USModernist Euro 6:
London Brussels Antwerp Amsterdam

Modernist Architecture Tour May 13-22, 2024


Are you ready for some heart-pounding Modernist architecture in England, Belgium, and the Netherlands?

You just won't believe where we're going and what we are going to see. You will discover incredible architecture in three countries!

Here's What's Included:

  • Roundtrip international flights from RDU to London, then Amsterdam to RDU, one stop each way.
  • $700 per person discount if you do your own air.
  • Eurostar train through the Chunnel from London to Brussels.
  • Private coach travel from Brussels to Amsterdam and Antwerp.
  • Professional licensed guides leading customized architecture and design tours.
  • A three-day unlimited central London Tube pass.
  • Modern, double-occupancy hotel rooms with free delicious breakfast and free wi-fi.
  • An exciting welcome reception in the London Eye.
  • A fun mid-journey dinner in Brussels.
  • A fond farewell dinner on the last night in Amsterdam.
  • All scheduled site admissions and airport/train transfers.
  • Two USModernist tour coordinators with you every step of the way.

Monday, May 13 - Departure!

Late in the day, fly JetBlue to London overnight from RDU via JFK. Dinner and breakfast is included on the plane.


Tuesday, May 14 - London Arrival!

Upon arrival, pickup by private coach at LHR airport and transfer to check in EARLY at our the centrally located hoteo, the IBIS Shoreditch. On the coach, you'll get your London subway (Tube) pass. Lunch is on your own. Nap in your cozy room or start exploring the charming city center - because the IBIS Shoreditch is literally next door to a Tube stop, Aldgate East. So easy!

That afternoon, your USModernist's Angela and Tara will take you on a guided Jack the Ripper tour, because we're in Whitechapel, that famous neighborhood where Jack made a name for himself in 1888. Later on, don't miss a lovely welcome reception at 6pm, where you will enjoy champagne and appetizers inside a capsule of the London Eye as it slowly rotates. Dinner on your own, but you'll probably want to sleep than eat at this point!


Wednesday, May 15 - London Tour by Foot and Tube!

After breakfast, today is perfect for exploring London’s architectural wonders and getting the inside story on some of London’s most iconic developments from our guide, the charming Glyn Jones. Start with a guided walk along Aldgate East and see fascinating Aldgate Tower. Continue to Heron Tower, Moore House, One Coleman Street and the performing arts centre in the Barbican Estate. Pass by Five Aldermanbury Square, walk along One Hundred Wood and Queen Victoria streets, admire St Paul’s Cathedral and visit One New Change shopping centre, Millennium Bridge to South Bank, Tate Modern art gallery and catch a great view of the London's skyline from the 10th floor.

Following a lunch break on your own at Borough Market, you'll proceed to the Shard and National Theater. The Shard, an iconic tower redefining the London's skyline, is already an international symbol of the capital. During your visit you explore the building and get on top of the skyscraper. Return around 3pm. Dinner on your own.


Thursday, May 16 - Square Mile Tour!

Following breakfast, meet your guide to tour modern architecture of the Business District. The Gherkin, the Willis Building, Minster Court, Lloyds Building, Natwest Tower and the City Hall are on your today's list, as well as Barbican Center of Performing Arts. Then the Walkie-Talkie building to visit the SkyGarden - the capital's highest public garden located on the 35th floor, offering fantastic views across London. Return around 2pm. Lunch and dinner on your own.


Friday, May 17 - More Modernist London!

After breakfast and checkout, we explore the Modernist icon Isokon Building and Modernist architect Erno Goldfinger’s house. We also plan a visit to the Laban Dance Theater and spectacular underground Westminster station. Tour ends around noon.


Saturday, May 18 - Brussels, the Capital of Europe!

Today following breakfast you visit inside the European Parliament, European Counsel and the European Commission. You proceed to the Solvay Business School of Economics & Management, plus the UN Studio Brussels and the Square Brussels Events Centre buildings from the outside. Your last destination for today is the legendary icon of Brussels and Belgium - the Atomium. The iron crystal magnified 165 billion times was originally designed for Expo 58 and is now a world class museum. Lunch on your own. Group dinner that night, try some mussels in Brussels!


Sunday, May 19 - Amsterdam!

Following breakfast we will depart from Brussels to Antwerp, touring the spectacular Zaha Hadid Port Building. For lunch, a market stop, purchase on your own. Then we proceed to Amsterdam and tour Sluishaus, a new housing complex by Bjarke Ingels. Then it's on our modern hotel, the fabulous Citizen M City! Dinner on your own.


Monday, May 20 - The Hague!

The Hague! After breakfast you walk to the train station for a short train trip to the Hague, the city of the Royal Court. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and start a walking tour of the famous modern architectural landmarks. Your guide shows you de Resident, de Haagse Bluf, de Baljurk and the City Hall. You also pass by Souterrain - a tram tunnel, and Strijkijzer - a residential and office skyscraper. After the tour you get back to Amsterdam around 1pm, lunch on your own.


Tuesday, May 21 - Amsterdam Islands Tour and Cruise!

After breakfast, we'll visit the Artificial Islands, home to some of most Modern residences in the world. These impressive structures help Netherlands' capital solve its housing crunch. We'll then visit the Stedelijk Museum, the Eye Film Institute designed by Delugan Meissl, Nemo Amsterdam, and ARCAM. Plus a lovely canal cruise around classic Amsterdam bridges and streets. After the tour you walk to the hotel around 2pm. That night, a wonderful farewell dinner near your hotel.


Wednesday, May 22 - The Journey Home!

After breakfast, a quick train ride. We fly to from Amsterdam on JetBlue via Boston, arriving at RDU in the early evening. You will leave with fabulous memories, lots of photos, and a heart full of exciting architecture, wonderful people, and the amazing organization of European cities and infrastructure. Lunch and a snack included on the plane.


Tickets and Details

The trip includes: Roundtrip international flights from RDU to London, then Amsterdam to RDU, one stop each way. Eurostar train through the Chunnel from London to Brussels. Private coach travel from Brussels to Amsterdam and Antwerp. Professional licensed guides leading customized architecture and design tours. A three-day unlimited central London Tube pass. Modern, double-occupancy hotel rooms with free delicious breakfast and free wi-fi. An exciting welcome reception in the London Eye. A fond farewell dinner on the last night in Amsterdam. All scheduled site admissions and airport/train transfers. Two USModernist tour coordinators with you every step of the way. What's not included: most lunches and dinners, plus two train tickets (under $10) that are easier to buy individually than do as a group.

$7499 per person, double occupancy; $8699 per person, single occupancy.

Want to do your own flights? Select that option below and get a $700 per person discount.

Options

Proceeds benefit USModernist's ongoing documentation, preservation, and promotion projects.


The Fine Print

Once payment is made, there are no refunds for any reason except for trip cancellation. However, you can transfer your place to another person with at least 30 days written notice to USModernist.

Life happens, so you are highly encouraged to consider trip insurance. We recommend www.insuremytrip.com, a portal to several large travel insurance companies. Note that most medical policies that include pre-existing conditions require purchase within 14-20 days of trip payment.

Architects can get self-reported CEU hours if arranged in advance with the AIA.

Parking at the airport is not included.

The itinerary and order of trip events are subject to change without notice or refund.

Participants must sign a liability release, as is standard with all USModernist trips.

There is a small but possible risk of overnight stay if flights are delayed, in which case participants are responsible for any additional costs of meals, lodging, transportation, and incidental expenses. This rarely happens on our trips - but it could. Bring a few days extra medicines.

You need a valid US passport expiring no earlier than November 15, 2024. Note: an EU travel visa will NOT be necessary in 2024.

As we will be on the move constantly, absolutely no checked baggage allowed. Yes, you will survive with one carry-on rollerboard/suitcase (maximum dimensions 9" x 14" x 22") and one personal bag / purse / laptop. You'll be fine, really! However, if you buy a lot of stuff while we are travelling, not to worry. Carry a collapsible bag in your rollerboard. Checked baggage is allowed on the flight home (you are responsible for baggage charges).

Europe's climate is unpredictable and weather can be cool even during summers. Bring a water-resistant jacket, umbrella, and warm clothes. May there is not like May here. Be prepared for both sunny and cold. Most tours involve walking, so make sure to bring convenient walking shoes.

Questions? Contact USModernist Executive Director George Smart at 919.740.8407 or george@usmodernist.org