Country Travel Discoveries 2022
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1409126
DAY 3—NELI'S DUTCH VILLAGE/VOLKSPARADE/TULIP CITY TOUR After breakfast we visit an authentic Dutch village to see live wooden shoe carvings and have the opportunity to have a pair personalized as an authentic keepsake. We also admire the Dutch dancers and explore the Frisian farmhouse with cheese- and chocolate-making demonstrations. The renown blue-and-white ceramic Delft Pottery, or Delftware, will be demonstrated. These hand-painted creations are crafted by experienced Dutch artists and glazed in a centuries-old process. After lunch, we enjoy reserved grand stand seating to watch the Volksparade 'People's Parade'. Following the white glove inspection and street scrubbing, the marching bands, amazing floats and entertaining specialty entries will parade their way down the freshly scrubbed streets. Don't miss Holland's talented high school marching band as they dance in authentic wooden shoes while playing their instruments. This afternoon, a guide in full Dutch attire will lead us through the vibrant tulip lanes, Holland's historic district, city parks and award-winning downtown. Tonight we see stunning panoramic views of Lake Macatawa while we savor a delectable dinner. B, L, D Note: Those who left from Grand Rapids will be doing the Holland City Tour on Day 4 and having a tour of Ottawa Beach this afternoon. (description in Day 4) DAY 4—WINDMILL ISLAND GARDENS/QUILT SHOW/OTTAWA BEACH/BIG RED LIGHTHOUSE/HOLLAND BOWL MILL This morning we tour America's only authentic working Dutch windmill known as 'De Zwaan' or 'The Swan', which was brought over from the Netherlands in 1964. Here and in the surrounding Windmill Island Gardens, we view over 100,000 tulips and also visit the little Netherlands village display and gift shop. After experiencing these fascinating aspects of Dutch life, we head to the Art in Bloom display and Quilt show. Here we see exquisite handmade bed quilts, wall hangings and art quilts as well as gorgeous tulip paintings by local artists. After lunch, we welcome a guide onto our motorcoach to tour Ottawa Beach on Lake Michigan. We will also have a chance to see one of the Great Lakes' most famous lighthouses, affectionately known as 'Big Red'. Next, we visit the Holland Bowl Mill to learn how their beautiful wooden bowls are handcrafted. Tonight, enjoy our last night in Holland exploring the unique shops, restaurants, and colorful tulips throughout downtown Holland's historic district. B, L DAY 5—VELDHEER TULIP FARM/CAPPON AND SETTLERS HOUSE/GRAND RAPIDS This morning after breakfast tour the only Tulip farm in Holland at the Veldheer Tulip Farm. Walk through 5.5 million tulips and purchase perennials and flowers brought in from around the world. Next, we'll step back in time as we tour the historic Cappon and Settlers house. Built in 1874 and home of Holland's first mayor, this historic house is now restored to its appearance in the early 1900s. Lastly, we will enjoy a homestyle lunch in the nearby town of Zeeland before heading back to Grand Rapids with delightful memories of the Dutch heritage and colorful tulips. B, L —OR— DAY 5—DEGRANDGRAMPS BLUEBERRY FARM/CHICAGO BOTANICAL GARDEN/MILWAUKEE After breakfast we say good bye to Holland and head to DeGrandchamps Blueberry Farm in South Haven. Visit with Mike DeGrandeChamp owner of 200 acres of Blueberries, 40 acres of Cranberries and approximately seven acres of container grown nursery stock and greenhouses. See the packing and shipping facility along with their farm market. You'll even enjoy a delicious, freshly-made blueberry muffin! Next we'll have a tasty lunch before heading to the expansive Chicago Botanical Garden. We will ride on a comfortable tram through the 385-acre outdoor garden to learn about their colorful variety of plants and flowers. Then, we travel back to Milwaukee with fond memories of the Dutch culture and new found friends. B, L x Discoveries Experience ____________________ 5 Days • 10 Meals May 9-13, 2022 Milwaukee Departure May 9-13, 2022 Grand Rapids Departure Price per Person: Double: $1,427; Single: $1,755 Pre/Post Hotel: $148/night Depart/Return: Milwaukee, WI or Grand Rapids, MI Highlights & Inclusions ____________________ • Reserved grandstand seating for the Volksparade 'People's Parade' • Enjoy the Dazzle Tulip Time Showcase with over 25 brilliant acts of talented local performers • Memorable Saugatuck Dune Ride with local guide • See America's only working Dutch windmill and one of the nation's most photographed lighthouses, 'Big Red' • View over 100,000 Tulips in and around Holland • Experience authentic Dutch culture at Neli's Dutch Village • Free airport shuttle or hotel parking for duration of tour • Bag handling (1 per person) at hotels • Fees/tips included for attractions/meals • Welcome reception, 24-hour emergency call service, free bottled water on coach Quality Accommodations ____________________ Night 1: Hampton Inn and Suites Milwaukee/Franklin (Milwaukee Departure) or Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Airport (Grand Rapids Departure) Nights 2-4: Holiday Inn Express Holland (Milwaukee Departure) or DoubleTree Holland (Grand Rapids Departure) CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/HTF 855-744-TRIP (8747) | 83 US — MIDWEST | HOLLAND MICHIGAN TULIPS