Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Liège, Belgium
Liège Festival of Light ‘La Nocturne des Coteaux’ and 3 Countries Tour
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Liege, Belgium - Palais des P-E
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Liege, Belgium - H de ville
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Maastricht Town Hall
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Liege, Belgium - Pl du Marché
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Monschau
Discover the illuminations and festivities of Autumnal Liège
Every year during the first weekend of October and as the sun slowly sets, the waves of ‘coteaux’ hillsides descending down from the Citadel to Liège’s historic centre refuse to fall into darkness. Instead a magical, fairytale illumination of some 22,000 candles and flaming torches light up the never-ending Montagne de Bueren staircase. As well as this, explore the labyrinth of courtyards and alleyways, historic monuments, and ancient convents and cloisters, where subtle lighting, music, entertainment and an atmosphere of celebration await at every turn.
This unique event was inaugurated over twenty years ago that for a single night turns Liège into a romantic City of Light. What began as a tranquil festival essentially for the local Liegeois now attracts some 50,000 visitors, with English, Italian, German and Spanish mixing in with the gentle Walloon dialect. The illuminations are still burning brightly after midnight, with spectators entranced by musicians, street theatre, art displays that are performed right up to the St Leonard quay of the Meuse, with a a dazzling firework display lighting up the sky at 10.30pm. A local resident sums up the atmosphere perfectly, saying, “with the fluttering candles covering every corner of the old city, time just seems to stand still during the Nocturne. This is something everyone should experience once in their lifetime.”
Due to its location, Liege also provides a great base for a three country explorer which includes the wonderful towns of Valkenburg and Maastricht in Holland, Aachen and the picturesque town of Monschau in Germany. Visit the three countries ‘meeting point’, where Belgium, Holland and Germany come together.
Dates
02 October 2026 (date to be confirmed)
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK
Take the ferry crossing from Dover to Calais or Dunkerque and continue through France and into Belgium and the city of Liège for the next 3 nights. After check-in the rest of the day and evening is at leisure.
Day 2
Maastricht sightseeing, Valkenburg and La Nocturne des Coteaux
Cross the border to the southernmost city in the Netherlands, Maastricht, which is also known as the ‘Paris of the Benelux’. Enjoy a guided walking tour which will show you around the prettiest parts of the old city centre. You will see the Stokstraat Quarter, the Basilica of Our Lady, the Ramparts and the parks plus much more. It is distinguished by its medieval-era architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Here, make sure to take some time out to explore the network of underground passageways and vaults beneath the city. This is where a large number of the Netherlands’ treasured artworks were safeguarded during World War II.
From here, drive to Valkenburg, sometimes called ‘Marlstone Town’ because of the lime found in the soil and the soft yellow marlstone which has, since Roman times, been quarried as building material. As a result, there is now a network of over 150 miles of underground caves beneath the town which are worth exploring. The town itself has many shops, bars, cafes and restaurants as well as a castle which can be visited.
Return to Liège where the highlight of the evening will be ‘La Nocturne des Coteaux’ – the festival of lights!
Day 3
Three Countries point, Aachen and the Eiffel Mountains
Enjoy an excursion to the three countries ‘meeting point’, where Belgium, Holland and Germany come together. Continue to Aachen and enjoy some free time exploring the great old town and its magnificent cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Continue through the stunning scenery of the Eiffel Mountains towards one of the most picturesque villages in the region, Monschau. Overlooked by a turreted castle, there is a brewery, mustard mill, glass works and much more to explore.
Return to Liège for a final evening.
Day 4
Return to the UK
Depart after breakfast and drive to Calais or Dunkerque for the ferry crossing to the UK, and home.
Featured hotel
Mercure Liège City Centre **** – inspected by Greatdays staff in July 2025
Located next to the river La Meuse and offers guests comfort and modern conveniences in a historic setting in town. The 17th-century restaurant and bar, a former “Recollectines” convent, creates a stunning environment to enjoy a gourmet meal. When the evening falls, relax and sip a drink on the outdoor terrace in the beautiful gardens. The hotel is easily accessible by coach and 10 minutes away from the modern Liège-Guillemins train station . There is secure parking available on-site.
Suggested hotel
Pentahotel Liège **** – inspected by Greatdays staff in July 2025
Mercure Liège City Centre
| Departure date | 4 days/3 nights |
Single Supplement |
| 02 October 2026 | From £219.00 per person | From £117.00 per person |
