Holland, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium History Tour

• Coach service between Milwaukee and O’Hare
• Round trip flights going from Chicago to Amsterdam and returning from Brussels to Chicago
• 10 nights, staying:
  • 2 nights in Amsterdam, Holland
  • 1 night in Bremen, Germany
  • 2 nights in Berlin, Germany
  • 2 nights in Rhineland, Germany
  • 1 night in Luxembourg
  • 2 nights in Brussels, Belgium
• 16 meals, including 10 breakfasts and 6 dinners with wine
• A dedicated staff lead from Osher traveling with you, plus a tour manager and local guides
• All gratuities
• Travel abroad insurance from UWM

DAY 1, Thursday – Depart for the Netherlands
Osher will offer two locations in the Milwaukee area to meet the charter bus to O’Hare.

DAY 2, Friday – Arrive in Amsterdam
Welcome to Amsterdam, Holland’s modern capital. A transfer will be provided to our hotel, and you may spend the rest of the day at leisure. Our tour begins with an orientation meeting with our Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a light dinner.
Overnight: Amsterdam
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Saturday – Amsterdam Canal Tour
In the morning, board a glass-top boat for a cruise of the winding canals of historic Amsterdam for an up-close view of stately historic mansions, 16th century gabled merchant houses and charming churches with bell towers. Spend the afternoon on a tour of traditional Holland that includes a visit to Volendam, a fishing village on the old Zuiderzee. Visit a cheese farm, clogmakers and see a historic windmill. Finally, enjoy a Dutch Country Village dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight: Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4, Sunday – Lowlands of Holland, Bremen’s Old Town
Today will be a long day of travel. Drive across the lowlands of Holland before crossing the mighty Afsluitdijk dike that holds back the North Sea. Take some time to admire this impressive feat of engineering. Upon entering Germany, head to the colorful Hanseatic town of Bremen on the Weser River. Embark on an orientation tour of the Old Town, highlighted by the 600-year-old Town Hall with its splendid Weser Renaissance facade, recently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, enjoy a dinner with the group at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Bremen
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Monday – Hamburg City Tour, Arrive in Berlin
Depart Bremen early this morning and continue to Hamburg, a port city on the Elbe River. During your tour, view Alster Lake in the heart of the city, and the St. Pauli Piers near the colorful Fischmarkt. On to St. Michael’s Church, and the impressive Town Hall, built in the early 1800s. Then, depart Hamburg and drive east, crossing the former “Iron Curtain” to Berlin, Germany’s capital city. Tonight, enjoy an excursion to a “Berlin Style” dinner party with traditional dishes and live music, followed by a scenic drive through the highlights of Berlin.
Overnight: Berlin
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Tuesday – Berlin’s Famous Landmarks
During your tour of Berlin today, view landmarks of the former East and West German sections including the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of the reunification and the glass-domed Reichstag Building and Checkpoint Charlie, a symbol of the formerly divided city. Drive along Unter den Linden Boulevard past the State Opera House and the Cathedral. See a remaining section of the wall and the Holocaust Memorial. In the afternoon, experience Berlin’s Hidden Past tour where you will delve beneath the surface to learn more about the defeat of the Nazis, the liberation, and the destruction and division of Germany’s capital.
Overnight: Berlin
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Wednesday – Drive to Rhineland
This morning, depart Berlin and travel through the former East Germany passing Leipzig, and into the rolling hills of the Rhineland to the historic city of Koblenz. Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, the city is dominated by the mighty Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. In the evening, enjoy a group dinner at our hotel.
Overnight: Rhineland
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Thursday – Rhine River Cruise, Village of Bacharach, Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and Cable Car Ride
The day begins with a drive into the Rhine Valley where we will embark on a river cruise through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cruise offers vistas of hilltop castles, terraced vineyards and villages. Pass Lorelei rock that rises vertically from the waters named for the siren that bewitched passing sailors. Then, enjoy a wine tasting followed by free time in the village of Bacharach. Later, drive to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress perched on a rocky outcrop over the town of Koblenz. Take in the views over the Rhine and Moselle Rivers before descending via Cable Car to Deutsches Eck to view the monument to Kaiser Wilhelm. The remainder of your evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Rhineland
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Friday – Moselle Valley, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
This morning, travel to the town of Cochem, in the Moselle Valley, dramatically dominated by medieval Reichsburg Castle. The town with its narrow streets and restored half-timbered houses is indeed a step back in time. This afternoon, cross into the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. At the entrance to the city, stop for a guided visit to the U.S. Military Cemetery from WWII where over 5,000 American soldiers and General Patton are laid to rest. Then, take a short orientation tour of Luxembourg City before arriving at the hotel in time for our group dinner. Every attempt will be made to connect with Ambassador Tom Barrett, dependent on his schedule.
Overnight: Luxembourg
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Saturday – Bastogne War Museum, Tour Brussels
Crossing into Belgium, stop at Bastogne, scene of the infamous Battle of the Bulge waged by U.S. forces against retreating Germans. Visit the Bastogne War Museum which covers World War II from its origins to the Battle of the Bulge. Depart for Brussels where you will enjoy a tour with views of the Atomium, the Royal Palace, the Museum district, and the Palace of Justice. Visit the 17th century Grand Place and stroll through the city center to view the famous Manneken Pis fountain. Then, enjoy free time in the evening.
Overnight: Brussels
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Sunday – Full Day to Explore Bruges
Explore medieval Bruges. The tour will take us to view the Lake of Love (Minnewater) and the Beguinage convent. Continue on a walking tour of the city’s medieval districts, where you will visit Our Lady’s Church, home of the famous Madonna statue by Michelangelo. See the Market Square and Belfry, and the Town Hall Square with its Chapel of the Holy Blood. Then, enjoy free time exploring before returning to Brussels.
Overnight: Brussels
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12, Monday – Depart Belgium
After breakfast, our group will transfer to the airport for our departure flight back to O’Hare and charter to Milwaukee.
Meals: Breakfast