Explore Luxembourg City, with its UNESCO-listed Old Town and modern Kirchberg Plateau
Marvel at the lush landscape of the Ardennes including a visit to the medieval Vianden Castle
Discover the ‘Land of Red Rocks’ in the cultural and scientific hub of Luxembourg
Famously one of Europe's smallest nations, Luxembourg possesses a remarkably rich and diverse historical legacy, shaped by its unique position at the crossroads of the continent. Nestled between influential neighbours such as Belgium, Germany and France, Luxembourg has absorbed a wealth of cultural and linguistic attributes, forging deep historical, political and cultural connections. As the world's sole remaining sovereign Grand Duchy, with the Grand Ducal Palace standing prominent in the old quarter, this beautiful nation has not only preserved its distinctive heritage but also nurtured the development of a sophisticated culture and advanced economy, set against the backdrop of a stunning natural landscape. Our newly developed tour will delve deep into Luxembourg's unique history and geography, and their roles in the country’s evolution.
Developed over nine centuries, the remnants of extensive fortifications still encircle Luxembourg City's Old Town, with the nation's strategic location and landscape making it a frequently captured and occupied military outpost and central meeting point. By the end of the Renaissance, Luxembourg had become one of Europe's most formidable fortresses, featuring massive walls and an underground defence system, the 'Bock Casemates', established under Spanish rule. Although the 'Treaty of London' in 1867 demilitarised the city, its remarkably preserved fortifications, historic districts and the reconstructed Musée Draï Eechelen have earned the Old Town UNESCO World Heritage status. The Luxembourg City Museum's permanent exhibition, ‘The Luxembourg Story’, traces the site’s history from its origins through to an anticipated future.
In direct contrast to the Old Town, Luxembourg City's northern Kirchberg Plateau is a hub of contemporary architecture, European institutions and cultural venues. This fashionable district, featuring impressive glass and steel structures amidst verdant spaces, encapsulates Luxembourg’s modern identity. The European Court of Justice, the highest court of the European Union, highlights Luxembourg's pivotal role in the Union's formation as well as the global political scene. Its design, expanded and renovated over time, boasts exteriors of gleaming steel and aluminium mesh paired with bright, spacious interiors.
EUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICE
We are pleased to confirm that we are able to include a private interior visit to the European Court of Justice. This is a special access visit that requires permission to enter and is not always open to the general public. Inside, we will be able to consider the importance of the European judicial and political system as well as its place within Luxembourg's greater history. We will also view the vast art collection within the building that represents Europe’s cultural heritage, symbolising themes of justice, harmony and the history of European integration.
The MUDAM – designed by I M Pei, best known for his iconic glass pyramid at the Louvre – showcases a wide range of international art while exploring themes of identity and creativity, championing modern artistic expression within a historical context. Meanwhile, the Philharmonie Luxembourg, home to the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra, is lauded for its exceptional acoustics. Designed by the Pritzker prize-winning architect Christian de Portzamparc, in collaboration with acoustician Albert Yaying Xu, the building's exterior is lined with 823 steel columns, allowing music to be experienced through a natural filter.
Travelling north, the Ardennes region boasts a beautiful natural landscape, characterised by lush valleys, dense forests and rolling hills. We will discover Vianden Castle, a remarkably restored medieval fortress dating from the 11th to the 14th centuries; considered one of Europe's most impressive feudal residences, it was once home to the powerful Counts of Vianden. The castle displays a magnificent blend of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance styles, and offers sweeping views across the valley. Nearby, Clervaux is also home to ‘The Family of Man’, a pioneering photography exhibition curated by Edward Steichen. This collection of 503 photographs narrates the universal human experience in photographic form.
The southern part of Luxembourg harbours its industrial region – 'The Minett' or ‘Land of the Red Rocks’. Historically, this area was dominated by the mining industry, with the iron-rich ore giving the soil its distinctive reddish hue. Once the heart of the country's iron and steel production, the Belval district skyline is dominated by industrial relics and blast furnaces. Operations ceased in 1997, and, since then, the area has undergone a significant transformation into a scientific and cultural hub, now housing the University of Luxembourg, where industrial remnants contrast with modern, innovative architecture.
A fitting finale for our tour, the fertile Moselle Region is well-known for its agriculture and political history, with its scenic river valleys and terraced vineyards producing white and sparkling wines. Schengen is historically renowned for the 1985 agreement, which initiated European unification and symbolised freedom of movement. The newly renovated European Museum of Schengen is dedicated to the history and importance of this agreement and features modern, interactive exhibitions.
Kristine Horner
Kristine is a sociolinguist and linguistic anthropologist.
This tour will be led by Kristine Horner, PhD. A sociolinguist and linguistic anthropologist, Kristine is a professor at the University of Sheffield, where she is also Director of the Centre for Luxembourg Studies and engages in collaborative work with the University of Luxembourg. She has published widely on linguistic and cultural diversity in Luxembourg from a contemporary and historical perspective, in addition to the books Multilingualism, (Im)mobilities and Spaces of Belonging (Multilingual Matters) and Introducing Multilingualism: A Social Approach (Routledge).
6
£2895
LUXE-26
On request - please contact the office on 01223 841055 to enquire
Included: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a traditional twin or double bedded room, five breakfasts, two lunches, three dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities & all taxes.
Not Included: travel insurance, traditional double room for single use supplement £495.
