Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Amsterdam on your own with the help of the CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions. (D)
For centuries, this tiny nation of seafaring traders played a leading role in world history. It reclaimed 40% of its territory from the sea and produces a healthy agricultural surplus in the midst of Europe's most densely populated area - yet Holland manage to remain quaint and scenic. Your day begins with a canal cruise to see Amsterdam from water level, and the visit of a diamond centre, watching skilled craftsmen cut and polish precious stones. Enjoy time this afternoon to explore on your own, maybe visiting one of the many museums or watching people zooming by on their bicycles. Fun fact: There are four times more bicycles than cars in Amsterdam. (B)
Begin the day with a visit to the fascinating Aalsmeer flower auction, where more than 20 million plants and flowers are sold daily, or, when the tulips bloom, see some of the 7 million flowers planted annually at the world-famous Keukenhof-one of the world's largest flower gardens (departures 0406 to 0504 and weather permitting). Continue to historic Delft to visit the famous Royal Delft pottery factory. See how this exquisite pottery is made, and marvel at the magnificent collection of hand-painted earthenware. Continue on to Rotterdam, the world's busiest port, to marvel at the city's futuristic architecture during your sightseeing tour with a Local Guide. Today's Distance: 99 mi/ 160 km (B)
Get ready for a "cheesy" day as you arrive in Gouda, renowned for its… cheese! Stroll around the picturesque narrow streets to the medieval Market Square, see the Gothic-style Town Hall with its red and white shutters and the Goudse Waag used for cheese weighing in the 17th-century. Then, enjoy an interactive cheese experience. Next is Arnhem, where the WWII Battle of Arnhem took place. You will see John Frost Bridge, named after the commander of the British forces that held the bridge for four days. Enjoy time on your own to do some independent exploring. Today's Distance: 71 mi/ 115 km (B,D)
This morning, head for the village of Giethoorn, built on canals but quainter than cities like Venice or Amsterdam. Continue to Groningen and spend some time exploring this important trade hub of the 13th century but hailed today as the "World Cycling City." In fact, its centre is entirely pedestrianized and boasts a dense network of cycle paths that make the city one of the most bike-friendly in the Netherlands. Today's Distance: 118 mi/ 190 km (B)
Cross over the 19-mile Barrier Dam, which is part of an incredible system of 1,200 miles of dikes, dams, and dunes built over the last 900 years to protect the part of the Netherlands that is below sea level. Visit a wooden clog workshop in Zaanse Schans. Continue to the fishing village of Volendam, then arrive back in Amsterdam and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Today's Distance: 137 mi/ 220 km (B,D)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
