11 Days. 3N Rotterdam 4* | 3N Amsterdam 4* | 4N London 4*

About the destination: Rotterdam mightn’t be the prettiest city in the Netherlands, but it’s vibrant, down‑to‑earth and cosmopolitan. As soon as you step out of Central Station it’s obvious you’re not in some quaint, tulips‑and‑clogs Dutch town: shiny silver skyscrapers and brightly coloured tower blocks rise up on all sides. Wander around for a bit and you’ll quickly see why. Instead of rebuilding its historic centre, this forward‑thinking port city brought in an army of maverick architects to completely redesign the place after it was flattened by German bombs in May 1940. They did a cracking job, creating a new heart for Rotterdam that’s not only modern and functional, but also striking and one‑of‑a‑kind. Still, anyone fond of cosy red‑brick houses and canals needn’t worry – Rotterdam has plenty of little architectural pockets that look ‘typically Dutch’. Most of these are a bit outside the city centre, but a handy exception is the Oude Haven, the city’s oldest port and now a popular spot day and night. Sitting here, the contrast that defines Rotterdam couldn’t be clearer: behind the old Dutch ships lying quietly in the disused harbour, the city’s modern architecture gleams in the sunlight. These days Rotterdam has the third‑largest harbour in the world, making it the industrial heart of the Netherlands, and with roughly half the population having a non‑Dutch background, it’s a genuinely multicultural city. It’s known for its lively summers, which more than make up for the long winter.

About the destination: Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a city that never fails to delight visitors with its charming canals, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. This beautiful city offers something for everyone, from art enthusiasts and history buffs to food lovers and party-goers. One of the most iconic features of Amsterdam is its canal system, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a boat tour or stroll along the canals to admire the picturesque bridges and colourful houseboats that line the waterways. The city is also home to many world-renowned museums, including the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, which houses a vast collection of Dutch art and artefacts. For those looking to indulge in some shopping, Amsterdam has plenty of options. The city's main shopping district is centred around Dam Square, where you'll find everything from high-end fashion to quirky boutiques. And when it comes to dining, Amsterdam is a food lover's paradise. From traditional Dutch dishes like stroopwafels and bitterballen to international cuisine from all corners of the globe, there's something to suit every taste. When the sun goes down, Amsterdam comes alive with a buzzing nightlife scene. Head to the famous Red Light District for a taste of the city's more risqué offerings, or hit up one of the many bars and clubs that dot the city's streets. No matter what your interests, Amsterdam is a city that's sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

About the destination: Of all the European capitals, London resonates most profoundly in the minds of travellers. We soak up London before we even realise it exists and when we finally approach the city, it doesn't let us down. There are the red double-deckers, the bobbies and stoic guards at Buckingham, Westminster Abbey, and the chimes of Big Ben, sounding familiar, as we've heard them before. We see these things with a sense of satisfaction. Yet there's plenty to surprise. London isn't quaint. London isn't a museum, though you could spend all your time hopping from one to the next. It's a bustling, urban sprawl, with traffic jams, shops, and a remarkable international population. Visit the many monuments with nearly a millennium's worth of history, from Chaucer's grave to the pub where the captain of the Mayflower had a pint to Piccadilly Circus, one of London’s most snapped sights. But don’t overlook modern London, with its intensely active theatres, international cuisine, political protests, the latest in music and fashion, punks and peers, and everyone in between. In 1777, writer Samuel Johnson said when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life, and the phrase still rings true. There's something different to experience every day in London.