The 3-day Continental Adventure from Ruddick Tours

Practically as soon as those who purchased a snack at the mall have finished eating and drinking an announcement requests us to return to our vehicles to be ready for dis-embarkation at the French terminal of Sangatte. We drive off and Voila!, we're in France! Thanks to excellent road links we quickly reach Dunkerque. Located in the very north-east corner of France, Dunkerque is a city where Flemish, French and Anglo-Saxon cultures meet thanks to many centuries of maritime history. During World War II, from around May 26th to June 4th, 1940, the Battle of Dunkirk was fought here. Code-named 'Operation Dynamo', the objective was the evacuation of a large number of British and French troops by sea. They had been trapped when a rapid German armoured advance to the Channel coast at Calais isolated them from additional aid and supplies. Their fate was indeed highly perilous, and having no doubt that their men would be easily slaughtered on the beaches by the enemy's superior force, the Allied commanders ordered the evacuation. Over nine days, 338,226 soldiers were taken off the beach by a rag-tag force of over nine hundred vessels, mainly naval destroyers and larger ships, plus many hastily-commandeered merchant marine vessels, fishing boats, pleasure craft, even rowing boats. The evacuation was a great success, though notwithstanding current folklore to the contrary, more than 80% of the troops evacuated were actually taken off the harbour's protective mole by destroyers and larger ships, but those ''little ships'' also played a vital role too. Sadly, over fifty thousand vehicles and forty thousand French troops were abandoned after a valiant rearguard action. The British also lost 235 ships of all types and sizes. Much heroism was witnessed in those few dark days. Nowadays, Dunkerque's 700 hectares of dunes and 15 kilometres of sandy beaches attract weekenders from the local areas and across the Channel. We'll join them and take a pleasant lunch here.

Dunkerque architecture Battle of Dunkirk Museum

Leaving Dunkerque we'll rejoin the fast road and continue east into Belgium soon arriving at the charming City of Bruges. By the end of the nineteenth century Bruges had become renowned throughout Europe as a city of art and a tourist centre. The Bruges monuments, museums and particularly the unspoilt historic cityscape attract millions of visitors every year. In fact the entire historic centre is a World Heritage Site. We'll stay long enough for you to soak up the atmosphere, stroll the city centre and be tempted by it's cafes and shops.

Bruges: fine architecture Bruges river scene

Leaving Bruges, we'll continue our journey through the attractive Belgian countryside and villages to the historic and picturesque City of Ghent,

There's much culture and history here, too, including an important British-American connection. It was at Ghent that the representatives of Gt. Britain and the USA, including a future American President, John Quincy Adams, sealed the Treaty of Ghent on 24th December, 1817, thus formally ending the last British-American War (of 1812/13).

You can explore this charming town tonight and sample some of the excellent food and drink Belgium is so much renowned for.

Day 2:

After an early breakfast, we continue our journey to the thriving European City of Brussels. With more than 1000 years of history the former capital of the medieval Duchy of Brabant is today the the capital of the Kingdom of Belgium; the headquarters of the French and Flemish Communities and home to the European Commission and to the Council of ministers of the European Union (EU). French and Dutch are the official languages of the city and street names and traffic signs are written in both languages. A cosmopolitan, lively city of many different cultures, we'll visit the City Centre and admire the variety and contrast of many architectural styles from fine Gothic cathedrals and churches to elegant classical facades like the buildings around the Royal Square (Koningsplein), together with many beautiful art nouveau and art deco houses. Lunch can also be enjoyed here and the choice is vast!We leave Brussels and head on to the tiny, but fascinating little country of Luxembourg, the sixth-smallest country and the only Grand Duchy in the world. The country measures just 51 miles (max North-South) by 32 miles (max East-West), and has a population of 420,000 comprising the highest proportion of inhabitants with a foreign passport among the EU countries. Despite its neutrality, Luxembourg was occupied twice by German troops during the two World Wars. In 1948, the country gave up its neutrality, to join the various economic, political, and military organisations of Europe. Already forming a close economic union with Belgium since 1921, the Grand Duchy is a founder member of the EU, and was host to the first European Institutions in 1953.

The Ardennes Plateau

The Grand Duchy is bordered in the east by the wine-producing valley of the Moselle, and in the extreme south west by a narrow strip of red earth which forms the Luxembourg iron-ore basin.We drive through the Ardennes, the northern part of the Duchy which accounts for around a third of the territory, pausing along the way to admire wooded countryside views of great scenic beauty. We then journey through the remainder of the territory by entering the other region, known as the 'Good Country', located in the centre and the south. This region of rich, rolling farmland and attractive woodlands leads us to the capital, our goal for today.

The Duchy's capital, the very attractive City of Luxembourg occupies a fortress-like position surrounded by picturesque valleys. With much fine architecture, many charming little back-streets and alleyways, a couple of colourful markets plus fountains, gardens and meeting-places it's a photographer's delight. We should also mention an abundance of elegant 'high-end' fashion and furnishing stores. (This is a very rich little country!). It's also a wonderful spot for gourmets too, because Luxembourg has more Michelin-starred Restaurants per square mile (or per head of inhabitant) than any other country in the world! There's a friendly, welcoming and 'safe' feel here too, which tends to encourage a spirit of wanderlust in the visitor, so take our map and enjoy some free time exploring the town on foot.

Luxembourg street scene Luxembourg street name plaque Luxembourg City

Incidentally, the (British) Prince of Wales's motto is said to be derived from "John the Blind", Earl of Luxembourg, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia, known in Luxembourg as "Jang de Blannen". Although being completely blind, John insisted on fighting in the Battle of Crécy in 1346 on the side of Philippe of France against Edward III of England, who actually went on to win the battle. John had been strapped to his horse, in order to lead his troops into battle, and lay mortally wounded on the battlefield, when England's "Black Knight" passed by, picked up his shield with the three feathers and the motto "Ich Dien", and said: "There lies the Prince of Chivalry, but he will not die". The "Black Knight" was Edward, the Prince of Wales and son of King Edward III, known in England as "The Black Prince". True to his word, John the Blind's three feathers sign and his 'Ich Dien' motto were adopted by Edward, and have remained those of our Princes of Wales to this day. We'll stay in the magical City of Luxembourg for our final night, so be brave, go out there, explore and have a good time!

The petrus Valley Luxembourg Grand-Ducal Palace Luxembourg

Day 3:

The Battle of the Bulge was to a great extent fought on Luxembourg territory, and after breakfast we'll make a visit to one of the military cemeteries just outside the city. It's a humbling, but impressive experience.

General Patton's grave Grave of a brave soldier American Cemetery Luxembourg

Next we'll head off back into France to begin a slow journey homeward. Whilst driving through the pleasant largely agricultural landscape we'll pause at one or two of the charming small villages where some shopping and a good lunch may tempt. We reach the 'Chunnel' port of Sangatte late afternoon and then speed from Folkestone to London (or your airport hotel if returning home the following day), arriving late evening.

PRICE: £490 per day. Includes; Air-conditioned Minivan, carrying up to 8 persons, your driver-guide's services and all miles driven; driver-guide's hotel/subsistence expenses. Excludes: Group's accommodations, meals and entry fees. We can arrange pension/guest house/inn/hotel accommodations from £70 per twin or double room, £90 a family room per night including breakfast. Please note: Currency in the countries visited is the Euro. The Chunnel fare and your entry fees to the sites visited are not included. Gratuities are discretionary.