A European Journey
Through Art and Flowers

April 23 - May 4, 2010

$3,330

Itinerary:

Friday April 23 LAX
We depart Los Angeles on a beautiful springtime journey through Europe.

Saturday April 24 Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Upon arrival at Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands we transfer to our hotel. This day is free to rest or explore the city on your own. Your tour leader will have lots of ideas to help you explore this fascinating city.

Sunday April 25 Amsterdam
After breakfast we have a full day of touring with our local English speaking guide. We visit the historic Ann Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, Dam Square and a tour of this city of canals by boat after our delicious Indonesian lunch. (B, L)

Monday April 26 Amsterdam
Today we visit the largest flower market in the world in Aalsmeer; our next destination is a farm where they grow the bulbs for these beautiful tulips and finally the gorgeous Keukenhof Gardens. The late afternoon will find us in the charming little city of Delft. (B)

Tuesday April 27 Amsterdam - Hague - Antwerp - Bruges
Early this morning after breakfast we drive to the other capital city of the Netherlands The Hague. We discover the works of Rembrandt, Vermeer, Hals etc. etc. at the Mauristhuis Museum. By bus we continue south crossing the border into Belgium to Antwerp. While in Antwerp we visit the town square, the gothic Cathedral of Our Lady with its outstanding Flemish paintings. No trip to Antwerp would be complete without a stop at the 15th century home of Peter Paul Rubens. After a hearty Belgian lunch there is a tour of a diamond cutting factory. From Antwerp its a short drive to the Venice of the North, Bruges. (B, L)

Wednesday April 28 Bruges
Bruges is an enchanting little city that is very easy to maneuver on foot. The half day walking tour includes the Beguinhof, the Markt (Main Square) with its huge Belfry. Our visit to Notre Dame is where you will see one of the few statues out of Italy by Michelangelo, the Madonna and Child. After lunch you have the rest of the day to explore and shop on your own. (B, L)

Thursday April 29 Bruges - Brussels - Waterloo - Luxembourg
Our first stop today is the capital of Belgium, Brussels. We take a driving tour of the city. There is also a walking tour of the city center; the Grand Place is considered the most beautiful of all city squares in Europe. We also visit the mascot of Brussels the Mannekin Pis this little fellow has quite a history in Belgium. Our next destination is the area that Napoleon would not want to remember Waterloo this is where Napoleon met his match against the English and German generals. Our bus will take us through the Belgian countryside to the quaint and charming little country of Luxembourg. (B, L)

Friday April 30 Luxembourg - Reims, France
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (also called the city of a thousands bridges) will have our full attention this morning. After touring this superb little city we head to Champagne country in France; the city of Reims. (B, L)

Saturday May 1 Paris
In Reims we tour the cathedral where the earlier Kings of France were crowned and we couldnt visit Reims without a tour of the caves where champagne is made. In the late afternoon we take our bus to the City of Lights, Paris, France. Hotel Castiglione (B)

Sunday May 2 Paris
We will take an unusual tour to the north of Paris where many of the impressionists lived. We visit the final resting place of Van Gogh and his brother Tho in Auvers-sur-Oise. Then on to Pontoise the town of the father of impressionism, Pissarro; we visit a museum dedicated to him. Next is a visit to St. Denis where most of the French Kings are laid to rest. Finally we visit the Pre Lachaise Cemetery. Here is the final resting place of many famous celebrities such as Jim Morrison, Molire, dith Piaf, Simone Signoret, Oscar Wilde, Chopin, Maria Callas and Pissarro to name only a few. Hotel Castiglione (B, L)

Monday May 3 Paris
This is beautiful spring day for your leisure; great for shopping or last minute sights in Paris. Your tour leader will be on hand to help you plan your day. Hotel Castiglione (B)

Tuesday May 4 Paris - LAX
We bid a final farewell before our departure for the airport. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

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