Amsterdam and London: Cultural Capitals

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.

After breakfast, your group will travel by private coach with a local guide to the fascinating Tower of London for a guided tour. The morning will be spent exploring this historic monument, and there will be free time for lunch, followed by a Thames river cruise. The tour will end back at the hotel with the rest of the afternoon at leisure for participants to unwind or step out to explore on their own. The evening offers a perfect opportunity for guests to dive into London's excellent theater scene, with a performance planned for your group.

The Tower of London dates back to the 11th century, and today, this imposing fortress is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accompanied by the guide, your group will begin the tour with a visit to see the Crown Jewels, which have been on display at the Tower since the 17th century. The Tower was the site of numerous executions, including that of Henry VIII's second wife Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, the queen of England for 9 days in the 16th century, and Margaret Pole, who was accused of treason. Guests will hear captivating tales of intrigue and and revisit centuries of history. Afterward, there will be free time for lunch, and guests may want to consider "fish & chips" or "steak & kidney pie" at a local pub. Later, they will walk down to the Tower Pier on the River Thames, where prisoners were traditionally brought into the Tower. A boat will be waiting to take them out for a cruise down to Westminster Pier. Once the guests disembark at the pier, the private coach will pick them up and transfer them to the hotel.

After breakfast in the hotel, your group will have a guided tour of one of London's terrific museums. The options are many - from the Tate Modern in Bankside to the iconic British Museum in Bloomsbury. After the tour, guests will have free time for lunch, shopping and relaxing. Later, your group will reconvene to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea, an enduring custom in the British Isles. The last evening in London is free for guests to revisit some of its iconic sights. They may want to take a walk down the bustling Oxford Street, go up on the London Eye for a bird's eye perspective, or simply wander in some of the atmospheric neighborhoods, such as Soho, Camden Town or Shoreditch.

This morning, your group can enjoy a guided tour to one of London's several excellent museums. The list to choose from includes the Victoria & Albert Museum for art and design, the British Museum for a range of antiquities and historic collections, Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition, a reconstruction of the iconic Globe Theatre. The National Portrait Gallery houses numerous portraits of famous Britons, while the Tate Modern has a stunning collection of contemporary art. Based on the museum selected, the group will be transported to the location by private coach and enjoy an immersive, guided tour with commentary and insights shared by an expert. Afterward, they will be free to linger on, or step outside the museum to explore more on their own. (Please note that your group will need to select the museum in advance before the vacation begins so that necessary arrangements can be made.)

This morning, your group will be transferred by private coach to one of the airports in London for their return flight home.