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Serene Europe

4 Days Tour

Belgium | Holland | Germany

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Tour Overview

04 Days - Serene Europe (Code: HDTS)

 

Tour Highlights

 

Belgium

  • Atomium Structure photo stop

  • Walking Tour of Brussels view the Grand Place & Manneken Pis Statue

  • Walking Tour of Bruges  with Local Guide

 

Netherlands

  • Keukenhof Tulip Gardens (for departures before 11th May 2024) OR Madurodam Model Village with entrance

  • Amsterdam Canal Cruise with entrance

  • Cheese & Clog Demonstration with entrance

 

Germany

  • Cologne Cathedral Free time to visit

  • River Rhine Cruise with entrance and complimentary tea

 

Price Includes

 

  • Return transportation by deluxe AC coach from your selected pick up point

  • Return channel crossing via Eurotunnel or Ferry

  • 3 night accommodation in 3/4* hotel with breakfast

  • 3 Indian dinners & 3 Indian vegetarian lunches

  • Entrances and sightseeing as mentioned in Tour Highlights

  • All tips and service charges

  • Premium service of a Star Tours’ Representative

  • ABTA Legal Protection

 

Hotels

 

  • 2 nights at NH Zoetermeer or similar

  • 1 night at Hotel Residenz or similar

 

The Star Difference

 

  • Enjoy a complimentary tea on the River Rhine Cruise

  • Tips and service charge included

  • ABTA Protection


Tour Itinerary


Day 1
London - Calais - Brussels - Holland (Distance: 550 Kms)

Today morning join up with your coach and depart towards Dover for your crossing to Calais or Dunkerque; you will require your passports at hand as we will cross the UK and French immigration, as well as security. The crossing on the ferry will last approx. 90 Minutes; 40 minutes if the crossing is from the Euro Tunnel train. Once we are in mainland Europe we make our way towards Belgium.

On arrival in Brussels, we depart the coach and make our way on foot through the charming cobbled streets of Brussels to the Old Town. Here marvel at the "The Grand Place" or Grote Markt, which is the central square of Brussels. The Square provides wonderful opportunities to photograph the opulent guildhalls and the two larger and imposing edifices of the city's Town Hall, and the King's House or Breadhouse building containing the Museum of the City of Brussels. You can then continue down the adjacent street to see the Manneken Pis, an iconic 17th-century bronze fountain, depicting a naked little boy urinating into a fountain's basin. The Manneken Pis can often be found dressed in costume during festivals. Before departing Brussels, we board the coach and do a photo stop at a giant stainless steel atom, known as the "Atomium"; originally constructed for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair.

We then proceed towards our hotel and restaurant in the Netherlands. Depending on the hotel location we either go to the restaurant for our Indian dinner, or we head towards the hotel, where dinner will be served in one of the conference rooms by our very own caterers.
L, D

Day 2
Keukenhof Tulip Gardens or Madurodam - Amsterdam (Distance: 190 Kms)

Today morning after breakfast, we visit the world renowned Keukenhof Tulip Gardens; famed for its breathtaking displays of flowers, Keukenhof has over 7 million bulbs that form a sea of flowers, between March and May, it is spread amongst 32 Hectares and is one of the world's largest flower gardens, situated in Lisse, South Holland. (After 11th May departures Keukenhof will be closed for the season, and instead will be replaced by Madurodam model village - Madurodam is a miniature park and tourist attraction. It is home to a range of 1:25 scale model replicas of famous Dutch landmarks, historical cities and large developments).

In the early afternoon we make our way North of Amsterdam heading towards the Cheese and Clog farm. At the Cheese and Clog farm enjoy a briefing on the cheese making process and the uses of clogs in Dutch history and modern times from a local.

Later afternoon we head towards Amsterdam, the capital of Netherlands. Famous for its artistic heritage, and elaborate canal system and narrow houses with gabled facades. Enjoy this magnificent city from the Canal as the cruise that will take you through the intricate canal networks of Amsterdam.

We will then proceed in the evening to enjoy our Indian meal before we settle down for the final night in Holland, as the following day we check out.
B, L, D

Day 3
Holland - Cologne - River Rhine Cruise (Distance: 530 Kms)

Today morning after breakfast, we check out of the hotel and board the coach heading South-East through the Netherlands and making our way into Germany heading towards Cologne (Also known in German as Koln). We disembark the coach in Cologne and walk towards the Cologne Cathedral (Cathedral Church of Saint Peter) It is well renowned for its gothic architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996. It is also Germany's most visited landmark. Inside you can admire the vast naïve, which itself is impressive, attracting an average of 20,000 people a day. Don’t forget to take to picture the Cathedral from the outside; the 157 meters Cathedral is truly a masterpiece; taking over six hundred years to construct and is one of the best-known architectural monuments in Germany. We then meet up and continue to walk towards our Indian restaurant for our lunch, before we board the coach again.

We continue our drive deeper into Germany before we board our boat for a tranquil and scenic board ride on the River Rhine. Here marvel at the amazing vineyards and national parks along the way, as well as the historic castles as you cruise along the longest river in Germany. Whilst aboard your cruise, enjoy a cup of tea to accompany the wonderful scenery, as you wind down the afternoon.

We then re-join our coach and make our way toward the Hotel. We enjoy a delicious Indian meal before we get our head down for the night, getting ready to check out tomorrow morning.
B, L, D

Day 4
Germany - Bruges - Calais - London (Distance: 640 Kms)

After breakfast, today morning you may have a change of coach, seats and tour manager, as we load our luggage on the coach or transfer vehicles that will be taking you back to London.

We make our way towards Bruges in Belgium. You will not be reaching Bruges until mid-afternoon, and we will be stopping on route for Lunch or in Bruges depending on how well we are doing for time. The lunch stop will only sell continental food, and there will be no fast food restaurants located within the services.

We will be covering quite a distance today to reach the hotel, so ensure you carry your key essentials and devices for your entertainment for the journey.

Once we reach Bruges we will be meeting up with our local guide at the Bargeplein. The tour will commence on foot as Bruges is a UNESCO heritage sight that is not accessible by commercial vehicles. The guide will immerse you in the rich history of Bruges and explain the key sights of what is regarded as the “Venice of the North”. You will see the “Markt” of Bruges, which is a bustling plaza in the heart of the city, featuring historic buildings & the Belfry of Bruges. Admire, the capital of West Flanders, distinguished by its numerous canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings.

We then re-join the coach and continue to make our way towards Calais. The journey back we say goodbye to friends we have made along the way as we drop off those getting off on the route.

Once we reach Calais, we cross over back into Dover or Folkestone depending on our crossing schedule for the tour on the day. We continue our journey towards Wembley and dropping passengers off at their respective drop-offs.
B

Important Note
On occasions, due to large events, traffic, logistics and availability of reservations, it may be necessary to change the above itinerary. However, all aspects of the itinerary will be covered. Please note on occasions during peak season maximum occupancy per room will be 2 persons, in which case an alternative room configuration will be provided. Day 4 transfers may be done by alternative vehicles than those advertised.




B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Other Information

2024 USD Dates & Prices

DEPARTURE DATES

ADULT

from

CHILD

(2-11 YRS)

from

Mar - 23

$650.00

$515.00

Mar - 29

$725.00

$565.00

Mar - 30

$725.00

$565.00

Apr - 13, 27

$650.00

$515.00

May - 04, 11, 25

$610.00

$475.00

Jul - 06, 20

$610.00

$475.00

Aug - 03, 23

$610.00

$475.00


Price per person based on 2/3 adults sharing a room

Child 2 - 11 years must share a room with 2/3 adults

Infants 0 - 23 months price is from $215 for a seat in coach only

Max occupancy per room is 3 person (excluding infants)

$75 reduction will apply for 2nd child without a bed

Single supplement will be an additional $190

Country Details

Country

Capital

Currency

Visa Required

Time

Zone

Electricity

Country

Code

Belgium

Brussels

Euro

Schengen

UTC + 1

230V,

50Hz

+32

Netherland

Amsterdam

Euro

Schengen

UTC + 1

230V,

50Hz

+31

Germany

Berlin

Euro

Schengen

UTC + 1

230V,

50Hz

+49

Currency

In Belgium, Germany and Netherlands the currency that you will need is Euros.

 

Passengers should exchange any spending money for their holiday before they actually travel. Whilst on tour it is very inconvenient and not all places you will visit will have ATM machines or accept credit/debit cards.

 

We also advise our passengers to keep some change in coins on them whilst on tour as using toilets in many parts of Europe is not free.

 

USD, GBP or travellers’ cheques are not widely accepted at locations in this tour.

Distances

An important point to note whilst on a touring holiday is that some long journeys are unavoidable especially when travelling from city to city.

 

It is advisable passengers carry necessities that they may need for the day such as water, dry snacks, cameras etc. with them in their hand luggage.

 

For this tour, it should be noted that the travel times are extensive on this tour.

 

Please see a summary of the distances you will be covering below:

From

To

Distance in kms

(Approx)

Travelling time

(Approx)

Wembley

Dover

159

2hrs 30mins

Calais

Brussels

200

3hrs

Brussels

Atomium Structure

7

20mins

Atomium

Zoetermeer

172

2hrs 30mins

Zoetermeer

Madurodam

17

20mins

Zoetermeer

Keukenhof tulip gardens

37

40mins

Madurodam

Volendam

60

1hr

Volendam

Amsterdam

22

30mins

Amsterdam

Zoetermeer

53

1hr

Zoetermeer

Cologne

270

3hrs 30mins

Cologne

Boppard

121

1hr 30mins

Boppard

Limburgerhof

135

1hr 30mins

Limburgerhof

Brugge

527

6hrs

Brugge

Calais

114

1hr 30mins

Above is for indication purposes only

Food

Breakfast will be provided at the hotels. The breakfast is usually in a separate dining area of the hotel and is usually a continental breakfast, which will consist of tea, coffee, bread, cereals, fruit and yoghurt.

 

Passengers can choose from different diets, including vegetarian, Jain or non-vegetarian (Halal will not always be available) meals. Passengers should advise the tour manager of their preferred diet on day one. The meals are pre-set buffet, and a choice of menu is not available. Meals will be provided with Tap Water only.

There are days where a pre-set continental meal will be provided.

 

Lunches are usually vegetarian only and are provided outdoors at a service station/rest area where limited, or no seating is available. Lunch is served in a picnic style buffet arrangement. Dinners are usually provided within the hotel or restaurant in a separate dining facility. You should always consult your tour manager if you are not sure of what ingredients a dish contains.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office click on the link below to get Country specific details

 

For a full list of the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office click here

 

UK Residents

USA Residents

Belgium

Belgium

Germany

Germany

Netherlands (Holland)

Netherlands (Holland)

Hotels

Not all hotels in this tour will have air-conditioning so you should carry a small portable fan with you especially during the summer months.

 

Please also note that not all hotels provide a kettle so if hot water is required for warming milk etc. in the hotel then it is advisable to carry a bottle warmer/kettle as well as a thermos flask. Passengers may also want to carry a small travel iron and hairdryer etc., as many hotel rooms may not have these facilities.

 

Some hotels in Europe, especially Holland and Germany will provide two single beds put together as a Double occupancy room, as this sort of configuration allows the hotel to use a room for multi-use, we do contract with such hotels, and you should be prepared for such eventualities.

 

If you use services such as the phone or mini-bar or pay TV whilst in your room, you will have to pay the hotel directly when you check out; these services are not included in your tour cost.

 

The maximum occupancy per room on this tour is 3 person(s). The maximum occupancy during March to May per room may be 2 person(s).

Other Advisories

General

Particular attention should be paid to the baggage allowance for this tour; this can be found on our general information page. Excess baggage may not be allowed on the coach.

The WC facilities on the coach will be restricted on this tour as we may use a smaller vehicle.

 

The tour will merge and change tour reps/coaches part way through the tour.

 

Keukenhof

The Keukenhof tulip garden visit will be timed, the gardens are very expansive, and the time given will give you a glimpse of the numerous bulbs. It is advisable you go through the Keukenhof website in advance to distinguish what key sights you want to cover in your limited time.

Pick up and Drop off points & Times

Passengers should arrive at their pick-up point no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Your pick-up point, address and time will be stated on your invoice. If you have selected a pick-up time outside of Wembley, Southall or East Ham then you will be confirmed your pick-up time.

 

Return journeys from the continent are scheduled to arrive at Dover or Folkestone between 19.00hrs and 20.00hrs approximately. We will then proceed to the original pick-up points in London (arrival time between 22.30hrs and 00.30hrs+1)

 

Outside London pick up points: Transportation may be arranged by a private car, minibus or an alternative coach for your journey to and from London. On rare occasions, there may be up to an hour wait for a connecting transfer on the return. Passengers can expect to receive a call from Star to confirm details a day prior to their departure. Star Tours reserves the right to amend any pick-up time 12 hours prior to departure.

 

The below pick-up points may not be available for this tour:

 

Dover (subject to availability)

Calais (subject to availability)

 

Schengen Visa Details

Visa Details & Document Required

Embassy to Apply

Reason

Port of Entry/Exit

Applying from UK (Click Here)  

Netherlands (Dutch)

Max Stay

Calais, France/Calais, France

Applying from India (Click Here)

Netherlands (Dutch)

Max Stay

Calais, France/Calais, France

Visas & Passports

A passport valid for three months beyond the length of stay and issued within the past 10 years is required by all nationals. Except EU nationals holding a passport or national ID card which is valid for the duration of stay.

 

If you hold an Indian, Pakistani, or Bangladesh Passport, you will need to obtain Schengen Visa prior to travelling. Many nationalities do not require Schengen visas, such as British, EU and American nationals. Should you need further clarification, please contact us.

Weather

Weather in much of Belgium, Germany and Netherlands tends to be the same as England and is very unpredictable. Regardless of the time of the year, it is advisable to carry an umbrella. Temperatures vary from place to place, and it is a good idea to check online for average temperatures for the destination(s) being visited depending on the time of the year.

 

Passengers can be well prepared by ensuring they are carrying appropriate clothing, footwear and accessories. Passengers should also be aware that during the winter months most of the sightseeing will be in the dark as, in Europe, the day becomes dark very early during winter. Passengers should consult with Star Tours at the time of booking if they are unsure.

Wheelchairs & Child Seat

We will accept lightweight manual wheelchairs for travel, subject to them being capable of being stowed in the luggage hold of the coach.  It is also essential that a family member is also on tour to push their wheelchair. Star Tour’s will also request hotels for suitably equipped rooms; however, this is only on a request basis and cannot be guaranteed. It should be noted Keukenhof and Madurodam is not fully accessible for a wheelchair user. Amsterdam and Brussels will have cobbled streets, which may not be suitable for wheelchairs.

In most of Europe, the use of child seats in coaches is mandatory for children under the age of 12 or who are shorter than 150 cm. Children under 7 years old or less than 125 cm tall must use a child seat with a harness or a restraint system. Children between 7 and 12 years old or between 125 and 150 cm tall must use a booster seat or a seat cushion. It is the responsibility of the child's parent or guardian to provide the appropriate child seat for their child.

Home Pick-Ups

The map below can be used to check the price of a home pick-up. The map shows the price bands for each area we service.

Home Pick-up Pricing Key:
£115.00

Pick-Up points

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.


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