Beautiful Luxembourg with Trier, Germany & Belgium Enroute

Itinerary

Day 1, Travel day, ferry Dover – Dunkirk and overnight stop in France

Departing Shrewsbury at 06.30 we will head to Dover for early an afternoon crossing on the ferry to Dunkirk in France. With comfort breaks enroute we expect to arrive at our hotel in Lillie, which is about an hour from the ferry port, around 18.00 in time for a relaxing dinner.

Day 2, Onward travel to Vianden, Luxembourg

We will have a leisurely start to the day. On our way to the hotel at Vianden, we will stop for lunch at a local restaurant in the town of Dinant, which is dramatically perched on the narrow banks of the River Meuse, in Belgium.

Expect a warm welcome from our host on arrival at the family run Belle Vue Hotel. Think Alpine style chalet rather than our usual UK hotel, with lots of warm wood décor everywhere giving a nice cosy feel. We expect to arrive around 18.00 with time to unpack before we meet up for pre-dinner drinks and dinner.

Day 3, A day in Vianden, Luxembourg

Today we will take a break from coach travel and explore the picturesque town of Vianden, set on both banks of the River Our and surrounded by magnificent natural scenery.

After a relaxing breakfast a local guide will join us and provide an orientation of the town, tell us about its history, the sites and local walks. You can either stay with the group as we head into the town or explore independently.

A note about accessibility. The centre of Vianden is situated on a hill with the castle at the very top. In the morning we will walk into the town centre where you can visit lots of interesting sites making your way up the hill. When we visit the castle in the afternoon the coach will drop us off close to the castle but you will need to walk up a relatively steep slope to the castle entrance.

Historic sites

The Maison de Victor Hugo, where he lived as a political refugee for around 3 years, gives an insight into the life and works of this influential writer. See Victor Hugo’s room, complete with original furnishings and hologram projections that bring the writer to life. There are fascinating original artefacts to see, along with information panels and a multi-media room.

There are a number of interesting historic churches to see. The Historical Museum is an 18th century mansion and houses the Bakery Museum, the Vianden City History Museum and the Museum of Rustic Art. There is also a separate art gallery which has interesting exhibitions. If you are feeling brave you can take a chair lift from the valley to the top of the hill for a beautiful view of the city.

Vianden Castle

After lunch, which is included today, we will visit Vianden Castle. The castle is one of Luxembourg’s biggest and most beautiful feudal residences from the Romanesque and Gothic periods. Built between the 11th and 14th century on the foundations of a Roman castle, for a long time it belonged to the Grand Ducal family. In 1977 it passed into state ownership and has now been restored to its former glory.

The castle is substantial with lots of rooms to explore with some rooms furnished in an approximation of period style. It offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Be advised there are lots of floors in the castle that can only be visited via stairs. There is small lift which gives access to two halls: the Knights’ Hall and the Banqueting Hall. All other rooms are only accessible via stairs.

The visitor centre in the castle courtyard has lots of information about the history of the castle, a large panoramic window with a view of the city of Vianden and a short film about the evolution of the castle. All levels of the visitor centre are accessible by a lift.

Dinner will be at the hotel. Afterwards there will be time to hear more about our visit to Luxembourg city so you can plan your day.

Day 4, A Day in Luxembourg City

Leaving the hotel at 09.00 we will have plenty of time to explore this small, cosmopolitan, UNESO listed capital. Built on the foundations of a formidable fortress Luxembourg City is one of Europe’s most spectacularly sited capitals being divided by a gorge that splits the city centre into two. From Europe’s ‘most beautiful balcony’ as you walk along the city walls, you can see the lower town below.

Guided City Tour

Local guides will lead a relaxed walking tour of the old town and tell us about the history of the city, its architecture and culture as well as pointing out sites to visit later in the day, including: the Parc de Ville, one of the most relaxing places to visit in Luxembourg City; where to pick up the Old Town ‘little train’ and the free lift to the lower town.

Lunch in a Local Restaurant

A 2-course lunch in a local restaurant is included today to make sure we get the full Luxembourg City experience. In the afternoon you are free to wander at your leisure until we re-group to return to the coach.

Optional Tour of Bock Casements

After lunch there is the option to visit the Bock Casements, a subterranean defence system made up of kilometres of tunnels initially carved in the 17th century, under Spanish rule, and subsequently twice extended. This is a fascinating tour with some wonderful views of the city along the trail. Please note the ground is uneven, the tour may include steep steps and the light in the passages can be a little dim at times.

Returning to the hotel we will have a light dinner.

Day 5, A Day in Trier, Germany with River Cruise

Leaving the hotel at 09.00 we will make our way to Trier just across the border in Germany.

City Walking Tour

All roads lead to the ‘Second Rome’: Trier, former home to the Roman emperors, Germany’s oldest city and once a centre of the ancient world. The city has a romantic setting in the Mosel, close to the borders of Luxembourg and France, and has wine growing tradition dating back over 2000 years.

Our local guide will take us on a walking tour of the city, showing us some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sties at the heart of the city. These ancient sites are a fascinating contrast to town’s Mediterranean style expansive boulevards. We then have free time to explore and have lunch at your leisure.

Our visit coincides with a special exhibition of Marcus Aurelias, Roman Emperor and philosopher, taking visitors on a journey back to the Roman Empire of the 2nd century.

River Cruise

In the afternoon we will reconvene for a 2-hour river cruise on the River Mosel. A much smaller river than the Rhine, and less busy, the water meanders through vineyards, small towns, and amongst splendid scenery. As we listen to a commentary about this history of the areas we will pass the red sandstone cliffs as we go towards the mouth of the Ruwer. The tour also passes the Trier lock along the Marian column and the Roman bridge.

We will return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 6, Grand-Chateau d’Ansembourg Gardens, lunch and wine tasting, Luxembourg

Grand-Chateau d’Ansembourg Gardens

Our first stop today is the baroque terraced gardens of the Grand-Chateau d’Ansembourg, first laid out in 1750 and recently restored to reflect the garden design of the time. Situated in the Eisch valley, we think you will love this beautiful location that just makes you want to slow down and meander quietly through the terraces that offer a delight around every corner.

Featuring numerous plant species, fruit trees and decorative fountains, the terraced green area boasts a collection of sculptures and is known as the ‘Mythological Avenue’, named for its statues from Greek and Roman mythology. The rose gardens are working to grow Luxembourg roses to preserve the national rose heritage.

Lunch, wine tour and tasting

In Luxembourg, vines have been cultivated for almost 2000 years so we couldn’t miss the opportunity to visit a local wine producer. To set us up for our wine tour we will first have lunch at The Pavilion St Martin restaurant.

In 1919 the Caves St Martin were founded – a series of underground galleries dug into the rock and extending for almost a kilometre, where the wine is stored. What better place to discover quality sparkling wine – crémants – produced naturally, using the ancestral process of the traditional method by experts ‘in love with this sparkling juice’?

Our tour will take us through the century-old cellars as our guide shares some secrets of the St Martin wines. We will be invited to taste 3 wines and of course there will be time to explore the St Martin Shop, just in case something you tasted has taken your fancy.

Then it is back to the coach to relax as we make our way back to the hotel for a light dinner.

Day 7, Traveling to France, break to visit to Jardin D’Eau D’Annevoie, Belgium with lunch

Although we begin our return our return journey today, stopping in France overnight, there is time to visit just one more delightful destination, the Jardin D’Eau D’Annevoie in Belgium.

The Annevoie Water Gardens were designed and laid out by Charles-Alexis de Montpellier in 1758 and have been adapted over time to reflect changing garden trends. The result is a combination of three styles of garden: French, described as art enhancing nature; Italian style, art in tune with nature and English, art imitating nature.

These fascinating gardens feature 4 springs and 50 water features with water flowing naturally around the garden for 250 years, relying solely on the natural differences in levels and without the use of machinery. Since 2015, in order to respect nature the gardens are managed naturally, i.e. without the use of pesticides or weedkillers and grass is mowed late in the year.

Lunch is included and weather permitting, will be taken on the terrace in the café overlooking the gardens. After lunch we will continue our journey to our hotel for an overnight stop in France, with dinner.

Day 8, Traveling to Shrewsbury, ferry from Dunkirk – Dover

Today we will make our way back to Shropshire as directly and comfortably as we can.

With a respectably early start we go directly to the ferry port for our crossing, arriving in the UK in the early afternoon. Our aim is to be back in Shrewsbury around 19.00, traffic conditions permitting.

Booking your place

We are awaiting final confirmation of the costs for this tour.

£100 non-refundable deposit is payable on booking. Full payment is due 10 weeks before departure.

Travel arrangements

Departing Shrewsbury 06.30 on Sunday 21 September and arriving back in Shrewsbury at 19.00 on Sunday 28 September, traffic permitting. All timings are provisional and will be confirmed 7-days before travel.

And finally…

We have an ‘All Weather Policy’ which means the tour will go ahead come rain or shine unless the Met Office announces it is unsafe to travel. You are advised to check the weather forecast and bring appropriate clothing and footwear.

Please look at the Hotel Information and Mobility & Accessibility sections further down this page for information on venues.

Insurance & Travel Documents

For this trip you are required to take out your own personal holiday insurance and bring your passport.

A note on currency fluctuations

The price for this tour is based on current exchange rates between sterling and the Euro and may be subject to change with currency fluctuations. If necessary the revised fees will be recalculated and fixed based on the exchange rate(s) ruling at the time your final balance invoice is issued approximately 10-weeks before the tour. Wisteria Tours will inform customers should the situation arise.

Belle Vue Hotel, Vianden

Belle Vue Hotel, 3, rue de la Gare L-9420 Vianden

Follow the link above to see our hotel. This welcoming, family run hotel it is quite different from many of the UK hotels we often stay at. Think smaller, more intimate with an Alpine chalet feeling created by lots of warm wood panelling. When we visited in October 2024 the staff (who speak German, French & English) were very welcoming and friendly.

There is a small lift and porterage will be available. If you enjoy a swim bring your gear because the pool is huge, warm and airy.

The menu is a little different too. The breakfast buffet offers a lovely selection of bread, pastries, some hot options as well as cheese, fruit and cold meat. Dinner is a set menu and dietary requirements are catered for.

This modern ecological hotel is heated by solar energy and the recovery of heat of cold stores and chopped wood heating during the winter.

It is near the centre of the small, medieval town of Vianden, which is 3 minutes walk from the hotel.

Novotel, Centre Grand-Place, Lille

Outward and return we will stay in the Novotel, Lille.

Accessibility & Mobility Information

Vianden and visiting Vianden Castle

The centre of Vianden is situated on a hill with the castle at the very top. In the morning we will walk into the town centre where you can visit lots of interesting sites making your way up the hill. When we visit the castle in the afternoon the coach will drop us off close to the castle but you will need to walk up a relatively steep slope to the castle entrance.

The castle is substantial with lots of rooms to explore furnished in an approximation of period style and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Be advised there are lots of floors in the castle that can only be visited via stairs. There is small lift which gives access to two halls: the Knights’ Hall and the Banqueting Hall. All other rooms are only accessible via stairs.

The visitor centre in the castle courtyard has lots of information about the history of the castle, a large panoramic window with a view of the city of Vianden and a short film about the evolution of the castle. There is a small lift up to the each of the three levels of the visitor centre.