Tulip Time - Itinerary
Seas of flowers, picturesque windmills, and the balmy days of spring combine for a memorable journey... discover the colorful Dutch countryside where the blazing colors of tulips carpet the landscape. Keukenhof is the incredible 80-acre park filled with 6 million tulips, narcissi, daffodils, hyacinths and other flower bulbs, ancient trees, flowering shrubs, ponds, and fountains. See the vibrant fields of flowers, picture postcard harbors and quaint historic towns with local folk dressed in traditional costumes.
Visit Brussels, the sophisticated capital of Belgium and home of the magnificent Grand Place, one of the most beautiful squares in the world. Explore Amsterdam, a fascinating city divided by canals into 70 islands connected by over a thousand bridges. All the things that come to mind when you think of the Netherlands and Belgium - colorful canals, whimsical windmills, vibrant tulips, rich maritime history, the art of Rubens and Rembrandt - are yours to experience in all their real-life glory! Along the way, you'll indulge in the famous treats of the region. Sample delicate, handmade Belgian chocolates that are among the finest confections in the world. Feast on warm waffles with berries and cream. Taste delicious cheeses - all while savoring the storybook atmosphere of some of Europe's most charming towns. Experience Tulip Time and treat yourself to a spring that you will never forget!
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
Day 1 DEPART USA
Discover the cultural delights of Europe’s famed Benelux region.
Day 2 GHENT
Your tour begins in Ghent, a medieval and car-free municipality in the heart of Belgium. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3 GHENT
This morning, explore some of Ghent’s highlights including the Saint Bavo Cathedral with the Ghent Altarpiece, the Belfry, Gravensteen Castle, and the splendid architecture along the old Graslei harbor. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to soak up the atmosphere. (B)
Day 4 GHENT/BRUGES/GHENT
Travel to the imperial city of Bruges. Lined with patrician houses, this World Heritage site conveys the splendor of by-gone days. Journey back into medieval times on a locally guided and leisurely-paced walking tour of one of Europe’s most perfectly preserved medieval cities. Then, enjoy some time at leisure. (B,D)
Day 5 GHENT/BRUSSELS/WATERLOO/SPA
Travel to Brussels, the capital of Belgium and home of the EU Parliament. Enjoy a panoramic tour featuring the Royal Gardens and Castle, Atomium, Arch of Triumph, the Art Nouveau houses, and, of course, the world-famous Grand Palace. Later, stop at the renowned Waterloo battlefields, site of Napoleon’s final defeat. Continue on to the hidden retreat of Spa, your home for the next three nights. (B,D)
Day 6 SPA/TRIER/MOSELLE RIVER CRUISE/SPA
A ride through beautiful mountain scenery brings you to Trier, Germany’s oldest city. A local expert provides a personal tour tracing Trier’s 2,000-year history. Later, behold terraced vineyards and hilltop castles while cruising the Moselle River. Then, explore the picturesque village of Bernkasel, strategically located in the middle of the Moselle wine region. (B)
Day 7 SPA/BASTOGNE/LUXEMBOURG/SPA
Explore one of the epic battles of WWII at Bastogne’s Battle of the Bulge Museum. Continue to nearby Luxembourg. The Grand Duchy’s turbulent history comes to life on a city tour featuring the historic old town, the fortress and splendid boulevards. (B)
Day 8 SPA/MAASTRICHT/ANTWERP
Travel to Antwerp, the center of Dutch commerce and a stunning port city. En route, stop in Maastricht, Holland’s oldest city. A walk through the old town includes the Stokestraat quarter, the Roman ramparts, Jeker Quarter, Vrjthof Square, and the Basilica of St. Servatius. (B)
Day 9 ANTWERP/FLORIADE/ANTWERP
Spend the day captivated by the beauty of nature and awed by scientific efforts to understand it at the world-famous Floriade horticultural exhibition. Held just once every 10 years, Floriade is the ultimate global cultural event. Discover flora from around the world, as well as more than 300 cultural and green-tech presentations that cover a 165-acre park in Venlo, Netherlands. (B,D)
Day 10 ANTWERP/KEUKENHOF/AMSTERDAM
This morning the vibrant colors and sweet scent of spring come alive at the glorious Keukenhof Flower Gardens. Explore row after row of over seven million blooming flowers. Next, a comprehensive sightseeing tour highlights Amsterdam’s historic city center and the Royal Palace. Visit one of Amsterdam’s famous diamond-cutting artisan workshops. Enjoy free time in the city. Celebrate the end of a wonderful trip with a traditional 14 course dinner of Indonesian delicacies reflecting Amsterdam’s Dutch colonial past. Then, see lovely Amsterdam by night on a candlelight canal cruise. (B)
Day 11 AMSTERDAM/USA
Your tour ends today in Amsterdam. (B)
