DUE TO THE LOW NUMBER OF REGISTRATIONS WE UNFORTUNATELY HAVE TO CANCEL THIS TRIP. IF YOU ALREADY REGISTERED YOU WILL BE INFORMED BY EMAIL ABOUT THE ADMINISTRATIVE FOLLOW UP.
Situated on the Meuse River close to the Belgian border, Maastricht is by far the oldest city in the Netherlands. It has been continually inhabited since about 500 B.C. Many traces reveal its Roman period, but strangely enough it never received Roman city rights. The name Maas-stricht comes from Mosae Trajectum, which means ‘crossing at the Meuse’. Indeed, the city lies along the same river as the Belgian cities Liège, Namur and Dinant.Â
Maastricht is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities of the country. For many Europeans, and Brussels expats in general, it is especially known for the famous 1992 Maastricht Treaty that formed the European Union and the single European currency. You may also know it for the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (Eurocontrol). At just 1,5 hours driving from Brussels, this will be second time we put it on our calendar, but now we go here during the amazing Christmas time. The entire city is decorated, the main squares are filled with Christmas stalls. Above all, the shops are open today, and this is a marvellous shopping city!
We start our day as usual at Place Schuman and travel by luxury 4* coach in one go to Maastricht. It’s not a long drive, but rest assured that we only make use of Belgium’s most comfortable buses with on-board toilet, AC, reclinable comfort chairs with extra leg space.
After parking the bus on the edge of the city center we will meet our city guide(s) who will tell us much more about the history of Maastricht, its citizens, culture, economy and architecture. During the guided tour we discover the picturesque streets of the Stokstraat quarter, the charming Onze Lieve Vrouweplein square, and the famous Vrijthof square. This is where the world famous violinist André Rieu from Maastricht always performs a magnificent show.
We will also see the city ramparts, the Helpoort, and the Jeker quarter. The official guides will tell us the fascinating stories and amusing anecdotes while teaching us about’s Maastricht’s history and its progression from Roman settlement to important garrison city and early industrial powerhouse. S/he will also tell us Maastricht’s typical way of life, which is known as the ‘Mestreechter Geis’ (the Spirit of Maastricht).
You will be pleasantly surprised by its beauty and its stylish shops. Since we are using a professional individual tour guide system you can listen to the guide perfectly without standing very close to him/her.
Our guided tour ends at the Vrijthof where we will have lunch in a nice restaurant. As with any Expat Club joining for lunch is optional and we always make sure to find a good and affordable restaurant. The menu is not yet known, but we will communicate it asap. During the checkout process you can indicate whether you would like to join (often 90% or more of the group joins, but feel free to find another place).
After lunch you have free time until our departure around 18h30. For instance, you can go shopping. Maastricht has an attractive shopping district with many lovely shops and boutiques. You can also visit one of the many museums, including the famous Bonnefantenmuseum with old, modern and contemporary art.
Christmas in Maastricht
Maastricht may very well be the number 1 Christmas destination in the Netherlands. It simply takes this festive season serious. The main Vrijthof Square is transformed into a true Christmas world with a ice skating rink, many market stalls, and even a large Ferris Wheel.
At the Vrijthof Christmas market you will find many market stands selling artisanal articles, such as candles, crafted wood and bakery products. Many items come from the region whereas you can even follow a workshop to create your own Christmas gifts.
Undoubtedly the main attraction this year is the Home of Santa Claus. This is fully based on the actual wooden home of Santa Claus in Rovaniemi in Finland. Just have a look how he lives with his elfs, how and where he works and even sleeps. Create your ultimate Christmas card at this magical place.
For those who like to walk and discover more of the city, there is a lovely “light route” that leads you along the most special places of Maastricht, including Plein 1992, the Market Square, the Mosae Forum and even across the Meuse river via the Saint Servaasbridge.
Of course we finish our day again on the Vrijthof square for a nice hot drink and late afternoon snacks at one of the many Christmas stalls before returning to Brussels around 19h00 with arrival around 20h30.
DUE TO THE LOW NUMBER OF REGISTRATIONS WE UNFORTUNATELY HAVE TO CANCEL THIS TRIP. IF YOU ALREADY REGISTERED YOU WILL BE INFORMED BY EMAIL ABOUT THE ADMINISTRATIVE FOLLOW UP.
Situated on the Meuse River close to the Belgian border, Maastricht is by far the oldest city in the Netherlands. It has been continually inhabited since about 500 B.C. Many traces reveal its Roman period, but strangely enough it never received Roman city rights. The name Maas-stricht comes from Mosae Trajectum, which means ‘crossing at the Meuse’. Indeed, the city lies along the same river as the Belgian cities Liège, Namur and Dinant.Â
Maastricht is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities of the country. For many Europeans, and Brussels expats in general, it is especially known for the famous 1992 Maastricht Treaty that formed the European Union and the single European currency. You may also know it for the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (Eurocontrol). At just 1,5 hours driving from Brussels, this will be second time we put it on our calendar, but now we go here during the amazing Christmas time. The entire city is decorated, the main squares are filled with Christmas stalls. Above all, the shops are open today, and this is a marvellous shopping city!
We start our day as usual at Place Schuman and travel by luxury 4* coach in one go to Maastricht. It’s not a long drive, but rest assured that we only make use of Belgium’s most comfortable buses with on-board toilet, AC, reclinable comfort chairs with extra leg space.
After parking the bus on the edge of the city center we will meet our city guide(s) who will tell us much more about the history of Maastricht, its citizens, culture, economy and architecture. During the guided tour we discover the picturesque streets of the Stokstraat quarter, the charming Onze Lieve Vrouweplein square, and the famous Vrijthof square. This is where the world famous violinist André Rieu from Maastricht always performs a magnificent show.
We will also see the city ramparts, the Helpoort, and the Jeker quarter. The official guides will tell us the fascinating stories and amusing anecdotes while teaching us about’s Maastricht’s history and its progression from Roman settlement to important garrison city and early industrial powerhouse. S/he will also tell us Maastricht’s typical way of life, which is known as the ‘Mestreechter Geis’ (the Spirit of Maastricht).
You will be pleasantly surprised by its beauty and its stylish shops. Since we are using a professional individual tour guide system you can listen to the guide perfectly without standing very close to him/her.
Our guided tour ends at the Vrijthof where we will have lunch in a nice restaurant. As with any Expat Club joining for lunch is optional and we always make sure to find a good and affordable restaurant. The menu is not yet known, but we will communicate it asap. During the checkout process you can indicate whether you would like to join (often 90% or more of the group joins, but feel free to find another place).
After lunch you have free time until our departure around 18h30. For instance, you can go shopping. Maastricht has an attractive shopping district with many lovely shops and boutiques. You can also visit one of the many museums, including the famous Bonnefantenmuseum with old, modern and contemporary art.
Christmas in Maastricht
Maastricht may very well be the number 1 Christmas destination in the Netherlands. It simply takes this festive season serious. The main Vrijthof Square is transformed into a true Christmas world with a ice skating rink, many market stalls, and even a large Ferris Wheel.
At the Vrijthof Christmas market you will find many market stands selling artisanal articles, such as candles, crafted wood and bakery products. Many items come from the region whereas you can even follow a workshop to create your own Christmas gifts.
Undoubtedly the main attraction this year is the Home of Santa Claus. This is fully based on the actual wooden home of Santa Claus in Rovaniemi in Finland. Just have a look how he lives with his elfs, how and where he works and even sleeps. Create your ultimate Christmas card at this magical place.
For those who like to walk and discover more of the city, there is a lovely “light route” that leads you along the most special places of Maastricht, including Plein 1992, the Market Square, the Mosae Forum and even across the Meuse river via the Saint Servaasbridge.
Of course we finish our day again on the Vrijthof square for a nice hot drink and late afternoon snacks at one of the many Christmas stalls before returning to Brussels around 19h00 with arrival around 20h30.
