Sample Itinerary

SAMPLE ITINERARY : HOLLAND TULIPS AND GARDENS

Day 1

Arrive at Schiphol airport-Amsterdam. Transfer via motorcoach to Apeldoorn. See Castle of Muiden and visit the historic garden and lovely village.

Afternoon visit to private Manor House once featured in Royal Horticultural Society's magazine where owner will give us a tour. Special welcome dinner.

Day 2

Morning visit to historic garden which was the former residence of Price Bernhard of the Netherlands. The garden is wonderful example of a "mixed landscape". Also visit another small historic garden.

Afternoon visit Palace Het Loo surrounded by 17th century formal gardens, a park and the royal forest; the largest nature reserve in Holland. Overnight in Apeldorn.

Day 3

Morning departure for the Hoge Veluwe National Park. Visit Kroller-Muller Museum renowned for Van Gogh collection. Special lunch for group at Doorwith Castle. Visit private garden associated with the Dutch Garden Society. Overnight in Delft.

Day 4

Morning sightseeing tour of The Hague including visit to Mauritishuis to see renowned collection of Vermeer paintings. Visit the Japanese Gardens which are a beautiful reproduction of the 17th century gardens of the Muromachi period. Afternoon in Delft where there will be a walking tour of this quaint city and lunch. Also visit to the Delft Porcelain factory

Day 5

Morning departure for Zeeland-known as the garden of Holland.Visit several private gardens including the gardens of Mr. and Mrs. de la Hayze, director of the Dutch Garden Society, where we will be given a special welcome. See additional gardens in area. Visit town of Delfshaven with its quaint harbor--the departure point for pilgrims going to USA.

Day 6

Morning departure from the hotel for the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens where 4-6 million tulip bulbs bloom. En route, visit town of Leiden for walking tour.Afternoon in Amsterdam. Sightseeing with a private canal boat cruise throughout the city. Visit to the Rijksmuseum, known for the outstanding collection of Rembrandt.

Day 7

Late morning departure to nearby Vecht river area, known for beautiful castles, gardens and country mansions built in the17th and 18th centuries. Luncheon cruise of the river and see many charming towns along the way. Afternoon free to explore Amsterdam.

Day 8

Walking tour through Amsterdam highlighting the connection between America and the Netherlands. Visit the van Gogh Museum and see the collection that has been on exhibition at the National Gallery in Washington DC and has been sold-out since it opened. Afternoon free to explore Amsterdam. Farewell dinner.

Day 9

Departure for Schiphol Airport. En-route- stop will be made at Aalsmeer Flower Auction--the largest in the world where over 12 million flowers are brought to market every day.