Amsterdam and Paris

After breakfast in the hotel, your group will meet a local guide in the lobby for an exciting tour of this scenic city. This immersive city tour will take guests through Amsterdam's historic canals, iconic landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods, revealing the rich culture and charm of this Dutch gem. Afterward, guests will have the rest of the day to shop, wander alongside Amsterdam's canals, and sample more of this country's cuisine.

Approximately 800 years ago, the Amstel River was dammed, giving the town its name. Where medieval fishing boats once docked, your group will see 17th century houses, street performers and some of the city's most luxurious stores. Here in Dam Square lies the historic heart of Amsterdam. Your group will see the Royal Palace, which was originally constructed as the Town Hall, and pass the Mint Tower, with its clock and bells that still seem to echo Amsterdam's Golden Age. Also of particular interest is the 16th-century Weeping Tower, which according to legend, derived its name from the sailors' wives who used to bid their husbands an emotional farewell. Then, the tour will pass the Floating Flower Market on Singel Canal, which is a stunning mass of flowers strung along the canal on permanently-moored barges. There will be free time for lunch, after which, your group will proceed to the Anne Frank House. This is where eight people from three separate families lived together in near total silence for more than 2 years during World War II. It was here that Anne wrote her famous diary as a way to deal with the boredom and her youthful jumble of thoughts, which had as much to do with personal relationships as with the war.

After breakfast in the hotel your group will depart on a full-day excursion of windmills and tulips. The first stop today will be in Zaanse Schans, a neighborhood in the town of Zaandam, to admire its collection of historic windmills and its traditional craft shops. Afterwards, the group will travel south to the lovely city Haarlem, where it will have free time for lunch. The group will then continue traveling south to the city of Lisse to tour the legendary Keukenhof Gardens where vast numbers of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths create dazzling patches of color. Blooms here – at their peak- have a short but glorious season. The park is said to be the greatest flower show on earth, and it's Holland's annual spring gift to the world.

This morning, your group will set out by private coach for the famed windmills near Amsterdam and to visit Lisse with its Keukenhof Gardens. The first stop today will be in Zaanse Schans, a neighborhood in the town of Zaandam, where guests can admire its collection of historic windmills and its traditional craft shops. Afterward, the group will travel south to the lovely city Haarlem, where it will have free time for lunch. The group will then continue traveling south to the city of Lisse to tour the legendary Keukenhof Gardens where vast numbers of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths create dazzling patches of color. Blooms here – at their peak- have a short but glorious season. The park is said to be the greatest flower show on earth, and it's Holland's annual spring gift to the world. At the end of the tour, they will return to Amsterdam by private coach. (Please note that Keukenhof is only open from March to May. For groups traveling outside of that time, a guided tour of Haarlem is highly recommended with a possible visit to the Corrie ten Boom Museum. Alternatively, guests can visit Delft to tour one of its famous pottery workshops or visit a cheese farm in Volendam depending on their interests and by prior booking).

This morning is free to relax, sleep in, shop or sightsee. Guests who wish to relax may want to consider heading to one of Amsterdam's many parks. Your group is free to explore Amsterdam's food scene further by venturing to one of its foodie areas such as Jordaan, with its trendy restaurants, or De Pijp, with its diverse eateries. Afterward, guests will embark on a guided boat cruise through the famed Amsterdam canals, and then go on a self-guided tour at the former Heineken brewery. The evening will conclude with a farewell-to-The-Netherlands dinner at a local restaurant, after which guests are free to explore further on their own.

This afternoon, your group will embark on a fun boat tour of Amsterdam. This is undoubtedly the best way to appreciate this city of canals, while gliding past its iconic landmarks and architecture. The local expert will be happy to share stories about the city's history and culture while guests soak in the scenery. Afterward, your group will embark on the Heineken Experience, a self-guided tour at the former Heineken brewery. This is an opportunity to learn more about one of the Netherlands' best exports - Heineken! Afterward, your group will go straight to a local restaurant for dinner.

This morning, your group will meet its local guide in the lobby for a guided tour of the world renowned Louvre Museum, the most visited museum in the world. Guests will see celebrated works of art, including Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Nike of Samothrace, and Jacques-Louis David's The Coronation of Napoleon, among others. Afterward, guests will be transported to the Latin Quarter, where they will enjoy lunch on their own and then embark on a guided tour of the vibrant neighborhood. Later, they will be escorted back to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Art and history converge the Louvre, which is undoubtedly one of the world's most visited museums. Your group will navigate through its vast galleries, discovering masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Guests will have the chance to immerse themselves in the stories behind each artwork as they explore the museum's rich collection. After the museum visit, your group will be dropped off at the Latin Quarter. There will be time for lunch, after which, guests will enjoy a 90-minute walking tour of the historic heart of Paris. Here, in the 5th arrondissement, this Parisian neighborhood was buzzing with life during the Roman times, on through the Middle Ages, and right up to the present. Guests will see the Boulevard St-Michel, the Sorbonne, and the Caveau de la Huchette jazz club, among others. Once the walking tour is finished, the group will be dropped back at the hotel.

After breakfast in the hotel, travel to the Palace of Versailles for a half-day excursion. The afternoon is free for guests to explore Paris as they wish. Guests will reconvene at the hotel in the early evening for a sightseeing cruise on the River Seine. After embarking at the base of the Eiffel Tower, they will see the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Ile de la Cite, and the city's beautiful bridges. After the cruise, your group will proceed to a local restaurant for dinner.

This morning, your group will experience the grandeur of Versailles on a short, guided tour. Constructed primarily in the 17th century, this magnificent royal palace of Versailles was home to Marie Antoinette and Louis XIV, the Sun King. On this tour, your group will explore the majestic chateau, including the Grands Appartements, the Chapel, and the Hall of Mirrors with its 357 shimmering mirrors. Outside, guests will find meticulously landscaped gardens with its beautiful fountains and sculptures. Afterward, guests will be escorted back to Paris in the private coach.

This morning, your group will be transferred by private coach to the airport for the return flight home.