Three Countries Discovery

Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then to our overnight hotel in Belgium.

We continue our journey to Aachen this morning, stopping en route to visit the pretty Dutch town of Valkenburg. Sometimes called ‘Marlstone Town’ because of the lime found in the soil, the town has a network of over 150 miles of underground corridors beneath its surface, and a visit to these caves is highly recommended.

There is plenty to keep you occupied above ground too, including the castle ruins and city gates, as well as shops, bars, cafés and restaurants.

Today, we enjoy some free time in the historic city of Aachen, where you can explore the stunning Old Town. Aachen is famous for its magnificent cathedral and the Elisenbrunnen fountain, which is also a symbol of the town's spa town heritage. Admire the medieval architecture and be sure to sample the local delicacy, Aachener Printen, which is a sweet rice cake with a gingerbread flavour.

We continue through the fantastic countryside of the Eifel Mountains to the small town of Monschau, famous for its half-timbered buildings. Linked by a series of bridges, the town’s restaurants and shops lead up to the cobbled town centre where a charming church proudly stands.

We drive further into Germany today to the scenic Rhine Valley and spend time in Konigswinter, nestled between the banks of the Rhine and the Siebengebirge – or, the Seven Hills.

We will climb to the summit of one of these hills on the charming Drachenfels Railway, some 220m above the Rhine. At the top you will find the ruined Drachenfels Castle and visitor centre, as well some amazing views of the Rhine from all different angles.

Enjoy some free time to yourself today or join our optional excursion to the rolling hills of the Belgian Ardennes. We will visit La Roche-en-Ardenne, a pretty town on the banks of the River Ourthe and home to the Battle of the Ardennes War Museum.

We continue this afternoon to Durbuy, self-proclaimed as being the smallest city on earth! Enjoy wandering the maze of cobbled streets which are home to many shops, cafés and restaurants, or why not visit the Topiary Park? Spread over one hectare, the park features 250 topiary masterpieces made of boxwood, yew and holly.

We depart Aachen today and travel back through Belgium, stopping en route in elegant Ghent. The city manages to combine medieval architectural wealth and idyllic charm within its city walls.

From St. Michael’s Bridge there is a wonderful view of the skyline of Ghent, which includes the three impressive towers of St. Nicholas’ Church and Sint-Baafs Cathedral with its elaborate stone and marble naves.

Return home.