top of page

Netherlands + Germany 

November 12-22, 2026

PXL_20251101_112142127.jpg

Discover a side of the Netherlands that feels worlds away from its famously flat landscape. In Zuid-Limburg, rolling hills rise through the countryside as we trek the northern section of the Krijtlandpad, a 93-kilometer circuit through the southernmost reaches of the country.

 

Our journey begins in Maastricht and follows the trail toward Aachen, Germany, with the adventure concluding in Cologne. Along the way, we’ll visit Vaalserberg and the Drielandenpunt, where the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany meet.

​

And there’s more to this journey than the trail. We’ll experience Valkenburg’s atmospheric underground Christmas market, catch the opening of Aachen’s Christmas market, and finish with time to explore Cologne—home to several Christmas markets of its own. Each afternoon and evening, you’ll have the option to wander the markets, sample seasonal treats, and soak up the festive atmosphere after a day on the trail. We'll stay in five distinctive hotels from Maastricht to Cologne, each chosen for its character, sustainability practices, and unique story. 

 

Designed for travelers who enjoy a moderate pace, our treks cover 4–12 miles per day at approximately 2–4 mph. Days typically last 3–6 hours, including lunch and breaks to discover the region’s history, landscapes, and culture.

  • Trek #2: Maastricht to Valkenberg

  • Dinner as a group

  • Stay at an historic country estate

Sunday, November 15

  • Trek #1: Eijsden to Maastricht

  • Visit Maastricht & enjoy dinner on your own

  • Stay put tonight. No hotel change tonight means your bags stay put, too. Enjoy another night without packing up.

Saturday, November 14

  • Make Your Own Way to Maastricht 

  • Welcome reception

  • Stay at an historic castle hotel 

Friday, November 13

  • depart the US (fly into Cologne or Brussels) 

Thursday, November 12

The Journey at a Glance

Itinerary

  • Trek #6: Vaals to Drielandenpunt 

  • Dinner as a group 

  • Stay put tonight. No hotel change tonight means your bags stay put, too. Enjoy another night without packing up. 

Thursday, November 19

  • Trek #5: Gulpen to Vaals 

  • Dinner as a group 

  • Stay at a luxury chateau 

Wednesday, November 18

  • Trek #4: Valkenburg to Gulpen 

  • Dinner as a group 

  • Stay at a village hotel 

Tuesday, November 17

  • Trek #3: Valkenburg

  • Visit the underground markets & have dinner as a group

  • Stay put tonight. No hotel change tonight means your bags stay put, too. Enjoy another night without packing up.

Monday, November 16

  • Program concludes

Sunday, November 22

  • Transfer to Cologne 

  • Explore Cologne and the Christmas markets on your own

  • Late lunch as a group 

  • Stay in historic luxury hotel 

Saturday, November 21

  • Trek #7: Vaals to Aachen

  • Visit the opening of the Christmas market and enjoy dinner on your own

  • Stay put tonight. No hotel change tonight means your bags stay put, too. Enjoy another night without packing up.

Friday, November 20

PXL_20251101_112616323.jpg
bottom of page