Day 1 : Fly to Amsterdam

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

Day 2 : Zaanse Schans & Haarlem

Our first visit is the famous Zaanse Schans, a picturesque 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 wooden shoe making, then enjoy a typical Dutch lunch. This afternoon, explore the historic city of Haarlem with a walking tour, including St. Bavo church, and view the Corrie ten Boom House, a hiding place for Jews during World War II. Our home for two nights is in the western Amsterdam suburb of Haarlem. Get to know your fellow travelers during a delicious Welcome Dinner this evening.

Day 3 : Amsterdam

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. We will join a local Dutch guide to learn about this fascinating city and its unique architecture including a canal boat ride for another perspective of this city of canals. This evening, enjoy a typical Dutch dinner before our second overnight.

Day 4 : Flower Auction

Today we are spectators at the Aalsmeer Flower Auction, the world’s largest international flower market. Around 20 million flowers of many varieties are traded daily. Learn how the flowers journey from the fields to florists around the world in an amazingly short amount of time. Then, we travel just outside of the city of Utrecht to tour the enchanting Castle de Haar and see the beautiful and extensive gardens. Lunch is included at a charming local restaurant near the castle. Our destination today is Valkenburg, a historical city in the southeastern province of Limburg. This evening enjoy dinner at Chateau St. Gerlach, a former monastery located on a gorgeous estate.

Day 5 : American Cemetery & Belgium Beer

We start our day with a visit to the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten. Immaculately maintained 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. We then cross into Belgium to visit the Diepensteyn Stud Farm to learn about the origin and history of the Belgian draft horse. Originally bred as a work horse and eventually replaced by tractors, we see these magnificent horses which today are used by Palm Brewery to promote their beer. Tour the brewery and indulge in the opportunity to taste their Belgian brew. This afternoon, we enjoy a short walking tour of Bruges, the Venice of the Benelux countries.

Day 6 : Delft

We cross the border back into Holland for a guided walking tour of historic Delft, one of the most beautiful squares in the Netherlands. Enjoy a visit to the iconic Nieuwe Kerk (New Church). This afternoon we tour Royal Delft, the last remaining earthenware factory from the 17th century. Here we observe skilled artisans create this distinctive, hand-painted blue and white porcelain. Our last three nights are spent in the city of The Hague.

Day 7 : Gouda & The Hague

This morning we journey to the city of Gouda to see the historic cheese market and learn how cheese was bought and sold in times past. After, we enjoy a hands-on stroopwafel workshop. After, we pause to shop, wandering the charming streets. Later we tour 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.

Day 8 : Keukenhof

Sure to be a highlight of our vacation, today 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, explore the three exhibition halls, and walk up the windmill for a magnificent look at the adjoining bulb fields. We gather for our farewell dinner to relax and share memories of this enchanting journey.

Day 9 : Fly Home

We return home with wonderful memories of our springtime getaway.