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.