Day 1: Early hours of the morning departure from North Wales and travel south to Dover for the morning crossing to Dunkirk. A meal voucher is included on the ferry for one main meal plus one soft drink, tea/coffee or hot chocolate.
Upon arrival we continue through North-East France, into Belgium and on to Valkenburg for a 4-night stay at the Hotel Riche. Sit down to a 3-course dinner at the hotel this evening.
Day 2: 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 building material.
A city walk of Valkenburg with a local guide is included.
Its charming old town centre is filled with terraces, shops, and historic buildings, making it a vibrant hub for visitors. Surrounded by the rolling hills of Limburg, Valkenburg offers a unique landscape compared to the flat terrain typical of the Netherlands.
Lunch at the hotel is also included along with dinner this evening.
Day 3: Today, the morning is at leisure in Valkenburg. Return to the hotel for lunch before we journey through the stunning scenery of the Eiffel Mountains to the picturesque small town of Monschau.
Spend some free time exploring this town, famous for its quaint, medieval charm and scenic beauty. Monschau is often described as a fairy-tale destination thanks to its half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and romantic lanes that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. The town lies along the River Rur, with a striking hilltop castle overlooking the valley. We return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 4: Spend another leisurely morning in Valkenburg. After lunch at the hotel, we travel over the border into Germany and the historic city of Aachen.
As you arrive in this elegant spa city, you’ll immediately notice its striking mix of medieval architecture and vibrant modern streets. The highlight is undoubtedly the Aachen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most important religious buildings, where Charlemagne himself once worshipped.
Around the cathedral, the old town’s cobbled lanes are lined with cafés, boutiques and traditional bakeries, ideal for a leisurely wander. There’s time to enjoy a coffee in one of the atmospheric squares, browse the shops, or simply soak up the city’s warm, welcoming character before returning to Valkenburg for dinner.
Day 5: After breakfast we depart our hotel and head back to Dunkirk for our return ferry crossing to Dover, once again a meal voucher is included on the ferry for one main meal plus one soft drink, tea/coffee or hot chocolate. Upon arrival we complete our journey home to North Wales.