Compare Around the World in Culinary Delights by CroisiEurope vs 12 Day Benelux: Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, France & Germany by Gate 1 Travel

DAY 1, Sunday - Depart for the Netherlands
Depart for Amsterdam, Netherlands

DAY 2, Monday - Arrive in Amsterdam
Arrive in Amsterdam, known for its historic canals, gabled buildings and artistic heritage. Transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, for a Welcome Drink and orientation meeting that outlines the delightful journey that awaits you. Afterwards, savor a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Amsterdam
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Tuesday - Explore Amsterdam, Rijksmuseum, Visit Windmill, Canal Cruise
Today's walking tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam gives you an insider's look of the city. Begin your exploration in the Jordaan district. Then, view the Royal Palace on Amsterdam's Dam Square, the Dutch National Monument dedicated by Queen Juliana as a memorial to the victims of WWII and Nieuwmarkt with the most impressive of Amsterdam's remaining city gates. Afterward, visit the world-famous Rijksmuseum with its vast collection of works from great artists including the Dutch masters Vermeer and Rembrandt. This afternoon, head north of Amsterdam to the Museum Molen. Here, visit an authentic windmill, and meet a local miller. This evening, board a glass-top boat for a cruise of the winding canals of historic Amsterdam for an up-close view of stately historic mansions, 16th-century gabled merchant houses, and charming churches with bell towers
Overnight: Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Wednesday - Delta Works, Travel to Ghent
Begin the day with a visit to the Delta Works. After the 1953 flood in the Netherlands, the Delta Plan was created to prevent a disaster from ever happening again. Taking 30 years to complete, the storm flood barrier, almost six miles long, stands as the final defense in the battle against the water and is considered a technical miracle. Following the visit, travel to Ghent, a port city in northwestern Belgium, with a wealth of medieval and classical architecture. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Tonight, dinner is at a traditional local restaurant
Overnight: Ghent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Thursday - Ghent, the Historic Flanders Port, Medieval Bruges
Discover the historic Flanders port of Ghent today. The tour includes views of the 7th century St. Bavo's Cathedral and Gravensteen Castle. At the town center, view the gigantic Belfry, a symbol of the city's independence and the Gothic style Cloth Hall, glorifying the city's major industry. In the afternoon, travel to Bruges, also known as the "Venice of the North" and home to some of Europe's best-preserved medieval buildings. Here, view the Beguinage Convent and walk along the picturesque winding cobbled alleys. View the Market Square and Belfry, and the Town Hall Square with its Chapel of the Holy Blood. During the tour, visit a Chocolatier. Learn about Belgian chocolate traditions, watch a chocolate making demonstration and savor some decedent samples
Overnight: Ghent
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Friday - Explore Brussels, Travel to Luxembourg
Depart for Brussels, capital of Belgium. Begin the exploration of the city with a panoramic tour offering views of the Atomium, the Royal Palace, the Museum district, and the Palace of Justice. Visit the 17th-century Grand Place with its decorated guild houses, and stroll through the city center to view the famous Manneken Pis fountain. In the afternoon, cross into Luxembourg, one of the world's smallest countries. Arrive in Luxembourg City and check into the hotel. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner
Overnight: Luxembourg
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Saturday - Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Bastogne War Museum
Today, discover the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. At the entrance to the city, visit the U.S. Military Cemetery from WWII where over 5,000 American soldiers and General Patton are laid to rest. In the afternoon, cross into Belgium, and stop at Bastogne, scene of the infamous Battle of the Bulge and visit the Bastogne War Museum. Return to Luxembourg City for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Luxembourg
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Sunday - Multicultural Strasbourg, Picturesque Obernai
Depart Luxembourg and head to Strasbourg in France, capital of Alsace and seat of the European Parliament. Arrive in Strasbourg in time for lunch at a local restaurant. Later, take a walking tour of this picturesque city with its blend of French and German cultures. Wander through the magical La Petite France district, home to quaint shops and charming bistros and to Place Kleber, a large historic square. Then, view the Gothic Cathedral of Notre-Dame, an example of late Gothic architecture housing one of the finest astronomical clocks in existence. Later, travel to Obernai and check into your hotel. This evening, you're the guests of a local family for dinner. Savor home-cooked food, and learn about their culture and traditions
Overnight: Obernai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Monday - Obernai, Katzenthal Wine Tasting, Cooking Class
This morning, take a tour of the charming town of Obernai, birthplace of St. Odile, patron saint of Alsace. Located in the heart of Alsace at the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, the town is the second most visited after Strasbourg. Walk the medieval streets of the old town with its half-timbered houses, and flower covered alleyways. View the Town Hall with its colorful façade and the Chapel Tower, one of Alsace's tallest bell towers. Later, explore the Alsace Wine Route with stops at Riquewihr and Katzenthal for wine tasting. Tonight, it's time to refine your culinary skills at a cooking class that introduces you to the fine techniques of French cuisine, demonstrated by a local chef. Afterward, feast on your own creations
Overnight: Obernai
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Tuesday - Heidelberg Castle, Travel to Frankfurt
Today, depart for Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany. Visit the imposing red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle originally built in the 12th century. This hilltop Gothic masterpiece standing majestically over the Old Town, has encountered turbulent times but still stands as a dominant symbol of the city. Later, discover the enchanting alleys and lanes of the picturesque Old Town. Marvel at the magnificent Baroque buildings and view the beautiful Old Bridge. Then, meet with a local university student and learn about student life at one of the world's oldest surviving universities. Travel to Frankfurt, home of the European Central Bank. The city, known a "Mainhattan", is the business and financial heart of Germany. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner
Overnight: Frankfurt
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Wednesday - Frankfurt City Tour, Farewell Dinner
This morning, embark on a walking tour of Frankfurt. Situated on the banks of the River Main, Frankfurt is a city of contrasts. Its famous futuristic skyline is a striking backdrop of the historic town center, or Römerberg, where you'll find wonderful examples of traditional half-timbered houses. Afterward, enjoy lunch of regional specialties along with Apfelwein (apple wine). The afternoon is free to explore the city on your own. Tonight, at the Farewell Dinner, share memories of your wonderful journey and bid goodbye to your Tour Manager and newfound friends
Overnight: Frankfurt
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12, Thursday - Depart Germany
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast