First you explore the tiny villages of ‘old’ Holland from where ships of the 16th century Dutch East India Company set sail in search of silks and spices. Then it’s off to Arnhem scene of the famous battle in 1944 before visiting Antwerp, the city of Diamonds and Rubens with its main square lined by the tall step-gabled, merchant’s houses so typical of the ‘low’ countries. Then you explore the very best of Flanders in delightfully medieval Ghent.
From here you see Ypres and one of Europe’s finest ‘old world’ cities, delightful Bruges. Listen to the sound of the carillon emanating wonderfully from the instantly recognisable Bell Tower, sip a coffee in the old market square and reflect on how wonderful life can be. Finally you discover one of nature’s most spectacular of floral displays, the kaleidoscope of colour that is the Dutch Bulbfields.