ITINERARY

DAY 1 Arrival

Fly to Amsterdam, meet your tour manager and transfer into the heart of the colourful Dutch capital. Spend the afternoon in the exciting city of canals and cobblestones, ‘brown’ bars, cafés and world-class museums, enjoying the included canal cruise – perhaps the best way to see the sights of the city – before taking the opportunity to grab a bite to eat in one of a host of cafés and restaurants, prior to re-boarding the coach and making the journey south to your hotel base for the next three nights.

DAY 2 Floriade International Horticultural Expo 2022

A wonderful day awaits as you make the journey to Almere, venue of the Floriade International Horticultural Expo 2022. This event takes place once every ten years, each time in a different location, so today will be a very special day indeed. Step into a sea of scents and colours, as you enjoy the greenest day out and explore 40 inspirational country displays, a spectacular greenhouse complex, take a stunning included cable car over the Expo, and discover pavilions showcasing the latest sustainable innovations and a vibrant arts and culture programme. After a wonderful day out, journey back to your hotel for an included dinner this evening.

DAY 3 Zuiderzee and Amsterdam

The delightful villages of the windmill dotted landscape and the reclaimed Zuiderzee form the background to this morning’s touring. Wander the pretty streets of historic fishing village Volendam – once trodden by the likes of Picasso and Renoir – and catch a glimpse of Dutch life through the ages in the preserved traditional houses. You’ll also enjoy behind-the-scenes visits unveiling two of Holland’s traditional crafts, as you visit a wooden shoe-making demonstration at Zaanse Schans, beneath its famous windmills, and the famous cheese-producing town of Edam, where one of the most famous of all Dutch exports is produced.

This afternoon you’ll return once again to Amsterdam, to enjoy another chance to discover and explore the Dutch capital. Perhaps you’ll take in a famous museum – the Van Gogh collection or the vast Rijksmuseum housing the works of old masters, including Rembrandt’s astonishing The Night Watch – or wander through the colourful stalls of the flower market. Perhaps visit the poignant Anne Frank house or simply enjoy the stores of one of Europe’s most vibrant shopping centres – the choices, and the pleasures, are all yours. Return to the hotel for the final night of your tour.

DAY 4 Utrecht and departure

Bid farewell to the hotel, returning to the airport and the flight home via Utrecht, one of Holland’s medieval cities famed for its Gothic cathedral and Dom Tower – Holland’s highest – from which there are far-reaching views to be enjoyed. A last chance, perhaps to enjoy a coffee, beer or light lunch, perhaps of smoked eel or delicious herring, in one of the countless hostelries that line Utrecht’s canals and cobbled streets, will be the final highlight of this delightful Dutch break.