Netherlands, Belgium and Paris

Netherlands, Belgium & Paris - featuring historic Bruges & Floriade 2012

Enjoy a candlelight canal cruise in Amsterdam and a walk through the red light district.

Experience the Floriade horticultural exhibition.

Indonesian cuisine in Amsterdam connects you to the Dutch Colonial past.

Explore Brussels on a locally guided tour.

An intimate walk through Bruges with a local resident introduces you to this ancient city.

Step inside Claude Monet's home in Giverny; smell the colorful garden full of flowers.

Soak up Paris on a Seine River cruise through the heart of the city.

Dinner at the Eiffel Tower features wonderful French cuisine and breathtaking views of Paris.

Walk the pathways of the 300 year old Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world and home to 4,000 species of plants.

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES

Enjoy a candlelight canal cruise in Amsterdam and a walk through the red light district.

Experience the Floriade horticultural exhibition.

Indonesian cuisine in Amsterdam connects you to the Dutch Colonial past.

Explore Brussels on a locally guided tour.

An intimate walk through Bruges with a local resident introduces you to this ancient city.

Step inside Claude Monet's home in Giverny; smell the colorful garden full of flowers.

Soak up Paris on a Seine River cruise through the heart of the city.

Dinner at the Eiffel Tower features wonderful French cuisine and breathtaking views of Paris.

Walk the pathways of the 300 year old Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world and home to 4,000 species of plants.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Amsterdam, Candlelight Cruise, Floriade, Hortus Botanicus, Brussels, Bruges, Paris, Giverny, Eiffel Tower Dinner, Seine River Cruise

Day 1: Overnight Flight - Mon, September 03, 2012

On this special tour, you will enjoy immersion in the culture of the Benelux region. Cruise the canals of Amsterdam by candlelight, stroll through the colorful displays of Keukenhof Gardens, explore historic Bruges and stroll the boulevards of Paris, France. Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Amsterdam, "Venice of the North."

Day 2: Amsterdam, Netherlands - Tour Begins - Tue, September 04, 2012

Your tour begins today in Amsterdam, the 800-year-old thriving capital of Holland. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a delicious welcome dinner in a local restaurant, followed by a candlelight canal cruise. (D)

Day 3: Amsterdam - Wed. September 05, 2012

A comprehensive sightseeing tour highlights Amsterdam's historic city center, the Royal Palace, and a visit to one of Amsterdam's famous diamond-cutting artisan workshops. Then, the vibrant colors and sweet scent of spring come alive with a visit to the world-famous Keukenhof Flower Gardens. Here you will have time to explore row after row of over seven million blooming flowers. (B)

Day 4: Amsterdam - Floriade - Amsterdam - Thurs. September 06, 2012

Spend the day captivated by the beauty of nature and awed by scientists' efforts to understand it at the world-famous Floriade horticultural exhibition. Held just once every 10 years, Floriade is the ultimate global cultural event, featuring flora from around the world, as well as more than 300 cultural and green-tech presentations across a 60-acre park in Venlo, Netherlands. Also on display are living cultural exhibitions representing more than 30 countries from around the world. (B,D)

Day 5: Amsterdam - Brussels, Belgium - Fri. September 07, 2012

After breakfast, travel to Brussels, the capital of Belgium and home of the EU Parliament. Upon arrival in Brussels, enjoy a panoramic tour of the city including the Royal Gardens and castle, Atomium, Arch of Triumph, the Art Nouveau houses, and of course, the world-famous Grand Palace. The balance of your day in Brussels is free. (B)

Day 6: Brussels - Bruges - Brussels - Sat. September 08, 2012

Travel to the imperial city of Bruges. Lined with typical patrician houses, Bruges, a World Heritage site, conveys the splendor of by-gone days. Allow yourself to journey back into medieval times with a leisurely-paced walking tour, guided by a local resident, of one of Europe's most perfectly preserved medieval cities. Then, spend time at leisure independently exploring Bruges. (B,D)

Day 7: Brussels- Sun. September 09, 2012

Today is yours to explore Brussels on your own, or you may choose to join an optional excursion to the Belgian and French countryside for an artisanal afternoon visiting various local farms and food producers. (B)

Day 8: Brussels - Paris, France - Mon. September 10, 2012

Today you travel through the Ardennes forest and French countryside to the "City of Lights." Upon arrival in Paris, you will have free time to relax or explore the city independently. You may also join your fellow travelers for an optional dinner and cabaret show in the city. (B)

Day 9: Paris - Giverny - Paris - Tues. September 11, 2012

Your day begins with a panoramic tour of Paris. See the breathtaking architecture of the Arc de Triomphe, the Gothic cathedral of Notre Dame with its lovely rose windows dating to the 13th century, the historic Place de la Concorde and its commanding obelisk from the tomb of Ramses II in Egypt, Place Vendome, and the Champs-Elysees, the famed promenade that is known around the world for its people-watching. Next, Claude Monet's famous painting "Water Lilies" comes to life with a visit to the artist's lovely home and palatial gardens in Giverny. (B)

Day 10: Paris - Wed. September 12, 2012

Today is free for you to explore Paris on your own and perhaps take an optional excursion to the world-famous Louvre Museum or Louis XIV's magnificent Palace of Versailles, or sit in a café on the Champs-Elysees and watch the world go by Parisian-style - it's Paris your way! Cap off an incredible trip with a fabulous dinner in the world-famous Eiffel Tower. Savor delicious cuisine and sip wine while enjoying the majestic Parisian skyline. Afterwards, relax and soak up the atmosphere of the city while on a romantic Seine River cruise. (B,D)

Day 11: Paris - Tour Ends

Terms and Conditions

Early Booking Savings: -

1. Valid on Collette Vacations air-inclusive group bokings for departures May 12, 2012 - April 30, 2012 any 2012 Netherlands, Belgium & Paris tour.
2. *Offer can expire earlier due to space or inventory availability.
3. *Space is on a first come, first served basis.
4. *Offers are not valid on existing bookings or combinable with any other offer.
5. *Other restrictions may apply.

   PASSPORT & VISA INFORMATION

   Certain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements.

   IMPORTANT:

   We recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.

   DESTINATION FACTS & STATS

   Time Zone
   Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris are all 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Electricity
   An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. When packing your electronic items for travel, please review the converter electric current level to make sure it the same or greater than the items you are planning on using. If you plan on utilizing or transporting a sleep apnea machine, please remember to pack an extension cord and adapter plug to ensure proper function.