Holland in Bloom

Day 1 : Fly to Amsterdam

We fly to the Netherlands, known for their tulip fields, windmills, canals, and interesting architecture.

Day 2 : Zaanse Schans & Canal Boat Ride

A local Dutch Guide will be with us to provide local history and insight into Dutch culture

We are greeted by our Dutch guide and driver when we arrive at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam this morning. Our first visit is the famous Zaanse Schans, a picturesque historical village established as an open-air museum. See iconic windmills and quaint wooden houses. View a range of traditional Dutch crafts such as cheese and clog making. This afternoon we are introduced to Amsterdam aboard a narrated canal boat ride as Amsterdam is best seen from the water. The city is comprised of 70 islands connected by more than 1000 bridges and miles of canals. Our home for two nights is the Carlton Square Hotel in the quintessential Dutch town of Haarlem just outside of Amsterdam.

Day 3 : Rijksmuseum & Anne Frank House

At the Rijksmuseum we view an unrivaled collection of 16th and 17th century art including works by Rembrandt and other Dutch Masters like Vermeer and Frans Hals. Next we visit the Bloemenmarkt, a unique floating flower market. A poignant moment today is our visit to the Anne Frank House. As a young girl, Anne Frank and her family hid here during the Nazi occupation during WWII. This evening enjoy a typical Dutch dinner before our second overnight in Haarlem.

Day 4 : Alsmeer Flower Auction

We are spectators at the Aalsmeer Flower Auction, the world’s largest flower market. Around 20 million flowers of many varieties are traded on a daily basis. Learn how the flowers journey from the fields to local florists in an amazingly short amount of time. We travel south through the Dutch countryside to Thorn, a picture-postcard village where the houses are all painted white. Our destination today is Valkenburg, a historical city in the southeastern province of Limburg.

Day 5 : American Cemetery & Maastricht

We start our day with a visit to the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten. Immaculately maintained rows upon rows of crosses and Stars of David mark the final resting place of 8,301 American military and over 1,700 missing in action from WWII. Later we have a walking tour of Maastricht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. This evening enjoy dinner at Chateau St. Gerlach, a former monastery located on a beautiful estate. We overnight in Valkenburg for a second night.

Day 6 : Belgium Horses & Bruges

We cross into Belgium to visit the Diepensteyn Stud Farm to learn about the origin and history of the Belgium draught horse. Originally bred as a work horse and eventually replaced by tractors, we see these magnificent horses which today are often used in show rides and competitions. While in Belgium we have the opportunity to shop for Belgian chocolate and laces. Our accommodations tonight are in Bruges, Belgium at the Golden Tulip Hotel de’Medici. With its many canals and the gingerbread architecture of its buildings, Bruges is often referred to as the Venice of the North.

Day 7 : Delft

We cross the border back into Holland to visit Delft. On our guided walking tour through the historic area of Delft we see one of the most beautiful squares in the Netherlands. This afternoon tour Royal Delft, the last remaining earthenware factory from the 17th century. Here we watch skilled artisans create this distinctive, hand-painted blue & white porcelain. Our accommodations for the next two nights are at the Mercure Den Haag Central in The Hague.

Day 8 : Keukenhof

Sure to be a highlight of our vacation, we visit Keukenhof, “the Spring Garden of Europe.” Pathways throughout this beautifully landscaped park weave among creatively designed plantings of tulips, daffodils, narcissus, and other spring blossoms. Stroll through the gardens at your own pace, view plantings in the three exhibition halls, and walk up the windmill for a magnificent look at the adjoining bulb fields. Later we have a driving tour of The Hague, the Royal City of the Netherlands and the country’s government seat. See the Peace Palace, the home of the International Court of Justice for the United Nations. Enjoy our farewell dinner this evening.

Day 9 : Fly Home

We fly home with wonderful memories of our adventure.