Belgian Ardennes, Luxembourg & Trier
- Duration: 7 days
- Board Basis: Half Board
- Tour Ref: D2TJUS11081
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
7 days
D07 | EU2027
PRICE FROM
?
£1099
per person
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Belgian Ardennes, Luxembourg & Trier
Tick off three European gems in one on this wonderfully varied tour. Witness the dramatic scenery of the Belgian Ardennes, a region of natural beauty with a fascinating past. In Dinant, one of Belgium's most picturesque riverside towns, enjoy a relaxing cruise along the scenic River Meuse, taking in views of the striking cliffs, elegant architecture and impressive citadel that dominates the skyline. Then, discover the historic grandeur of Luxembourg City and the UNESCO-listed fortifications and battlements that have earned the city its reputation as the 'Gibraltar of the North'. Venture into the beautiful Moselle Valley to Grevenmacher, where we have the opportunity to savour a tasting of Luxembourg's celebrated Crémant sparkling wine, produced in one of Europe's lesser-known but highly regarded wine regions. Finally, it's Trier, Germany's oldest city, where more than 2,000 years of history come to life. Explore magnificent monuments, ancient gateways and architectural treasures that reflect the city's importance during the Roman Empire.Belgian Ardennes, Luxembourg & Trier
Highlights- Return coach travel & LeShuttle crossings
- 2 nights at the Hotel Le 830 Namur, Belgium (JG4 rating) with dinner & breakfast
- 4 nights at the Hotel Béierhaascht SA, Luxembourg (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast
- Excursions to Namur, Dinant, Durbuy, La Roche-en-Ardenne, Luxembourg City, Vianden, Grevenmacher & Trier
- Scenic drive along the Moselle River
- River cruise in Dinant & wine tasting in Grevenmacher
- Services of a tour manager
Optional guided walking tour of Luxembourg City (£19pp)
Optional guided tour of Vianden Castle (£19pp)
Belgian Ardennes, Luxembourg & Trier
Day 1LeShuttle to Calais and on to our hotel near Namur, Belgium.Belgian Ardennes, Luxembourg & Trier
Day 2Spend a leisurely morning in Namur and wander the charming cobbled streets of the old town, discover its artistic heritage at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers, visit the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Aubain, or take the cable car to the imposing Citadel for sweeping views across the city and the meeting point of the two rivers.Upon arrival in Dinant, we enjoy a scenic cruise along the River Meuse towards Anseremme, passing some of the town's most iconic landmarks, including the striking Collegiate Church of Notre Dame, the dramatic Rocher Bayard rock formation, the Charlemagne Viaduct and St John's Bridge. After the cruise, the afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. Beer enthusiasts may wish to visit Maison Leffe for an interactive self-guided experience, while others can stroll across the Charles de Gaulle Bridge, lined with colourful saxophone sculptures celebrating Dinant-born Adolphe Sax, inventor of the instrument. Or perhaps visit the fascinating La Merveilleuse Caves and the impressive Citadel, perched high above the town and accessible either by cable car or by climbing its famous 408 steps!
Belgian Ardennes, Luxembourg & Trier
Day 3We discover two of the Ardennes' most charming towns on today's journey. Our first en route visit is Durbuy, often described as the smallest city in Belgium. Enjoy free time to wander the old town, where narrow streets are lined with beautiful 17th and 18th-century stone and half-timbered buildings. You may wish to admire the exterior of the Château de Durbuy, stroll along the banks of the Ourthe River, or visit the renowned Topiary Park, home to over 250 sculpted shrubs.Our journey then takes us to La Roche-en-Ardenne, where there's free time to find lunch at your leisure and explore at your own pace. Browse the inviting boutiques, enjoy a walk along the riverside promenades, or soak up the atmosphere of this attractive Ardennes town. Those interested in Second World War history may wish to visit the excellent Museum of the Battle of the Ardennes, which brings the events of this pivotal campaign vividly to life.
Later, we cross the border into Luxembourg and continue to our hotel.
Belgian Ardennes, Luxembourg & Trier
Day 4Enjoy a day's excursion in Luxembourg City, one of Europe's most captivating capitals, where medieval fortifications, elegant squares and striking modern architecture combine. With your free time here, choose to explore independently, perhaps browsing the boutiques and cafés of the pedestrianised centre or visiting one of the city's excellent museums.Alternatively, join our optional guided walking tour, an insightful introduction to the city's rich history and contemporary character. The tour combines the highlights of the elegant Upper Town with the UNESCO-listed Old Town and its dramatic fortified landscape. Along the way, we see the magnificent Grand Ducal Palace, official residence of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg and visit the beautiful and iconic Cathedral of Notre-Dame. There are spectacular views from the famous Corniche, often described as "Europe's most beautiful balcony", where panoramic vistas stretch across the deep valleys, ancient ramparts and picturesque lower quarters that have shaped the city's history for centuries. Our tour concludes in the lively Place d'Armes, the city's focal point, where cafés, restaurants and outdoor terraces create the perfect setting to relax and watch the world go by.
Belgian Ardennes, Luxembourg & Trier
Day 5We begin the day with free time in the charming riverside town of Vianden. Dominated by its magnificent hilltop castle and surrounded by wooded countryside, the town offers plenty to discover at your own pace. You may wish to ride the chairlift, with superb views of Vianden Castle and the surrounding Ardennes landscapes. Alternatively, explore the old town, browse its cafés and shops, or walk along the flat riverside promenade that follows the River Our to the Vianden Dam. Visit the Victor Hugo House, where the celebrated French author lived during his exile and which now serves as a museum dedicated to his life and work. There's also an optional guided tour of Vianden Castle, which dates from the Romanesque and Gothic periods.
We continue to Grevenmacher on the banks of the Moselle River in the heart of Luxembourg's wine-growing region. Perhaps visit the Butterfly Garden, a tropical indoor paradise where hundreds of colourful butterflies from around the world fly freely. Or take a stroll along the Moselle promenade, taking in views of the river.
Later, we enjoy an included visit to Caves Bernard-Massard, one of Luxembourg's leading sparkling wine producers, crafting exceptional Crémant de Luxembourg using traditional methods for more than a century. Our visit begins with an audiovisual presentation that explains the history of the estate and the meticulous production process behind its celebrated sparkling wines. We then enjoy a tasting of one of Bernard-Massard's acclaimed crémants, served on the terrace overlooking the tranquil waters of the Moselle.
Please note:a reasonable standard of mobility is required for the castle visit. Access involves walking on uneven surfaces and slopes, and after the tour guests will need to walk downhill from the castle back into the town centre.
Belgian Ardennes, Luxembourg & Trier
Day 6Enjoy a scenic drive along the Moselle River into Trier, Germany's oldest city, where there's free time to explore at your own pace. Beautifully situated amongst vineyards and steeped in over 2,000 years of history, Trier boasts an extraordinary collection of monuments that reflect its importance as one of the principal cities of the Roman Empire. So significant is its heritage that many of its Roman remains and historic buildings have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.Choose to explore the impressive Roman Amphitheatre, where gladiatorial contests and spectacles once entertained thousands of spectators, or visit the vast Imperial Baths (Kaiserthermen), among the largest Roman bath complexes north of the Alps. The city's most famous landmark is undoubtedly the Porta Nigra, a preserved Roman city gate that has stood for almost 1,800 years and remains one of the finest examples of Roman architecture in Europe. Discover the elegant Electoral Palace with its beautiful gardens or visit the bustling Hauptmarkt, one of Germany's most beautiful market squares.
Belgian Ardennes, Luxembourg & Trier
Day 7After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and head to Calais for our journey home on LeShuttle. Back to top