Day 1: Travel to the Benelux
Early hours of the morning departure and travel through the night to Dover for the short ferry crossing to Calais. Upon arrival we continue through North-East France and into Belgium and on to Valkenburg for a 4-night stay at the Walram Hotel***.
Day 2: Valkenburg
A free day in Valkenburg, sometimes called ‘Marlstone Town’ because of the lime found in the soil and the soft yellow marlstone which has, since Roman times, been quarried as a building material. As a result, there is now a network of over 150 miles of underground corridors beneath the town. A visit to these caves is included.
There is plenty here to keep you occupied above ground as well, such as the castle ruins and shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants.
Day 3: Maastricht sightseeing
Today, we visit Maastricht, the southernmost city in the Netherlands, it is also known as the ‘Paris of the Benelux’. Enjoy a guided walking tour which will show you around the prettiest parts of the old city centre. You will see the Stokstraat Quarter, the Basilica of Our Lady, the Ramparts and the parks plus much more. Perhaps take some time out to explore the network of underground passageways and vaults beneath the city. This is where a large number of the Netherlands’ treasured artworks were safeguarded during World War II. In the afternoon, we enjoy a sightseeing river cruise for an alternative view of the city.
Day 4: Three Countries, Aachen, the Eiffel Mountains and Monschau
Enjoy an excursion to the three countries ‘meeting point’, where Belgium, Holland and Germany come together. We continue over the border into Germany and the historic city of Aachen, where you have time to explore the stunning old town and its cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moving on, we drive through the stunning scenery of the Eiffel Mountains on our way to the picturesque village of Monschau. Spend some free time exploring this town, famous for its half-timbered buildings overlooked by a medieval castle, before returning to Valkenburg.
Day 5: Return to Wales
After breakfast we depart our hotel and head back to Calais for our return ferry crossing to Dover. Upon arrival we complete our journey to North Wales.