Maastricht and South Limburg
A unique journey offering culture, history and pleasure
- 3 nights bed and breakfast at the 4* Amrâth Grand Hotel de L’Empereur
- 1 dinner at a typical Limburg restaurant
- City tour in Maastricht
- Visit the famous caves and Fort Sint Pieter
- Guided tour in South Limburg with stops at the
- American War Cemetery in Margraten and Valkenburg
- Boat trip on the Meuse
TIP
Extend this tour with a side trip to Belgium, e.g. a visit to Liège or Tongeren
YOUR HOTEL
The Amrâth Grand Hotel de L’Empereur is a traditional 4* hotel in the heart of Maastricht, directly opposite the central station. The Art Nouveau building dates back to 1902 and combines historical charm with modern comfort. The hotel has 149 rooms in various categories, including standard and superior rooms and spacious suites. All rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, work desk and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Other amenities include a restaurant serving international cuisine, a hotel bar and an indoor pool. Its central location makes the hotel an ideal base for sightseeing, shopping and cultural activities. The historic old town of Maastricht, the banks of the river Meuse, Vrijthof square and numerous museums are all within walking distance.
Maastricht is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the Netherlands – where history, culture and joie de vivre come together. Stroll through the picturesque streets of the old town, enjoy excellent cuisine and relax on the banks of the Meuse. In the south, the rolling hills of South Limburg await – with their green valleys, historic villages and impressive viewpoints.
After an independent transfer, arrive in Maastricht – one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands. Maastricht is in the province of Limburg, spanning both sides of the river Meuse, and is scenically located in the border triangle of Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Next to Amsterdam, Maastricht is home to the most cultural monuments in the Netherlands. After checking into the stylish hotel, get to know the city on a guided walking tour. Located in the heart of the city is the beautiful Vrijthof square, the famous venue for André Rieu’s summer concerts and Magical Maastricht Vrijthof in December. The 1.5-hectare square is surrounded by numerous historic buildings reminiscent of the time when Maastricht was a religious centre and a military fortress – these include the Sint Servaas Church, the Sint Janskerk, the Spaans Gouvernement, de Hoofdwacht and the Generaalshuis. End the day with a typical Limburg dinner.
The exploration continues after breakfast. First on the agenda is Fort Sint Pieter, an impressive fortress with its huge man-made cave system below. In the afternoon, explore the beauty of Maastricht on a leisurely boat tour along the Meuse.
Today is spent exploring the area around Maastricht – the Heuvelland region, or Dutch ›hill country‹ – with its almost Belgian-French flair. But first follow in the footsteps of the more recent past. Not far from Maastricht, near Margraten, is the only American military cemetery in the Netherlands. The cemetery is located on historic ground near the famous road built by the Romans from Cologne to Boulogne, which was used by Caesar on his campaign in the area. Charlemagne, Charles V, Napoleon and Kaiser Wilhelm II all travelled along this road. The route then continues to Valkenburg aan de Geul. This romantic little town is home to the ruins of the Valkenburg castle, the only hilltop castle in the country. Its underground Christmas markets during the Advent season make Valkenburg a magnet for visitors. End the evening in the lively old town of Maastricht.
Enjoy a final breakfast before your independent return journey. Alternatively, the trip can easily be extended to include a detour to Aachen or Liège, or a visit to the Radermacher distillery in Raeren, Belgium, just a few kilometres from the border crossing to Aachen.