Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Valkenburg, The Netherlands

Travel to Valkenburg

Take a short sea crossing to Calais and travel to Valkenburg in Holland for the next 4 nights.  After settling into your room, head down to the restaurant for dinner or, if time allows, take a stroll into the town centre which is near to the hotel.

Valkenburg at leisure

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.  Visit the beautiful Municipal Cave where you will board an underground train to explore the beautiful wall paintings, marl sculptures and hear about the history of the cave with English commentary.

Alternatively, take a walking tour of the Velvet Cave** and visit the castle or explore the town with its abundance of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants.

**These caves are used for the annual Christmas markets which are very unique.

Maastricht and River Cruise

The southernmost city in the Netherlands, Maastricht is also known as the ‘Paris of the Benelux’. Meet up with a local guide for a walking tour which will show you around the prettiest parts of the old city centre. You will see the Town Hall on the Markt**, Stokstraat Quarter, the Basilica of Our Lady, the Ramparts and the parks plus much more.  After the tour perhaps 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.  In the afternoon, enjoy a cruise on the River Meuse for an alternative view of the city.

On the return journey to Valkenburg an optional recommended stop can be made at the Netherlands American War Cemetery with over 8000 graves, a tall chapel tower, immaculate gardens, reflecting pool and statues.

**Market days are usually Wednesday and Friday subject to confirmation.

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 landmark cathedral which is a dedicated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Town Hall and the Elisenbrunnen Fountain. (Optional guided walking tours available).  Don’t forget to try the local spiced gingerbread known as ‘Aachener Printen’ or the ‘Rice Cake’, a light yeast dough filled with sweet and creamy rice.

Continue through the stunning scenery of the Eifel Mountains on the way to the picturesque village of Monschau, overlooked by the turreted Monschau Castle.  Spend some free time exploring this town, famous for its half-timbered buildings and cobbled streets.  Perhaps visit the Red House Museum, built in 1752 with lavish furnishings or Monschau Glass Works which is a fascinating place to watch expert glassblowing demonstrations.  Monschau is also famous for its mustard and you can taste and purchase produce at the Mustard Mill.  Alternatively, there is the option to take a cruise on the Rursee and see the surrounding scenery of the Eifel National Park.

Return to Valkenburg for your final evening.

Return to the UK

Drive to Calais for the short sea ferry crossing to the UK.

South Limburg Steam Train

Why not enjoy a nostalgic Steam train ride through the rolling hills of South Limburg on the Miljoenenlijn.  Several options are available, one-way journeys or return journeys, some routes can start and end in Valkenburg.  But we recommend a return journey from Simpelvald where there is a museum to visit and optional lunches can be arranged.  Please note that the train only carries 5 carriages so can get booked up fairly quickly.