World War History Tour: The Netherlands, Belgium and France

Begin your day with a private guided tour of the Rijksmuseum, one of Europe’s premier cultural institutions. Home to more than 8,000 works, the museum showcases Dutch history and artistry at its finest. Your expert guide will tailor the visit to your interests, bringing to life masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer and other icons of the Dutch Golden Age. From vast galleries to intricate artefacts, this experience offers a deeper understanding of the Netherlands’ creative legacy and cultural identity. After your tour, you can return to the hotel on foot or continue exploring Museumplein at your own pace.

Spend the morning discovering Amsterdam at your leisure. Stroll along tree-lined canals, browse the boutiques of the Jordaan, or enjoy a peaceful coffee in Vondelpark. In the afternoon, visit the Anne Frank House for a deeply moving, self-guided experience. Explore the preserved Secret Annex and view Anne’s original diary—offering powerful insight into one of history’s most poignant personal stories. This reflective visit stands as a tribute to resilience and remembrance. Afterwards, enjoy a quiet evening in the city, perhaps dining along the canals or wandering the soft-lit streets as day turns to night.

Today, travel by train from Amsterdam to Brussels—an easy and scenic three-hour journey. On arrival, make your way to NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon, perfectly located for exploring the historic centre. This afternoon, join a private guide for a walking tour through Brussels’ architectural grandeur and hidden corners. Begin in the Grand Place before venturing into charming side streets filled with chocolate shops, cafés and colourful street art. From royal palaces to the EU quarter, your guide will tailor the route to reflect your interests—offering a seamless blend of past, present and indulgent local flavour.

Travel from Brussels with a specialist battlefield guide to explore the poignant history of World War I in Ypres. Begin at Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth war grave site, then visit Essex Farm, once a front-line medical station. At the Flanders Fields Museum, powerful exhibits and personal stories bring the war’s impact into sharp focus. As evening approaches, explore the rebuilt charm of Ypres before attending the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate—held every evening since 1928. This moving tribute honours those with no known graves. The experience offers a day of deep reflection and remembrance, returning to Brussels in the evening.

Depart Brussels by train to Paris, continuing by private transfer to Bayeux in the heart of Normandy. Upon arrival, check in to Château Saint Gilles, a refined retreat surrounded by peaceful countryside. The rest of your day is yours to relax and settle into your new surroundings. Perhaps take a stroll through the gardens or enjoy a quiet evening soaking up the timeless tranquillity of rural France. This transition day offers a slower rhythm, bridging the energy of Brussels with the historical depth that awaits in Normandy.

Explore the medieval charm of Bayeux with a private local guide. Wander cobbled streets, admire timber-framed houses, and visit the town’s stunning gothic cathedral. A highlight of the day is the famous Bayeux Tapestry—an 11th-century masterpiece telling the story of the Norman conquest of England in astonishing detail. At nearly 70 metres long, the tapestry is a one-of-a-kind artefact of storytelling and craftsmanship. Your guide will offer insight into its history and legacy, creating a rich narrative backdrop for the rest of your time in Normandy.

Step into history on a full-day private tour of Normandy’s D-Day beaches. Begin at Arromanches to see the remains of the artificial Mulberry harbour, then continue to Omaha Beach, where the Allied landings came at great cost. At the Normandy American Cemetery, walk among the rows of white crosses that commemorate fallen soldiers, including the real-life inspiration for Saving Private Ryan. With your guide, you’ll gain powerful context about the landings and their legacy. This day is solemn, moving, and deeply meaningful—a reminder of the courage and sacrifice that shaped modern Europe.

Travel to the iconic Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO-listed island rising from tidal flats like something out of a fairytale. Accompanied by your private guide, explore the narrow medieval streets and ascend to the abbey, where stunning views and serene cloisters await. Learn about the island’s monastic past and its role in French history while taking in the extraordinary setting. Roam at your own pace, soaking up the timeless charm before returning to Bayeux. This is one of France’s most unforgettable sights—a dreamlike place where history and beauty meet in perfect harmony.

Your journey concludes today with a private transfer from Bayeux to Paris. As the Normandy countryside gives way to the capital’s grandeur, reflect on the many contrasts you’ve experienced—from the quiet canals of Amsterdam to the solemn beaches of Normandy, the gilded façades of Brussels to the abbey spires of Mont Saint-Michel. A trip rich in cultural depth, human stories, and moments of stillness, crafted to leave you with a deeper connection to the places you’ve visited—and to the past that continues to shape them.