Depart Elite Coach, 1685 West Main Street, Ephrata at 11:00 AM. British Airways (BA). Flight #184 departs Newark (EWR) at 5:55 PM and arrives at London Heathrow (LHR) at 5:50 AM. Multi-meals.

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BA Flight #300 departs LHR at  7:20 AM and arrives at Paris (CDG) at 9:40 AM…3 hour drive to Bruges, our home for the next 3 nights... Bruges features fabulous medieval market places, cobbled streets, belfries, and begijnhoven… and, oh, we will sample the best cuisine and beer in Europe… its beautiful Bruges that steals the show with its atmospheric, picture-perfect waterways lined with step-gabled houses…These 3 days will include time to explore Bruges, with and without guides… we will stay at the 4 star Dukes Academy Hotel (www.dukesacademie.com)

Breakfast at hotel…All day to explore Bruges… overnight in Bruges

Breakfast at hotel…30 minute train ride to Ghent… Ghent is a vibrant, beautiful city with a rich history and culture, offering a unique blend of old and new. Whether you're interested in art, architecture, or just soaking up the atmosphere, Ghent has something for everyone. Ghent boasts a well-preserved medieval city center, with iconic landmarks like Gravensteen Castle, St. Bavo's Cathedral, and the Graslei and Korenlei harbors. The city is home to the famed "Ghent Altarpiece" (or "The Mystic Lamb") by the Van Eyck brothers, a must-see for art lovers. 

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The historic city center is relatively small and easy to explore on foot, making it a great place to wander and discover hidden gems. Ghent has a relaxed, human-scale feel, making it a welcoming and enjoyable destination… overnight in Bruges. 

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Breakfast at hotel…1.5 hour bus ride to Antwerp, our home for the next 2 nights… Antwerp  is Belgium’s second city and biggest port.  In the mid-16th century it was one of Europe’s most important cities and home to baroque superstar painter Pieter Paul Rubens – as many a museum will regularly remind you. Despite many historical travails thereafter, and severe WWII bombing, Antwerp retains an intriguing medieval heart with plenty of café-filled cobbled lanes, a riverside fortress and a truly impressive cathedral. Today, however, Antwerp’s top drawcards are its vibrant fashion and entertainment scene, along with its startling architectural and cultural contrasts. we will stay 2 nights at the 4 star Hyllit Hotel (www.hyllit.com) 

Breakfast at hotel…More time in Antwerp… 15 minute train ride to Mechelen… Mechelen has a walkable centre, welcoming atmosphere, and rich history make it a must-visit for travellers seeking an authentic taste of Belgium… overnight in Antwerp.

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Breakfast at hotel…1 hour bus ride to Leuven, our home for the next 3 nights… Leuven combines the charm of a small town with the intellectual vibrancy of a renowned university. Leuven has more famous art, beautiful churches, peaceful parks, and amazing architecture than you will expect. Visiting Leuven for one day allows for true Belgian cultural immersion with absolutely no crowds… we will stay 3 nights at the 4  star Martins Klooster Hotel (www.martinshotels.com)

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Breakfast at hotel…1 hour train ride to Tongeren… Tongeren, the oldest city in Belgium, offers a rich history, particularly its Gallo-Roman heritage, and a charming atmosphere. The city's main attractions include the Gallo-Roman Museum, the Beukenberg ruins (a Roman aqueduct), and the Béguinage (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).  Tongeren also has a famous market on Saturday… overnight in Leuven. 

Breakfast  at hotel…30 minute train ride to Brussels… Brussels is renowned for its rich history, diverse architecture, and culinary delights. It's famous for the iconic Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the futuristic Atomium, offering panoramic city views. Brussels is also celebrated for its gastronomy, particularly its Belgian waffles, chocolate, and French fries.  Here's a more detailed look at what makes Brussels famous:

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Grand Place is a magnificent square surrounded by ornate buildings, serving as the heart of Brussels. 

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Art Nouveau ArchitectureBrussels is often considered the birthplace of this architectural movement, showcasing its unique styles. 

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Gothic Cathedrals and Guild Houses: .These structures contribute to the city's unique architectural landscape… overnight in Leuven.

Breakfast at hotel…2 hour bus ride to Lille, in Northern France, our home for the next 3 nights… first, we visit the famous battlefield of Waterloo…Lille offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and vibrant city life, with something to interest a variety of travelers….we will stay 2 nights at the 4 star Grand  Hotel Bellevue (www.grandhotelbellevue.com)Lille's location in northern France gives it a distinct Flemish influence in its cuisine, making it a foodie paradise. This part of France  was named Gastronomic region of the year in 2023…Local Specialties include  regional dishes like carbonnade flamande (beef stew) and waffles

Breakfast in hotel…All day to explore Lille, a very walkable city…Old Town (Vieux Lille): Explore the charming, pedestrian-friendly streets, colorful buildings, and historic architecture of Vieux Lille. 

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Vieille Bourse: Visit the old stock exchange building, now a vibrant book market

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·         Palais des Beaux-Arts: Discover one of France's largest art museums, housing a diverse collection. 

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·         Beffroi de Lille: Climb the belfry for panoramic city views.  Overnight in Lille

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Breakfast in hotel…40 minute bus ride to Arras…day trip in Arras Arras offers a unique blend of history, culture, and charming architecture The city's two main squares, the Grand'Place and Place des Héros, are known for their Flemish Baroque architecture and lively atmosphere. Arras played a crucial role in World War I, and the city offers tours of the Wellington Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels used by soldiers. The city also has military cemeteries and memorials that are of interest to those studying the war. The Belfry of Arras is a prominent landmark offering panoramic views. Arras boasts museums, galleries, and the Vauban citadel, catering to culture and history enthusiasts, according to Visit Pas-de-Calais… we will stay 2 nights in the 3 star Hotel Le Prieure (www.hotel-prieure-amiens.com) in Amiens, Amiens is known primarily for its impressive cathedral and charming canals.

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Breakfast in hotel…Amiens has a natural beauty, and a relaxed ambiance, making it a rewarding destination for many travelers The city is known for its welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Amiens is a relatively green city with numerous parks and gardens

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We will visit:

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·         Amiens Cathedral: A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Cathedral is a major highlight and a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

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·         Hortillonnages: Explore the unique floating gardens, a network of canals and market gardens, by boat or bike. 

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·         St. Leu District: Wander through the picturesque old quarter with its canals and colorful houses. 

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·         Jules Verne's House: Visit the former residence of the famous author. Overnight in Amiens

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·         Overnight in Amiens.  

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2-hour (80 miles) drive to Calda da Rainha, for a 3 night stay in the 4-star SANA Silvercoast Hotel (www.silvercoast.sanahotels.com)

Caldas da Rainha is a charming city about 10 km from the Atlantic Ocean in central Portugal. Caldas da Rainha is famous for its vibrant arts scene, particularly ceramic art, which has thrived since the 19th century. The city’s architecture reflects a blend of modern and historical influences. Notable landmarks include Queen Leonor’s Thermal Hospital, one of the oldest continuously operating thermal hospitals in the world. Parque Dom Carlos I, a lush park in the city center, offers a wonderful escape into nature and art with its many museums. In addition, the city’s bustling daily fruit and vegetable market, Praça da Fruta, showcases local produce and culture.

Only a one-hour drive from Lisbon, Caldas da Rainha is a great place to escape the hordes of tourists while also being close to some of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches, such as Foz do Arelho, which overlooks the tranquil Óbidos Lagoon, and Praia de São Martinho do Porto, famous for its calm, shell-shaped bay. Fifteen minutes south of Caldas da Rainha is the charming medieval castle town of Óbidos and thirty minutes further north is the famous surf town of Nazaré.

Overnights in Caldas da Rainha.

I am not yet sure what towns, villages, and sights we will see on these two days. Possibilities include:

• Obidos, a beautiful fortified village that has been a jewel in the Portuguese crown since times past. King Dinis actually gave the picturesque town to Queen Isabel as a wedding gift on their wedding day in 1282. The town is packed with narrow cobblestone streets that offer stunning views of the village and valley below and is held within a castle wall that is perfect for exploring. There are also several excellent restaurants and shops in the town that are sure to please everyone. Walking down the main drag is a treat in itself, with its traditional ceramic shops, old fashioned toys, beautiful artisan jewlery shops and little cafes. The street is lined with flowerpots hanging on lacey window ledges and the general feel is that time has stopped here, offering passersby a glimpse of what once was.

• Batalha Monastery is one of the best-preserved monasteries in Portugal. Yet, Batalha monastery is still very atmospheric and almost a touch creepy when you think about all the tombs there and how long it has been abandoned. One style of architecture you will hear a lot about in Portugal is “Manueline”.

• Alcobaça Monastery was the first Gothic church and monastery in Portugal. Alcobaça was built earlier than Batalha monastery and is in the crux between Romanesque architecture (generally a bit heavier) and Gothic architecture. The he most famous part of Alcobaça is the area that holds the Royal Tombs

• The Convent of Christ, or Convento de Christo, in Tomar, Portugal may be the best of the monasteries in Portugal. The Convent of Christ was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage monastery in 1983.. The Convent of Christ in Tomar is a 12th century Templar stronghold, which makes it a Castle and Monastery in one.

• Possible visits to Fatima, home of the famous pilgrimage sight and/or visits to the nearby Atlantic coast

Breakfast in hotel… We will visit some WW1 historical sights and interesting towns on our way to the airport…we will stay 1 night in the 4 star Melia Paris airport hotel www.melia.com

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Transport to Paris airport…BA Flight #315 departs CDG at 8:15 AM (yikes!!) and arrives at LHR at 8:35 AM… BA Flight #185 departs LHR at 11:10 and arrives at EWR at 1:55 PM. Multi-meals. Return to Ephrata.

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