JEWELS OF BELGIUM & THE NETHERLANDS

Assemble at Changi Airport for our flight to Brussels, the beautiful capital city of Belgium known for its stunning architecture, delicious chocolates, wAssemble at Changi Airport for our flight to Brussels, the beautiful capital city of Belgium known for its stunning architecture, delicious chocolates, waffles and its significance in the European Union. affles and its significance in the European Union. 

Leave the airport for the Atomium, a futuristic structure which forms the shape of an iron crystal cell magnified 165 billion times.   

Be awed by the opulent Grand Place with the Town Hall, The King’s House and various guildhalls.  Pay homage to the Manneken Pis, a tiny bronze statue of a boy that has captured the fascination of both locals and visitors.   

Drive to vibrant Ghent, which boasts a well-preserved medieval city center with stunning architecture.  Admire the picturesque streets, Graslei and Korenlei lined with historic buildings along the River Lys.  The Patershol District is a charming medieval quarter with narrow streets.  Visit the St Bavo Cathedral which houses the famous painting ‘The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ by the Van Eyck brothers, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.  

Explore typical food products of Ghent such as the ‘waterzooi’ stew, a pinch of mustard, jams tasting like fruit bombs with unique combinations of tastes, Cuberdons or little noses or the sweet caramelized ‘ironed mastel’ during our free time to explore.   

Travel to the city of Bruges, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, winding canals and cobblestone streets.  The historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which transports visitors back in time.   

Learn about the world’s largest flood protection system, The Delta Works.  This imposing project illustrates how the Dutch deals with water. 

See the Eastern Scheldt Storm Surge Barrier, a remarkable engineering feat and a crucial component of the Delta Works.  It is built to address potential risk of flooding in the Eastern Scheldt estuary, an area vulnerable to storm surges from the North Sea.  Experience the devastating power of water in The Netherland’s biggest natural disaster in a 4D animation.      

Zeeland is famous for its seafood due to its location along the North Sea coast and its extensive network of estuaries.  Oysters, mussels, lobsters, shrimps and more are cultivated and are a must eat when in the province. 

Continue to Rotterdam, a trendy and sophisticated city and a bustling port. The Erasmus Bridge, one of the most recognizable landmarks, connects the north and southern parts of the city while offering panoramic views of the skyline.  Another landmark is the Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen).  These unique and unconventional houses are tilted at 45-degree angles and form a striking residential complex.   

Visit the unusual Markthal, where apartments are stacked above the horseshoe roof of the fresh food market.  Here, we can also find The Netherland’s largest artwork, the ‘Horn of Plenty’.  Nearby is the Willemswerf building where Jackie Chan performed one of his most famous stunts.  

One of the Netherland’s most iconic spring attractions is the Keukenhof Spring Gardens.  Breathtaking flowers, particularly tulips, are planted to create vibrant and colourful displays across the landscape.  Visit Keukenhof Spring Gardens (27Mar – 11May, 2025) widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful.  Experience millions of blooming flowers spread across 32 hectares of immaculately landscaped grounds.   

When the Keukenhof Spring Gardens closes for the year, we visit Kinderdijk (May to Oct) a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing a stunning landscape of 19 traditional windmills in the Albasserwaard polder.   Enter a mill to learn about how these iconic giants work.

Visit the picturesque city of Delft the birthplace of the world-famous Delft Blue ceramics and one of the great Dutch Masters, Johannes Vermeer which combines history with modern innovation.  See the impressive, vaulted ceiling of the Delft Railway Station featuring an enormous historic 1877 map of Delft.  Nearby is the Huis van Delft, a modern architectural marvel’s entrance is composed of 4,000 3D printed Delft Blue tiles, a testament to cutting-edge technology and a tribute to Delft’s rich heritage.   

Stroll to the Nieuwe Kerk, which functions as a royal crypt.  Beside it, the Blue Heart, an artwork with shiny blue glass panels and steel frame, is a striking ode to the city’s connection with technology.  On the way to the Oude Kerk, pass by Bonte Ossteeg, Delft’ most photographed wall mural.  The Oude Kerk’s tower is often called ‘crooked John’ as it leans from the heavy stones of the tower built over a former canal.    

Delve into the city’s rich past, its artistic heritage and modern-day charm as we explore Amsterdam.  Dam Square, the heart of Amsterdam, is surrounded by historical landmarks such as the Royal Palace and the National Monument. Adjacent is the Red-Light District which provides an interesting glimpse into Amsterdam’s tolerance and open-minded culture. 

Admire picturesque houses, charming bridges and historic sites as our canal cruise glides leisurely through the city’s network of canals. 

Amsterdam, known for its rich history and cultural diversity, has a long-standing traditional of diamond craftsmanship.  Witness firsthand the fusion of tradition and innovation as highly skilled artisans combine age-old techniques with modern technologies to transform rough diamonds into exquisite works of art.   

Zaanse Schans is not just a remarkable open-air museum but also a living and breathing historic village.  Travel back in time and experience the traditional Dutch way of life.  Admire its collection of well-preserved historic windmills, charming wooden houses and artisan workshops where we can observe the making of wooden clogs and cheese. 

Proceed to Volendam, a well-known fishing village on the shores of the Ijsselmeer, one of Europe’s largest lakes.   Admire traditional architecture charaterised by green wooden frames and brightly coloured facades.  Explore the streets lined with local shops and interact with locals, often dressed in traditional costumes.  The harbour is still a hub of fishing activities and fresh fish can often be bought here.   

Begin the day with a scenic drive through Holland’s lush eastern countryside to Giethoorn.  Its unique waterways demonstrate how the Dutch can live and thrive without roads and cars.   

Experience its scenic beauty and tranquility.  Some of the charming thatched-roof houses date back several centuries. A calming canal cruise showcases more of these beautiful houses.  

Visit Beenster Polder, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an extremely well-preserved example of the Dutch genius for creating farmland by draining a body of water.   Admire the gorgeous landscape of little canals, windmills and lush fields.  Visit De Rijp, one of the most beautiful villages of The Netherlands.  Explore the cute village including the town hall, Klenine Dam 2and the beautiful Lievelandsbrug.  Spend some time in Tuingracht, considered the village’s most beautiful street.   

It is time to bid farewell to The Netherlands and travel home with fond memories of the sights, sounds, and stories we have collected on this incredible journey.