Holland’s Capital has 160 canals and 1,000 bridges. Experience Amsterdam from water. Cruising through a number of Amsterdam’s canals, this cruise passes along some of the city’s most beautiful spots. You will see elegant merchant mansions, carillon-crowned churches and the warehouses with their rich history from Holland’s Golden Age. This wonderful evening cruise through Amsterdam’s enchanting canals is a memorable experience. Relax in glass-enclosed comfort, while gliding through the canals. Each table is provided with red, rosé or white wine, a variety of cheese, and a typical Dutch cheese cookie. Soft drinks are also available. During the canal cruise, your host or hostess will gladly answer your questions and give you information about the city’s places of interest.

The evening begins with a 45-minute scenic boat cruise on the Vltava River through the heart of Prague. With a complimentary glass of wine in hand, you’ll toast exceptional views of Prague’s greatest landmarks — Charles Bridge, the Parliament, the National Theater, Vysehrad, romantic Kampa Island, the picturesque roofs and charming spires of Lesser Town and Old Town, and Prague Castle.

Disembarking, continue to Prague’s Municipal House, which houses the beautiful Art Nouveau Francouzka Restaurant — named one of the five best restaurants in Prague and the Czech Republic. Amid exquisite surroundings, you’ll enjoy a sumptuous repast prepared by Chef Jiri Kral, who with three of his staff is a member of the National Team of Cooks and Confectioners of the Czech Republic. It’s certain to be a night to remember!

Prague Castle, the largest medieval castle complex in Europe and the ancient seat of Czech kings, is a must-see destination for any visitor to Prague. Join us on this comprehensive tour for a fascinating guided walk through the palaces, churches, towers, and fortifications that make up the castle. From your hotel we’ll drive by the State Opera House and Wenceslas Square. Then, as we enter Prague Castle, our first visit is to magnificent Saint Vitus Cathedral and the Royal Crypt; coronation and burial place of the once mighty Czech kings. You’ll then continue through the castle grounds to learn the history of the main castle buildings, followed by a stroll in the Royal Gardens. Along the way we enjoy spectacular panoramic views over the whole of Prague and observe the Changing of the Guard at the entrance to the castle. After a final view of the city, you’ll descend the 101 steps of the Old Castle Stairs, then visit charming Golden Lane. Dating from the 15th Century, this small street is lined by 11 historic houses exhibiting medieval armory and textiles.

This tour offers everything quintessentially Dutch: from canals, old farmhouses, and windmills ... to cheese and wooden clogs ... to idyllic rural settings, typical Dutch villages and the famous Aalsmeer Flower Auction. In the company of an English-speaking guide, you’ll pay an early morning visit to the auction house and see how flowers from 7,000 specialized growers from all over the world are sold off in smaller lots. You’ll see the great auction clock that displays the steadily dropping selling price until a lot is sold. In all, more than 20 million plants and flowers, valued at more than $5 million, go on the block each day. Before the day’s out, the flowers are flown to destinations around the globe, soon to appear in bridal bouquets, table centerpieces, store displays, and a multitude of other settings.
Then as the Dutch say, “if you only have one day to see Holland, then go to Zaanse Schans.” You’ll take a short scenic ride through the colorful countryside to this village, a special place as it’s a living museum. Admire the green wooden houses from the 17th and 18th centuries, hump-backed bridges, charming gardens, tradesmen’s workshops, and authentic, working windmills. You’ll get a lesson in making cheese, visit the inside of a windmill, and see how a clog maker crafts those unique shoes.
Next you’ll continue on by bus to the picturesque town of Edam, famous for the cheese named after it. Take a guided stroll through the flat, narrow main street to the bell tower and enjoy browsing for souvenirs. Before heading back to Amsterdam, you’ll get a typical Dutch treat — coffee and cookies at a town café and a chance to mix and mingle with locals!

Please note: Aalsmeer is not available on weekends.