French European Cities Rail Journey
Day 1 - London to Amsterdam
We depart London Waterloo at about 1040 for Brussels. Our journey continues by Intercity train through Belgium and into the Netherlands to Amsterdam, arriving early evening for a three-night stay at the Hotel Estherea (4 Star). This charming family run hotel is perfectly located in the very heart of Amsterdam on the banks of the Singel Canal within easy walking distance of the city's shopping, museums and theatres. Dinner tonight is in a local, typically Dutch restaurant.
Day 2 - Sightseeing in Amsterdam
This morning we discover the city during a guided tour by coach and canal boat. We visit a diamond factory and enjoy a leisurely cruise through Amsterdam's charming canals and harbour. The tour ends at the Rijksmuseum, home to several exhibitions in 2006 in honour of the 400th anniversary of the birth of Rembrandt. Your afternoon is free to explore some of Amsterdam's 90 islands or perhaps enjoy the fabulous Van Gogh Museum or the Anne Frank museum. Dinner is in a local Dutch restaurant.
Day 3 - Volendam and Marken
Today's excursion by coach takes us through the flat green countryside to Volendam, a fisherman's village where many of the locals still wear the traditional local costume. We travel to Marken, once an island and now connected to the mainland by a dike, and then pass through the small town of Monnickendam. Our next stop is a cheese farm, where cheese is still manufactured in the traditional way. We gain a fascinating insight into the cheese-making process and you have the opportunity of tasting the different varieties. Tonight we enjoy dinner together at a local Dutch-Indonesian restaurant.
Day 4 - Belgium and Brussels
We leave Amsterdam and head back into Belgium to Brussels where we enjoy a tour of this fascinating but often overlooked city. The tour begins with a short walk to the famous Grand' Place with its quaint guild houses, and continues to the beautiful St Michael's Cathedral, the Congress column and the Sablon district, renowned for its countless antique shops. We drive past the magnificent Palace of Justice and the fashionable Louise Square before seeing the Royal Palace and the Houses of Parliament. After visiting the Cinquantenaire district, the Triumphal Arch and the splendid Art Nouveau houses, we stop for a three course lunch at a local, typically Belgian restaurant.
We depart Brussels mid afternoon for Paris, arriving early evening for a three-night stay at the Hotel Splendid Etoile (4 star). The hotel boasts one of the best locations in Paris, next to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysees. Tonight you are free to sample one of the city's delightful restaurants.
Day 5 - Paris and the Moulin Rouge
This morning we tour the highlights of Paris by coach accompanied by an English speaking guide. We pass the Louvre, the Seine and its bridges, Ile de la Cité, the Palais de Justice and Notre Dame Cathedral, where you have a little free time to explore. We continue to the Hôtel de Ville, the Latin Quarter, Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysées before stopping briefly at the Eiffel Tower. Your afternoon is free to discover Paris further, perhaps returning to the Eiffel Tower to take in the views or by visiting one of the city's fabulous museums. This evening we dine together in a charming, typically Parisian restaurant before enjoying a show at the world famous Moulin Rouge.
Day 6 - Paris and the Bateaux Parisiens
Today you are free to enjoy the delights of the French capital and its wonderful array of monuments, galleries, museums, shops and markets. Visit the brilliant Musee d'Orsay, one of the city's finest art galleries; enjoy a stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries; discover the chic boutiques of the Left Bank or venture further afield to the flea markets of St Ouen. This evening we join the Bateaux Parisiens for what is undoubtedly one of the highlights of our holiday. We cruise along the Seine at a leisurely pace through the heart of old Paris accompanied by live music, wonderful food and wine and, perhaps most importantly, breathtaking views of the famous monuments and historic landmarks of Paris.
Day 7 - Paris to London
You are free until mid-afternoon to continue to discover the delights of this wonderful city. Perhaps indulge in a spot of shopping on the prestigious Champs Elysées or visit beautiful Montmartre and the bustling Place du Tertre. We transfer to Gare du Nord and join the Eurostar service to London, arriving late afternoon.
Rembrandt
In 2006 Amsterdam celebrates the 400th anniversary of Rembrandt with a series of special exhibitions on show including his birthday etchings (15 Sep-10 Dec) and his drawings (14 Oct - 31 Dec) as well as his masterpieces.
Your Hotel Accommodation
In Amsterdam we stay in the centrally located Hotel Estheréa (4 star). This welcoming family-run boutique style hotel is full of charm and character, and has a library, a lounge with views over the Singel Canal, an elegant breakfast room and a bar. Our base in Paris is the charming Hotel Splendid Etoile (4 star), situated close to the Arc de Triomphe. The hotel features elegant rooms decorated in the Louis XV style - some with excellent views over the Place de l'Etoile - and a cosy, intimate bar.
Two Gala Evenings in Paris
Our tour includes two unforgettable Gala Evenings in Paris: The Moulin Rouge is a world renowned cabaret, famous for its glamorous girls, revealing costumes and sumptuous sets, with outstanding international acts. Enjoy the traditional CanCan whilst sipping champagne at your table.
Our Bateaux Parisiens dinner cruise on the Seine is a beautiful, romantic evening, with the illuminated city passing by our glass-domed boat. With musicians to entertain you and a delicious dinner to enjoy, this is truly a night to savour.
