SNEAK PEEK!
Focus Travel Club Presents
Tulip Time and Wine!!
Rhine River Wine Cruise and Tulip Time Tour in Holland
17 Day Fully Customized Cruise and Land Tour
April 8-24, 2019
This adventure is filled
$8,249 per person double occupancy Category C Cabin
$8,349 per person double occupancy Category B Cabin
$8,449 per person double occupancy Category A Cabin
|
|
|
Please join us on an incredible journey through wine and tulip country.
We begin our tour with two nights in the Black Forest of Germany
then we board our luxury riverboat and begin our 7-night wine cruise on the Amawaterways luxury riverboat.
As we cruise the Rhine river northbound from Switzerland through Germany and wine country,
we will enjoy delicious culinary delights with fantastic wine of the region.
Our cruise ends in the exciting and beautiful city of Amsterdam as our gateways for 6 nights in Tulip country!
Fantastic FTC exclusive touring and delights await us.
This will surely be a sellout!
COME JOIN US! First come first served on the Interest List!
Round trip airfare from Denver
Expert Guides
Air conditioned, high quality motor coach transportation
Breakfast each day while on tour
11 Dinners & 6 Lunches
Pre Cruise - 2 nights in the Black Forest
7 Night Rhine Wine Cruise with AMA Waterways
Stops in Breisach, Strasbourg, Ludwigshafen, Rudesheim, Rhine Gorge, Cologne and Amsterdam
Post Cruise – 2 Nights – Delft, 2 Nights – Ghent, 2 Nights Amsterdam
Tulip Time – Peak season for viewing
Keukenhof Gardens
Delft Pottery tour and workshop
Kinderdijk, Windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Medieval City of Ghent
Bruges – Canal Cruise and visit to Chocolatier
Floralia Spring Flower Exhibition
Enchanting Rhine Wine Cruise with Tulip Time
Day 1: April 8 Overnight Flight from Denver to Zurich April 8
Day 2: April 9 Arrive Zurich, Switzerland April 9 D On our morning arrival in Zurich, we gather our luggage, meet our Tour Manager, and board our private coach for the 1 hour and 30-minute drive to Titisee, a beautiful lake town in the heart of the Black Forest. Beautiful Lake Titisee was formed some 10,000 years ago during the last ice age by a glacier. Today, Lake Titisee is perfect for swimming, sailing, windsurfing, pedaloing and strolling along the waterfront. Following check-in at our lake view hotel, we have the afternoon free to explore the town, enjoy the lake, or perhaps, take advantage of one of the myriad hiking trails around Titisee. Tonight enjoy a light supper and early to bed. Overnight in Titisee. Maritim Hotel Titisee
Day 3: Titisee April 10 B, D After breakfast at our hotel we depart for a day in Black Forest immersion visiting a cuckoo clock shop, a brewery tour with beer tasting, and delving into a big slice of delicious Black Forest cake! Those who prefer may spend the day – or a part of it – in lake or hiking activities. Tonight we delight in our Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Titisee – Basel April 11 B,D Following breakfast we check out of our hotel, board our coach, say goodbye to the Black Forest and Transfer to Basel, where we board our luxury AMA Waterways river boat, the AmaDante. After settling in to our cabins there will be time to explore the ship a bit before enjoying our first dinner on the ship. During our cruise the following are included: Sparkling wine at breakfast; unlimited wine and beer at lunch and dinner; one hour before dinner cocktails, wine or beer. All excursions are included on our cruise.
DAY 5 – Cruise April 12 B,L,D BREISACH, GERMANY Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.”
DAY 6 - Cruise April 13 B,L,D STRASBOURG, FRANCE Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République. Then walk through its iconic UNESCO World Heritage “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. For the active adventurer, you can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 – Cruise April 14 B, L, D LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY – RÜDESHEIM Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher's Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site— and the medieval Altpörtel, Old Gate. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy.
DAY 8 – Cruise April 15 B, L, D RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of three excursions. Take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. If you prefer a more active adventure, you can join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg or hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles to Lahnstein where you’ll enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle
DAY 9 – Cruise April 16 B, L, D COLOGNE Home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral, this 2,000 year-old city is also a bustling cosmopolitan hotspot. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral, where the remains of the fabled Three Kings—the Magi— are believed to rest. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten; or visit a local tavern to taste Kölsch beer and Reibekuchen—potato pancakes served with apple sauce.
DAY 10 – Cruise April 17 B, L, D AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS Eclectic Amsterdam boasts amazing history, art, architecture, and museums, and you have a choice as to how you wish to explore it. The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your city tour beginning with a scenic canal cruise followed by a walk to Begijnhof, known for its Middle Age buildings. For a different view of the city, you can join the Jewish Heritage tour begins with a visit to the 17th-century Portuguese Synagogue and the Jewish Historical Museum chronicling the history of the Jews in Amsterdam. Overnight on the boat. Day 11: Disembark Ship in Amsterdam – Keukenhof Gardens - Delft
Day 11 April 18 B, D On our way to Keukenhof Gardens, we will pass through beautiful tulip fields. A modern-day powerhouse of Dutch production techniques, resulting in a blizzard of Dutch flowers falling on every corner of the earth at any time of the year. Will we visit the famous Keukenhof Gardens, one of the most impressive public gardens in the world, with millions of tulips on display. Next, we continue to the quaint town of Delft for overnight. Famous for its Delft Blue pottery and as the birthplace of Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, Delft is also notable for its striking medieval buildings, lively market, and connections with the Dutch Royal Family. This evening we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the Hampshire hotel in Delft or similar
Day 12: Delft April 19 B Following breakfast, our group will depart for a morning walking tour of Delft. We will see the Old Church (Oude Kerk), and the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk), which doubles as a royal burial ground for Prince William of Orange and other Dutch royal family members. Enjoy a tour of Delft Pottery followed by a workshop in the painter’s room. A professional painter will guide you through the process of painting your own Delft tile. The remainder of the day is at leisure for your own exploration of Delft
Day 13: Delft – Kinderdijk – Antwerp - Ghent April 20 B This morning we depart Delft for Kinderdijk where we discover 19 astonishingly well-preserved windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will continue to Antwerp and experience Belgium’s golden age with a walking tour of the stunning Renaissance-era City Hall, Market Square and UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady. Dinner on your own and overnight in the medieval city of Ghent at Marriott Hotel Ghent.
Day 14; Ghent - Bruges- Ghent April 21 B Today will visit Gothic Bruges and enjoy a walking tour of the town, a canal cruise and a visit to a chocolatier to learn about the artistry and traditions of Belgium’s most mouth-watering export. We will have Free time in Bruges to explore on our own prior to returning to Ghent for overnight.
Day 15; Ghent – Chateau de Grand Bigard - Amsterdam April 22 B We start the day with a tour of the medieval city of Ghent, followed by a visit to the Floralia Spring Flower exhibition, hosted at Chateau de Grand-Bigard. Over 400 floral varieties are put on display for four weeks, bringing a magnificent cornucopia of color to the manicured gardens. Continue to Amsterdam for overnight at NH Krasnapolsky Hotel.
Day 16: Amsterdam April 23 B, D This morning we are privileged to visit the FloraHolland flower auction, it’s by far the busiest floral market in the world. You will observe the action from walkways above the flowers and the busy warehouse floor where mini transportation trains crisscross the world’s largest covered market at astonishing speed. The most interesting aspect of the flower market is seeing the logistics in action, rather than admiring flowers up close. Observe the actual trading through windows high above the auction room. Our afternoon is at leisure to explore or to visit the Van Gogh Museum, The Rijksmuseum, the Ann Frank House, or one of the other many museums in Amsterdam. Tonight, we will enjoy our festive Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 17: Amsterdam – Fly home This morning we say farewell to Amsterdam and Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Day 1: April 8 Overnight Flight from Denver to Zurich April 8
Day 2: April 9 Arrive Zurich, Switzerland April 9 D On our morning arrival in Zurich, we gather our luggage, meet our Tour Manager, and board our private coach for the 1 hour and 30-minute drive to Titisee, a beautiful lake town in the heart of the Black Forest. Beautiful Lake Titisee was formed some 10,000 years ago during the last ice age by a glacier. Today, Lake Titisee is perfect for swimming, sailing, windsurfing, pedaloing and strolling along the waterfront. Following check-in at our lake view hotel, we have the afternoon free to explore the town, enjoy the lake, or perhaps, take advantage of one of the myriad hiking trails around Titisee. Tonight enjoy a light supper and early to bed. Overnight in Titisee. Maritim Hotel Titisee
Day 3: Titisee April 10 B, D After breakfast at our hotel we depart for a day in Black Forest immersion visiting a cuckoo clock shop, a brewery tour with beer tasting, and delving into a big slice of delicious Black Forest cake! Those who prefer may spend the day – or a part of it – in lake or hiking activities. Tonight we delight in our Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Titisee – Basel April 11 B,D Following breakfast we check out of our hotel, board our coach, say goodbye to the Black Forest and Transfer to Basel, where we board our luxury AMA Waterways river boat, the AmaDante. After settling in to our cabins there will be time to explore the ship a bit before enjoying our first dinner on the ship. During our cruise the following are included: Sparkling wine at breakfast; unlimited wine and beer at lunch and dinner; one hour before dinner cocktails, wine or beer. All excursions are included on our cruise.
DAY 5 – Cruise April 12 B,L,D BREISACH, GERMANY Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.”
DAY 6 - Cruise April 13 B,L,D STRASBOURG, FRANCE Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République. Then walk through its iconic UNESCO World Heritage “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. For the active adventurer, you can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 – Cruise April 14 B, L, D LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY – RÜDESHEIM Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher's Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site— and the medieval Altpörtel, Old Gate. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy.
DAY 8 – Cruise April 15 B, L, D RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of three excursions. Take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. If you prefer a more active adventure, you can join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg or hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles to Lahnstein where you’ll enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle
DAY 9 – Cruise April 16 B, L, D COLOGNE Home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral, this 2,000 year-old city is also a bustling cosmopolitan hotspot. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral, where the remains of the fabled Three Kings—the Magi— are believed to rest. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten; or visit a local tavern to taste Kölsch beer and Reibekuchen—potato pancakes served with apple sauce.
DAY 10 – Cruise April 17 B, L, D AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS Eclectic Amsterdam boasts amazing history, art, architecture, and museums, and you have a choice as to how you wish to explore it. The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your city tour beginning with a scenic canal cruise followed by a walk to Begijnhof, known for its Middle Age buildings. For a different view of the city, you can join the Jewish Heritage tour begins with a visit to the 17th-century Portuguese Synagogue and the Jewish Historical Museum chronicling the history of the Jews in Amsterdam. Overnight on the boat. Day 11: Disembark Ship in Amsterdam – Keukenhof Gardens - Delft
Day 11 April 18 B, D On our way to Keukenhof Gardens, we will pass through beautiful tulip fields. A modern-day powerhouse of Dutch production techniques, resulting in a blizzard of Dutch flowers falling on every corner of the earth at any time of the year. Will we visit the famous Keukenhof Gardens, one of the most impressive public gardens in the world, with millions of tulips on display. Next, we continue to the quaint town of Delft for overnight. Famous for its Delft Blue pottery and as the birthplace of Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, Delft is also notable for its striking medieval buildings, lively market, and connections with the Dutch Royal Family. This evening we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the Hampshire hotel in Delft or similar
Day 12: Delft April 19 B Following breakfast, our group will depart for a morning walking tour of Delft. We will see the Old Church (Oude Kerk), and the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk), which doubles as a royal burial ground for Prince William of Orange and other Dutch royal family members. Enjoy a tour of Delft Pottery followed by a workshop in the painter’s room. A professional painter will guide you through the process of painting your own Delft tile. The remainder of the day is at leisure for your own exploration of Delft
Day 13: Delft – Kinderdijk – Antwerp - Ghent April 20 B This morning we depart Delft for Kinderdijk where we discover 19 astonishingly well-preserved windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will continue to Antwerp and experience Belgium’s golden age with a walking tour of the stunning Renaissance-era City Hall, Market Square and UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady. Dinner on your own and overnight in the medieval city of Ghent at Marriott Hotel Ghent.
Day 14; Ghent - Bruges- Ghent April 21 B Today will visit Gothic Bruges and enjoy a walking tour of the town, a canal cruise and a visit to a chocolatier to learn about the artistry and traditions of Belgium’s most mouth-watering export. We will have Free time in Bruges to explore on our own prior to returning to Ghent for overnight.
Day 15; Ghent – Chateau de Grand Bigard - Amsterdam April 22 B We start the day with a tour of the medieval city of Ghent, followed by a visit to the Floralia Spring Flower exhibition, hosted at Chateau de Grand-Bigard. Over 400 floral varieties are put on display for four weeks, bringing a magnificent cornucopia of color to the manicured gardens. Continue to Amsterdam for overnight at NH Krasnapolsky Hotel.
Day 16: Amsterdam April 23 B, D This morning we are privileged to visit the FloraHolland flower auction, it’s by far the busiest floral market in the world. You will observe the action from walkways above the flowers and the busy warehouse floor where mini transportation trains crisscross the world’s largest covered market at astonishing speed. The most interesting aspect of the flower market is seeing the logistics in action, rather than admiring flowers up close. Observe the actual trading through windows high above the auction room. Our afternoon is at leisure to explore or to visit the Van Gogh Museum, The Rijksmuseum, the Ann Frank House, or one of the other many museums in Amsterdam. Tonight, we will enjoy our festive Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 17: Amsterdam – Fly home This morning we say farewell to Amsterdam and Transfer to the airport for your flight home.