European Classics Journey

Arrive at Brussels International Airport where our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in and refreshments, enjoy an orientation tour of Brussels' historic center, including the magnificent Grand Place with its ornate guild houses and the famous Manneken Pis statue. Evening welcome dinner featuring traditional Belgian cuisine and renowned local beers. Overnight in Brussels.

 After breakfast, visit the iconic Atomium, symbol of Brussels built for the 1958 World's Fair, and the nearby Mini-Europe Park featuring miniature replicas of European landmarks. Continue to the Royal Quarter to see the Royal Palace and Brussels Park. In the afternoon, explore the Belgian Comic Strip Center and enjoy a chocolate tasting workshop to learn about Belgium's famous pralines. Evening at leisure to explore Brussels' vibrant restaurant scene. Overnight in Brussels.

 After breakfast, journey to the medieval city of Bruges, stopping en route at the historic city of Ghent to see the impressive St. Bavo's Cathedral housing the famous Ghent Altarpiece by Van Eyck, and the picturesque Graslei harbor. Continue to Bruges, often called the "Venice of the North." Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a guided walking tour of the charming historic center, including the Market Square with its soaring Belfry tower and the picturesque Rozenhoedkaai canal viewpoint. Evening canal cruise to admire Bruges' magical illuminated buildings. Overnight in Bruges.

 Morning visit to the Church of Our Lady housing Michelangelo's Madonna and Child sculpture, followed by the Groeninge Museum with its collection of Flemish primitive paintings. After lunch, depart for Paris, the romantic capital of France. Upon arrival in the evening, check in to your hotel and enjoy an orientation drive along the illuminated Champs-Élysées to see the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower sparkling with lights. Overnight in Paris.

Full day exploring Paris, starting with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower (second level) for panoramic views of the city. Continue to Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior view due to reconstruction) and the Latin Quarter. After lunch, visit the world-famous Louvre Museum housing masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Evening Seine River cruise to admire Paris' magnificent illuminated monuments. Overnight in Paris.

After breakfast, visit the magnificent Palace of Versailles with its spectacular Hall of Mirrors and beautiful gardens (optional). Return to Paris for an afternoon at leisure for shopping along the Champs-Élysées or exploring the charming Montmartre district with its artists' square and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Evening option to enjoy a cabaret show at the famous Moulin Rouge or Lido (extra charge). Overnight in Paris.

After breakfast, depart for Cologne, Germany. Travel through the picturesque countryside of northern France and Belgium, crossing into Germany's Rhineland region. En route, enjoy a lunch stop in the charming town of Aachen, famous for its impressive cathedral. Upon arrival in Cologne, check in to your hotel and enjoy an evening walking tour of the historic center, including the magnificent Gothic Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Farewell dinner featuring traditional German specialties. Overnight in Cologne.

 After breakfast, enjoy a morning Rhine River cruise (seasonal) to admire the beautiful scenery, vineyards, and medieval castles. Visit Cologne Cathedral for an interior tour of this architectural masterpiece. Free time for last-minute shopping before transferring to Cologne/Bonn Airport or Frankfurt International Airport (depending on flight availability) for your departure flight, taking home wonderful memories of your European adventure.