a visit to the world-famous flower market at Aalsmeer for a close-up look at one of Holland’s best-known national exports: its brilliantly hued tulips. From there, travel to the Hague for a quick photo stop at the majestic Peace Palace, home to the International Court of Justice. Finally, continue to Delft, a charming town of canals, cobbled alleyways and medieval architecture. In town, you'll visit the Old and New Church, Bell Tower and the home of the famous painter, Vermeer. Afterward, take some time to explore on your own and grab lunch.
Luxembourg City2 nights - hotel info
Day5
Get to know Maastricht, the city where the European Union was born
Breakfast, Dinner
Crossing south to the province of Limburg, notice how the landscape quickly changes from flat to hilly to mountainous (some compare Limburg to Switzerland). Stop in the Limburger capital of Maastricht for Tour Director-led sightseeing of this superb city. Then cross into the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, as the country is officially titled. This tiny principality is smaller than the smallest state in the United States. Check in to your hotel and enjoy an included dinner with your fellow travelers.
Day6
Though smaller than Rhode Island, this principality is big on charm
Breakfast
An expert local guide leads today’s sightseeing tour of Luxembourg City, the country’s capital. Travel through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. View the poignant World War II?Monument of National Unity, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the 17th-century Citadel of the Holy Spirit and the elegant Grand Ducal Palace, once a royal residence and now the setting for formal state functions. This afternoon, enjoy free time in Luxembourg City. Stroll the city’s numerous gardens and scenic lookouts or opt for our Medieval Heart of Europe excursion.
Optional Excursions
Luxembourg: Medieval heart of Europe $49* pp
Travel along Luxembourg's scenic "Little Switzerland" route to Château de Beaufort. While visiting the ruins of this medieval castle, stop for a tasting of crème de cassis, a sweet liqueur made from local blackcurrants. Next, journey to Echternach, a sleepy country town on the German border. There you'll visit Echternach's 7th-century abbey, one of continental Europe's few centers of scholarship during the Dark Ages. Please note: This excursion is seasonal from April through November.
Brussels3 nights - hotel info
Day7
Onward to the Ardennes, where the Battle of the Bulge was waged
Breakfast, Dinner
Bastogne Historical Center
As you head north, travel through the forested Ardennes. The Battle of the Bulge unfolded amid the rolling hills and dense forests of this region. After crossing the border into Belgium, stop in Bastogne for a visit to the Bastogne Historical Center, paying tribute to the American soldiers who defended Belgium in World War II. Arrive later in Brussels, where dinner is included tonight.
Day8
Look out for the little (often costumed) man that’s become a city icon
Breakfast
Join a professional local guide for a tour of Brussels, unofficial capital of Europe and headquarters for the European Union. In the city’s historical center, see the Manneken Pis and the elegant Baroque houses that line the Grand Place. You’ll also view the European Union buildings, the 18th-century Place Royale and the Palais de Justice. In your free time this afternoon, you may choose to browse the galleries of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, featuring work by Monet and Gauguin. Or for a true taste of Brussels, stroll down rue des Bouchers (Butchers’ Street), a narrow alley full of seafood eateries competing for attention.
Day9
It wouldn’t be right to leave Belgium without sampling the chocolate
Breakfast
Spend the day at your leisure in Brussels.Be sure to sample some of Belgium’s renowned pastries or chocolates and take in the colorful local bustle of the Fish Market. Popular museums in the city include the unique Comic Strip Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to the Flanders region, including a boat cruise in scenic Bruges.
Optional Excursions
Bruges $95* pp
Journey into Flanders on this full-day excursion. You’ll visit the picturesque town of Bruges, where a local guide will introduce you to the town's market, its belfry and its canals. An included boat cruise takes you through Bruges' canals and makes it easy to leave your cares behind. Please note: This excursion involves extensive walking.
Extend Your Stay
Add Paris $499*
Ah, Paris, the city of life, love and light. From the Eiffel Tower to the Mona Lisa, from the bustling Champs-Élysées to the winding streets of Montmartre, you'll find magic, romance and history as you sip a café au lait, stroll manicured parks and watch the sun set over the Seine.
Paris3 nights - hotel info
Day10
Take in France by rail as you speed through the countryside
Breakfast
Journey by train to Paris. Tonight, opt for an Evening in Paris with dinner at a local restaurant followed by a cruise along the Seine.
Must be booked 20 days before departure
Optional Excursions
Evening in Paris $99* pp
Take in the nighttime allure of the City of Light on a special evening excursion. The event begins with dinner at a local restaurant. After you dine, board a boat cruise along the Seine. As you coast along the river and under Paris' bridges, you'll behold the gloriously illuminated monuments of Paris glittering alongside the riverbanks. Please note: the dress code may vary depending your restaurant, and your Tour Director will advise you on what to wear, but shorts and sneakers are likely to be considered inappropriate attire.
Day11
Feast your eyes on Paris, capital and host to literature’s “Lost Generation”
Breakfast
With two free days in Paris, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for enjoying the sights, sounds and flavors of the City of Light. Use your free time to stroll along the Left Bank, explore the Louvre or sample Paris’ legendary cuisine. Alternatively, join an optional sightseeing tour of the city by bus, featuring views of Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Élysées. In the afternoon, join an optional excursion to Versailles.
Optional Excursions
Paris Sightseeing $69* pp
A local guide introduces you to the landmarks of the City of Light. Drive down the leafy Champs-Élysées, pass by the Eiffel Tower and gaze upon Notre-Dame Cathedral. Your guided sightseeing tour is by motor coach, and you'll enjoy several opportunities to stop and take photographs.
Must be booked 45 days before departure
Optional Excursions
Versailles $99* pp
The reign of Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King,” set new standards for decadence among the crowned heads of Europe. It took 50 years and 35,000 workers to turn Versailles, once a small hunting lodge, into the most magnificent château in all of France and the envy of royalty worldwide. On this excursion, you will see the palace in all its glory. Tour the State Apartments and the glittering Hall of Mirrors. Then stroll through the lavish gardens with their fine statuary, splendid fountains and colorful flowerbeds.
Day12
Stroll through the landscapes that moved Monet and van Gogh
Breakfast
Enjoy another free day or journey into the French countryside on an optional excursion to Giverny to visit the gardens and home of the Impressionist painter Claude Monet.
Optional Excursions
Monet & the Landscapes of Giverny $85* pp
The village of Giverny was home to Claude Monet from 1883 until his death in 1926. On a visit to Monet's home and gardens, discover the subtle palette of colors that inspired his Water Lilies series and gave rise to a new way of seeing. Please note: This excursion is seasonal and runs April through October.
About This Experience
Wandering along meandering canals, historic bridges, gabled houses and blossoming gardens, you’ll feel as though you were transported into the pages of a storybook. Colorful and charming, Amsterdam tends to have this effect on its visitors. Delve into the Dutch city’s laid-back cafe culture and modern masterpieces before heading south to Luxembourg City’s quaint, cobbled streets and Belgium’s rolling countryside. Then, make a final stop in Brussels, the unofficial capital of Europe, to savor a bit of the sweet life.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
8 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 3 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Private deluxe motor coach
Multilingual Tour Director
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Amsterdam’s colorful canals & houseboats
Warm waffles, cool witbier & rich chocolates
Luxembourg City—the 2007 Capital of Culture
You’ll visit the birthplace of the European Union
The historical landscapes of forested Ardennes
Classic comics or Monet, Brussels’ museums offer both
Overnight Flight1 night
Amsterdam3 nights - hotel info
Day2
Day3
Cruise the canal ring, floating through vibrant villages on water
A local guide acquaints you with all the charm of Amsterdam this morning, from its canals to its gabled 18th-century homes. You’ll pass along some of the city’s waterways and view the houseboats that still serve as residences for many local citizens. On select springtime departures, an optional excursion to Keukenhof Gardens will be offered. This evening, opt for dinner and a relaxing cruise on Amsterdam’s canals.
Day4
The highest museum density in the world means more masterpieces
You’ll have a full day to take in the sights of Amsterdam on your own. Art lovers should plan to visit the recently renovated van Gogh Museum or the Stedelijk Museum (a collection of modern art). Instead, you might consider an optional excursion to Delft, along with a visit to the Aalsmeer flower auction.
Luxembourg City2 nights - hotel info
Day5
Get to know Maastricht, the city where the European Union was born
Crossing south to the province of Limburg, notice how the landscape quickly changes from flat to hilly to mountainous (some compare Limburg to Switzerland). Stop in the Limburger capital of Maastricht for Tour Director-led sightseeing of the city. Then, cross into the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, as the country is officially titled. This tiny principality is smaller than the smallest state in the United States. Check in to your hotel and enjoy an included dinner with your fellow travelers.
Day6
Though smaller than Rhode Island, this principality is big on charm
A local guide leads today’s sightseeing tour of Luxembourg City, the country’s capital. Travel through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. View the poignant World War II Monument of National Unity, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the 17th-century Citadel of the Holy Spirit and the elegant Grand Ducal Palace, once a royal residence and now the setting for formal state functions. This afternoon, enjoy free time in Luxembourg City. Stroll the city’s numerous gardens and scenic lookouts or opt for our Medieval Heart of Europe excursion.
Brussels3 nights - hotel info
Day7
Onward to the Ardennes, where the Battle of the Bulge was waged
As you head north, travel through the forested Ardennes. The Battle of the Bulge unfolded amid the rolling hills and dense forests of this region. After crossing the border into Belgium, stop in Bastogne for a visit to the Bastogne Historical Center, paying tribute to the American soldiers who defended Belgium in World War II. Arrive later in Brussels, where dinner is included tonight.
Day8
Look out for the little (often costumed) man that’s become a city icon
Join a local guide for a tour of Brussels, unofficial capital of Europe and headquarters for the European Union. In the city’s historical center, see the Manneken Pis and the elegant Baroque houses that line the Grand Place. You’ll also view the European Union buildings, the 18th-century Place Royale and the Palais de Justice. In your free time this afternoon, you may choose to browse the galleries of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, featuring work by Monet and Gauguin. Or, for a true taste of Brussels, stroll down Rue des Bouchers (Butchers’ Street), a narrow alley full of seafood eateries competing for attention.
Day9
It wouldn’t be right to leave Belgium without sampling the chocolate
Spend the day at your leisure in Brussels. Be sure to sample some of Belgium’s renowned pastries or chocolates and take in the colorful local bustle of the Fish Market. Popular museums in the city include the unique Comic Strip Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to the Flanders region, including a boat cruise in scenic Bruges.
Extend Your Stay
Add Paris $539*
Ah, Paris, the city of life, love and light. From the Eiffel Tower to the Mona Lisa, from the bustling Champs-Élysées to the winding streets of Montmartre, you'll find magic, romance and history as you sip a café au lait, stroll manicured parks and watch the sun set over the Seine.
Paris3 nights - hotel info
Day10
Take in France by rail as you speed through the countryside
Breakfast
Journey by train to Paris. With three free days in Paris, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take in the sights, sounds and flavors of the City of Light. Use your free time to stroll along the Left Bank, explore the Louvre or sample Paris’ legendary cuisine. Tonight, opt for an Evening in Paris with dinner at a local restaurant followed by a cruise along the Seine.
Must be booked 20 days before departure
Optional Excursions
Evening in Paris $99* pp
Take in the nighttime allure of the City of Light on a special evening excursion. The event begins with dinner at a local restaurant. After you dine, board a boat cruise along the Seine. As you coast along the river and under Paris' bridges, you'll behold the gloriously illuminated monuments of Paris glittering alongside the riverbanks. Please note: the dress code may vary depending your restaurant, and your Tour Director will advise you on what to wear, but shorts and sneakers are likely to be considered inappropriate attire.
Day11
Feast your eyes on Paris, capital and host to literature’s “Lost Generation”
Breakfast
Get an overview of Paris by bus, featuring views of all the most famous sites, including Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Élysées. In the afternoon, join an optional excursion to Versailles.
Must be booked 45 days before departure
Optional Excursions
Versailles $99* pp
The reign of Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King,” set new standards for decadence among the crowned heads of Europe. It took 50 years and 35,000 workers to turn Versailles, once a small hunting lodge, into the most magnificent château in all of France and the envy of royalty worldwide. On this excursion, you will see the palace in all its glory. Tour the State Apartments and the glittering Hall of Mirrors. Then stroll through the lavish gardens with their fine statuary, splendid fountains and colorful flowerbeds.
Day12
Stroll through the landscapes that moved Monet
Breakfast
Discover your favorite places with a free day in Paris. Or journey into the French countryside on an optional excursion to Giverny, where you’ll visit the home and gardens of Impressionist painter Claude Monet.
Optional Excursions
Monet & the Landscapes of Giverny $85* pp
The village of Giverny was home to Claude Monet from 1883 until his death in 1926. On a visit to Monet's home and gardens, discover the subtle palette of colors that inspired his Water Lilies series and gave rise to a new way of seeing. Please note: This excursion is seasonal and runs April through October.
Passport & Visa
This tour includes the following countries: the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium and France (on extension). In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return home. No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your particular entry requirements.
Health
There are no major health risks associated with traveling on this tour. However, it is always advisable to check with your doctor or health care provider for the latest updates.
Cuisine
In Luxembourg, the culinary influences are mostly Germanic. Smoked sausages, hams and hearty stews are popular. Belgian cuisine is sophisticated and gourmet. Rich sauces accompany dishes of pork, game and beef. Seafood is of a very high quality—mussels steamed in white wine are a favorite. Patisseries offer decadent pastries and cakes, while Belgian chocolate is among the very best in the world. In the Netherlands, the universal staples of beef, chicken and fish are prepared in a simple fashion, and substantial soups and stews are also very popular. Snack food might be less familiar, where the emphasis is on fish. You might try maatje, raw green herrings served with onions. Also popular are pancakes, french fries, doughnuts and waffles served from street stands. In Paris (on the tour extension), you’ll find endless opportunities to sample wonderful food at every price range. For the most casual snack or picnic, stop at a small grocery store for cheeses, patés, cured meats, fresh-baked bread and fruit. Sidewalk vendors are known for their steaming crepes, filled with cheese, ham, fruit or chocolate. Mouthwatering pastries and hot café au lait beckon from the cafes.
Transportation / Walking on tour
Flights arrive in Amsterdam and depart from Brussels (or Paris on theextension). Included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach. In your free time, most locations are best accessed on foot. You may want to use the modern transportation system in Brussels—called the STIB— which covers all bus, tram, metro and train travel. Tickets are available in varying packages and day passes at metro stations, vending machines and news kiosks. Amsterdam also has a user-friendly bus and tram system.
Clothing & Packing Tips
To ensure you’re comfortable while out exploring, we recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered. For sightseeing, we suggest bringing a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers, as well as a lightweight sports jacket or rainwear. If you’re planning a visit to a high-end restaurant or performance, you may also want to bring dressier attire. Also, please remember that it’s preferable to avoid showing bare legs or shoulders during visits to churches or other religious sites (entrance may be denied on this basis).
Baggage Allowance
Airlines have varying weight restrictions on luggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Bear in mind that your luggage will probably weigh more on your return trip due to souvenir shopping. We allow only one suitcase per person. One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height). There may be times when you will have to handle your own bags, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on luggage.
Currency
The euro is the currency you’ll be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks, as needed. You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees. We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/ CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.
Traveler Tips
Amsterdam’s old working-class neighborhood of Jordaan is a delight to explore once you’ve viewed the main attractions. Lively markets, art galleries and fantastically sculpted courtyards await discovery.
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Could have been better
Very large group (45) and the tour director had to work hard to please such a variety of travel interests. Amazingly everyone on the tour was a pleasant travel companion (no obvious issues). It rained 6 days out of 8 and that was a problem out of anyone's control but possibly some of the optionals could be adjusted in such bad weather conditions. Taking a group to a national park in the pouring rain just seems like a waste of time. I would readjust this trip so that more time would be allotted to the city with more interesting options (Amsterdam) and reduce the time in the place with fewer attractions (Luxembourg).
Amsterdam, Luxembourg & Brussels
I loved this trip, even if it was a bit rainy. But then that was expected in this part of the world in May. We happened to be in The Netherlands at just the perfect time for flowers. The visit to Keukenhof Gardens was amazing; this is truly a paradise. My husband and I both fell in love with Amsterdam and would probably want to visit again. The transportation in Amsterdam is very friendly and it is quite easy to get around. We were very moved by our visits to WWII sites and the memorials dedicated to our military. We did enjoy our visit to Bruges also, but it was a very nice day and there were crowds of people which made sightseeing a little difficult. But it was still a very worthwhile visit. Our group on this trip was 45, which is the largest group we have ever traveled with. But everyone was very nice and considerate of others, and it went very well. We also made friends with a couple who live on the east coast and hope to take another trip with them at some point. We had an amazing tour guide and an amazing bus driver for most the trip. We have always enjoyed our trips with Go Ahead and this one was no exception.
Good Tour with a Wide Variety of Activities
Thomas K. was a very good Tour Director (TD) for the Go Ahead Tours (GAT) of Amsterdam, Luxembourg and Brussels that we participated in between April 13 to 21 and the Paris Post-Trip between April 22 to 25, 2013. Our group was made up of 42 individuals. Our first night in Amsterdam we had a welcome dinner at the host hotel. We did not have an introductory meeting where the guidelines of the trip were discussed. There was also no individual introduction so we had not idea where people were from and how much they had traveled with GAT or other companies. After dinner Thomas spoke to the 11 people who had chosen to go on the Paris Post-Trip. Two members told us they were going to Paris to meet their son and would not participate in any Post-Trip activities. We then found out that none of the optional activities would go as there were not 10 people, the number GAT requires for these optional excursions to go. As we had been told before we left the USA that they were all going except one and we had paid in full, we were quite upset. We gave our GAT representative names (Sarah and Katherine) to Thomas. Unfortunately neither of these two GAT reps responded to him. Thomas promised us that he would look at helping us find similar tours. He worked very hard to help us find tours to Versailles, Giverny and the dinner and Seine night cruise. THANK YOU THOMAS - you were super. The following morning we had a city tour with a local guide. He spoke seated at the front of bus but he was very good guide and humorous. Unfortunately many people in the back of the bus talked loudly throughout the whole city tour and many could not fully hear and understand the presentation. When Thomas took over, he stood at the front of the bus and faced us as he spoke. There was no noise or conversation from the back. I then spoke to Thomas and asked him to speak to the group about common courtesy to our guests and if he would ask a city guides to face the group when they spoke. Thomas was exceptional in helping tour members see the cities on their own. People would ask him and he would try to help them out. This was very evident when tour members asked how to go to Ann Frank house. He worked the details, gave everyone instructions and had bus driver Michael drop those off by the house. FANTASTIC. The same was true in all the places we visited; he asked people what they wanted and then helped them get there. On our first full day in Luxembourg we left the hotel to select our seats on the bus at 8:20 for 9 AM departure. There were 9 people already on the sidewalk waiting. By 8:30 we had over half the group waiting. I spoke to Thomas and we discussed the problem of some tour members sitting in the same seats. He took the opportunity to speak to the group and overall they responded. Unfortunately some members sat in the front seat behind the driver 4 days in a row. And then they moved to the right side for two more days. Our Optional Canal Dinner Cruise in Amsterdam was quite nice but it could have been fantastic. We arrived on time but another group was seated before us and we were relegated to the back of the boat. The first problem was the seating arrangements. There were not enough seats for our group so many had to sit with four across while the other group only had three. We asked for more utensils and napkins and were not given any until dinner had been served and we had to ask again. The noise level was quite high and we could not hear the captain give us the tour presentation. Many of us had ordered a particular dinner and were told that it was not available as the other group had first choice. Most ordered fish and were served beef and told there was no more fish. Lastly, the serving crew was very surly - they would not give us Cokes, coffee, or even extra napkins. Two of the most positive aspects of this tour that we had not experienced in our Northern Spain trip with GAT were the variety of sights and the option to do a great deal of walking where those who chose not to walk were given the opportunity to be driven to the sight. We had walking tours of Keukenhof Gardens outside of Amsterdam, Aalsmeer Flower Market, Delft, Maastricht all in the Netherlands. We had a guided walking tour of Luxembourg City, Château de Beaufort and then Echternach in Luxembourg. In Belgium we visited Bastonge, Waterloo Battlefield, Brussels and then Bruges. We also had the chance to see many wonderful sights including The Hague, Delft Porcelain production, Scheveningen Beach on the North Sea, the mountain towns of Luxembourg and the countryside of Belgium. It was great to have such a variety of activities on a trip. I have not discussed the GAT hotels in this summary. Please check TripAdvisor.com for comments and evaluations. I wrote up a full assessment of each hotel. At best the hotels were mediocre to average. When hotels have at least three large tour groups checking in or going to breakfast at the same time there will be serious problems. The negative issues I have discussed on this evaluation have been evident in all of our three GAT trips. I believe they are company issues and not TD issues. In our last day in Paris I spoke to Thomas and gave him the print out below. These suggestions come from our own experience as tour guides in the Rocky Mountains of the USA and our experiences with 69 tour directors since 2001. INTRO MEETING - Night We Arrive Serve one/more glasses of wine - water, etc for the meeting. Tell us a little about yourself and how long with GAT Give general day schedule: Either leave at 8:30 or 9 AM Luggage out by what time? Wake-Up Call 30 Minutes before luggage out If one needs more time, set up one's own. Set guidelines: Introduction by all tour members - brief How often you will stop for bathrooms. What do we do with the GAT tags - wear or not. Brief "sell" on the optional tours - maybe more will go. Any change from GAT tour schedule (like the dinner on different night) Seat rotation - NO GAT TOUR HAS HAD THIS!!! Talking when you or local guide is speaking. Responsibility of those being late. Little more running dialog while we are on the bus on historical, political, social, economic and human issues of the country we are visiting.
Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Brussels
Great trip!
Amsterdam, Luxembourg and Brusssels
Great tour. We had a great tour director - Thomas- and bus driver - Michael. All of the city guides were terrific - well-informed, friendly and enthusiastic about their cities. The worst part is the flights to and from Europe. It is such a long ride.
Amsterdam, Luxembourg & Brussels
This tour exceeded my expectations exponentially . I had never been on a tour before and had concerns regarding traveling single, traveling on a bus and feeling herded around, based on being part of a large group of 41. The situation was a anything but that. The people were inclusive, the bus was comfortable and trips in it were kept to under two hours before a break. I scheduled for all the additional activities and was so happy I did. I couldn't have planned the trip better myself. Be sure to schedule the optional tours and sign up soon, it is a wonderful trip. I'll definately travel Go Tours again.....
Amsterdam, Luxembourg & Brussels
This was a great 3-city tour. There could have been a little more direction the first three days in Amsterdam, but overall it was great.
Amsterdam, Luxembourg, and Brussels
This was a very nice tour especially for those with connections to World War II. We had a great time. Brussels was by far the highlight of the trip! Hotel rooms on the tour were too far out from the city centers in Brussels, Luxembourg and on the extension in Paris. Our tour director was fantastic! We are really glad we went on this tour.
Amsterdam, Luxembourg & Brussels
Enjoyed the tour and would recommend it to a friend. In Amsterdam, the dinner cruise is worth it. In Luxembourg, the hotel is in need of a facelift with the carpet needing to be cleaned - badly stained. Highly recommend the optional tour to Brugge. The Paris extended stay is worth it. The hotel in Brussels was top notch with other tour accommodations except for the Lux rated as good. All hotels were located in a convenient location. Overall, it is a good tour that I would recommend.
A really enjoyable trip through the Nertherlands
Overall, this tour is well planned - I enjoyed all the activities we participated in. Food was excellent! Our Tour Director was very helpful and accommodating. I wish I had not opted for the 3-day Paris extension for this time of year (July, 2012). Too crowded with tourists - long waits to see highlights of the city. Neither of the two excursions I signed up for made the ten-participant requirement; therefore, both were cancelled. If it hadn't been for our tour director, we would have been on our own. Being on our own, meant a lot of walking- - - far more than most of the group was prepared for. So, be prepared!
