April 2, 2004 -- Though the three countries on the northwestern edge of the European mainland are known collectively as Benelux, and the Dutch prefer "The Netherlands" to "Holland," three marvelous nations, like roses, are still sweet to visit by any other name. Their big neighbors, in fact, used to prefer "the Low Countries," largely in reference to the sublimated areas protected from the North Sea by dikes. It's nearing tulip time now making the spring one of the best times to visit, despite the evening chill. Let's look over some nifty bargains from some of our better-known tour operators.
Go-Today has an unbelievable "Weekend Getaway" package starting from $399 for a three-night air and hotel stay in Brussels, and -- at our request -- they've just extended the deadline from April 1 to April 8, giving you extra time to book. Travel dates are from May 20 through June 17. An equally impressive package is their "Brussels & Bruges Supersale" based-priced from $699 for six nights including air and hotel for travel between May 20 and June 24. Naturally, both packages include airfare from the US, with additional gateways beyond the basic available at extra charge. The lowest prices are based on departures out of New York area airports, other gateways are available at additional costs. Taxes and security fees are also additional.
There's a more extensive package to the Benelux region, a three-country deal that includes airfare to and from Brussels, six nights of lodging, daily continental breakfast, hotel taxes and service charges, escorted sightseeing by bus, and airport transfers as outlined in the itinerary. The cost from New York, Boston or Washington, D.C. starts at just $799. Travel dates run from May 15 through June 19. In the three nations of Belgium, Luxembourg and The Netherlands, you see the important highlights, staying one night in Bruges, two in Amsterdam, one in Luxembourg and two in Brussels. In this 40th anniversary year of the liberation of Europe in World War II, you will visit the Bastogne Historical Center, which commemorates the Battle of the Bulge. In addition to the cities already mentioned, you'll see Rotterdam, Antwerp, Delft, The Hague and Vianden Castle.
For all Go-Today deals, contact them at www.gotoday.com or at 425/487-9632. Fair warning: Booking over the phone incurs an additional $20 fee, so call with your questions, but book online.
At Friendly Planet, the hot deal is their "Amsterdam Express," starting from an amazing $599 for off-season travel if you book by May 15. For this, you get a six-day/four-night trip including roundtrip airfare and accommodations. Departures run from June 26, 2004 through March 3, 2005 -- the $599 price is for selected December and January dates only; the top prices start from $999 for travel this summer. You'll fly Lufthansa and/or United and stay in the Renaissance Hotel. The package price also includes a "lavish" daily breakfast buffet, transfers as specified in the itinerary and services of an English-speaking professional host throughout your stay. You can also extend your trip and return from London or Paris for an extra $100 charge.
For more details, visit Friendly Planet at www.friendlyplanet.com/amsterdam-express.html or phone 800/555-5765.
