Holland, Luxembourg and Belgium
I admit to having rather high expectations from any Globus tour I join. I’ve completed dozens of them and enjoyed them all.
Having said that, I am delighted to report that this one is now at the top of my “highly recommended” list.
I selected this tour because it covered an area of Europe I had not seen previously other than Amsterdam. I knew I’d see gorgeous scenery, enjoy great sight-seeing, and meet some interesting new friends. That’s a given with any Globus tour.
What I did not expect was the emotional impact the historic sites were going to deliver.
The Bastogne War Museum was incredible. You are immersed in WWII, and more specifically the Battle of the Bulge, through the eyes of four different people. A boy living in the zone, a young female teacher working covertly behind the scenes to deliver Allied messages, a German soldier and an American soldier. What a powerful way to tell the story.
The tour included plenty of time to thoroughly investigate the museum and the American War Memorial on the grounds before heading off to Luxembourg.
In Luxembourg I discovered the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial, and the burial site of 5074 American war dead, including General Patton. I did not know that the General insisted upon being buried with his men. The graves are very similar to the arrangement at the American Cemetery in Normandy, but with the grave of General Patton at the top, facing his troops. The grounds, the white crosses, the surrounding monuments, the trees and birdsongs, it all combines to create a powerfully emotional impact.
Following that we enjoyed a wonderful stroll through the ancient areas of Maastricht and devoured a fabulous lunch there at a sidewalk café.
On to Luxembourg, where the spectacular views from the city literally astound you. I enjoyed watching the Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace, and the Church of Our Lady was awesome as well.
Waterloo, another great museum. Best of all were the re-enactments featuring authentic weaponry (esp. cannons) and uniforms, camp grounds, etc. The actors were entertaining and engaging. You certainly felt as though you’d been there when they get through with you.
My favorite city on this tour was Bruges. Lovely in every way. Gorgeous architecture, picturesque canals, wonderful shopping and restaurants, historic sites, and a lace making culture that’s beyond my skill set entirely. Oh, and the beer. They actually have a beer pipeline going through town. Cherry beer, peach beer, fruit beer, dark beer, light beer, thousands of types of beer. Each served in it’s own designer glass.
Brussels amazed me. Going from the sleepy town of Bruges to the hustle/bustle of Brussels took a moment to get used to, but once we did it was fantastic. The Main Square in all its gilded glory is mind boggling. Mr PP did not disappoint, and the Triumphal Arc was more magnificent than any I’ve seen. Beautiful parks, great sidewalk cafes, and more beer. But the best and my favorite part were the waffles. Holy smokes. Waffles with strawberries, chocolate, and whipped cream. Waffles with a wide variety of meats. Waffles with powdered sugar. Fresh, hot, amazing waffles everywhere you look. It’s totally worth the trip to Brussels just for the waffles.
Amsterdam was, as it has always been, fabulous. The museums, the food, the canals, the architecture. When you combine the times I’ve been here I’m into “weeks” in Amsterdam, and loved every single minute of it.
Keukenhof Gardens was the main attraction, and I was able to go there twice over a two-week time frame. Gorgeous, Spectacular. Over 70 acres beautifully landscaped with over 7 million bulbs. You literally have to see it to believe it. Open for 8 weeks during the Spring, it’s an event coveted by millions around the world. Book your trip early, it does sell out.
If this tour sounds enticing to you, please contact us for more information. This, and a few other tours, are a fantastic way to experience Tulip Time in Europe, and take in many other amazing sites as well.
Your Globetrotting Friend,
JOY