At the pinnacle of artistic invention from the middle ages onwards, The Netherlands and Flanders were the inspiration behind the famous art movements of the time: primitive, renaissance and baroque. For a period of some 250 years, it was the place to meet and experience some of the most admired artists in Western Europe. Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Eyck, Bruegel, Rubens and many others rose to prominence during this time and cemented their place in the pantheon of all-time greatest masters.
Day 1. Amsterdam (B,-,-)
Arrival at Schiphol International Airport and afternoon walking city-tour exploring Amsterdam and it’s different neighbourhoods, flower markets, etc.
Day 2. Amsterdam (B,-,-)
Full day visiting the major museums of Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum hosting a magnificent collection of masterpieces & artwork, Rembrant House Museum.
Day 3. The Hague (B,-,-)
Discover the old masterpieces of Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem in the morning before moving to the royal city of The Hague. Visit the Mauritshuis, home to one of the best of Dutch painting from the Golden Age, and Panorama Mesdag behind the scenes.
Day 4. Antwerp (B,-,-)
Visit the nearby city of Delft, home of the House of Orange, and Royal Delft factory. Continue the journey to Kinderdijk (45min), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a unique collection of authentic windmills. In the late afternoon, enjoy a walking tour in the historical city center of Antwerp.
Day 5. Ghent (B,-,-)
Morning visit of The Rubens House and the Cathedral of Our Lady with a series of paintings by Rubens. In the afternoon transfer to Ghent and enjoy a walking tour in one of the most vibrant cities of Belgium. Visit some of the city’s highlights such as: the St. Bavo’s Cathedral with the unique altarpiece ‘the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’, St Peter Cathedral, the Cityhall, the Castle of the Counts, etc.
Day 6. Ghent (B,-,-)
In the morning, visit the MSK Museum, where one of the panels of the masterpiece by the Brothers van Eyck is being restored and can still be admired. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 7. Bruges (B,-,-)
Morning transfer to Bruges and walking tour of the historical city centre also known as 'the Venice of the North’. En route you walk through small streets, pass nice green parks, past picturesque houses and the city highlights. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat trip in the inland waterways and visit the Groeningemuseum. The museum offers a 6 century survey of Flemish and Belgian paintings from van Eyck to Broodthaers.
Day 8. Bruges (B,-,-)
Early morning (6:30am) departure to the open fields around Brugge for an exciting hot air balloon experience! Return to Bruges and enjoy a 30-minute horse and carriage tour of the inner city, including the rather unknown windmills of Bruges. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 9. Brussels (B,-,-)
Arriving in Brussels, drive/photo-opp around the city and pass some of Brussels’s monumental highlights including the Royal Palace of Laeken. In the afternoon, continue the visit with walking tour through Brussels downtown with emphasis on history and architecture. On the way, you will pass by Comic Strips mural paintings and some great examples of Art Deco buildings. You may enjoy some chocolate, special beer or other local delights such as speculoos cookies, waffles, etc. on the go.
Day 10. Brussels (B,-,-)
Enjoy a walk in Brussels uptown via “Mont des Arts” up to the “Place Royale”. Visit as well the Magritte Museum which displays works by the Surrealist René Magritte. Continue with a visit of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 11. Departure (B,-,-)
At time previously arranged, transfer to Brussels International Airport.
TOTAL ESTIMATE PRICE / PERSON based on 2 travelers sharing a room:
Included in the price:
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