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Overview:
It would be difficult to decide if one had to
choose between the many sights and souvenirs of Holland on this tour. That's why
RTT has made it possible to do it ALL! From the wooden shoes and cheeses at
Clara Maria, to the tulips and other blooms of the Keukenhof Spring Gardens, you
won't be disappointed. As an extra measure, you will also get the opportunity to
visit one of Holland's most famous resort cities at Scheveningen, where not just
beach and boardwalk await you, but also the trio of fascinating architecture,
eclectic shopping, and fantastic food.
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. This year celebrates the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China, so you
will appreciate the many oriental accents and special effects created just for
this exhibit. 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 the idea of “Holiday”. Have your
camera at the ready! After watching the Flower Parade with its amazing floats
and mobile exhibits, continue to the Keukenhof Spring Gardens for a slightly
abbreviated stay.
Continuing on
through the city of The Hague, residence of the Dutch Queen, we reach the
seaside resort of Scheveningen for more activities, last-minute shopping and
dinner options (not included). In this resort, appropriately called the
“Atlantic City of Holland”, the beach promenade provides entertaining
opportunities for people-watching and sea-side activities. Explore the historic
Kurhaus, center of health and rejuvenation since the end of the 19th
century, and appreciate the Belle Epoque architecture with its gingerbread trim
and high wooden cupola. If you have your swim gear with you, take a splash in
the heated wave pool beside the sea. Scheveningen
is a shopping center with about 70 boutiques selling fashion, food and
decorative objects like delftware and Makkum pottery.
The
restaurants range from European to Asian and Mexican. Many emigres from the
formerly Dutch East Indies settled in The Hague and an Indonesian meal is a
must. Getting more than you bargained for is one of the unaccustomed experiences
at Scheveningen.
Depart
Scheveningen at about 5:30 p.m. for arrival back at points of origin at
approximately 2400.
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April 26th
Flower Parade
Early booking for this popular date
is highly recommended! Make your reservation today! |
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