An evening flight from Australia (direct flights from all mainland capital cities) takes us through to Dubai and then onto Brussels.

Overnight: In-Flight

Brussels is renowned for its architectural richness from towering Gothic cathedrals to grand Neoclassical public buildings and quaint guild houses. As the birthplace of the Art Nouveau movement the city’s streets are also full of beautiful buildings in both this and Art Deco style. We arrive in Brussels in the afternoon and you can enjoy time at leisure or join our Tour Leaders to explore some of the city’s wonderful Christian history. Some suggested sights (churches are open until 6pm) –

St Michel and Gudula – this stunning Gothic Cathedral was inspired by Paris’ Notre Dame and is one of the oldest buildings in Brussels. With glorious 16th-century stained-glass windows and a beautifully carved wooden pulpit dating from 1699 (depicting the fall and future redemption of humanity) this cathedral is a must-see.
St Nicholas Church – a small and quirky church in the centre of the city it was named after the patron saint of traders and has old shops built right along its walls.

Tucked away near the Grand Place (City Square) it is almost 1,000 years old but its 12th century Romanesque lines are hidden by a 14th century Gothic facade and later repairs made after the French bombardment of 1695. A cannonball fired by the French in 1695 is still lodged in one of the pillars!

Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon – dominating the Sablon Square in the centre of Brussels this 15th century gem is one of the finest examples of Flamboyant Gothic architecture in Belgium. This remarkably beautiful church has an exquisite exterior and a lovely interior with Gothic features as well as Baroque chapels built during later centuries.

Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert – one of Europe’s oldest glass-roofed shopping arcades it is open 24 hours and is as beautiful by day as it is by night. A visit here is not complete without stopping by “Neuhaus”, as the inventor of Belgian chocolate pralines their shop has been trading since 1857. Time to treat yourself!

Tonight, we will enjoy our first Group Dinner at our hotel.

Overnight: Brussels

7 Nights

See the best of Brussels this morning on guided coach and walking tours – we pass the Atomium, Chinese Pavilion, Japanese Tower, Royal Palace and European Quarter before exploring the Old Town on foot. Brussel’s Grand Place is World-Heritage listed and considered the most beautiful town square in the world. Enjoy a guided tour to view its many landmark buildings, including the magnificent Town Hall whose spire is topped with a gold-plated statue of the city’s protector, the archangel Saint Michael.
Then it’s off to meet the famed Mannekin Pis, a wee bronze statue that has come to represent the local’s mischievous and irreverent spirit.

We transfer to our Avalon River Cruise where we will conduct our own worship in beautiful surrounds. Then it’s time relax and enjoy dinner as we watch the world go by.

Overnight: Avalon Imagery II

Get ready for a simply breathtaking experience as we enjoy a full-day excursion of picturesque Bruges; with its scenic waterways, cobblestone streets, and medieval architecture it is one of the most storybook cities in Europe. Beautiful sights such as the Gothic Stadhuis, the 13th-century Belfry of Market Square and charming patrician houses are accompanied by the delicious scent of waffles and chocolate that seems to pervade this timeless and romantic town. We top off a wonderful day with an evening of live entertainment onboard our ship.

Overnight: Avalon Imagery II

he First World War left an indelible impact on the Australian psyche; from a population of fewer than five million, 416,809 men enlisted, 156,000 were wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner and over 60,000 were killed. Of these more than 38,000 Australian soldiers were killed or wounded in the Ypres battles.

We visit the In Flanders Field Museum, named for the soldier’s famed poem – “In Flanders fields the poppies blow, Between the crosses, row on row …”. Here we learn about the story of the invasion of Belgium, the first months of the mobilisation and the gruelling four years of trench warfare that followed. The harsh reality of war becomes starkly apparent as we pay our respects at local battlefields, war cemeteries and memorials.

Our day finishes with a moving rendition of the Last Post Ceremony which takes place under the arches of the Menin Gate; the stone lions that marked the Menin Gate in the Ypres ramparts during the war, now flank the entrance hall at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

Overnight: Avalon Imagery II

We wake in the Dutch seaside town of Middelburg and enjoy a Guided Walking Tour along the winding cobbled streets and canals of this historic gem. Middelburg’s harbour played a vital role for the powerful trading organization of the VOC (Dutch East India Company), and the town’s exuberantly gabled houses reflects this wealth.

We visit the 15th-century Town Hall, one of the finest Gothic buildings in the Netherlands, and learn about its important role in the lucrative spice trade.

Enjoy lunch on board while cruising to Veere, a delightful Zeeland village built on the shore of the Western Schedlt, an estuary of the Scheldt river.

We explore Veere with an expert local guide to learn that the source of its historic wealth lies in its port, which used to be connected directly to the sea. Once the main Dutch port for the wool trade with Scotland (1541 – 1799), a strong Scottish legacy remains, best seen in the ‘Schotse Huizen’ (Scottish houses) which are now the town museum. There are other landmark buildings such as the Gothic Town Hall which has a 48-bell carillon, certainly enough for today’s population of only 1500 people! The 15th century Grote Kerk (lit. “big church”) now seems enormous for this village and has served a multitude of other functions, including a hospital and a workhouse for the poor. You may wish to fuel your exploration with a ‘Zeeuwse Bolus’, this sticky pastry is the local delicacy – it’s like a cinnamon bun but way better!

Back onboard we learn about the surrounding natural environment with a lecture by a local expert. All in all, a delightful day!

Overnight: Avalon Imagery II

This morning, we discover the beautiful Kinderdijk windmills and see how the Dutch have been managing the water of the “Low Countries” for over 1000 years. We explore this World-Heritage listed site where 19 windmills were built in 1740 as flood prevention and water management. Having played such a vital role in Netherland’s history it is no wonder that windmills became a national symbol of Holland.

Cruise through Rotterdam harbour before a sightseeing tour of Holland’s second largest city. Rebuilt after extensive bombing during WWII, Rotterdam is now known for its bold, innovative architecture, including the marvelous Erasmus Bridge.
Tonight, we will enjoy live entertainment onboard, the perfect end to another great day.

Overnight: Avalon Imagery II

It’s Tulip-Time as we visit Keukenhof Gardens, the largest flower gardens in the world. Each autumn more than 7 million flower bulbs, including 800 tulip varieties, are planted by hand to create the ultimate Springtime spectacle. Glory in God’s incredible creation and have your camera at the ready! An unforgettable experience awaits!

This afternoon we cruise to Haarlem whilst enjoying lunch onboard. Once a major North Sea trading port surrounded by a defensive wall, Haarlem retains its medieval character of cobblestone streets and gabled houses. Today, Haarlem is the center of a major flower-bulb-growing district and is famous for its outlying tulip fields. We take time to explore this beautiful town before enjoying dinner on board as we sail on to our final destination of Amsterdam.

Overnight: Avalon Imagery II

Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ capital, famed for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system and narrow houses with gabled facades. When the Dutch Republic was established in 1588 it ushered in a “Golden Age” when Dutch trade, science, and art and the Dutch military were among the most acclaimed in the world. We explore Amsterdam’s iconic waterways on a Guided Canal Cruise and pass stately homes, legacies of the wealth generated during this 17th-century period. Later the group will wander this compact city, or you can enjoy time at leisure. Suggested sights –

Dam Square – this lively square is considered the very heart of the city and is home to the Royal Palace, National Monument and Nieuwe Kerk (this “New Church” was built in the 15th-century! )

Oude Kerk – dating from around 1213 this church is considered the oldest building and the oldest parish church in Amsterdam.

Anne Frank House – the building where the Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank hid is located on a canal close to the Westerkerk. When it was built between 1620 and 1631 Westerkerk was the biggest Protestant church in the world.

It is the final night of our delightful cruise and we give thanks for the wonderful experiences we have shared.

Overnight: Avalon Imagery II

A final disembarkation before we enjoy Sunday worship with an English-speaking congregation at the English Reformed Church. Located in the centre of the city, this church is one of the oldest buildings in Amsterdam and is affiliated with the Church of Scotland and the Protestant Church in the Netherlands.

After worship we bid “vaarwel” to Holland and transfer to the airport for our afternoon flight to Dubai.

Overnight: Dubai (U.A.E)

Today is a full day of leisure in Dubai. You might like to visit the famous Dubai Mall, explore the Gold and Spice Souks or ascend the incredible Dubai Frame. You can opt to stay with the Tour Leader or be part of the “Buddy System” and explore Dubai knowing you won’t be alone. Tonight, will be a fitting end to your holiday as we enjoy a Group dinner and remember all the wonderful experiences we have shared.

Overnight: Dubai (U.A.E)

After breakfast, we will be transferred to the airport to fly to Australia. We bid goodbye to new friends as we take our various flights home.

Overnight: In-Flight

We arrive in the morning into Australia. grateful for this unforgettable tour, full of beautiful sights and wonderful fellowship shared with like-minded people.