Itinerary

Day 1 Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, and the epicentre of the country's finance and culture. Amsterdam's attractions, including its historic canals, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and its red-light district, draw 4.2 million tourists annually. This city fans out south from the Amsterdam Central railway station, which is serviced regularly from the airport. Amsterdam's rich architectural legacies make a stroll through the downtown, or a canal tour, a memorable experience. It is a city of bicycles, families, tidy streets and courteous manners. Quite opposite to the reputation, it's the peace and tranquility that lingers in your memory after departing this city.

Avail of a transfer from the airport to your hotel in a private vehicle with an English speaking Driver. Transfer includes 1 piece of luggage per person plus hand luggage. Please let us know in advance if you expect to have further pieces of luggage.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be presented to you by your driver upon arrival. Alternative arrangements will be made if you do not have a private transfer at the start of your itinerary.

Your English speaking guide will meet you at your hotel and take you on a tour of wonderful Amsterdam.

The guide will take you through the most picturesque neighborhood of Amsterdam, which is called " Jordaan". The neighborhood with its narrow streets and small canals was built in the 17th century. The higher classes lived along the big canals, the lower classes and craftsmen in de Jordaan. Nowadays the area is the center for art, musicians and antiques. The word is distracted from the French word "jardin" which means garden. The names of the streets all represent names of flowers or bushes, the real inner gardens however are hidden behind the facades of beautiful small gables. This neighborhood offers great antique shops and other particular stores. You can even find a toothbrush store here! The guide will also take you to The Begijnhof, the most peaceful place in the busy city center. It is a lovely courtyard with a small church, a chapel and gorgeous houses. The Beguines were widows and unmarried women who led an austere and devout life, dedicated to nursing and caring for the poor. You will also see the oldest preserved house of Amsterdam. This wooden house was built shortly after the great fire of 1452. Right on the edge of the Jordaan, next to the beautiful landmark of Westerkerk you will find the Anne Frank House where Anne Frank was hiding during the German occupation. This small, however impressive museum is definitely worth a visit. During the tour the guide will of course make a coffee stop on request and can also suggest a nice place for lunch.

Walk through the old heart of Amsterdam. Visit the historic “Begijnhof”. Stroll over the floating flower market and walk along the canals. Admire the old merchant warehouses.

Built in 2000, this 74-room hotel lies between Amsterdam's Kalverstraat shopping street, 75 metres away, and Rembrandt Square with its restaurants, cafés, and street musicians, 50 metres away. Albus Grand Hotel's guestrooms have sound-proofed double-glazing; all come equipped with hair dryers, high-speed Internet connections and satellite television with pay movies. The contemporary bar-restaurant overlooks the street and is lit by candles after dark; an American buffet breakfast, light lunch and dinner menus, and late-night cocktails are served.

Overnight at Albus Hotel Amsterdam Centre(4*).

Day 2 Amsterdam

Our first stop is at Aalsmeer´s world famous flower auction (closed Sundays and replaced by a visit of a traditional wooden shoe maker). Continuing to Rotterdam we take you on a city tour by bus with a photo stop at renowned Hotel New York. Then it´s on to Delft for lunch. We visit a Delft Blue Pottery and our guide will take you on a city walk. During a city tour by bus of the Hague we drive by the highlights of our governmental city like the House of Parliament and the Peace Palace. During this excursion you can visit Madurodam. This miniature city offers you the highlights of the Netherlands on a scale 1:25.

Lunch not included.

Overnight at Albus Hotel Amsterdam Centre(4*).

Day 3 Brussels

The City of Brussels is the largest municipality and the official capital of Belgium. Main attractions include the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Gothic town hall in the old centre, the St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral and the Laken Castle with its large greenhouses. Another famous landmark is the Royal Palace. Brussels is known for its local waffle, chocolate, french fries and numerous types of beers. In addition to the regular selection of Belgian beer, the famous lambic style of beer is only brewed in and around Brussels.

Private train station travel with private vehicle and English speaking driver. Transfer includes 1 piece of luggage per person plus hand lugagge. Please let us know in advance if you expect to have more luggage.

Enjoy a direct train ride from Amsterdam to Brussels train station. The journey will take approximately 2hr 45mins.

Train station transfer with private vehicle and English speaking Driver.

Enjoy a half day private sightseeing tour of Brussels with your English speaking guide. We begin our visit with a short stroll in the old city centre. Stroll through the world-famous Grand Place with its unique city hall and splendid guild houses before continuing by vehicle to the magnificent St. Michaels Cathedral, the Congress Column, the Heizel district with the renowned Atomium, the remarkable Chinese pavilion and the Japanese tower. We drive back to the centre via the Palace of Laken. After the impressive Court of Justice and the elegant Louiza Square, we drive to the stately Place Royale, the Royal Palace and the old Palace of the Nations which is now the home of Parliament. Around the corner, the heart of Europe beats: the buildings of the Commission, the Council of Ministers and the Place Royale.

NH Grand Place Arenberg (4*) offers an ideal location in the historical and commercial center of Brussels. The famous Grand Place and the Central Station, with local and international lines, are within a five-minute walk from our hotel.
Enjoy a relaxed, comfortable stay in our 155 guest rooms, which include six junior suites. Planning a meeting or special event? Our three function rooms are perfect for meetings, conferences, seminars, or banquets.

Overnight at NH Grand Place Arenberg (4*).

Day 4 Brussels

Enjoy a shared full day tour to the beautiful towns of Ghent and Bruges. After an hour's drive we arrive in Ghent, where we visit St. Bavo's Cathedral, home of the world famous 'Mystic Lamb' painting. During the city tour you will see all the important buildings from the Middle Ages, such as the Belfry, St Nicholas' Church and the Earl's Castle. In Bruges, we visit the Lake of Love and the Beguinage. Afterwards we start our walking tour and discover the Church of Our Lady with the statue by Michaelangelo, the Market Square with its belfry and the Holy Blood Chapel. (Includes transportation by coach, guided visit of St. Bavo's Cathedral, guided tour of Ghent and Bruges).

Overnight at NH Grand Place Arenberg (4*).

Day 5 Brussels

Relax on your private airport (Charleroi) transfer with private vehicle and English speaking Driver.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from Brussels International airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.

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