Essence of Holland & Belgium

3 Days Tour

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Tour Overview

03 Days - Essence of Holland & Belgium (Code: HOL3)

 

 

Tour Highlights

 

Netherlands

  • Keukenhof Tulip Gardens with entrance (for departures before 10thMay 2025)

  • Madurodam Model Village with entrance

  • Amsterdam Canal Cruise with entrance

  • Cheese & Clog Demonstration with entrance

 

Belgium

  • Atomium Structure photo stop

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

  • Walking Tour of Brugge only applicable for departures after 11th May 2025

 

Price Includes

 

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

  • Return channel crossing via Eurotunnel or Ferry

  • 2 nights accommodation in a 3/4* hotel with breakfast

  • 2 Indian dinners

  • 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

 

Pick up Points

 

Passengers who select the Brussels Atomium as their pick-up point for this tour will not be able to join the Brussels sightseeing tour, as it is conducted prior to the group arriving at the Atomium.

 

Suggestion

 

Extend your stay to cover Cologne and River Rhine by taking the Serene Europe Tour

 

E-Sim Data with Roamaly

 

Click link to gain access to worldwide e-sim data package to always be online while on tour: Click Here

Use STARTOURS at checkout to receive the 10% discount

 

 

Please note: Due to the Vatican's Holy Year celebrations in 2025, including the rare occurrence of the opening of the Holy Doors, which only happens once every 25 years, there may be changes to the Rome portion of your itinerary. Access to areas like St. Peter's Basilica may be restricted, especially during key events. We will do our best to provide alternative visits to other monuments if required. While we aim to keep you informed, some changes may be confirmed closer to your tour date or whilst on tour

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.
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 10th 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, D

Day 3
Holland - Madurodam or Bruges - Calais - London (Distance: 530 Kms)

Today morning after breakfast, we check out of the hotel and depart towards Calais/Dunkerque for our channel crossing back to Dover.

Depending on the time of year you are travelling the day's itinerary will be different. If you are travelling within the Keukenhof season then today you will head towards Madurodam model village, which 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. It is located in Scheveningen district of The Hague in the Netherlands.

If you are travelling after the closure of Keukenhof in mid-May, then we will proceed towards Bruges. 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 site 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.

The lunch services throughout this tour will only sell continental food, and there will be no fast food restaurants located within the services so make sure you are prepared.

To summarise during Keukenhof season today will be Madurodam, followed by Keukenhof on day two. During the non-operation of Keukenhof, today will be Bruges and Madurodam will be done on day two.

We will then proceed in the afternoon to Calais. Once we reach Calais, we cross over back into Dover. 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.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner

Other Information

2025 USD Dates & Prices

DEPARTURE DATES

ADULT/CHILD

CHILD (2-11 YRS)

Feb - 15

$475.00

$375.00

Mar - 21, 22, 28

$515.00

$390.00

Apr - 05, 11, 18, 19, 25, 26

$550.00

$425.00

May - 03, 09

$515.00

$405.00

May - 24, 30

$500.00

$390.00

Jul - 19, 26

$475.00

$375.00

Aug - 01, 08, 23

$475.00

$375.00

Oct - 25

$475.00

$375.00

Dec - 23, 26

$475.00

$375.00

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 $165 for a seat in coach only

Max occupancy per room is 3 person (excluding infants)

$70 reduction will apply for 2nd child without a bed

Single supplement will be an additional $135

Discover general information about our tours by clicking here . Additionally, should you have any questions, our Frequently Asked Questions page may already contain the answers to your questions.

Country Details

Country

Capital

Currency

Visa Required

Time

Zone

Electricity

Country

Code

Netherland

Amsterdam

Euro

Schengen

UTC + 1

230V,

50Hz

+31

Currency

In most of Western Europe, the currency you will require will be Euros. However, you will need Swiss Francs (CHF) when travelling in Switzerland. It is possible to make purchases in Euros at selected establishments in Switzerland, but please note that change will typically be given in CHF.

 

We advise passengers to exchange any spending money before they travel. Whilst on tour, exchanging currency can be very inconvenient, and not all places we visit will have ATMs or accept credit/debit cards.

 

We also recommend passengers keep some change in coins on hand, as using toilets in many parts of Europe is not free.

Please note that USD, GBP, or travellers’ cheques are not widely accepted at locations on 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

2hrs 45mins

Brussels

Atomium Structure

7

20mins

Atomium

Zoetermeer

172

2hrs

Zoetermeer

Madurodam

17

20mins

Zoetermeer

Keukenhof tulip gardens

37

40mins

Madurodam

Volendam

60

1hr

Volendam

Amsterdam

22

30mins

Amsterdam

Zoetermeer

53

1hr

Zoetermeer

Brugge

208

2hrs 45mins

Brugge

Calais

114

1hr 30mins

Major Attractions

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

The Amsterdam Canal Cruise provides a relaxing view of the city's charming architecture and famous canals. Cruises last around 60 minutes, passing landmarks like the Anne Frank House and Skinny Bridge. Depending on the day, the cruise takes a different path through the city, depending on the amount of traffic on the canals and the size of the boat

 

Keukenhof Gardens

Keukenhof, one of the most extensive flower gardens in the world, boasts 7 million bulbs. Visits are timed to allow a glimpse of its vast beauty, so it’s essential to plan by checking the Keukenhof website to prioritise key areas, such as the Windmill, Tulip Mosaic, and themed gardens. The expansive grounds require comfortable walking shoes, and early planning helps make the most of the limited time available.

 

Madurodam Model Village

At Madurodam in The Hague, visitors can experience a miniature version of the Netherlands, including famous landmarks like Schiphol Airport and Rijksmuseum. The park is expansive, so wear comfortable shoes and use the Madurodam app for a guided tour.

Hotels

Please note that not all hotels on this tour will have air conditioning or kettles. If you require warm milk for a baby, we recommend bringing your bottle warmer and milk supply. Passengers may also want to carry a small travel iron and hairdryer, as these amenities may not be available in all hotel rooms.

 

In some European hotels, double occupancy rooms may consist of two single beds pushed together. We work with such hotels, so please be prepared for this arrangement.

 

If you use additional services such as the phone, minibar, or pay-per-view TV in your room, these costs are not included in the tour package and must be settled directly with the hotel upon checkout.

 

The maximum occupancy per room on this tour is three people. However, from March to May, some hotels may only accommodate a maximum of two people per room..

Meals

Passengers can choose from various meal options, including vegetarian, Jain, or non-vegetarian. Please note that Jain and Halal meals may not always be available. We ask that passengers inform the tour manager of their preferred diet on the first day of the tour. Meals are served as pre-set buffets, and menu choices are not available. Only tap water will be provided with meals. On some days, a pre-set continental meal may be served.

 

Breakfast will be provided at the hotels, usually in a designated dining area, and typically consists of a continental selection including tea, coffee, bread, cereals, fruit, and yoghurt. Lunches are generally vegetarian, though there may be occasions when a non-vegetarian dish is offered. Dinners are typically served in a separate dining area within the hotel or at a restaurant. If you have any concerns about the ingredients in a dish, please consult your tour manager.

 

If you require specific allergen information, please get in touch with us in advance so we can assist you accordingly.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Points & Timings

Passengers are advised to arrive at their designated pick-up point no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Your invoice will clearly state the exact pick-up location, address, and time. If you have selected a pick-up point outside of Wembley, Southall, or East Ham, your precise pick-up time will be confirmed closer to your departure.

 

On the return journey from the continent, we are scheduled to arrive at Dover or Folkestone between 20:00 and 21:00 hours, after which we will proceed to the original London pick-up points. The anticipated arrival time in London is between 22:30 and 00:30 hours (the following day).

 

For passengers using our pick-up points services outside of London, transportation may be arranged via private car, minibus, or alternative coach for your journey to and from London. In rare cases, you may experience a wait of up to an hour for a connecting transfer upon your return. Passengers will receive a confirmation call from Star Tours the day before departure to finalise details.

 

Please note that Star Tours reserves the right to adjust pick-up times up to 12 hours before departure if needed.

 

For a comprehensive list of available pick-up points, please get in touch with us directly for more details.

Foreign Office Travel Advice & Info

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

Netherlands (Holland)

Netherlands (Holland)

Visas & Passports

When travelling to Europe, it’s crucial to ensure your passport and visa requirements are in order before departure.

 

Passport Requirements:

Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Europe. It should also have been issued within the last ten years and�have sufficient blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

 

Visa Requirements:

If you are a national of India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh, you must obtain a Schengen visa before travelling. This visa allows entry into any of the 27 Schengen countries for short stays (up to 90 days within 180 days).

Ensure you apply for your Schengen visa well in advance, as processing times may vary.

 

Nationals of British, American, Australian, Canadian, and other visa-exempt countries currently do not require a Schengen visa for short stays (up to 90 days within 180 days). However, starting in 2025, all visa-exempt travellers (including British and American citizens) must apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before entering the Schengen Area.

 

The ETIAS application is a simple online process that requires travellers to provide personal information and pay a small fee (€7). Once approved, the authorisation will be valid for three years or until your passport expires.

 

Entry/Exit System (EES):

From Early 2025, the EES will be introduced across Schengen countries. This system will electronically record the entry and exit of all non-EU travellers, replacing manual passport stamping. Travelers’ biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) will be recorded during their first entry into the Schengen Area.

If you need more information or assistance with your visa or ETIAS requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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

Weather

The weather across much of Western and Central Europe, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Austria, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein, can be variable and unpredictable, like in England. Regardless of the time of year, carrying an umbrella and preparing for sudden weather changes is always advisable.

 

Temperature Variations:

Belgium & Netherlands countries, the weather can fluctuate widely depending on the season. Summers can bring temperatures around 25-30°C, while winters are much colder, often dropping below 5°C.

 

Preparation Tips:

Layered Clothing: Bring a variety of clothing layers to adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day.

Winter Months: If travelling in winter, be aware that daylight hours are short, and sightseeing often happens in the dark. It gets dark in Northern Europe and the Alps, sometimes as early as 16:00 hrs.

 

Footwear & Accessories: Comfortable shoes, waterproof jackets, and cold-weather gear (for alpine regions) are highly recommended.

By preparing for various conditions, travellers can comfortably enjoy their time across these beautiful European destinations, regardless of season.

Wheelchair Accessibility, Child Seats and Passengers Information

We welcome passengers using lightweight manual wheelchairs on our tours, provided the wheelchair can be stowed in the coach’s luggage hold. Passengers are encouraged to contact us in advance to ensure we can meet their specific mobility needs. Our staff will try to assist passengers with reduced mobility in compliance with the Regulations. Please note, however, that a family member or companion will need to be present to assist with pushing the wheelchair throughout the tour.

 

We will request accessible hotel rooms for wheelchair users wherever possible, but this depends on availability and cannot be guaranteed. We advise passengers to inform us of their requirements in advance so we can make the necessary requests.

 

Please note that certain destinations in Belgium and the Netherlands may present accessibility challenges for wheelchair users. Specifically, areas like the historic city centers of Brussels and Amsterdam have cobbled streets and narrow pathways, which can be difficult to navigate with a wheelchair. Passengers should take these factors into account when planning their trip.

 

Child Seat Requirements:

In most European countries, it is mandatory for children under the age of 12 years or shorter than 150 cm to use appropriate child restraints while travelling in a coach.

Children under seven years old or under 125 cm tall must use a child seat with a harness or�appropriate restraint system.

Children aged 7 to 12 years or between 125 cm and 150 cm tall must use a booster seat or a seat cushion.

 

The parent or guardian is responsible for providing a suitable child seat for their child. Passengers should ensure they bring the appropriate child restraint system that complies with local laws in the visited countries, as there may be minor variations in regulations across European nations.

Other Advisories

Baggage and Packing

Due to limited storage space on coaches, checking the baggage allowance for your tour before departure is essential. Ensure your luggage meets the size and weight requirements in your tour documents. Excess baggage may not be permitted.

Pack a small day bag for personal items, medications, snacks, and travel documents to keep with you during the journey, as accessing the main luggage may not be possible until designated stops.

 

Punctuality

Respect timings during stops; there will be scheduled comfort breaks and sightseeing stops throughout the tour. Be sure to return to the coach on time after each stop to avoid delays and respect the entire group's schedule. Coaches operate on a strict timetable to ensure that all scheduled visits and activities are completed on time. Passengers who arrive late at any point may risk missing the coach, as drivers cannot wait beyond the allocated time for each stop.

The tour may sometimes involve changes in coaches or representatives, particularly when merging with other groups. Please adhere to the instructed times for these transitions to ensure smooth coordination.

 

Coach Facilities

While most coaches are equipped with WC facilities, they may be limited in availability. Using restroom facilities during scheduled breaks at rest stops is recommended to avoid discomfort.

 

Seating and Safety:

By law, passengers must wear seat belts where fitted. Seats are pre-assigned and given to you on the departure date. Seat requests are not taken under any circumstance.

 

Personal Health and Medication

Bring any necessary medications with you in your day bag. If you are prone to motion sickness, carry appropriate remedies or medications to ensure a comfortable journey.

If your tour includes high-altitude destinations, ensure you are medically fit to travel at such heights. Those with heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor beforehand. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and warm clothing, as temperatures can vary significantly at high altitudes.

 

Cultural and Local Etiquette

Be mindful of the local customs and etiquette, especially when visiting religious or historical sites. Dress modestly where required, and be respectful of local customs and traditions.

 

Electronics and Connectivity

Some coaches are equipped with USB charging ports, but this is not guaranteed. Ensure your devices are charged beforehand, and consider bringing a portable charger/power bank.

WiFi is unavailable on the coach, so bring along books, headphones, or downloaded movies and music to enjoy during long journey stretches.

 

Environmental Awareness

Be conscious of the environment during your tour. Carry a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste, fill up at restaurants and hotels, and dispose of trash properly at rest stops.

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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