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Christmas Markets of Amsterdam, Luxembourg & Brussels

with Bruges extension

Duration: 10 or 12 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 4

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Celebrate the yuletide in three charming cities.

Wander past historic landmarks, meandering canals, and gabled houses as you marvel at the storybook atmosphere of Christmas markets in the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium. Immerse yourself in the winter festivities as you delve into Amsterdam’s laid-back culture, stroll along Luxembourg’s cobbled streets, and explore Brussels, the unofficial capital of Europe.

Your tour package includes

8 nights in handpicked hotels
8 breakfasts
3 dinners with beer or wine
2 beer tastings & 1 wine tasting
3 guided sightseeing tours

Included highlights

Christmas markets from Amsterdam to Brussels
Amsterdam’s canals
Dam Square
Van Gogh Museum
Maastricht

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Amsterdam today.

Amsterdam3 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Amsterdam

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to the Netherlands! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Amsterdam & Christmas market visit

Included meal: Breakfast

Today’s panoramic sightseeing tour introduces you to Amsterdam’s iconic canals and unique character.

Walk through Bloemenmarkt, the city’s famous floating flower market, and pass by Begijnhof Chapel
Stroll by the canals and bridges, taking in the houseboats that dot the banks
View Dam Square, home of many landmarks including the neoclassical Royal Palace, the 15th-century New Church, and the National Monument
Enter the Van Gogh Museum to admire the largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh’s masterpieces, including the famous Sunflowers
Make your way to Amstelveen to visit the Winter Village Christmas market, where stalls sell everything from seasonal food to handmade crafts

Please note: You’ll be divided into groups of 20 people or less for the walking portion of the sightseeing tour. Each group will have their own local guide.

Enjoy a free evening in Amsterdam or add an excursion.

Canal Cruise & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 4: Free day in Amsterdam

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Amsterdam or add an excursion.

A Day in Charming Delft

Excursion (additional cost)

Luxembourg Region2 nights

Day 5: Luxembourg Region via Maastricht

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel south to the mountainous province of Limburg. Stop in its capital, Maastricht, where your Tour Director will show you the Old City walls. Then, enjoy free time to take in the festive spirit at the Vrijthof Square Christmas market, which is home to an illuminated Ferris wheel and ice skating rink. After exploring the many stalls, cross into the tiny principality of Luxembourg, where you'll sit down for an included dinner with your group.

Day 6: Sightseeing tour of Luxembourg City & Christmas market visit

Included meal: Breakfast

A local guide leads today’s tour of Luxembourg City, the country’s capital.

Enter the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial
View the World War II Monument to National Unity in the New Town
See the Citadel of the Holy Spirit, Notre-Dame Cathedral and Grand Ducal Palace
Travel through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Enjoy the best of the season as you stroll through festive Christmas markets in the main square, where you’ll stop for a mulled wine tasting at a market stall

Enjoy a free afternoon in the Luxembourg region or add an excursion.

Historic Germany: A Day in Trier

Excursion (additional cost)

Brussels3 nights

Day 7: Brussels via Bastogne

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel north through the forested Ardennes on your way to Brussels.

Visit the Bastogne War Museum, which pays tribute to the American soldiers who defended Belgium in World War II during the Battle of the Bulge
Stop in Purnode for a guided sightseeing tour of the Brasserie du Bocq brewery and a beer tasting

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Brussels & Christmas market visit

Included meal: Breakfast

Join a local guide for a panoramic tour of Brussels, the unofficial capital of Europe and headquarters of the European Union.

Drive past the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, a Gothic church dating back to the Middle Ages
Pass by Brussels Park, the Royal Palace and the Palais de Justice, the largest court building in Brussels
Stroll through the city’s historic center, stopping at the Grand-Place market for a chocolate tasting
Take free time to view the Manneken-Pis statue before exploring Brussels’ Christmas markets, where the season comes to life amid soaring Christmas trees and quaint chalets

Enjoy a free evening in Brussels or add an excursion.

Belgian Chocolate Workshop & Beer Tasting

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 9: Free day in Brussels

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Spend a free day in Brussels or add an excursion.

Celebrate your trip with your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner this evening.

A Day in Antwerp

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 10: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue your tour in the city of Bruges.

Extension to Bruges

Continue your trip to Bruges, a medieval city so well-preserved, it’s like walking right into a fairy-tale scene. Explore some seriously charming cobbled streets on a sightseeing tour with a local guide.

Bruges2 nights

Day 10: Transfer to Bruges, sightseeing tour & Christmas market visit

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel to Bruges, where you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take in the sights, sounds and flavors of this charming city. Get an overview on a panoramic tour of its most famous sites.

See Burg Square and the Church of Our Lady
Enjoy the view pf romantic Minnewater, the “Lake of Love”
Visit the Beguinage, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to an order of Benedictine nuns
Pop into some of the many chocolate shops for tastings
Step inside the 14th-century City Hall, which is built in the Gothic style and is distinguished as one of the oldest city halls in the Benelux region

This evening, walk through the famous Bruges Christmas Market with your Tour Director, followed by free time to enjoy the festivities on your own.

Day 11: Free day in Bruges

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Bruges or add an excursion.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

A Day in Ghent: Tasting Tour & Canal Cruise

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 12: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Brussels airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.5 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Re-title this tour

01/15/2020 by 4th time traveler Mary B.

Yes this tour had Some Christmas markets, however it had much more art, churches and Battle of the Bulge history. There was really only one good market and that was in Bruges, the EXTENTION. Please QUIT adding extensions to the trip we are supposed to have included! Those were so Small and most...

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Christmas came early this year

12/23/2019 by 3rd time traveler Rev M.

Planning since July for Christmas seemed crazy but when the time came there were things I wish I had done better to prepare - like done a lot more walking or riding an exercise machine! From the moment I landed in Amsterdam to seeing me off at 6am departure day our guide Jionet was WONDERFUL!!! I g...

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Wonderful Time

12/23/2019 by 11th time traveler Lou A.

This tour ran the first week of December to take advantage of Europe’s traditional Christmas Markets. However, there are no Christmas markets in Amsterdam or Delft which are the two cities visited in The Netherlands. Their is plenty to see and do in Amsterdam and Delft just don’t be disappointed tha...

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Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Hampshire Hotel - The Manor Amsterdam

The Manor Amsterdam is located in a unique building in Amsterdam-Oost: the perfect location if you wish to stay overnight in a historic building durin...

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Hotel Mercure Luxembourg Kikuoka Golf and Spa

This contemporary hotel is located in the town of Canach in the Scheierhaff district. Guests enjoy a wellness center, restaurant, and bar. Nearby, you...

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NH Brugge

This historic hotel is located in the Bruges city center. Guests enjoy a restaurant, a bar, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you'll find Market Square, St. Ann...

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Hotel Novotel Luxembourg Kirchberg

This contemporary hotel is located in the Kirchberg quarter. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a bistro, and bar. Nearby, you’ll find the European Parliament, ...

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Penta Hotel Brussels City Centre

This trendy hotel is located in the Kastelijn neighborhood. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and gym. Nearby you’ll find Halle Gate, Palais de Justice,...

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Novotel Brugge Centrum Hotel

This modern hotel is located in the Magdalena Quarter. Guests enjoy a bar, restaurant, and outdoor pool. Nearby you’ll find the Groeninge Museum, Minn...

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Eden Hotel Amsterdam

The Eden Hotel Amsterdam is the perfect hotel to start exploring Amsterdam. The hotel is located in the vibrant heart of the Dutch capital, next to th...

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Thon Hotel Bristol Stephanie

This colorful hotel is located in the Châtelain neighborhood. Guests enjoy a restaurant, a bar, and a sauna. Nearby, you’ll find the Royal Palace, Ave...

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Flights

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Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

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FAQ

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Passport & visa requirements

This tour visits the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium. In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
There is no visa 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 specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for at least 1 hour daily across moderately uneven terrain, including cobblestone streets and paved roads, with few hills or stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own luggage at times.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Amsterdam and depart from Brussels. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

Winters in the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium are generally cold. To ensure you’re comfortable for outdoor sightseeing and Christmas market visits, we recommend packing a warm coat, hat, and gloves, as well as rainwear.
We also suggest packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can easily be layered.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes, sneakers, or winter boots is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to any of the countries on this tour.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

In the Netherlands, simply prepared meat and fish dishes, substantial soups, and hearty stews are local staples. Snack food traditionally features fish—you might try maatje, raw green herring served with onions—but pancakes, french fries, doughnuts, and waffles are just as plentiful.
In Luxembourg, the culinary influences are mostly Germanic. Smoked sausages, hams, and hearty stews are popular.
In Belgium, seafood is of a very high quality, and mussels steamed in white wine are a favorite. Patisseries offer decadent pastries and cakes, and you won’t want to miss indulging in favorites like french fries, handmade chocolate, locally brewed Abbey-style beer and, of course, Belgian waffles.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Electricity

The Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium operate on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Time zones

The Netherlands, Luxembourg and Belgium are one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.

Currency

You will use the euro on this 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.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an optional excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

Dates & prices

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202020212022

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