Private Europe Tour (GER022) Germany & Belgium 5 Days 4 Nights

We meet you at the airport arrivals gate. In the morning, we take you on a tour of Frankfurt, a city that has evolved into an international hub thanks to its prime location at the major crossroads of roads, railways, and air routes. It is a global financial powerhouse with towering skyscrapers housing international banks and leading financial institutions, such as the Deutsche Bundesbank, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, and numerous top-tier financial organizations.

Stroll through Römerberg square, the heart of the Old Town, which is home to the City Hall (The Römer), a Gothic landmark built in 1405, and explore the charming area opposite the city hall.

Visit St. Paul's Church and the Frankfurt Cathedral. Admire the picturesque half-timbered houses known as the 'Ostzeile', meticulously reconstructed to preserve every detail of the original historic buildings destroyed during World War II. Take photos of the beautiful Fountain of Justice (Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen) standing prominently in the center of the square. At the appropriate time, enjoy free time for shopping along the Zeil, Germany's longest shopping street, packed with a wide variety of stores. The Zeil is Frankfurt's premier shopping destination that everyone loves to visit, especially the pedestrian section between Konstablerwache and Hauptwache, often called Germany's 'Fifth Avenue', featuring everything from boutiques to international department stores. Importantly, do not miss visiting Zeilgalerie, a famous 10-story shopping center in central Frankfurt renowned for its spiral design and one of the finest panoramic viewpoints in the city. In addition, the adjacent Goethestraße is a famous luxury shopping district renowned for fine jewelry, housing world-class boutiques like Cartier and Tiffany & Co., along with designer fashion brands and exquisite dining spots along the entire avenue.

Travel to Wertheim Village Outlet for shopping, covering a distance of 80 kilometers.

Recommended restaurants: Romer Pils Brunnen Style: Local cuisine, German, European, Central European, Gastropub Address: Toengesgasse 19, 60311 Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany Telephone: +49 69 287712 http://roemerpilsbrunnen.de/ Restaurant Medici Style: Mediterranean, European, Fusion, Central European Address: Weissadlergasse 2, 60311 Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany Telephone: +49 69 21990794 https://www.restaurantmedici.de/ Trattoria i Siciliani Style: Pizza, Mediterranean, Italian, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly Address: Walter-Kolb-Str. 17, 60594 Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany Telephone: +49 69 61993321 http://trattoriaisiciliani.de/?utm_source=tripadvisor&utm_medium=referral

hotel Overnight Frankfurt

In the morning, explore Bonn, the former capital of West Germany (Federal Republic of Germany) during the time Germany was divided by the Berlin Wall. Stroll through the central square, Bonner Münsterplatz, featuring the iconic statue of Ludwig van Beethoven, the world-famous composer who was born and raised here. On the other side of the square stands Bonner Münster (Minster of St. Martin), a historic Roman Catholic basilica built between the 11th and 13th centuries.

Admire the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), built in Rococo style dating back to 1737.

Afterwards, visit Kurfürstliches Schloss (Electoral Palace), the former residence of the Prince-Electors of Cologne. In 1818, this building became the main building of the University of Bonn (Universität Bonn).

Visit the Beethoven-Haus, Beethoven's birthplace, which is now open as a museum and cultural institution where visitors can explore his life story and musical works.

Conclude the morning with a visit to Schloss Drachenburg, a private castle-style villa built in the late 19th century on the Drachenfels hill in Königswinter, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the entire town and the Rhine River.

In the afternoon, travel to Cologne, the largest city on the banks of the Rhine in North Rhine-Westphalia. Cologne is one of Germany's oldest cities, founded by the Romans, with a history dating back to 50 AD.

Visit Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), which began construction in 1248 dedicated to Saint Peter and the Virgin Mary. Taking more than 600 years to build, it was finally completed in 1880. Cologne Cathedral survived the devastation of World War II remarkably well, becoming the proud symbol of the city and the spiritual heart of the people of Cologne. In 1996, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit Kölner Rathaus (Cologne City Hall), the oldest city hall in Germany still in active use today. Stroll through Alter Markt, the vibrant historic market square in Cologne's Old Town. Then admire Groß Sankt Martin (Great St. Martin Church), a magnificent Catholic church that stands as a landmark in the Altstadt (Old Town).

Shop for original Eau de Cologne at the House of Fragrances 4711; located nearby is the Opern Passagen shopping arcade.

Recommended restaurants

Lommerzheim Style: Local cuisine, German, Bar, European, Pub, Central European Address: Siegesstr. 18, 50679 Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany Telephone: +49 221 814392 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gastwirtschaft-Lommerzheim/144856048890427 Amabile Style: European, Central European Address: Gorres Str. 2 | 50674 Cologne Telephone: +49 221 219101 https://www.restaurant-amabile.com/impressionen/ Le Moissonnier (Michelin 2 stars) Style: French, European, Vegetarian Friendly Address: Krefelder Str. 25, 50670 Cologne Telephone: +49 221 729479 https://www.viamichelin.com/web/Restaurant/Koln-50670-Le_Moissonnier-2pkczaq

hotel Overnight Cologne

We take you to explore Antwerp, a vibrant and multicultural city you are sure to love. It is easy to stroll and shop across town, with fresh, chic designer creations greeting you along the way. Artists from around the world adore Antwerp for the way it effortlessly blends the antique with the contemporary, coming together to open everything from cozy boutiques to expansive design stores. Just walking and exploring all 360 degrees around town will spark endless inspiration.

Here, we will spend just half a day on the "must-see" highlights, leaving the other half free for you to wander and shop to your heart's content—true to our private tour style that gives you the freedom you desire. Must-see highlights include Steen Castle, the city's iconic stronghold and one of the largest medieval fortress castles in Europe.

Next, we head to the heart of the city at the Great Market Square (Grote Markt), filled with charming alleys in every direction. If you are looking for something unique, visit Antwerp's magnificent central railway station (Antwerp's Central).

Antwerp is the diamond capital of the world, handling over 85% of global rough diamond trade. Naturally, we won't miss a visit to the Diamonds' District (Diamantkwartier), where you can explore large diamond showrooms like Diamondland. If you appreciate hidden gems of art and history, Antwerp Belgium's Plantin-Moretus Museum is an absolute must: the only museum in the world designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, housed in a preserved 16th-century printing workshop with historic libraries holding Gutenberg-era printings. If you love books, art, and design, we will gladly take you here.

In the afternoon, travel to Maasmechelen Village (111 km, approx. 1 hour). Enjoy shopping for designer brands at the Maasmechelen outlet before we transfer you back to your hotel.

Recommended restaurants: Brasserie Appelmans Style: Local cuisine, Belgian, Dutch, Bar, European, Central European Address: Papenstraatje 1, Antwerp Telephone: +32 3 226 20 22 https://www.brasserieappelmans.be/en/ Meat Factory Style: Local cuisine, Grill, Steakhouse, Belgian, European, Gluten Free Options Address: Grote Markt 28, Antwerp Telephone: +32 3 336 74 45 http://meat-factory.be/en Lam & Yin Styles: Chinese, Asian Address: Reyndersstraat 17, Antwerp Telephone: +32 3 232 88 38 https://lam-en-yin.be/en

hotel Overnight Antwerp

Today, we explore the Belgian cities of Ghent and Bruges.

In the morning, discover Ghent, a delightful and picturesque town you are bound to fall in love with—especially its evening ambiance, which is romantic and timeless like an old painting. Lonely Planet once dubbed Ghent “Europe’s best kept secret,” while National Geographic Traveler highlighted it as one of the most photogenic historic cities in Europe.

We drop you off at Saint Bavo's Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal) in the city center square. Inside, you will find the world-renowned masterpiece by Dutch-Flemish master Jan van Eyck, "De aanbidding van het Lams God" (The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb), alongside invaluable, stunning stained-glass windows.

Continue on foot through the old town to Ghent's Gravensteen Castle, which offers panoramic views overlooking the city, followed by a scenic canal boat cruise. (If you wish, we recommend enjoying a delicious lunch at a canal-side restaurant to soak in the atmosphere.)

In the afternoon, travel 60 km to Bruges, Belgium's most popular travel destination. This romantic medieval city is brimming with historic homes, ancient cobbled alleys, canals, and palaces, earning it the title of "Venice of the North."

We drop you off at the central Markt square, surrounded by 13th-century guildhouses. At the City Hall, you can climb the 83-meter-tall Belfry for stunning panoramic views. Built between 1376 and 1420, the City Hall also offers tours of its Gothic Hall if you wish.

If you love fine art, do not miss the Groeninge Museum, home to world-class masterpieces by Jan van Eyck such as Virgin and Child with Canon van der Paele.

Explore the historic Burg square of Bruges. Relax, stroll, sightsee, and shop along the charming alleys at your leisure, or take a peaceful canal boat cruise through Bruges.

Recommended restaurants: Rock Fort Style: Local cuisine, French, Belgian, European, Vegetarian Friendly) Address: Langestraat 15, Bruges 8000, Belgium Telephone: +32 50 33 41 13 https://www.rock-fort.be/nl/ Lieven Style: Belgian, European Address: Philipstockstraat 45, Bruges Telephone: +32 50 68 09 75 https://www.etenbijlieven.be/kookeet-15/ Pomperlut Style: Mediterranean, International Address: Minderbroedersstraat 26, Bruges Telephone: +32 50 70 86 26 http://www.pomperlut.be/gallery The Chocolate Line Bruges Address: Simon Stevinplein 19, Bruges 8000, Belgium Telephone: +32 50 34 10 90 https://www.thechocolateline.be/en/

hotel Overnight Bruges

Enjoy any remaining sightseeing and shopping at your leisure, followed by an airport transfer according to your flight schedule.