Today marked a turning point in our 19-day Cosmopolitan Europe Tour — we said farewell to London and set out toward the European continent. There’s something special about overland travel: the slow unfolding of landscapes, the glimpses of countryside life, and that rising sense of excitement as you cross borders and enter a new country.
Leaving London Behind
We had an early breakfast and checked out of our hotel, loading our luggage onto our coach one last time in London. As we drove through the outskirts of the city, the buildings slowly gave way to green hills, charming cottages, and the gentle, rolling landscape of the English countryside.
Our tour guide shared tidbits about life outside the city, pointing out market towns and historic hamlets along the way. There was a calmness in the scenery — misty fields, hedgerows, and sleepy villages with stone walls and country lanes. It felt like something out of a classic British novel.
A Classic Crossing
Crossing the English Channel: Farewell to England, The most common ferry route across the English Channel — especially for coach tours:
Port of Embarkation (England): Dover
Port of Disembarkation (France): Calais
This route connects the southeastern coast of England with the northern coast of France. It's the shortest and busiest crossing on the Channel.
Inside, the ferry was equipped with comfortable lounges, shops, and a café. Some of us enjoyed a cup of coffee or a snack, others browsed the duty-free section, and a few simply found a quiet spot by a window to watch the water and passing ships.
Arrival on the Continent: Bonjour, Europe!
After disembarking on the French coast, our luxury coach was waiting for us — along with our tour escort who would accompany us through the next leg of this European adventure.
We were now officially on continental soil, and it felt like the real journey was just beginning. The coach ride was smooth and scenic, cruising along well-maintained highways surrounded by open farmland and forested hills.
Soon, we passed into Belgium, a country known for its rich history, medieval towns, and modern international institutions. The highway signs changed language, and the architecture gradually shifted — subtle but noticeable — as we entered a new culture and landscape.
By early evening, we arrived in Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the European Union, ready to explore a new city and culture the following day.
Bonjour, Belgium!
We headed eastward, cruising along smooth highways into Belgium. The scenery changed noticeably — tidy villages, wind turbines, and fields of green stretched to the horizon. As we neared Brussels, the architecture began to shift: red-brick homes, elegant townhouses, and a blend of modern and classical buildings.
We arrived at our hotel in Brussels by late afternoon. After check-in and a bit of rest, some of us went out for a stroll. Even in just a short walk, I could feel that Brussels had its own rhythm — a blend of French and Flemish culture, with chocolate shops and cafes on every corner.
Anticipation for Tomorrow
Though today was mainly a travel day, it marked the beginning of our European mainland adventure. Tomorrow, we explore the capital of Belgium in depth — from its famous fountain statue to its impressive modern institutions — before continuing into Germany.
Coming Up: Day 5 – Brussels and the Rhineland
Join me as we tour Brussels’ historic landmarks and make our way across the border to the scenic heart of Germany.
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