10-Nights On the Trail of the Dutch Masters - Tailormade Journeys — CALL

Itinerary Details

1 Arrive Amsterdam, Netherlands

With a blend of shimmering canals, world-renowned museums and a vibrant café culture, Amsterdam merges high art with a carefree spirit. Wander through the trendy boutiques of De 9 Straatjes, soak in the local life at a historic "bruin café" in the Jordaan or delve into the artistic heart of De Pijp.

Glide along the city’s iconic canals on a private cruise. Donning your walking shoes, then take to the charming streets and alleys en route to Dam Square, dominated by the Royal Palace. In the Canal Ring district, see gabled houses lining the waterways. End the day at the Anne Frank House, a poignant reminder of its occupants’ experiences during World War II.

Through the scenic countryside and along the North Holland Canal to Waterland, northeast of Amsterdam, your cycling guide leads a half-day bike tour. The charming villages of Zunderdorp, Ransdorp sand Durgerdam present scenic views and opportunities for exploration and refreshments before a ferry ride back to Amsterdam. Once a working-class neighborhood, the trendy Jordaan district now boasts specialty shops and fantastic restaurants. Meet families preserving Dutch food traditions and explore historical sites rarely seen by visitors.

The Van Gogh Museum holds the artist’s most celebrated works, making it the perfect start to an art-filled day. The artistic journey continues at the Rembrandt House Museum, the artist’s former home and creative haven. As you wander through, discover remarkable paintings and precious belongings reunited after Rembrandt’s bankruptcy in 1656.

Delft beckons with its blue and white pottery and attractive architecture. The town’s gorgeous buildings and charming ambience invite you; visit the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), boasting the second tallest church tower in the Netherlands. Continue to the Vermeer Centrum; discover the history of Johannes Vermeer, the Dutch Baroque painter of Girl with a Pearl Earring. After lunch at leisure, continue to Den Haag, exploring the Mauritshuis Museum, housing impressive works by Rembrandt, Steen, Hals, Rubens, Van Dyck and many other Dutch artists.

Explore Antwerp, uncovering the world of Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens at his former residence and studio. At the Museum Mayer van den Bergh, explore Gothic and Renaissance masterpieces from Belgium and the Netherlands. Arrive in Bruges, where cobblestone streets wind through a fairytale landscape of step-gabled houses and Gothic belfries and the scent of Belgian frites and sculpted chocolate carries on the breeze.

In the high Middle Ages, Bruges stood as one of Europe’s richest ports, its vast wealth a result of the maritime cloth trade. However, with the silting of the seas, the city entered a beautiful slumber; its canals, cobbled streets, merchants’ houses, churches and museums remain perfectly preserved as one of the most magical cities in modern times. Your guide leads a stroll along the tree-lined canal streets, passing the Church of the Holy Blood, the Markt and its soaring belfry. Visit the medieval city hall, the Church of Our Lady and the Groeninge Museum. Choose to spend your afternoon at leisure or on a guided tour of the family-run De Halve Mann Brewery.

Travel east to Brussels, Belgium’s thriving cultural capital. Along the way, stop off in the beautiful city of Ghent, admiring magnificent medieval quarters and Gravensteen, the splendid 12th-century castle reminiscent of former glories. Wander in awe of the masterpieces within St Bavo’s Cathedral. Bidding farewell to the Flanders region, you may have lunch on your own (payable locally) before heading to Brussels.

Medieval old town contrasts with impressive modern architecture; Belgium’s capital is sure to intrigue. Begin with a visit to the Grand Place, the magnificent square at the heart of the old quarter. Considered one of Europe’s most ornate market squares, opulent guildhalls and the impressive Breadhouse tower above bustling crowds. Close by stands Brussels’ most famous resident, the Manneken Pis, a bronze emblem of the city’s bold nature. Venturing further afield, visit the Horta House, dedicated to Art Nouveau architect Victor Horta and based in his old residence.

Today, meet your expert culinary guide to experience Belgium’s food and drink highlights. Begin by enjoying shrimp croquettes in one of Brussels’ best places; for your main course, try boulettes à la gueuze, a meat dish born in Brussels, with a side of hot salty fries. After your savory lunch, experience true Belgian waffles, arguably the world’s best. Finally, no Belgian food tour would be complete without famous Belgian chocolate; stop in a beautiful historic shop for your sweet treat.

As you leave the bustle of Brussels behind, step into the enchanting, rolling landscape of Luxembourg, stopping to marvel at medieval Vianden Castle, built on the foundations of a Roman castellum and a Carolingian refuge. Arrive in Luxembourg’s “Little Switzerland," Echternach, where you can appreciate its natural beauty as you choose.