Overview:  Get to know Amsterdam – one of the signature cities of Europe!  RTT takes you there to experience the city from the water up as a canal cruise provides the critical orientation to this city on the sea. 

Itinerary:  Travel directly to the Netherlands to see cheese and clogs in working environments – and enjoy a Dutch breakfast (included) at the Clara Maria Farm as you arrive.  The van Wees family and their staff show you the Dutch traditions of making cheese  Of course, there is time to sample some of this renowned export and even purchase some of your favorites.   Appreciate their wooden shoe manufacture where they explain and demonstrate how the clogs are made both by hand and by machine.  Depart shortly after shopping in their well-stocked souvenir area (about 10:15) and continue by bus to the city of Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, and a European marvel!

Amsterdam was founded in the Middle Ages and is very compact, with the main historical and cultural sights located conveniently close to each other. It has the largest historical inner city in Europe. The city comprised 70 islands, which are separated by nearly 50 miles of canals and connected by more than 1000 bridges. Amsterdam is characterized by narrow canals and picturesque houses organized along canals and squares.  The rows of arched bridges, almshouses, hidden courtyards, market squares and alleyways make it feel like an open-air museum. 

In Amsterdam, you will first enjoy a boat ride along the most picturesque of the canals and hear the explanations of historical locations.  This will provide you an excellent orientation to the city! 

The guided sightseeing activities are ending at about 12:00 p.m. and your free time begins.  From the location of Dam Square, appreciate the opportunity for approximately 8 hours of free time in Amsterdam during which you can follow your own endeavours.  For your time in this historical city, you can choose to visit sites related to history, art, architecture, commerce or entertainment.  See the most important sights such as Dam Square with the impressive Royal Palace and New Church, shop in the grand Bijendorf department store or visit Madame Tussaud’s Wax museum.  Stop at the Rijksmuseum, which features such famous paintings as Rembrandt's `Nightwatch' and `Jewish bride' and the paintings of Vermeer, Frans Hals, Ruysdael etc. are on exhibit. Another option is a visit to the Van Gogh museum, designed by Gerrit Rietveld. It has a collection of over 200 paintings and 600 drawings by Vincent van Gogh. Amsterdam is also the home of the Anne Frank House - the hiding place of the young Jewish girl who wrote her famous diary here. Maybe Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum is more to your taste?  Maybe you’d prefer to Segway your way around Amsterdam? Have a “rice table” dinner or Dutch pancakes? Perhaps you will ask the RTT tour guide for some pointers? From museums to cozy pubs to avid shopping and much more – entertainment is plentiful in Amsterdam!

Depart Amsterdam at about 8:00 p.m.  The return travel includes a late dinner stop en route and arrival to points of origin at approximately 1 a.m. on the next day.