Country Travel Discoveries 2022
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Water Castles, a string of palatial fortifications that were once ruled by power Princes and Bishops. These striking castles, mostly surrounded by water protected the dominions of powerful lords in the medieval and Renaissance periods of European history. Dinner for the group at the Best Western Plus Plaza Almere in the town of Almere welcome us for the next four evenings. B, D DAY 6—FLORIADE! We spend the majority of the day exploring the FLORIADE Garden Exhibit. Your included day pass will allow you to fully absorb the International Horticultural Exhibition Floriade, an event that only happens once every ten years. Floriade is the park to enjoy the scent and color of flowers, plants, vegetables, and fruit. The Expo offers 40 inspiring country presentations, a spectacular greenhouse complex, a cable car over the park, pavilions with sustainable innovations, and a vibrant arts and culture program. B, D Note: Travelers who wish to spend more time at the Floriade are welcome to do so on Days 7 & 8. Otherwise, we are pleased to offer the following excursions, included in your price, on Days 7 & 8 DAY 7—AMSTERDAM/DUTCH WINDMILLS Breakfast at the hotel before a guided tour through the capital of the Netherlands. Amsterdam is famous for its elaborate canals, beautiful old houses, lively squares, and many world-class museums. From the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Dam Square, to the Royal Palace of Amsterdam the city has a great deal to offer the eager sightseer. Later, we head to Zaanse Schans for a visit to the historic windmills of the Netherlands. There were once 600 active windmills here, generating power for water pumps and machines. B, D DAY 8—ROTTERDAM Travel to Rotterdam after breakfast for a guided city tour. The second largest city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam is the world's largest port through which European freight passes on its way to and from the continent. Rotterdam is also the architecture city of Holland that prides itself on innovation. Its skyline is always changing and there are many things to do in and around the city from museums, excellent food, entertainment, and shopping. B, D DAY 9—DE HERRENHOF GARDENS On to the southern Dutch city of Maastricht. Today, we spend time visiting 'De Herrenhof Gardens in Maastricht'. The cutting-edge garden has a formal structure and cottage-type planting. You'll experience a rich green garden with hellebores and euphorbia, an orchard, and a small nursery. Dinner this evening is at a quaint local restaurant in Maastricht, our home for the night. B, D Vegetable growing such as cabbage will be on full display at the Floriade Welcoming public areas provide colorful respites throughout the amazing Floriade grounds 76 AUTHENTIC TRAVEL EXPERIENCES | www.CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/FLO