Location Information:
Holland
Your adventure begins in the “land without frontiers.” Upon your arrival in
Holland, you will be in an area called the Drielandenpunt (three-country point)
near Vaals, where the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany share a common backyard
with astounding views. Nestled among gently sloping hills where lush forests and
pastures intertwine and merge with the Geul River, Valkenburg’s city center is
surrounded by parks and farms.
From Valkenburg to Maastricht, you’ll delight in Holland’s picturesque
landscaping, and majestic city centres. Considered the oldest fortified city in
Holland, Maastricht has more than 1400 historical monuments, dozens of restored
landmarks, along with many city gates and ramparts. Points of interest include
Mount St. Peter, century-old caverns, the Basilicas of Our Lady and St.
Servatius, and spectacular architecture.
Bruges
Encircled by London, Paris and Amsterdam, there are a myriad of “roads” to that
lead to Bruges; trains, ferry, private vehicles, planes make traveling simple,
Bruges is the epitome of the old saying, “All roads lead to Rome.” This 19th
century neo-gothic style city has maintained its medieval-architecture and feel.
Explore the old-world charm in this enchanting city.
Mozel River Cruise
Cruise the Mozel River and enjoy the serene riverfront views of many wonders of
the local area. For the most panoramic view of Koblenz, one of the oldest towns
in Germany, be sure to visit Deutsches Eck “the corner of Germany”, a point
where the two rivers meet. From the top of the base where a huge statue of
Wilhelm I once stood, you can see the Altstadt and across the Rhine to the
Festung Ehrenbreitstein; a fortress above the Rhine. Heavily bombed during World
War II, much of Koblenz has been restored including the Leibfrauenkirche (Church
of our Lady); a 13th-century Gothic basilica built on a Romanesque foundation.
Brussels
Often called the “essence of Europe,” Belgium is both a multicultural and
multilingual metropolis; referred to as “the Capital of Europe.” Well situated
between France and Holland, the kingdom of Belgium encompasses all the best that
Europe has to offer in an area no larger than Maryland. Experience all of the
wonders Brussels’ has to offer. Known as one of the world’s great cosmopolitan
capitals, Brussels has something for everyone…celebrate their art, culture,
museums, shopping, and architecture past and present; Romanesque, Gothic,
Baroque, and Art Nouveau and delve into a world filled with mystique.
From fine dining to museums and monuments, Brussels is a city of contrasts and
enormous diversity. A few points of interest include (1) the Grand Palace, built
in the 13th century; this ornate baroque and gothic guild is one of the most
beautiful squares in Europe, (2) the Manneken Pis, a famous statute of a little
boy peeing in a fountain representative of the irreverent Belgian humor, and (3)
the Galaries St. Hubert, a gorgeous glass roofed arcade in the center of town;
one of the most astonishing places to visit in Brussels.
Paris
Ernest Hemingway called the many splendors of Paris a “moveable feast.” Oh Grand
Paris, a spectacular city you be…cherish your time in Paris; a city filled with
an aura of brilliance. From architecture to cuisine, you’ll delight in the
traditions. Meander through the city center or float down the Seine River,
wander the artists’ quarter of Arrondissement, a blue-collar neighborhood
between Marais, Menilmontant and the Republique. Points of interest to explore
include the Eiffel Tower, the Musee du Louvre, the Palais Royal, the Pantheon,
Sainte Chapelle and countless museums, shops. Be sure to take time to discover
Paris on foot; stroll along the Seine and dow the Champs-Elysees from the Arc de
Triomphe to the Louvre.
Versailles
Celebrate the elegance and grandeur that adorn Chateau de Versailles, the most
spectacular palace in the world. Encircled by world-class gardens and a network
of canals, this chateau is complete with miles of ornate corridors lined with
the spoils of a vanished era. Be sure toe tour the Royal Apartments, the Hall of
Mirrors, the Hall of Battles, and the Petit and Grand Trianons on your way to
the Queen’s Hamlet before returning to Paris.
Strasbourg
The capital of Alsace, Strasbourg is one of France’s greatest cities and the
birthplace of pate de foie gras. West of the Rhine, Strasbourg is one of
France’s major ports and is home to the European Parliament; which convenes at
the Palais de l’Europe. While in Strasbourg, be sure to venture down
General-de-Gaulle street; “street of many names” – located in the heart of the
city, this street has changed names time and time again – reflecting the city’s
identity crises; once known as avenue Napolean, it became Kaiser-Wilhelmstrasse,
and then the boulevard de la Republique, and Adolf-Hitler-Strasse and finally
General-de-Gaulle.
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