Itinerary

Day 1:
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Amsterdam, Holland. You have landed in a country unlike any other in the world! The tale which will unfold for you is of astonishing contrasts: Calvinist rigor cohabiting with great tolerance and even permissiveness; a kingdom with fiercely democratic traditions; great wealth modestly understated. It’s also a tale of astonishing feats of an industrious, ingenious people. For centuries this tiny nation of seafaring traders played a leading role in world history. It wrested 40 percent of its territory from a hostile sea, and in Europe’s most densely populated area it is capable of producing a healthy agricultural surplus. Holland is quaint and scenic, yet it is also worth visiting because it may have many of the answers an increasingly overcrowded world needs for survival. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 3:
Amsterdam–Giethoorn–Frisian Lake District–Epe. Begin the day with a visit to the fascinating AALSMEER FLOWER AUCTION. Then start your exciting tour around famous IJsselmeer and stop in Hoorn, birthplace of Jan Pieterszoon Coen, considered to be founder of the Dutch commercial empire in the Dutch East Indies. In Hoorn the first large fishing net was made in 1416, marking the beginning of a flourishing industry. Drive through the fertile polders (reclaimed land) of North Holland to the 19-mile Barrier Dam, which since 1932 has shut out the North Sea and has transformed the saltwater Zuiderzee into the freshwater IJsselmeer. The dam over which you drive 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 lies below sea level. Welcome to Friesland, home of Pieter Stuyvesant and Mata Hari! A scenic drive through the Frisian Lake District past Makkum, renowned for its luxury yacht building and pottery, and Workum brings you to Giethoorn, the real “Venice of the North.” This rural paradise of traditional farmhouses can be explored by BOAT through the canals, which were dug in the past to transport peat. Detour through the rustic village of Staphorst, whose inhabitants still live according to strict Calvinist principles, before arriving at your hotel in the densely wooded, peaceful Veluwe area, where the Dutch like to spend their holidays. (BB,D)

Day 4:
Epe–Arnhem Area. The highlight visit this morning is to the Royal Palace of HET LOO and its superb formal gardens. Hear about the history of the country’s popular ruling family. In The Hoge Veluwe National Park visit the KRÖLLER MÜLLER MUSEUM, which houses an important collection of paintings, sculptures, and some of Van Gogh’s masterpieces. In the late afternoon visit the AIRBORNE MUSEUM in Oosterbeek, where you relive the heroic and tragic events of World War II celebrated in A Bridge Too Far. (BB,D)

Day 5:
Arnhem Area–Zeeland–Rotterdam. After a morning visit to the country’s only surviving PEWTER FACTORY in Leerdam, journey westward through North Brabant to Kinderdijk, where you can admire a whole row of windmills together. Next, enter beautiful Zeeland, where geometric fields, tidy orchards, and neat rows of poplars stretch to the horizon. Take a pleasant walk in the picture-book port of Veere, once an important wool-trading center. Continue to the Storm Surge Barrier, where you hear about the world’s greatest undertaking in hydraulic engineering. Begun in 1953, when a savage North Sea storm killed 1,800 people, and completed in 1986, the Delta Project is a stunning demonstration of what a nation can achieve if it focuses its energies on a vital task. From here you will enter Rotterdam. Your orientation shows that this city, which was leveled by German bombs during World War II, now has a modern, high-tech look and boasts the world’s busiest port. (BB,D)

Day 6:
Rotterdam–Amsterdam. After a visit to the historic center of Delft, call at the ROYAL DELFT POTTERY FACTORY with its magnificent collection of hand-painted earthenware pieces. You also see skilled craftsmen at work. Proceed through The Hague, seat of the Dutch government and the International Court of Justice, to the North Sea resort of Scheveningen. In the afternoon drive to the famous bulbfields of South Holland. Listen to the incredible tale of 17th-century Tulipomania and visit the extraordinary flower park of KEUKENHOF (departures 0402-0430 only) before returning to Amsterdam. Departures 0511-0914 visit ANNE FRANK HOUSE instead. (BB)

Day 7:
Amsterdam. Morning sightseeing of the capital with a Local Guide. Enjoy a CANAL CRUISE along gabled merchant houses and humpback drawbridges reminiscent of the Golden Age, but also the strikingly modern buildings of a young city with plans for the future. Next, visit the fabulous RIJKSMUSEUM with priceless paintings by Rembrandt and other Dutch masters. Finally, visit a major DIAMOND CENTER to appreciate how a rough mineral is transformed into a sparkling jewel. Afternoon at leisure to catch up on your postcards and shopping. Why not join a late afternoon optional excursion with dinner in the fishing village of Volendam? (BB)

Day 8:
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices

AMSTERDAM
Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, visit Rembrandt’s masterpieces in the Rijksmuseum; canal cruise; visit a major diamond center. Departures 0511-0914 visit Anne Frank House

AALSMEER
Visit the flower auction

BARRIER DAM
Drive over the dam between the North Sea and the former Zuiderzee

WORKUM
Afternoon stop

GIETHOORN
Orientation by boat

STAPHORST
Picture stop

HET LOO
Visit the Royal Palace

ARNHEM AREA
Visit Van Gogh’s masterpieces in the Kröller-Müller Museum and the World War II Airborne Museum in Oosterbeek

LEERDAM
Visit a pewter factory

KINDERDIJK
Picture stop

ZEELAND
Orientation of Veere; picture stop at the Storm Surge Barrier, part of the Delta Project

ROTTERDAM
Orientation

DELFT
Orientation; visit the Royal Delft pottery factory

THE HAGUE
Orientation and picture stop in Scheveningen

KEUKENHOF
Visit the Flower Park (tours 0402-0430)

Itinerary

Day 1:
(Fri.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Amsterdam, Holland. (Sat.) The day is free to rest or to start exploring the Dutch capital. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 3:
Amsterdam. (Sun.) Start your discovery of Holland with a morning sightseeing tour of the capital with a Local Guide. Enjoy a CANAL CRUISE along gabled merchant houses and arched drawbridges reminiscent of the Golden Age, and the strikingly modern buildings of a young-at-heart city. Next, visit the fabulous RIJKSMUSEUM with priceless paintings by Rembrandt and other Dutch masters. Then time to explore Dam Square and the city center on your own, or join your Tour Director for an included visit to a major DIAMOND CENTER to appreciate how a rough mineral is transformed into a sparkling jewel. Afternoon at leisure. You may want to join an optional excursion to the fishing village of Volendam at the former Zuiderzee. (BB)

Day 4:
Amsterdam. Excursion to Aalsmeer, Delft, The Hague, and Keukenhof. (Mon.) A scenic day. Start with an early visit to the impressive AALSMEER FLOWER AUCTION, where more than 17 million flowers and two million plants are sold each day. Next, continue to the world renowned ROYAL DELFT POTTERY FACTORY with its magnificent collection of hand-painted earthenware pieces, and see skilled craftsmen at work. Next, drive via The Hague, seat of the Dutch government and the International Court of Justice, to the famous bulbfields of South Holland and visit the extraordinary flower park of KEUKENHOF (departures 0412-0510) before returning to Amsterdam. Departures 0517 1004 visit ANNE FRANK HOUSE instead. (BB)

Day 5:
Amsterdam–Maastricht–Bastogne, Belgium–Luxembourg. (Tue.) This morning drive south to Maastricht, where the famous treaty for a stronger unified Europe was signed. Learn more about the European Union as you stroll around this delightful city and enjoy lunch in one of the quaint cafés flanking Vrijthof Square. Cross the Belgium border and stop in Bastogne at the AMERICAN MEMORIAL of the Battle of the Bulge. Late afternoon arrival in Luxembourg, the homonymous capital of one of Europe’s smallest sovereign states. (BB,D)

Day 6:
Luxembourg. (Wed.) Morning sightseeing with your Local Guide covers the city’s past and present, from the fortifications and the Old Town, perched high atop a sandstone outcrop with striking views on the Alzette and Pétrusse Gorges, to the modern administrative center of European Institutions. Visit the CATHEDRAL OF OUR LADY, view the turreted Grand Ducal Palace, take a stroll along the panoramic cliff path known as “the most beautiful balcony in Europe,” and see the GRAVE OF GENERAL PATTON. An optional excursion to Trier in Germany can be arranged. (BB)

Day 7:
Luxembourg–Waterloo, Belgium–Brussels. (Thu.) Through the Belgian Ardennes past Namur at the confluence of the Rivers Meuse and Sambre to Waterloo, where Napoleon was defeated and European history changed course. The afternoon is dedicated to cosmopolitan Brussels, the thriving Belgian capital with a proud medieval past. Your orientation tour features the Rue Royale with the monument of Congress, the Parliament buildings, the Royal Palace, and the main cathedral of Brussels, SAINT MICHAEL. Continue on foot to admire the GRAND’ PLACE with its baroque guild houses, the gothic Town Hall, and the most famous inhabitant of the city, Manneken Pis. (BB)

Day 8:
Brussels. Excursion to Bruges. (Fri.) Most of today is dedicated to Bruges, one of Western Europe’s most perfectly preserved medieval cities. Originating during the defense of the Flemish coast from Viking attack, and once an important wool trading port, it now proudly tells the story of art and architecture of the Middle Ages. A CANAL CRUISE (weather permitting) will give you your first feel of this delightful town. Your Local Guide will show you the Church of Our Lady, the MARKET with its belfry, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the City Hall. Plenty of time for lunch, souvenir hunting, and exploring on your own before returning to Brussels. (BB)

Day 9:
At Leisure in Brussels. (Sat.) Day at leisure to catch up on your postcards, browse through the trendy boutiques, or simply relax. Another possibility: join a half-day optional excursion to Antwerp, the second-largest Belgian city and one of the world’s most important ancient seaports. Visit the famous Rockox House, where the art collector and friend of Rubens lived; the Plantin-Moretus Museum, a permanent exhibition dedicated to the early days of book printing in the 16th century; the Grote Markt; and the Church of Our Lady to admire two of the most important triptychs by Rubens. Tonight an included farewell dinner is the perfect way to celebrate the success of your vacation. (BB,D)

Day 10:
(Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices

AMSTERDAM
Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, visit Rembrandt’s masterpieces in the Rijksmuseum; canal cruise; visit a major diamond center; visit Anne Frank House (departures 0517-1004)

AALSMEER
Visit the Flower Auction

DELFT
Orientation, visit the Royal Pottery factory

THE HAGUE
Orientation

KEUKENHOF
Visit the Flower Park (departures 0412-0510)

MAASTRICHT
Orientation

BASTOGNE
Stop at the American Memorial

LUXEMBOURG
Guided sightseeing, visit the cathedral, General Patton’s grave

WATERLOO
Picture stop

BRUSSELS
Orientation including the Grand’Place; visit St. Michael’s Cathedral, picture stop at Manneken Pis; farewell dinner

BRUGES
Guided sightseeing; canal cruise

Itinerary

Day 1:
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Paris, France. The day is free to rest or to start exploring the splendid French capital. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and leave the hotel for a welcome dinner with wine at one of Paris’ lively restaurants. After dinner you may wish to join an optional outing to get a first impression of the City of Light. (D)

Day 3:
Paris. Sightseeing with a Local Guide features the Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Louvre, and Champs-Elysées. Visit magnificent NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL, and for a panoramic view take the elevator to the second floor of the EIFFEL TOWER. Balance of the day at leisure and lots to do. An optional excursion to Versailles Palace and gardens and exciting evening outings are available. (BB)

Day 4:
Paris–Rouen–Caen. A pleasant morning drive takes you to historic Rouen in the lower valley of the River Seine. Time here for a leisurely stroll along the lovely cobbled Rue du Gros Horloge leading from the cathedral to the square where Joan of Arc was burned in 1431. From Rouen continue to Caen and look forward to the highlight of the day: a visit to the fascinating MEMORIAL MUSEUM FOR PEACE. Its great exhibits and audiovisual show focus on the Battle of Normandy. (BB,D)

Day 5:
Caen–Normandy Beaches–Bayeux–Mont St. Michel. Drive to the scene of the Allied Forces’ landing on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Visit the NORMANDY AMERICAN CEMETERY and see the Ranger Monument at Point du Hoc. Then to Bayeux where you admire QUEEN MATILDA’S TAPESTRY, depicting in extraordinary detail William the Conqueror’s conquest of England. In the afternoon visit the famous ABBEY OF MONT ST. MICHEL, perched on a rocky isle in the Gulf of Saint Malo. Overnight on the coast near Mont St. Michel. (BB,D)

Day 6:
Mont St. Michel–Blois. Enjoy a scenic ride right across Brittany via Châteaubriant to Angers. Stop here for pictures of the impressive 13th-century castle. Then continue your journey to Blois where you will stay for the next two nights. (BB,D)

Day 7:
Blois. Châteaux Country Excursion. A rich day of sightseeing. Visit the jewel of the French Renaissance, Château CHAMBORD, and the 16th-century Château of Catherine de Medici, lovely CHENONCEAU. On to Amboise. Visit CLOS LUCÉ and marvel at an amazing collection of models of Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions, painstakingly reconstructed from the drawings of the great renaissance genius. Tonight is your chance to sample French cuisine at one of the area’s excellent bistros. (BB)

Day 8:
Blois–Chartres–Paris. This morning visit Chartres with its superb 13th-century gothic CATHEDRAL—a jewel of medieval architecture. Arrive in Paris in the afternoon. An optional excursion to the Louvre Museum is available as well as exciting possibilities for an unforgettable night out on the town. (BB)

Day 9:
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices

PARIS
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant; guided sightseeing, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral; ascend the Eiffel Tower

ROUEN
Orientation

CAEN
Visit the Memorial Museum for Peace

NORMANDY BEACHES
Visit the Normandy American Cemetery

BAYEUX
Admire Queen Matilda’s tapestry in the museum

MONT ST. MICHEL
Guided visit of the abbey

CHÂTEAUBRIANT
Morning stop

ANGERS
Picture stop of the castle

CHÂTEAUX COUNTRY
Full-day guided sightseeing, visit the Châteaux of Chambord, Chenonceau, and Leonardo da Vinci’s home of Clos Lucé

CHARTRES
Visit the gothic cathedral

Itinerary

Day 1:
(Wed.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Paris, France. (Thu.) Time to rest or to start exploring the splendid French capital. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and leave the hotel for a welcome dinner with wine at one of Paris’ lively restaurants. After dinner you may wish to join an optional outing to get a first impression of the City of Light. (D)

Day 3:
Paris. (Fri.) Sightseeing with a Local Guide features the Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Louvre, and Champs-Elysées. Visit magnificent NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL, and for a panoramic view, take the elevator to the second floor of the EIFFEL TOWER. Balance of the day is at leisure. Your Tour Director has suggestions for exciting afternoon excursions; tonight a lively cabaret show might just be the ticket! (BB)

Day 4:
Paris–Bordeaux. (Sat.) Morning departure aboard the famous high-speed “TGV” TRAIN to Bordeaux. In the afternoon, join your Tour Director for a pleasant walk through the center of this captivating city. (BB,D)

Day 5:
Bordeaux. Excursion to St. Emilion. (Sun.) Tour the most famous wine region of France and stop for lunch in the pretty town of St. Emilion. Then the highlight of today: An expert will explain the local secrets of WINE TASTING. Return to Bordeaux in the afternoon. Time to stroll along the riverbank, and tonight is your chance to try out the local restaurants. (BB)

Day 6:
Bordeaux–Biarritz–Lourdes. (Mon.) A scenic drive south, following the Atlantic coast to the charming resort of Biarritz. After a morning stop here, continue to Lourdes of pilgrimage fame, where you will stay for the next two nights. You may wish to join this evening’s memorable rosary and candlelight procession. (BB,D)

Day 7:
Lourdes. (Tue.) Enjoy morning sightseeing with a Local Guide. The rest of the day plenty of time to soak in the special atmosphere of this place and to follow the pilgrims to the grotto, where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernardette in 1858. (BB)

Day 8:
Lourdes–Carcassonne–Nîmes. (Wed.) Stop for a lunch break in the beautifully preserved medieval walled city of Carcassonne on your way towards Provence. Then continue to Nîmes, where your Tour Director will take you for an orientation walk through the center: admire the well-preserved Roman Amphitheater and the Maison Carré. Dinner is served for you at your comfortable hotel. (BB,D)

Day 9:
Nîmes. Excursion to Pont du Gard and Avignon. (Thu.) Enjoy your drive through the gently rolling hills to Pont du Gard. Admire the 2,000-year-old Roman Aqueduct, a monumental feat of engineering. Next, drive through the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape on your way to Avignon, where your orientation tour includes a picture stop of the bridge of the popular song and the massive Palace of the Popes. Time to browse through the many attractive shops or to join the locals sitting at one of the outdoor sidewalk cafés, before returning to Nîmes. (BB)

Day 10:
Nîmes–Aix-en-Provence–Cannes–Monte Carlo, Principality of Monaco. (Fri.) This morning is dedicated to Aix-en-Provence, one of France’s most elegant cities. Explore its center on foot, stroll along shaded Cours Mirabeau, admire its famous cafés and fountains, and discover colorful squares. Later, head east past Cézanne’s Mount St. Victoire and drive through Cannes, where you will see the Festival Hall and the Croissette on your way to your beachfront hotel in the Principality of Monaco. Tonight you may wish to try your luck at the casino! (BB)

Day 11:
At Leisure in Monte Carlo. (Sat.) Your day is at leisure to just relax or dabble in the Mediterranean. Exciting optional excursions are available. (BB)

Day 12:
Monte Carlo–Nice Airport. (Sun.) Homebound flight. Morning transfers to Nice Airport. For land-only travelers, airport transfers are available. Ask your Travel Agent for details. (BB)

Dates & Prices