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Overview:
What could be more representative of Holland than cheese and
wooden shoes, fishing villages and Amsterdam? On this tour you will find
everything you picture Holland to be. For typical Dutch experiences, join
RTT!
Itinerary:
Travel directly to the Netherlands to see cheese and clogs in
working environments – and enjoy a Dutch breakfast (included) at the
Simonehoeve Cheese Farm as you arrive. The Klomp 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 big wooden shoe factory where they explain and demonstrate
how the clogs are made both by hand and by machine. Depart shortly after
shopping (about 10:30) 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.
Appreciate the opportunity for approximately 4 hours of free time in
Amsterdam during which you can follow your own endeavours. The Dutch
holiday season began already on 14 November, with the arrival of Sinterklaas
and all his Zwarte Pieten. The celebrations continue into December with
markets on various squares and holiday decorations in a particularly Dutch
flair. Museumplein is turned into a Christmas Square every year, boasting a
market and craft-making displays perfect for passing an afternoon. There is
also an ice-skating rink! A stroll in any direction from the
brightly-illuminated tree in Dam Square through the Leidesplein and the
surrounding area to Rembrantsplein or the Flower Market and its nearby
“Christmas Palace” store will delight you with Christmas surprises.
During your time in this historical city, you can also choose
to visit sites related to history, art, architecture, commerce or
entertainment. Most sights are open until at least 5 p.m. 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
or the Van Gogh museum.
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 cosy
pubs to avid shopping and much more – entertainment is plentiful in
Amsterdam!
Depart Amsterdam at about 5:30 p.m. The return travel includes a short
snack stop en route (if possible) and arrival to point of origin at
approximately 11 p.m.
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