Holland & Belgium

Uncover multiple layers of history in the charming southern capital of the province of Limburg. Maastricht is one of the oldest cities in The Netherlands, with roots dating to Roman times. Its close proximity to the ancient bishopric of Liège as well as the great cities in the German Rhineland exposed Maastricht to different cultural traditions. To this day, it has maintained a decidedly international character. On a guided walk you will see the Market Square with the 17th-century Town Hall, the Roman St. Servatius Basilica, vestiges of the medieval town wall and the iconic Dinghuis, a tower that once housed the local courthouse. During your free time, enjoy the sun and a local beer in one of the sidewalk cafés along Het Vrijthof, and take a peek in the former Dominican church, converted into one of Europe’s most unusual bookstores.

Explore the rich medieval heritage and architectural beauty of Aachen’s iconic cathedral and treasury. Commissioned by the Frankish emperor Charlemagne at the end of the 8th century, this imposing church lays claim to being the oldest cathedral in Europe and was the center of the Holy Roman Empire; it is the final resting place of Charlemagne and the coronation site of 31 succeeding emperors. Disembark your motor coach for a closer look at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire its towering spire and octagonal dome before venturing inside to view its magnificent marble and mosaic-tiled interior. Marvel at its massive stained-glass windows and opulent gold adornments, then head to the treasury to peruse its large collection of relics from late antiquity to medieval times. Afterward, enjoy free time to stroll its cobblestone lanes at your leisure before returning to your ship.

Pay your respects to the thousands of US service members who gave their lives during a solemn cemetery visit. Located in the rolling countryside outside the village of Margraten, The Netherlands’ American Cemetery and Memorial is the final resting place for more than 8,300 US personnel who died while liberating The Netherlands from the Nazi occupation during the later stages of World War II. View the map room, where you will learn more about the campaigns fought around Margraten, then follow your knowledgeable guide to the Court of Honor with its tall memorial tower and reflecting pool. Listen to the personal stories of soldiers buried in the cemetery and read the names of the 1,722 soldiers missing in action that are memorialized on the Tablets of the Missing. After time to walk among the seemingly endless rows of white tombstones and quietly reflect, you will return to your ship.

Learn the secrets to making a beloved local treat, then create your own during a hands-on workshop. A vlaai is a sweet yeast pie that is particular to Limburg, the southernmost part of the Netherlands. Originally consumed by Germanic tribes, who baked the thin dough on a hot stone, it was adopted by monasteries and used as sacrificial bread. Merchants brought the vlaai to Maastricht; today, whenever the locals have something to celebrate, this is done with a slice of pie and a cup of coffee. From your ship, take a scenic walk through town to the workshop. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of vlaai, then tour the facilities. Afterward, roll up your sleeves and try your hand at making this regional dish using fresh ingredients, with helpful tips from your instructor. After it has finished baking, take your treat back to the ship to enjoy later.