Amsterdam

The Best of AMSTERDAM & PARIS

Highlighting the Amsterdam Tulip Festival and Paris, the “City of Lights”

 April 28-May 7, 2024

AMSTERDAM… One of Europe’s true jewels, with its Golden Age canals bordered by slender gabled buildings and spanned by arched bridges, Amsterdam might be small, like the rest of the Netherlands, but it has an outsized reputation. From exceptional art, architecture and innovative design to nightlife, you’ll find it here. Highlight of our visit to Amsterdam will be the Tulip Festival brightening public areas with colorful blooms. We will visit and discover dozens of locations adorned with thousands of flowers featuring blooming tulips that mark the walking paths and enliven the streets, squares and bridges.

PARIS… the “City of Lights” is enchanting at every turn, at any time and in every season. There is so much to see; The Cathedral of Notre Dame, the famous Champs-Elyees, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower. Around every corner and narrow street you’ll find quaint splendor that highlights the character of this beautiful city. Included will be one of the most moving tour experiences, a visit to Normandy on the coast of northern France, where Allied troops landed on five beaches, as we remember the heroes of the D-Day. Even if you have been to Paris before, it is a city you can return to again and again.

A Message from Tracey
In May of 2023 we took an amazing trip to Bali… 15 beautiful women on a grand adventure.
This year we have planned another trip of a lifetime.
Visiting Amsterdam for the Tulip Festival and Paris… Beauty, exploration and laughter awaits!
The group will only be 15 of us… our timeline is short… so get your registration in.
Invite a friend to join us…. this is a perfect way to explore this amazing world of ours!
Adventure awaits!!!
Hope you can join us~
Tracey~

TOUR INCLUDES

• 1^st class rail from Amsterdam to Paris
• Accommodations in First Class hotels
• Hotel taxes
• Service charges at the hotel
• Portage on arrival at hotels
• Daily breakfast
• 3 Lunches
• 4 Dinners
• 1^st class rail from Amsterdam to Paris
• Sightseeing as per itinerary
• Sightseeing transportation throughout
• Sightseeing entrance fees

ADDED FEATURES

• Welcome to Amsterdam dinner cruise
• Locally guided sightseeing
• Full day visit to the Tulips Fields of Keukenhof & the fields of the “Tulip Experience”
• Full day tour to Utrecht including a visit to the Castle De Haar
• The famous Hortus Botanicus (Botanical Gardens) in Amsterdam
• Visiting the cities of Volendam & Marken and the local windmills
• Full day tour to the battle fields of historical Normandy in France
• Special Farewell Dinners in Amsterdam & Paris

AMSTERDAM & PARIS TOUR ITINERARY

1^st Day, Sunday, April 28: To Amsterdam
Depart from your home and make your way to Amsterdam.

2^nd Day, Monday: April 29: Arrival in Amsterdam (D)
Morning arrival in Amsterdam, where after Immigration and Customs, transfer on your own to our reserved accommodations. Time to relax and get used to the time change before we meet all our group travelers and we have a Welcome to Amsterdam dinner cruise. There is no better dinner experience for a more fitting to start a visit to Amsterdam than this. The cruise gently glides past many of the city’s most famous landmarks in all their nighttime glory, including the elegant merchant houses and former warehouses of the Canal Belt and the beautiful Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge). As you cruise, you will be served a wonderful dinner of freshly made dishes. Multilingual commentary will explain the highlights we encounter during the cruise, such as the old port area, Anne Frank House, and more. Upon completion of the cruise, we will be transferred back to our hotel.

3^rd Day, Tuesday, April 30: In Amsterdam (B)
Amsterdam is one of the most welcoming cities of Europe. The rich history of the country is still represented by the unique architecture of the 17th century canal houses, over a thousand bridges and canals reflecting ages of history Within a short time on our walking tour we will find ourselves in the heart of the city, passing many places of historic interest such as the Munt toren (Coin Tower) and the baroque Royal Palace which, upon its completion in 1655, was hailed as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’. We will see the 16th century Schreierstoren (Weeping Tower) which, according to legend, derived its name from the sailors’ wives who used to bid their husbands an emotional farewell from here. We’ll see other famous and historical landmarks such as Dam Square, Nieuwe Kerk and Portuguese Synagogue. We will visit the Van Gogh Museum. The museum houses the world’s richest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh. The collection comprises more than 200 paintings, 500 sketches and 700 letters by the artist, as well as his collection of Japanese prints. There are also paintings by Gauguin, Monet, Toulouse-Lautrec and other artists from Van Gogh’s circle. The museum organizes regular exhibitions that highlight new aspects of art of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. We end the tour at the Anne Frank House, a museum with a story. It was established on May 3, 1957 in cooperation with Otto Frank, Anne Frank’s father. The museum is located in the house where Anne Frank went into hiding during the Second World War. It contains a sobering exhibition about the persecution of the Jews during the war, as well as discrimination in general. As a visitor, you experience this story through quotes, photos, videos, and original items. The atmosphere in the museum is authentic and subdued. After the morning tour, we will have the afternoon and evening free for additional museum visits or a visit to the famous diamond center. Try dinner at one of the Amsterdam’s local restaurants.

4^th Day, Wednesday, May 1: In Amsterdam – Visit to the Keukenhof Fields and the Tulip Experience (B/L)
This is what we came to Amsterdam for… The Keukenhof, the place to enjoy millions of flowering tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other bulb flowers. A visit to Keukenhof is the most fun and flowery day out,, and provides a wonderful backdrop for photographs. Its unique visual and aromatic experience with spectacular flower shows, surprising inspirational gardens and atmospheric events. There’s nothing like Keukenhof anywhere else on the planet; a day of experiences you won’t soon forget. And we will be there during the height of the tulip season. Then after lunch in the park, we are off to another special visit. The Tulip Experience Amsterdam is a unique experience. The family business behind this exhibition has been passionately growing tulips for three generations and they love to share their magic of tulips. We could see up to one million tulips of 700 different varieties, and of course, our ticket includes our own bouquet of flowers that we will select ourselves and take back to the hotel to enjoy their color and aroma during the rest of our stay in Amsterdam. Dinner tonight is on your own.

5^th Day, Thursday, May 2: In Amsterdam. Excursion to Utrecht, plus Hortus Bontanicus (Botanical Gardens) of Amsterdam (B/L)
The name Utrecht comes from the Latin Ultraiectum and is home to a wealth of nature and culture. Here we will visit the famous De Haar Castle which is the biggest and most luxurious castle in The Netherlands. It is one of the top European historic houses. A visit to De Haar Castle will take us back to the glory days of the castle. The visit will be followed by a local lunch before returning to Amsterdam to visit the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam. The Hortus Botanicus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world with no fewer than 4,000 species of plants. With its garden and special greenhouses it has a collection of over 4,000 plant species. It’s a perfect place to continue our  “botanical visit to Holland.” The Hortus was opened by the city council in 1638 – originally as a medicinal herb garden to help combat plague-type illnesses which gripped Europe at the time. Its collection then expanded as Dutch traders bought back exotic plants from all over the world, particularly from South Africa and Asia. There are seven greenhouses on site – including the monumental Palm Greenhouse (1912), a butterfly greenhouse and the modern Three-climate greenhouse (1993) which has desert, sub-tropical and tropical climates. Walking from outside into the hot and humid tropical section is certainly an experience! This evening you are free to enjoy one of the city’s wonderful restaurants.

6^th Day, Friday, May 3: In Amsterdam. Tour to Volendam & Marken (B/L/D)
Our journey starts off at the Zaanse Schans where we’ll see many beautifully preserved Dutch windmills. This area of farmland has been reclaimed from the depths of the old Zuiderzee and surrounded by dikes. In the open-air park “Zaanse Schans” we discover how the Dutch lived before industrialization and where we will find several of the 955 remaining windmills in Holland. Plenty of time for taking pictures. For lunch, we will head towards the old fishing port of Volendam that thrives on cheese, wooden shoes and windmill souvenirs. Taste some locally produced typical Dutch cheese at an actual cheese producer close to Volendam. At this location the local cheese master shows you how those famous Gouda and Edam cheeses are actually produced. Next to the cheese producer stands a little clog factory. Here you’ll learn everything about those famous wooden Dutch shoes. After lunch in Volendam we continue to the cozy and intimate 13^th century fishermen town called Marken. Feel like you’re walking in the 17th century as you explore the harbor and the Protestant church of this beautifully preserved Dutch town. Return to Amsterdam for the evening and dinner at one of Amsterdam’s special local restaurants.

7^th Day, Saturday, May 4: To Paris (D)
We have the morning free in Amsterdam for independent exploration, shopping or Museum visits. About noon, we transfer to the rail station for a high-speed train ride to Paris. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel before having our “Welcome to Paris” dinner on a Bateaux Parisien cruise for incomparable views of Paris and its monuments all lit up in a fantastic display of beauty as you enjoy a wonderful dinner and wine as we cruise the River Seine. It’s a wonderful way to be introduced to the City of Lights as glorious Paris takes on a new brilliance at night.

8^th Day, Sunday, May 5: In Paris: (B)
After breakfast, we have an introduction to the capital of France highlighting the best of Paris including the Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, the Sorbonne, the Pantheon, the intriguing Left Bank, Sacre-Coeur and a visit to the famed Notre Dame Cathedral. The afternoon is free to go for a walk in this magnificent city and have lunch on your own at a quaint café. Don’t be shy to use the subway, or metro, to get around. It’s incredibly easy to navigate, and free maps are available at any ticket window. Dinner is on your own to try some of the charming and exciting Parisian restaurants.

9^th Day, Monday, May 6: In Paris: Full day Excursion to Normandy (B/L/D)
After breakfast we board our coach for Normandy on the coast of northern France where Allied troops landed on 5 beaches along the coast as we remember the heroes of the D-Day landings. As we travel to Normandy, our guide will teach us about the region, pointing out sights along the way. They will share stories about World War II, describing the meticulous planning that led up to D-Day and the largest amphibious attack in history. They will also explain how and why some of these carefully crafted plans came undone. Whether you’re a history buff or not, you’re bound to have questions and curiosities about the heavy air and naval bombing and how Allied boats arrived at Normandy on June 6, 1944. In the early light of dawn, the soldiers struggled to reach the beaches. On Utah Beach, they quickly defeated the German forces and joined up with their air support once inland. But, on Omaha Beach, they faced heavy enemy fire in terrain that left them vulnerable; vertical cliffs were another obstacle that led to the loss of life. Despite this, the Allies had control of Omaha Beach, and within a week of D-Day, more soldiers were able to land on Normandy’s beaches and ensure victory. The beaches were code named as Utah, Gold, Juno, Sword and “Bloody Omaha”, which was one of the main invasion points in the great D-Day landings and where we can still see the remnants of hardy German bunkers cast in concrete on the headlands.It’s a sight that leave many with tears in their eyes. We’ll also view the Memorial Peace Museum and the American Military Cemetery, which will be one of our most emotional stops, if not the most emotional. With 10,000 white crosses throughout, the name of a fallen soldier is engraved on each. This huge cemetery will make you aware of the colossal death count of D-Day. You’ll have time to look around the cemetery, visit the wall of the missing and awe-inspiring memorial. Then lunch in Normandy and then board our coach for the return trip to Paris where we have our farewell dinner at our hotel.

10^th Day, Tuesday, May 7: Back to the USA (B)
After breakfast, make your way back to the airport on your own for the return trip to the USA.

Our Hotels (or similar)

• In Amsterdam – 5 nights @ the Hotel Eden
• In Paris– 3 nights @ the Hotel Millennium Paris Opera

Please Read the Terms and Conditions for this Tour

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PRICING

LAND PRICE PER PERSON (no air)

Per Person in Double Occupancy
$4,699 via check or money order or $4,949 via credit card

Per Person in Single Occupancy Room
$5,999, via check or money order or $6,319 via credit card

Add to above costs:
Prepaid Gratuities to drivers and guides $100 ($105 credit card)

Deposit (due right away) A non-refundable deposit of $800 ($850 if by credit card) is due to hold your space

FINAL PAYMENTS due on or before February 28, 2024

If you have already registered online and require access to the PayPal payment page, click here.

Travel Insurance
As travel professionals, RMC Travel highly recommends travel insurance. Sometimes unexpected circumstances can arise. A sudden emergency just before or during your trip could spoil your vacation and deplete your resources.

We have recently seen some of our valued travelers lose not only their non-refundable deposits, but also their entire tour payments because they hoped they would not need trip cancellation insurance.

You should protect your trip investment and yourself with regards to health, property and trip payments. That is why we provide you with an easy way to contact our preferred insurance provider, Allianz Global Assistance. If you need additional information or have questions, please call Allianz directly at 1-800-284-8300, and refer to code F025323.

We will be sending you additional details and a brochure with your confirmation on trip cancellation/interruption insurance.

Special Air Desk

Need assistance with your flights? Contact Renata at our Air Reservation Desk
1-262-374-7447 or rswtrips@gmail.com

Photo credits:

Paris, view from Trocadero at night: Moyan Brenn from Italy, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Keukenhopf tulips: Balou46, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Hortus Botanicus: Zxempire, CC BY-SA 3.0 NL, via Wikimedia Commons