pilgrimage to belgium, the netherlands and luxembourg
pilgrimage to belgium, the netherlands and luxembourg
$7,335
CAD
$7,335 CAD | 13 days
Tab 1
Day
Location
Details
April 22
TORONTO
DAY 1- Toronto departure to Amsterdam
Evening departure via Toronto with a direct flight to Amsterdam, to begin our pilgrimage.
Evening departure via Toronto with a direct flight to Amsterdam, to begin our pilgrimage.
April 23
AMSTERDAM
DAY 2-
Welcome to Amsterdam! After meeting our Guide and boarding our deluxe coach, we will enjoy a pleasant welcome lunch, then take a short walking tour in the heart of the city. Here, we will visit the Begijnhof, a hidden courtyard where extremely pious women lived for almost 700 years. We will celebrate our welcome Mass at the Chapel of the Beguines, formerly a private house where a Eucharistic Miracle occurred on March 15, 1345. The Chapel now has daily Eucharistic Adoration. After time for prayer, we will check into our Amsterdam hotel. Dinner and overnight in Amsterdam.
Welcome to Amsterdam! After meeting our Guide and boarding our deluxe coach, we will enjoy a pleasant welcome lunch, then take a short walking tour in the heart of the city. Here, we will visit the Begijnhof, a hidden courtyard where extremely pious women lived for almost 700 years. We will celebrate our welcome Mass at the Chapel of the Beguines, formerly a private house where a Eucharistic Miracle occurred on March 15, 1345. The Chapel now has daily Eucharistic Adoration. After time for prayer, we will check into our Amsterdam hotel. Dinner and overnight in Amsterdam.
April 24
AMSTERDAM
DAY 3 - After breakfast, we will start our day by visiting the Shrine of Our Lady of All Nations, where, from 1945 to 1959 Our Lady appeared 56 times to a woman named Ida Peerdeman. We will spend time in prayer before the original image of Our Lady of All Nations requested by Our Lady, and celebrate our Mass. Then we visit the Basilica of St. Nicholas, the hidden Church of Our Dear Lord in the Attic and spend the rest of our day touring the Canal District, a UNESCO Heritage site. We will end our day by relaxing on a scenic canal cruise. Dinner and overnight in Amsterdam
April 25
HAARLEM / KEUKENHOF GARDENS /
DAY 4- After breakfast, we leave Amsterdam to explore the Dutch countryside, starting with a visit to Haarlem, where we will celebrate Mass at St. Bavo Cathedral, the main cathedral for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Haarlem-Amsterdam. Following Mass, our will take a walking tour of the historic centre. After lunch on our own, we will drive to the incredible 80-acre tulip fields of Keukenhof. After a spectacular tour of the gardens, we will drive to nearby Noordwijk Beach, to take photos and dip our toes into the Atlantic. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in The Hague.
April 26
GOUDA / KINDERDIJK
DAY 5 - After breakfast, we drive to Gouda, famous for its cheese and cheese markets located around the historic Town Hall. We will visit the cathedral of St. Janskerk (St. John’s church), dating from 1485. UNESCO listed, it is the longest church in the Netherlands. We will also visit the Catholic parish of St. Johannes de Doper (St. John the Baptist), secretly built in 1630 during Catholic persecution, hidden behind three houses and celebrate our Mass at beautiful Assumption of St. Mary Catholic church. In the afternoon, we will take a picturesque drive through the Dutch countryside to Kinderdijk (a UNESCO World Heritage site) to see its 19 renowned windmills. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in central Maastricht.
April 27
MAASTRICHT / BANNEUX
DAY 6- After breakfast, we will explore the centre of the town of Masstricht, an important pilgrimage town since the 6th century. We will visit the magnificent Basilica of St. Servatius, the town’s founder, built over his tomb, and see its 12th-century portal depicting the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary and its monumental reliquary containing the relics of St. Servatius and St. Martin of Tongeren. On our tour, we will see the famous Black Christ at St.Martin’s church and visit the 11th-century Basilica of Our Lady, with its miraculous votive statue "Our Lady, Star of the Sea". We will celebrate our Mass and pray in this beautiful church. In the afternoon we cross into Belgium and visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Banneux. Our Lady, calling herself “Our Lady of the Poor”, appeared to 12-year old Mariette Beco here between January 15 and March 2,1933. After time for prayer, we continue south into Luxembourg. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Luxembourg City.
April 28
LUXEMBOURG, MOSELLE RIVER VALLEY
DAY 7- This morning, we enjoy a tour of the historic centre of Luxembourg city. We will visit Notre Dame Cathedral, with its statue of Mary, the Consoler of the Afflicted, then visit St. Michael’s Church dating back to 987 AD, and see its carved oak pieta. After seeing many notable landmarks, we will visit the spectacular Citadel of the Holy Spirit, to enjoy its views of the old city. Our Mass will be celebrated at the lovely Church of St. John de Grund (St. John the Baptist), widely revered as one of the most beautiful and significant religious sites in Luxembourg City, with its expressive Black Madonna, visited by pilgrims since the 14’th century. In the afternoon, we drive to the charming Moselle Valley, to the town of Remich, to enjoy a wine tasting experience and embark on a one-hour cruise past vineyards, castles and quaint villages. We will have dinner with wine at a local restaurant before returning to our hotel. Overnight in Luxembourg City.
April 29
LAROCHETTE / ECHTERNACH, VIANDEN
DAY 8- Today we will explore more of the countryside of Luxembourg, taking in some of its most spectacular scenery. We start in the market town of Larochette, to tour the town and enjoy the ruins of its 11’th century castle, then drive on to Echternach, the country’s oldest town, dominated by an ancient Abby, founded by St. Willibrord in 698 AD. We will visit the Museum here to see its beautiful illuminated manuscripts, and visit the saint’s tomb in the Basilica, where we will celebrate Mass. Our scenic drive continues through the region known as “Little Switzerland”, where we will take photo stops in places such as the village of Berdorf and Beaufort castle. In Vianden (on the list of tentative UNESCO Heritage Sites), we will walk through the town and view its magnificent castle, visit the Gothic Abby church and cloister and enjoy its magnificent views. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Luxembourg City.
April 30
D'ORVAL ABBY / BOUILLON, BEAURAING
DAY 9 - After breakfast, we return to Belgium, stopping at the 12’th century Cistercian Abby of Notre Dame D’Orval, to visit its church ruins, museum, herb garden, and have the opportunity to shop for specialty beer and cheese made by the monks as well as religious souvenirs in the Abby store. We will enjoy impressive views as we drive on to Bouillon with its striking medieval fortress. Then, we head north to the Marian Apparition site of Beauraing. Here, Our Blessed Mother appeared 33 times to 5 children as the “Virgin of the Golden Heart” in 1933. There have been many miraculous healings here since the apparitions. We will visit the shrine and celebrate our Mass here at Our Lady with Golden Heart Sanctuary. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Wavre.
May 1
LEUVEN / TREMELO / ANTWERP
DAY 10- This morning, we will tour the nearby university city of Leuven, originating from Roman times. An important stop will be St. Anthony’s Chapel, where we will visit the crypt of Saint Father Damien of Molokai, buried here since 1936, and view its panels of photos which follow his life. Then we will move on to Gothic St. Peter’s Church, which houses a famous “Last Supper” painting and the tomb of the Patron Saint of the city, Saint “Proud” Margaret, a martyr. After celebrating our Mass here, we continue our walk past historic buildings of its university (a tentative UNESCO heritage site) and through Leuven’s Grand Beguinage (a UNESCO world heritage site). In the afternoon, we drive north to Tremelo, the birthplace of St. Damien, for a short tour, then move on to the city of Antwerp. Here we will view the Cathedral of Our Lady, with its 405-foot-tall belfry (UNESCO listed), see the central square, St. Paul’s church, and Antwerp’s castle, Het Steen. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Antwerp.
May 2
BRUGGE
DAY 11-This morning, we drive to the unspoilt medieval town of Brugge, starting with our celebration of Mass in the holiest place in the city, the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Its treasure rests in its ornate upper chapel: a vial containing what is believed to be several drops of the blood of Christ, brought here after the second Crusade in 1150. In the afternoon, we will take a walking tour of the historic centre of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as “Venice of the North”. En route, we will visit the Welcome Church of Our Lady, where we will see the only sculpture by Michelangelo found outside Italy – the famous Madonna and Child. Our day will include a boat trip along picturesque canals, and visits to St. Salvador Cathedral, the Market Square, city hall, St. Janshospital, a medieval hospital and chapel, and a popular 19th-century brewery. At the peaceful Begijnhof (a UNESCO site) now occupied by Benedictine sisters, we will see the statue of Our Lady of Spermalie from 1247 in the church and have time for prayer. Dinner and overnight in Brugge.
May 3
FLANDERS FIELDS / YPRES, GHENT
DAY 12- After breakfast, we take a scenic but sobering drive through the battlefields of WWI, from Diksmuide to Ypres, where the grueling stalemate of trench warfare in WWI cost more than a million lives. Today, we see a lovely landscape dotted with monuments, museums and cemeteries. Along our route we will visit the St. Julien Canadian Forces Memorial (the Brooding Soldier) and the Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth Cemetery in the world. We will also stop at the John McCrae site, where Canadian medic John McCrae served and wrote his unforgettable poem, “In Flanders Fields”. Our afternoon will be in the beautiful town of Ypres, almost totally destroyed in WWI and one of the first places where chemical warfare was employed. The town was extensively rebuilt after the war. We will take a walking tour of the city centre, viewing the Cloth Hall, the Grote Markt, St. Martin’s Cathedral, and the Menin Gate memorial to missing soldiers of the Commonwealth. Our private Mass will be celebrated at St. George’s Memorial church, which commemorates the British and Commonwealth soldiers who died in the five battles fought for Ypres in WWI. After Mass, we drive to the celebrated city of Ghent. Tonight, we have our farewell dinner with wine at a pleasant restaurant near our hotel. Overnight in Ghent.
May 4
DEPARTURE TO TORONTO
DAY 13- After breakfast, we transfer to the Brussels airport, to take our mid-morning flight direct to Toronto
Optional 2-Day Extension (limited seats available)
May 4 & 5
Location - Ghent
Those taking the extension will say goodbye to the rest of the group after dinner on May 3 and move to a hotel in the historic city centre, for 2 more days of exploration in this “Fairy Tale city” of Belgium. Easily walkable, with of the largest pedestrian zones in Europe, Ghent is renowned for its medieval charm, stunning architecture, culinary delights, great bistros, picturesque canals and accessibility. A main site to visit is the famous 15’th century altarpiece, Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, located inside St. Bavo’s Cathedral.
May 6
Farewell To Belgium and Home
After breakfast, the group will transfer to the Brussels airport for our return flight to Toronto.
Optional 2-Day Extension (limited seats available)
May 4 & 5
Location - Ghent
Those taking the extension will say goodbye to the rest of the group after dinner on May 3 and move to a hotel in the historic city centre, for 2 more days of exploration in this “Fairy Tale city” of Belgium. Easily walkable, with of the largest pedestrian zones in Europe, Ghent is renowned for its medieval charm, stunning architecture, culinary delights, great bistros, picturesque canals and accessibility. A main site to visit is the famous 15’th century altarpiece, Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, located inside St. Bavo’s Cathedral.
May 6
Farewell To Belgium and Home
After breakfast, the group will transfer to the Brussels airport for our return flight to Toronto.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
All participants must review the Full Terms of Service here https://www.ihtours.com/terms-of-service/. These full terms of service will govern on all matters not specifically mentioned below.
TOUR PRICE: $7,335 CAD per person based on double occupancy with a minimum of 25 paying passengers.
RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO ANY MAJOR FLUCTUATION BETWEEN THE U.S. AND CANADIAN DOLLARS.
Departure from Toronto/Ottawa to Amsterdam flying AIR CANADA with a return from Brussels.
INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR:
· Air transportation from Toronto (unless specified otherwise), incl. airport taxes and surcharges
· Deluxe 4-star hotel accommodation double occupancy. Single supplement $1450
· 2 meals daily (breakfast and dinner), welcome lunch and wine tasting
· all sightseeing and entrances as per itinerary with English speaking guides
· all tips for dinner servers, tips to bus drivers and local guides
· Air-conditioned transportation
· tips for our Long-Distance Tour Escort and driver
· Daily Mass offerings
· Optional Extension $1279, single supplement $520 (limited seats available, price is subject to change)
EXCLUSIONS:
· 10 Lunches, insurance, documentation, tips for lunch servers, maids and porters.
· Connecting airfare from home city to Toronto (Ottawa connecting flights $250)
DOCUMENTATION:
Please ensure that you are in possession of a Canadian Passport valid for at least 6 months after your return from Belgium.
HOW TO BOOK:
Please call Laurie Courchesne-Dooley at (613)602-3535 for information and a registration form, or book online using the “Register Now” button. A deposit of $400.00 per person is required at time of booking. Insurance must be purchased at time of booking.
PAYMENTS:
International Heritage Tours requires a deposit of $400 per person immediately, which is refundable 90 days before departure (January 22, 2027) less $200 administration fee. Less than 90 days before departure the deposit is non-refundable. Full non-refundable payment for the balance is due 60 days before departure (February 21, 2027). YOU MAY PAY ON-LINE, PERSONAL CHEQUE, E-TRANSFER, CREDIT CARD. Please send e-transfers to: [email protected]
Please put the code “DK5049”' Benelux Pilgrimage in the notes for us to match the payment.
You may also pay by credit card or personal cheque. If you have selected cheque as payment method, please make sure to mail to International Heritage Tours at 7117 Bathurst St, suite 200, Thornhill, ON, L4J 2J6 Personal cheques or money orders made payable to:
International Heritage Tours
7117 Bathurst Street, Suite 200
Thornhill, ON
L4J 2J6
All participants must review the Full Terms of Service here https://www.ihtours.com/terms-of-service/. These full terms of service will govern on all matters not specifically mentioned below.
TOUR PRICE: $7,335 CAD per person based on double occupancy with a minimum of 25 paying passengers.
RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO ANY MAJOR FLUCTUATION BETWEEN THE U.S. AND CANADIAN DOLLARS.
Departure from Toronto/Ottawa to Amsterdam flying AIR CANADA with a return from Brussels.
INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR:
· Air transportation from Toronto (unless specified otherwise), incl. airport taxes and surcharges
· Deluxe 4-star hotel accommodation double occupancy. Single supplement $1450
· 2 meals daily (breakfast and dinner), welcome lunch and wine tasting
· all sightseeing and entrances as per itinerary with English speaking guides
· all tips for dinner servers, tips to bus drivers and local guides
· Air-conditioned transportation
· tips for our Long-Distance Tour Escort and driver
· Daily Mass offerings
· Optional Extension $1279, single supplement $520 (limited seats available, price is subject to change)
EXCLUSIONS:
· 10 Lunches, insurance, documentation, tips for lunch servers, maids and porters.
· Connecting airfare from home city to Toronto (Ottawa connecting flights $250)
DOCUMENTATION:
Please ensure that you are in possession of a Canadian Passport valid for at least 6 months after your return from Belgium.
HOW TO BOOK:
Please call Laurie Courchesne-Dooley at (613)602-3535 for information and a registration form, or book online using the “Register Now” button. A deposit of $400.00 per person is required at time of booking. Insurance must be purchased at time of booking.
PAYMENTS:
International Heritage Tours requires a deposit of $400 per person immediately, which is refundable 90 days before departure (January 22, 2027) less $200 administration fee. Less than 90 days before departure the deposit is non-refundable. Full non-refundable payment for the balance is due 60 days before departure (February 21, 2027). YOU MAY PAY ON-LINE, PERSONAL CHEQUE, E-TRANSFER, CREDIT CARD. Please send e-transfers to: [email protected]
Please put the code “DK5049”' Benelux Pilgrimage in the notes for us to match the payment.
You may also pay by credit card or personal cheque. If you have selected cheque as payment method, please make sure to mail to International Heritage Tours at 7117 Bathurst St, suite 200, Thornhill, ON, L4J 2J6 Personal cheques or money orders made payable to:
International Heritage Tours
7117 Bathurst Street, Suite 200
Thornhill, ON
L4J 2J6
**THE ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY VARY IN THE ORDER YOU VISIT**
