From Amsterdam to Milan: A Journey Through History, Art and Culture

Step aboard a classic boat to see the city from a different perspective – through its intricate network of waterways. Glide along the Prinsengracht, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Singel. Then slip into narrower corners that larger vessels cannot reach.

Experience Amsterdam like a local on a bicycle ride to De Plantage. On the Amstel River’s right bank, this leafy district invites you to slow down and explore its elegant squares and boulevards. Take in the peaceful atmosphere it’s known for while keeping your eyes peeled for a treasure trove of art, culture and Jewish heritage.

Known as the Latin Quarter, De Pijp pulses with bohemian flair. Here age-old homes frame winding canals. Hidden courtyards promise calm and quiet while flower-strewn markets offer glimpses into daily ritual. Unravel the neighbourhood’s secrets with your local guide. Amidst your exploration, enjoy moments of rest at waterside cafés and artisan bakeries.

Since Belgium’s independence in 1830, Brussels’ Royal Palace has remained the official working residence of the Belgian monarchy. Marvel at its grand neoclassical facade as you hear tales of royalty. Beyond, stroll stately streets and magnificent squares. 

Walk beneath the plane trees of the Royal Park, the former hunting grounds for the Dukes of Brabant. Then discover the history behind the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, thought to date back to the 8th or 9th century.

As you wander the city on foot, your guide brings to life the city’s most important sights. You’ll admire the gothic and baroque architecture of the Old Market and delve into the legends behind the Manneken Pis sculpture. 

Other destinations include the art deco Centre for Fine Arts and the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, an elegant glass-roofed arcade. You’ll also visit the Magritte Museum, celebrating the surrealist works of Belgian artist René Magritte. Along the way, taste local chocolate, beer and waffles.

In the southeast of Belgium, the Belgian Ardennes unravels with dense forests and deep river valleys dotted with medieval castles and villages. With your guide, head for one of Europe’s smallest cities: Durbuy. Here lose yourself in a maze of cobbled streets. Every turn reveals stone homes from the 17th and 18th centuries. In its restaurants, local specialities like truite aux orties (trout with nettles) shine.

At the heart of Cologne, the Cologne Cathedral rises from the banks of the Rhine River. Its gothic twin spires loom over the city, symbolic of Cologne’s enduring heritage. Observe the intricate details of its imposing facade before stepping inside to uncover more than 700 years of history. Your exploration continues into the treasury. Here browse an impressive collection of religious artefacts including the Shrine of the Three Kings and one of Europe’s oldest large-scale crucifixes.

Trace Cologne’s past with your local guide as you take in its renowned sights. Witness remarkably preserved city gates. Wander the narrow alleys of the historic centre before learning the history of Europe’s first city university. Then cross the Hohenzollern Bridge for a sweeping vista of the Rhine River.

Kölsch is synonymous with the city of Cologne. This pale gold beer dates back to the early 20th century yet it represents brewing traditions that have thrived since the Middle Ages. Gain an insight into its fermentation process before sampling varieties straight from the tap.

Navigate the heart of the city from the back of an electric tuk tuk. Ride past the designer boutiques of Bahnhofstrasse and meander through the Old Town before shifting gears towards Zurich’s ‘west end’. This former industrial district is now a thriving hub for creativity.

Spanning a breadth of 150 metres (492 feet), the Rhine Falls is Europe’s largest waterfall. Leave Zurich behind as you journey to Switzerland’s northernmost reaches. Here powerful cascades plunge into the depths of the Rhine River. Stand above them from the observation platform and feel the falls’ thunderous vibrations beneath your feet.

Enjoy a panoramic rail journey to Arth-Goldau before swapping to Europe’s oldest cogwheel train to ascend Mount Rigi. A pair of gentle St. Bernard dogs greet you at the top. From here, you’ll embark on a leisurely walk together along a scenic trail. Learn about their legacy as search and rescue dogs as you arrive at a secret lookout to soak up sweeping mountain views.

Embark on a private boat trip to drift alongside grand villas, hidden gardens and villages dotted with ancient stone bell towers. Cruise past Comacina – Lake Como’s only island –  before stopping in Bellagio where you can walk along its narrow streets.

In a small village located above Cernobbio, learn how to make traditional pasta recipes from the Lombardy region. Under the guidance of an expert, master techniques honed through generations. Then enjoy your creations against a breathtaking backdrop of Lake Como and forested slopes.

Hop onto a bicycle and wind your way into the Val Sanagra nature reserve. Lying just above Menaggio, it’s one of the lake’s best-kept secrets and a favourite meeting place for locals. Next cycle through the historic villages of Velzo and Naggio, surrounded by grape vines and grassy green fields. A downhill ride then guides you onto the picturesque shores of Lake Lugano. Your journey continues to Lake Piano where you can spot flocks of grey herons, reed warblers and swans.

Situated in a tiny district of Lombardy, the wine region Franciacorta is renowned for its metodo classico wines. Among them is the complex, sparkling wine of Franciacorta DOCG infused with hand-picked grapes. During your visit, explore cellars steeped with the legacy of those who have kept the region’s wine-making traditions alive. Then sample their craft under the guidance of a sommelier. 

Rising to a height of 108 metres (356 feet), Milan’s Duomo is Italy’s largest gothic cathedral. Follow your knowledgeable guide into its hidden corners, tracing its construction across six centuries. Next visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie church to unlock the secrets behind Leonardo Da Vinci’s legendary mural: the Last Supper. 

Your tour continues with a culinary journey through the heart of Milan. Flit between delicatessens, pastry shops and cafés in search of local specialities: saffron-infused risotto, rose-like michetta and freshly brewed barbajada.

Explore Milan’s craftsmanship during an experience shaped by your interests. Find the finest designer pieces with a local stylist. Or watch a master shoemaker at work, where boots are handmade to measure using leather from Europe’s finest tanneries. Beyond fashion, perfumery in Milan also stretches back centuries. Join an expert in a private workshop to blend essential oils in making your own fragrance.