Category: Train Trips

We took this trip to explore parts of Europe we hadn’t visited before, specifically the Benelux region, which includes Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. The name “Benelux” comes from the first letters of each country’s name:

• Be for Belgium
• Ne for the Netherlands
• Lux for Luxembourg

These countries formed a customs union back in 1944 to strengthen economic ties and remove trade barriers, eventually inspiring what we now know as the European Union. Our main reason for visiting was to see Bastogne in Belgium, where Carey’s dad served during World War II in the Battle of the Bulge. It was important for us to visit this historic site.

We arrived in Amsterdam a day before our Gate 1 tour began, giving us the chance to explore the Molen Sloten windmill, which was fascinating. The next day, we met up with our group of 14 travelers, led by our friendly Irish guide, Wesley. Everyone got along really well, making the journey through the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, and Germany even more enjoyable.

Some highlights included walking tours of charming towns like Ghent and Brugge, visiting the impressive Delta Works, and exploring the Rijksmuseum. Of course, we couldn’t resist sampling some local specialties like Belgian waffles, chocolate, beer, and the famous Belgian fries. Despite a few rainy days, the trip was fantastic, thanks to Wesley, our skilled bus driver Mohammed, and the great company of fellow travelers. After the formal tour ended, Donna & I rode a train from Frankfurt to Hamburg with the goal to visit the Miniature Wunderland in Hamburg. I am a model train hobbyist and Miniature Wunderland is the largest model train layout on Earth. We arrived a day early and were able to take a Harbor ferry tour, which was good but the dialogue was in German, so we didn’t understand a word they said. In any case the next day’s visit to Wunderland did not disappoint. It truly was unbelievable attraction and without a doubt, the highlight of the entire trip.

1 2 ... 80 ►

Our first Gate 1 hiking tour was nothing short of extraordinary. With 22 fellow travelers and two exceptional guides, we embarked on an unforgettable journey through the majestic Swiss Alps. Every day was an adventure—riding trains, cable cars, and ski lifts to reach the trails, where we immersed ourselves in breathtaking scenery. We hiked through misty rain, warm sunshine, and pastures dotted with grazing cows, savoring brown bag picnic lunches amid the mountains. The beauty around us was beyond words, and the experience of walking these trails allowed us to connect with nature in a way that no bus window ever could. We explored the UNESCO World Heritage Domaine Bovy Winery, took in the awe-inspiring views from the Harder Klum after a funicular ride, and dined at the summit’s restaurant. Lucerne, the Aareschlucht Gorge, Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Murren, Montreux, and the Staubbach waterfalls felt like stepping into a fairytale. Hiking the Four Lakes Trail, Panorama Trail, and Flower Trail offered us sweeping views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, as well as the towering Eiger and Wetterhorn North Faces. Our hotel rooms in Lucerne and Geneva provided us with stunning lakeside vistas, adding a touch of serenity to each evening. This was one of our most remarkable trips ever. The flights were smooth, the camaraderie with our group was heartwarming, and our guides, Sabine and Marina, were outstanding. If you haven’t yet added a walking or hiking tour to your travel bucket list, don’t wait. This enriching and meaningful way of exploring offers a profound connection to the places you visit, turning a trip into an unforgettable experience.”

1 2 ... 57 ►