8-Day European Christmas: Belgium, Germany & Netherlands

Meet your Spanish-speaking guide opposite Brussels Central Station, in front of the Hilton Hotel at Carrefour de l'Europe. Depart by private, air-conditioned bus for the approximately two-hour journey to Aachen. Upon arrival at Bendplatz parking area, enjoy a guided introduction to the city's history and receive access to your digital audio guide in Spanish and English. Take the local shuttle to the city centre at your own expense and enjoy approximately six hours of free time, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, to explore the Christmas market around Aachen Cathedral and the historic Town Hall. Browse artisan stalls, wander through medieval alleyways, and sample traditional Aachener Printen. At 5:00 PM, meet your group at the designated meeting point and take the shuttle back to the parking area. Depart for Brussels at approximately 5:30 PM, arriving between 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM, depending on traffic. ­ Tour Details Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes Departure Point: Opposite Brussels Central Station, in front of the Hilton Hotel, Carrefour de l'Europe, Brussels Guide Language: Spanish-speaking guide Digital Audio Guide: Spanish and English Transport: Private air-conditioned bus with onboard Wi-Fi Free Time in Aachen: Approximately 6 hours (11:00 AM–5:00 PM) Tour Type: Day trip with guided introduction and independent exploration ­ Highlights Discover Aachen's traditional Christmas market beside its historic Cathedral and Town Hall. Enjoy approximately six hours of free time to explore the city independently. Sample Aachener Printen, Aachen's traditional gingerbread specialty. Learn about Aachen's history with a guided introduction and digital audio guide. ­ What's Included Round-trip transportation by private air-conditioned bus Onboard Wi-Fi Guided introduction to Aachen Digital audio guide in Spanish and English Free time to explore Aachen's Christmas market ­ What's Not Included Local shuttle between Bendplatz parking area and the city centre Food and drinks Monument and museum entrance fees Personal expenses ­ Description Experience the magic of the German Christmas season on a full-day excursion from Brussels to Aachen. Travel in a private, air-conditioned bus and enjoy a guided introduction to the city's fascinating history before exploring its festive atmosphere independently. ­ Upon arrival at Bendplatz, your guide will introduce Aachen, a historic city once chosen by Charlemagne as the centre of his empire. You will also receive access to a digital audio guide in Spanish and English to accompany your exploration. ­ A local shuttle will take you from the parking area to the city centre (shuttle tickets are not included). Enjoy approximately six hours of free time, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, to discover the Christmas market surrounding Aachen Cathedral and the historic Town Hall. Browse artisan stalls, explore medieval alleyways, visit local shops, and try Aachener Printen, the city's traditional gingerbread specialty.

Meet your guide at 90 Rue Antoine Dansaert in Brussels and board the electric bus for your festive sightseeing tour. Enjoy a non-stop journey through the city's illuminated streets and Christmas decorations, passing De Brouckère, Sainte-Catherine Square, Saint-Géry, Poelaert Square, Avenue Louise, the European Quarter, Cinquantenaire Park, Brussels Park, Royal Square, Central Station, and the Brussels Christmas Market. Listen to live commentary in English or French while enjoying a Christmas playlist onboard. The tour concludes after approximately one hour. ­ Tour Details Duration: 1 hour Guide Languages: English and French Starting Point: 90 Rue Antoine Dansaert, 1000 Brussels Transport: Electric bus Tour Type: Guided non-stop panoramic bus tour ­ Highlights Discover Brussels illuminated with festive Christmas lights. Enjoy a guided ride aboard an electric bus. See iconic landmarks, including Royal Square and Cinquantenaire Park. Enjoy a Christmas playlist throughout the journey. ­ What's Included Live guide Guided electric bus tour Christmas music onboard ­ What's Not Included Onboard toilets Personal expenses ­ Description See Brussels transformed for the Christmas season on a guided, non-stop electric bus tour through the city's most famous areas and landmarks. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the festive atmosphere as Christmas lights illuminate historic squares, grand avenues, and iconic buildings. ­ Pass through lively neighbourhoods such as De Brouckère, Dansaert, Sainte-Catherine, and Saint-Géry, before continuing towards Poelaert Square, Avenue Louise, and the European Quarter. Along the way, admire Brussels Park, Cinquantenaire Park, Royal Square, Central Station, and the famous Brussels Christmas Market. ­ With live commentary in English or French and a festive Christmas playlist onboard, this tour offers a comfortable way to discover the city's seasonal highlights.

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel before making your way to Bruxelles-Midi (Brussels-South Station) to board your train to Köln Hauptbahnhof (Cologne Central Station). Settle into your seat and enjoy a comfortable high-speed rail journey through the scenic landscapes of Belgium and Germany, passing charming towns, green countryside, and picturesque villages as you travel east toward Cologne. ­ Upon arrival at Köln Hauptbahnhof (Cologne Central Station), make your way to your hotel to check in and settle into your accommodation. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Cologne at your own pace, admire the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, stroll along the Rhine River promenade, visit the historic Old Town, or enjoy traditional German cuisine at a local restaurant. ­ The direct train journey typically takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the service. Timetables and departure times vary by travel date.

After breakfast, enjoy your free time exploring Cologne before visiting TimeRide at Alter Markt 36–42. The attraction is approximately a 3-minute walk from your hotel. From 4:00 PM, begin your virtual journey through Cologne's past, experiencing historical locations and scenes through immersive virtual reality, digital animations, and audiovisual storytelling. Discover how the city and its communities have evolved through the centuries. ­ Tour Details Location: TimeRide Cologne Address: Alter Markt 36–42, 50667 Cologne, Germany Opening Time: From 4:00 PM Experience Type: Virtual reality historical experience Accessibility: Suitable for individual visitors, families, groups, and school classes ­ Highlights Travel through different eras of Cologne's history using virtual reality. Experience historical scenes brought to life through digital animations. Discover stories about local traditions and everyday life. Explore Cologne's cultural heritage through immersive audiovisual storytelling. ­ What's Included Virtual reality historical experience at TimeRide Cologne ­ What's Not Included Personal expenses Additional food and drinks ­ Description Travel through different eras of Cologne's history with TimeRide's award-winning virtual reality experience. Using immersive technology and audiovisual storytelling, explore historical locations and see how the city has changed over the centuries. ­ Discover stories of local traditions, social classes, and everyday life while gaining insights into Cologne's cultural and historical development. Digital reconstructions bring the past into focus, allowing you to experience the Rhine metropolis from a completely new perspective. ­

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel before making your way to Köln Hauptbahnhof (Cologne Central Station) to board your train to Amsterdam Centraal (Amsterdam Central Station). Settle into your seat and enjoy a comfortable rail journey through the picturesque landscapes of western Germany and the Netherlands, passing charming towns, green countryside, and traditional Dutch scenery as you travel northwest toward the Dutch capital. ­ Upon arrival at Amsterdam Centraal, make your way to your hotel to check in and settle into your accommodation. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Amsterdam at your own pace, wander along its famous canals, admire the historic canal houses, visit Dam Square, discover the charming Jordaan neighbourhood, or relax at a traditional Dutch café. ­ The direct train journey typically takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the service. Timetables and departure times vary by travel date.

Walk approximately 9 minutes from your hotel to the meeting point at 8 Oosterdokskade in Amsterdam. Board the heated luxury saloon boat and settle in for a 75-minute guided cruise through the city's historic canals during the Amsterdam Light Festival. Admire more than 20 illuminated artworks and discover the festival's creative theme of Legacy as your English-speaking guide shares insights along the route. Depending on your selected option, enjoy snacks and drinks, including wine, mulled wine, beer, or soft drinks, while taking in the spectacular views of Amsterdam at night. ­ Tour Details Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Meeting Point: 8 Oosterdokskade, 1011 AE, Amsterdam Guide Language: English Transport: Heated luxury saloon boat Tour Type: Guided canal cruise ­ Highlights Admire illuminated artworks during the Amsterdam Light Festival. Cruise through Amsterdam's historic canals aboard a heated luxury boat. Enjoy panoramic views of the light installations. Upgrade your experience with optional drinks and snacks. ­ What's Included 75-minute canal cruise Heated boat Live English-speaking guide Professional skipper Snacks and drinks, depending on the selected option ­ What's Not Included Optional drinks package, unless selected Additional food and drinks Personal expenses ­ Description Discover Amsterdam from its historic waterways during the Amsterdam Light Festival, an annual celebration that transforms the city into an open-air exhibition of light art. Cruise through the picturesque canals aboard a comfortable, heated luxury boat and admire more than 20 illuminated artworks that bring the city to life. ­ The festival's 14th edition celebrates the theme of "Legacy," exploring how light art connects people and transforms urban spaces. Enjoy unobstructed views of the installations while your live guide shares insights about the artworks and the festival. ­ For an even more enjoyable experience, choose an optional drinks package featuring wine, mulled wine, beer, or soft drinks, with snacks and drinks available depending on your selection.

After breakfast, meet your driver and transfer to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol AMS. We recommend scheduling your hotel pick-up up to 4 hours before your flight departure time. Please note that hotel check-out is at 12:00 noon, and late check-out will be subject to availability.