Itinerary:  We travel directly to the Netherlands, arriving at Clara Maria, where the age-old tradition of cheese production and wooden shoe making will be brought to life. After a gracious Dutch breakfast provided by our farm host and hostess (included), we experience the Dutch tradition of making cheese, seeing the production from start to the tasty finish!  Of course, there is always time to sample more of this renowned export and even purchase some of your favourites for your family and friends.  Many Dutch souvenirs are available here – you can even purchase shoes as a souvenir of your learning experience. 

We continue on to the Keukenhof Spring Gardens (entrance fee included), formerly a Dutch royal hunting estate and kitchen garden, with its amazingly beautiful tulip fields. In 2010, the Gardens’ theme is “From Russia with Love”. Displays will include various Russian themes, such as a flower bulb mosaic of St. Basil’s Cathedral. The mosaic presents an impression of the towers of St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow’s Red Square. The Cathedral measures 40 by 65 feet and has been created from almost 65,000 flower bulbs. Its colorful splendor will reveal itself in all its floral glory in the spring of 2010. The 8 acre park displays millions of bulb flowers, in outdoor landscapes and indoor pavilions, and is one of the country’s major attractions.  Experience the differences displayed in inspirational gardens:  the city garden, the deck garden, the bridal path and bridal garden.  Explore the canals and functioning windmill.  Families can enjoy wandering the boxwood maze, with the children’s farm nearby, and overlooking the fields of blooming tulips surrounding the Park.  The indoor pavilions highlight various grower competitions, providing decorative displays richly arranged to fascinate the senses!  Art in the Park delights visitors with statues throughout the grounds.  You will have the opportunity for lunch (not included) and souvenir shopping at some of the many locations within the park.  You can even enjoy your own picnic brought from home.  RTT has arranged a stay which allows ample time to experience all the Keukenhof has to offer! 

On the Flower Parade tour date, the tour departs Clara Maria Cheese Farm to reach the parade route.  This year’s floats celebrate a “Journey Through Europe”.  Have your camera at the ready and find all the countries you have recognized!  After watching the Flower Parade with its amazing floats and mobile exhibits, continue to the Keukenhof Spring Gardens for a chance to enjoy the flowers at their peak.  Remain the entire afternoon, as on this date you will want to spend all your time in the Gardens!

Continuing on, we reach the famous city of Amsterdam for free time and more activities, last-minute shopping and dinner options (not included). 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. 

Now is an opportunity for approximately 2 hours of free time in Amsterdam during which you can follow your own endeavors.  During 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, 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. Perhaps you will ask the RTT tour guide for some pointers? From cozy pubs to avid shopping and much more – entertainment is plentiful in Amsterdam!

Depart Amsterdam at about 5:30 p.m. for arrival back at points of origin at approximately  1 a.m. on the second day.

April 24th Flower Parade* Early booking for this popular date is highly recommended!  Make your reservation today!