Descend into the Municipal Caves (Gemeentegrot) beneath Valkenburg’s castle hill, a cool, echoing labyrinth of marlstone tunnels carved over centuries. Follow illuminated corridors to see charcoal murals and reliefs that tell local stories, and feel the hush of these underground chambers.

Learn how quarrymen once supplied the creamy limestone that built Limburg’s farmhouses, and how the caves served as a wartime shelter for residents. This evocative visit blends geology, craftsmanship, and community memory in a uniquely Dutch-Limburg setting.

Stroll the elegant heart of Maastricht, from café-lined Vrijthof to the twin towers of the Basilica of St. Servatius. Amble down cobbled lanes to Onze-Lieve-Vrouweplein and cross the River Meuse via the graceful Sint Servaasbrug, soaking up the city’s lively café culture and riverside charm.

Trace layers of history in one walk—Roman remains, medieval guildhouses, and the modern legacy of the 1992 Treaty that bears the city’s name. Browsing boutiques or sampling Limburg vlaai adds a sweet local note to your exploration.

Discover storybook Monschau, where slate-roofed half-timbered houses lean over the Rur riverside and cobbled lanes thread between artisan boutiques. Frame perfect photos from the bridge and consider stepping into the merchant mansion of Rotes Haus (Red House) for a glimpse of 18th-century grandeur.

Learn how cloth-making wealth shaped this Eifel town, from dye houses to finely carved staircases. Time here invites sampling local specialties, from spice-scented bakeries to the famed mustard mill, amid hills that cradle the valley like a green amphitheatre.

Cruise the River Meuse on a relaxed sightseeing boat, gliding past skyline spires, old quays and modern bridges. From the water, Vrijthof’s bell towers and the arches of the Sint Servaasbrug align for classic photos while commentary brings to life the city’s role in European trade and ideas.

This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour. Enjoy sunset over the river on evening departures, or opt for daytime views that reveal fortifications and sculpted embankments dating back centuries.

Step inside the Aachen Cathedral Treasury (Domschatzkammer) to see glittering reliquaries, textiles and sculpture linked to imperial coronations. Highlights evoke the age of Charlemagne and pilgrims who came to venerate sacred objects, set within quiet galleries steps from the cathedral.

This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour. Exhibits trace artistry from the early Middle Ages to baroque craftsmanship, offering a focused complement to your time in the cathedral precinct.

Relax at Carolus Thermen, Aachen’s contemporary thermal complex fed by the region’s mineral springs. Slip into warm indoor–outdoor pools, saunas and quiet zones designed for deep unwind, with the faint scent of eucalyptus and soft lighting enhancing the mood.

This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour. Linking to the city’s Roman bathing heritage, a spa session offers a serene counterpoint to sightseeing before a restful night.

Taste tradition at the Historische Senfmuhle (Historic Mustard Mill), where stone mills grind seeds into regional specialties. Watch a short demonstration, sample regional mustards, and pick up ideas for pairings that lift simple dishes.

This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour. The visit spotlights a craft rooted in the Eifel’s pantry, adding a flavorful counterpart to your stroll among half-timbered facades and riverside views.

Explore the UNESCO-listed precinct around Aachen Cathedral, where the octagonal Palatine Chapel anchors a web of medieval streets and lively squares. Wander across Katschhof between the cathedral and the Gothic City Hall, and follow the scent of spiced Printen from traditional bakeries as you pause for photos and reflection.

Discover how this was Charlemagne’s imperial capital, a city shaped by hot springs and coronations from Roman Aquae Granni to modern Aachen. Time here invites you to admire stonework, peek into artisan shops, and sample the city’s distinctive gingerbread.

Maastricht, Valkenburg, Aachen & Monschau

LeShuttle to Calais and on to our hotel in Aachen, located in the westernmost part of Germany near the borders of Belgium and the Netherlands. The city is famous for the Aachen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its thermal springs, which have been attracting visitors for centuries.

Maastricht, Valkenburg, Aachen & Monschau

Our day begins in picturesque Monschau, one of Germany’s prettiest towns. Nestled amongst the hills of the Eifel region, its half-timbered houses, cobbled lanes and riverside setting feel like something from a storybook. There is free time to wander the charming streets, browse the local shops or simply soak up the atmosphere.

Later, we continue to historic Aachen, once the preferred residence of Charlemagne and home to one of Europe’s most remarkable cathedrals. Dating back to around 800 AD, Aachen Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in northern Europe and the final resting place of Charlemagne himself. Nearby, the magnificent 14th-century Gothic City Hall stands on the site of the emperor’s former palace. Enjoy free time to explore the Old Town, discover the city’s fascinating history at the modern city museum or perhaps sample some traditional Printen, Aachen’s famous gingerbread.

Maastricht, Valkenburg, Aachen & Monschau

This morning we travel to Valkenburg, beautifully situated amongst the rolling hills of the Limburg region. Here we visit the fascinating Municipal Caves, an extraordinary network of tunnels and passageways carved into the marlstone beneath the town.

Later, we continue to Maastricht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and famed for its rich history and lively atmosphere. Spend time exploring the elegant squares and historic streets, perhaps enjoying an early dinner before we return to the hotel.

Maastricht, Valkenburg, Aachen & Monschau

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and head to Calais for our journey home on LeShuttle.