USP
The Netherlands, a country in northwestern Europe, is known for a flat landscape of canals, tulip fields, windmills and cycling routes. Amsterdam, the capital, is home to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and the house where Jewish diarist Anne Frank hid during WWII. Canalside mansions and a trove of works from artists including Rembrandt and Vermeer remain from the city's 17th-century "Golden Age."
No Highlights...
Itinerary
Arrive in Amsterdam. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Amsterdam on your own. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. Overnight in Amsterdam. (D)
Breakfast at the hotel. For centuries, this tiny nation of seafaring traders played a leading role in world history. It reclaimed 40% of its territory from the sea, and produces a healthy agricultural surplus in the midst of Europe’s most densely populated area-yet Holland manages to remain quaint and scenic. Your day begins with sightseeing with a Local Guide pointing out the city highlights. Later, see the city from a different perspective on the Canal Cruise. Watch skilled craftsmen cut and polish precious stones at a Diamond Center. Time in the afternoon to explore on your own or to join an optional excursion. Overnight in Amsterdam. (B)
After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the fascinating Aalsmeer Flower Auction or, when the tulips bloom, see some of the 7 million flowers on your visit to worldfamous Keukenhof, one of the world’s largest flower gardens (weather permitting). Carry on to historic Delft for a visit of the famous Royal Delft Pottery Factory. See how this precious pottery is made and marvel at its magnificent collection of hand-painted earthenware. Continue on to Rotterdam, the world’s busiest port to marvel at the city’s futuristic architecture. Overnight in Rotterdam (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today is all about recent history. Visit Groesbeek, where Allied forces launched Operation Market Garden during WWII, the largest airborne battle in history and the only major Allied defeat of the northwest Europe campaign. Also explore the National Liberation Museum, which commemorates Holland’s occupation and liberation during the war. Next is Arnhem, site of the disastrous Battle of Arnhem, where you will see John Frost Bridge, named for the commander of the British forces that held the bridge for four days. Enjoy time on your own to do some independent exploring. Overnight in Arnhem Area. (B, D)
After breakfast, head for the rustic town of Staphorst, dating back to the 13th century when monks began cultivating the area’s bogs and swamps. Inhabitants today still live according to strict Calvinist principles. Stop in the quaint vinage of Giethoorn, built on canals very different from busy cities like Venice or Amsterdam. Spend the night in the provincial capital of Groningen. (B)
After breakfast, explore Groningen this morning, an important trade center in the 13th century that today is hailed as the “World Cycling City.” Later, enjoy a scenic drive through the lovely Frisian Lake District. Cross over the 19-mile Barrier Dam, which is part of an incredible system of 1,200 miles of dikes, dams, and dunes built over the last 900 years to protect the part of Holland that is below sea level. Visit a renowned wooden clog and Dutch cheese workshop in Zaanse Schans. Continue to the fishing village of Volendam, then arrive back in Amsterdam to enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Amsterdam. (B, D)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. It’s time for your to leave for your next destination. (B)
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Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
04 Nights accommodation in Amsterdam
01 Night accommodation in Rotterdam
01 Night accommodation in Arnhem Area
01 Night accommodation in Groningen
Daily breakfast, 04 Dinners
sightseeing as per itinerary
Taxes and service charges
Exclusions
- 5% GST
- Airfare (AS PER AVAILABILITY)
- Luggage allowance in Train / Flight Travel
- Any meals other than specified above
- Porterage handling at airport/hotels/station/Pier
- Assistance on arrival and departure
- Any Tips in restaurants or hotels
- All entrance fees and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
- Passport, visa or other consular fees
- Overseas Medical Insurance
- * NETHERLAND Visa Fees
- Items of personal nature such as telephone bills pay per view movies, laundry expenses, mini-bar, hotel incidentals
- Any other items not mentioned in this itinerary
- Tips excluded for all local services, restaurants and long distance coach drivers.
- Anything not included in the inclusion column
General Notes
- Hotels mentioned in the itinerary are indicative they will be subject availability at the time of booking. Same or similar hotels will be provided.
- Changes to itinerary and number of persons will require a revised quote.
- Package is NOT valid during any special event in Austria
- Rooms are subject to availability at the time of confirmation
- Room Rate based on standard rooms. Supplement cost will be applicable for higher category room.
- Rates are subject to change without prior notice.
- Early check-in or late check-out is subject to availability and may be chargeable by the hotel
- The standard check-in time is 2 PM and the standard check-out time is 12 Noon for most of the hotels