Cruise and Maritime Voyages

This tour will acquaint you with the sights of old and new Amsterdam from the comfort of your coach and from the vantage point of the canals themselves. The city is known for its extraordinary network of tree-lined canals, friendly multilingual people, bubbling nightlife and sophisticated shopping.
Within a short time you find yourselves in the heart of the city, passing many places of historic interest such as the Munttoren (Mint Tower) and the baroque Royal Palace which, upon its completion in 1655, was hailed as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’.  Also of particular interest is the 16th century Schreierstoren (Weeping Tower) which, according to legend, derived its name from the sailors’ wives who used to bid their husbands an emotional farewell from here. You will see other famous and historical landmarks such as Dam Square, Nieuwe Kerk and Portuguese Synagogue.
Included in your tour is an hour-long cruise in a glass-topped motor launch along the picturesque canals of Amsterdam. They are the most characteristic feature of this lovely city whose image is indelibly stamped with the taste and philosophy of the early Dutch Renaissance. A cruise from canal level is the best way to see the variety of gables, merchants’ mansions, historic buildings such as the Westerchurch and Twin Houses and bridges such as the Skinny Bridge as you glide through some of the city’s one hundred canals.
At the end of your tour, time permitting, there will be approximately 45 minutes of free time before returning to the port.

By coach/canal boat, subject to minimum 40.
Please note: This tour involves approximately 15 minutes walking including steps to reach the canal boats. Please ensure that you are suitably attired for the weather conditions on the day. On some dates, the duration of this tour will be reduced owing to the call timings in port. Free time during the tour will be reduced but the canal trip and city tour will have the same duration.

This tour will give you the chance to see Brussels at this special time of year and the opportunity for shopping at the Christmas Market or for further independent sightseeing.
Upon arrival in Brussels, following a journey of approximately one hour along the Belgian Highway, enjoy a panoramic guided coach tour passing the King Boudewijn Stadium and Centenaire to the Atomium Statue for a photo stop. Then travel on to the centre of the city passing the Chinese Pavilion, the Japanese Tower, the Royal Castle of Laeken, the European Parliament and the Cinquantenaire.
From the coach park your guide will walk you to the main Christmas Market. After giving information about the Market, other sights, shops and places you may choose to eat (at your own expense); your time is then free to do as you please.
As the end of the year draws near, the Christmas Markets blossom in many cities and towns in Belgium. Approximately 220 wooden chalets will be present around the Beurs, the St Katelijneplein and Vismarkt for the Brussels annual European Christmas Market – seen as one of the most original Christmas Markets in Europe. A large array of Christmas goods, craft products and delicacies will be on sale. A 48 metre-high giant wheel is visible overlooking the traditional Christmas tree and decorations on Grote Markt. In addition, an ice skating rink offers fun for young and old.
After your free time, you will meet up with your guide for the walk back to your coach and the return drive to Antwerp.

By coach/on foot, subject to minimum 40.
Please note: The drive to Brussels will take approximately 1 hour each way. Lunch is not included in this tour to allow you maximum flexibility during your free time. Please remember to take Euros with you. Please be aware that the terrain is mainly over cobblestones, therefore we recommend comfortable walking shoes. Please ensure that you are suitably attired for the weather conditions on the day.

Transfer by coach to the centre of the medieval city of Ghent. On arrival your guide will walk you to the Christmas Market which starts at the bottom of St Michael's Bridge. On top of St Michael's Bridge there is an impressive view over the historical city centre. From here you can see the Old Port with gabled guild houses, the age-old castle of the Counts and the famous "Row of Three Towers", St. Nicolas Church, the Belfry Tower and St. Bavo's Cathedral.
Enjoy approximately 2 hours of free time at Ghent Christmas Market located between the ‘Three Towers’. There are different stalls which sell Christmas goods, some live music (on certain days) and a large ice rink.

By coach/on foot, subject to minimum 40.
Please note: The drive to Ghent will take approximately 1 hour each way. Refreshments are not included in this tour to allow you maximum flexibility during your free time. Please remember to take Euros with you. There is approximately 2 hours of walking on the guided walk. Please be aware that the terrain is mainly over cobblestones, therefore we recommend comfortable walking shoes. Please ensure that you are suitably attired for the weather conditions on the day. The Market in Ghent opens at 1pm.