Luxury Netherlands & Belgium Walk (Windmills, Tulips, Canals & Villages) 6D5N, Fully Guided

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 122 m (400 ft)

On the first day of the trip, meet your tour leaders at 9 a.m. in front of the Amsterdam Sloterdijk train station in Amsterdam. We will meet at Sloterdijk's main entrance next to the Starbucks coffee shop; Please, ensure you arrive dressed in your hiking clothes, and come with your luggage and a daypack containing your rain gear and anything else you may want for the day's hike (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations).

Welcome to the Netherlands! From Amsterdam, we head south to the Meijendel nature reserve. This hypnotizing coastal terrain of open dunes, pine forests, and long stretches of sandy North Sea beach is the best place to begin our hiking adventure. Encircling The Hague's city centre, Meijendel's network of trails creates a weekend haven for hikers, local cyclists, and nature lovers.

We head to the seaside town of Scheveningen, a favourite of The Hague's 19th-century aristocracy, where a waterside esplanade, busy dock, and floating Ferris wheel trigger the feeling of a beach vacation. Get your Dutch act on and stroll the promenade or grab a cool drink and watch the windsurfers and kiteboarders catching some waves.

Savour a picnic lunch amid gorgeous flowers and herbs in a greenhouse and go on to Keukenhof Gardens, where you will have all the time to take in colourful floral designs at the world's largest flower garden. Tour the expansive park to view millions of dainty tulip blooms, inspiring vibrancy in the landscape. This bulb has enraptured the Dutch for centuries. As a matter of fact, in 1637, at the very peak of tulip mania, some bulbs were worth ten times a tradesman's annual salary.

We make our way by tram to the charming residential suburbs outside The Hague, which houses the Dutch parliament and the Hotel des Indes, our home for the next two nights. Established in 1858, this property was once a city palace and symbolizes the cultural significance of The Hague to the Dutch people. Next door is one of the three official palaces of the Dutch royal family, the majestic Noordeinde Palace. Get into character as royalty this afternoon with a trip to the hotel's luxurious spa (spa treatment at own expense).

Later in the day, we convene at our hotel in The Hague for a welcome reception before going into town for a delectable dinner where we’ll enjoy the lingering tastes of mouth-watering Belgian cuisine.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 61 m (200 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 13 km (8 miles), 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 122 m (400 ft)

We eat breakfast at the hotel and begin today's hike, going through a uniquely Dutch terrain of farming canals, dikes, and swamps. Made up of almost entirely reclaimed land, this coastal stretch of artificial landscape is amusing to observe.

This morning, our route takes us to the famed windmills of Kinderdijk, a World Heritage site. The windmills and pumping stations have been here for more than a millennium! We take a break to visit an organic farm powered by these spectacular hydraulic works, where we have the opportunity to taste the region's famous Gouda cheese and enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, we go to Utrecht, a lively university town and one of the Netherlands' oldest cities. We take a guided tour of the city's historic centre, exquisite townhouses, and tree-lined canals. Utrecht is one of the country's oldest urban districts, and its mediaeval roots inspired a vibrant modern city life. Following our tour, settle into the chic 5-star Grand Hotel Karel V, located in the heart of Utrecht. This property was initially built as a monastery in the 14th century but later became the home to noble families, and today offers a peaceful setting for travelers like us. Go for a spin through the private gardens or go to the hotel.

Dinner tonight is a tasty meal at the hotel's mediaeval dining room featuring unrivalled flavour combinations.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 122 m (400 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 13 km (8 miles), 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 122 m (400 ft)

We start the day by shuttling inland to the village of Doorn, where we begin today's hike through winding green hills. You may think it's odd to expect hills in the Netherlands, but while we won't be getting much elevation, the Utrecht Hill Ridge nature park features woodlands, lakes, and breathtaking scenic views from the summits of glacially formed sand hills. Situated within the park is awe-inspiring Amerongen Castle, a 17th-century building constructed in the Dutch Classicist style accessorised with carefully manicured gardens.

Take a break to enjoy lunch and tour the nearby village of Amerongen that'll charm us with its small streets, neat houses, and welcoming cafes. Later, we head back to Utrecht, where dinner tonight is on you at any restaurant that catches your fancy. Your tour leaders are happy to recommend some of the best.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 11 km (7 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 244 m (800 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 14 km (9 miles), 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 305 m (1000 ft)

Savour a final Dutch breakfast, then say your goodbyes to the Netherlands and join the shuttle to the aptly named town of Spa, one of Europe's well-known wellness centres. Pay close attention, or you may miss the border crossing into Belgium. You can tell you are in Belgium right away when you spot the vibrantly colored triangular-gabled façades that spell Belgian architecture.

Once you arrive at Spa, you'll see why the mineral-rich waters and tranquil environment attracted Europe's elites, including England's Henry VII and Tsar Pierre-le-Grand, to Alexandre Dumas through the centuries. The town's name has become identifiable with health resorts and is what inspired the English word. From here, we follow a path through winding hills and green broadleaf trees of the Ardennes Forest.

After enjoying lunch on your own in Spa, we meet again and make our way on foot through the forest and along Spa's fresh springs to the exceptional Versailles-inspired Manoir de Lébioles, a castle-like manor house located in the tranquil Ardennes forest and our luxurious retreat for the next two nights. You have the time to explore the historic town's enchanting cobblestone streets or relax at the hotel's eponymous wellness centre.

Later in the day, we convene for the first taste of a famous Belgium export—beer. Gulping down Belgian beer is the perfect way to draw the curtains on a good day's hike. It has been crafted since the Middle Ages by Trappist monks and is celebrated today by almost 200 domestic breweries. Prost! (Cheers!)

At night, we relish a gourmet dinner at a famed nearby restaurant.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 152 m (500 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 11 km (7 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 274 m (900 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 14 km (9 miles), 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 396 m (1300 ft)

Our morning hike takes us into the Amblève Valley in the heart of the Ardennes. We get to look at vistas of the heart-stopping landscape with every rise and fall of the trail. Take a route through thick, lush forest, dancing rivers and brooks, and scenic farmland. We move past old castles and stop in the village of La Gleize to learn about its captivating World War II history.

This area is presently known for its cheese farms and culinary traditions. We take a break to eat a farm-fresh lunch of local specialties, including Herve cheese, a soft, aged cow's milk cheese produced since the 15th century.

We later head back to our hotel in Spa for a leisurely afternoon before celebrating our adventure with a festive farewell dinner at the hotel.

Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: minimal elevation

If you aren't ready to leave, you can take a last walk through the castle's spectacular estate. Or you could choose to sleep in and enjoy breakfast and a dip in the pool.

At the hotel, your tour leaders make provisions for a packed lunch before sending you off to the Brussels train station to continue your journey onwards from an awe-inspiring trip.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.