Flanders

Day 1 BRUSSELS
Full day of sightseeing in Brussels, the political, economical and art capital of Europe. We start on the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most beautiful squares in the world. This square is surrounded by late medieval and early renaissance guild houses and the beautiful city hall. Continue along the narrow streets and see the many old buildings as well as such unique “landmarks” as the Manneken Pis, the statue of a small boy relieving himself. Brussels is also a wonderful place to shop, so you might want to walk through the Galleries St. Hubert, the first covered shopping arcade in Europe, or visit the lace museum and shops. Visit The Sablon, a charming square lined with cafes and chocolate shops, ,and surrounded by the famous Brussels Antique District. End the day at Rue De Bouchers, which offers many restaurants and serves up Belgium’s famous foods.

Day 2 ANTWERP
A trip to Antwerp will reveal a multi faceted and cosmopolitan city, Antwerp is well known since medieval times as a shipping and port center, and also as the world diamond trade center. Our visit starts at the beautifully restored Central Station, a landmark of 19th century design. Nearby is the Provincial Diamond Museum, depicting the history, logistics and beauty of diamonds, their retrieval and design. Meir, the famous shopping street leads us to the old city, where on the Grote Markt, we enjoy the architecture of the medieval guild houses, magnificent city hall and the fountain of Brabo. Fashion anyone? Antwerp is certainly a center for contemporary design. Visit the Fashion Museum, or browse through the many shops, both of famous and upcoming designers. Before leaving the city, don’t forget to visit the Rubens House, home of the fables renaissance artist and the Plantin-Moretus House (a UNESCO World heritage Site), the oldest and largest medieval printing house and book store surviving from medieval times.

Day 3 GHENT
Today we travel to Ghent. This medieval city, kept its old charm, while developing as a modern, lively town. The mix of old and new will surround you, as you stroll through the five market squares, narrow alleys and canal side parks. Visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral and gaze in owe at Jan Van Eyck’s masterpiece “The Adoration Of The Mystic Lamb”. This painting is considered to be one of the masterpieces of medieval religious art. Walk through the streets of Patershol, once a medieval “slum” and see how the commoners lived years ago. Marvel at the Gravensteen, the castle where the local nobility once lived, and today houses a museum that includes a collection of torture instruments. End the day with a ride in a canal boat for a unique view of the city.

Holland

Day 4 AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam is a charming city, which is best viewed from the water! Start early and cruise the canals on a canal cruise boat and see Europe's largest historic city center with nearly 7000 monuments from the 15th through the 19th century. Hop of the boat at Museum Square and visit the Rijksmuseum with Rembrandt's famous 'Night Watch'. For even more art visit next door neighbor Van Gogh Museum to see the largest Van Gogh collection in the world.

Head over to the posh P.C. Hooftstraat for some serious shopping after a nice lunch at Brasserie Patou (P.C. Hooftstraat 63). Take the tram back to the city center and go to Cafe de Jaren (Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20) to conquer a place on the outside waterfront terrace.

Get an early dinner and sample the famous dishes of an Indonesian 'rijsttafel' at restaurant Tempo Doeloe (Utrechtsestraat 75). Amsterdam's nightlife offers something for everyone. Enjoy a concert at the internationally renowned Concertgebouw (Concertgebouwplein 2-6) or for jazzy sounds head over to the Bimhuis (Piet Heinkade 3).

DAY 5 AMSTERDAM
Discovering Amsterdam can best be done by bike, so rent a bike and head over to the charming and quaint Jordaan area. Its narrow streets and small houses give the feeling of a village inside a city. Browse through the one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques in the 'Nine Little Streets' area.

Blend in with the locals and enjoy baguettes and delicious sandwiches at cozy Dutch lunch cafe Singel 404 (Singel 404). After lunch go over to the Koningsplein to see the floating flower market. Pick up some souvenirs and continue to the Vondelpark and spend some time in the largest park of Amsterdam, named after a famous Dutch poet. Hang out with the locals in the park or relax on the terrace of the popular spot Het Blauwe Theehuis (Vondelpark 5). Climb on your bike again and ride along the canals to the Rembrandtplein and continue to Brouwerij 't IJ (Funenkade 7). Look for the large windmill to find this small brewery, sit on the terrace and enjoy one of the many beers on tap.

Bike back to the city's west side and before dinner stop for a drink at one of the typical Dutch 'brown' cafes, such as Cafe 't Smalle on the Egelantiersgracht 12. Try a typical Dutch spirit called 'jenever'. Having worked up an appetite, head for trendy Nevy (Westerdoksdijk 40), a modern and stylish seafood restaurant with panoramic views of the river IJ.

Day 6 DELFT
Enjoy the 58min early morning train ride from Amsterdam Central Station to Delft. Delft is a small city with a population of around 96,000 people and is centrally located between the Hague and Rotterdam.Delft is renowned all over the world as the city of Delft blue earthenware. This is based on an age-old tradition. In the 17th century, the 'Golden Age', dozens of small potteries arose in Delft in buildings which formerly accommodated breweries. Delft was one of the home ports of the Dutch East India Company. When the Delft potters became acquainted with the imported Chinese porcelain, they began manufactur-ing Delftware with designs based on these patterns, which is nowadays still made by hand. Delft is also famous for its pleasant historical centre. There are fun shops, galleries, pubs and restaurants with outdoor terraces and pub boats. Why not view the city from a tour boat or horse-drawn tram? Also well worth a visit is the general market on the Markt, the colourful flower market and the flea market with bric-a-brac and antiques along the canals.