Day 1 – Today our deluxe motor coach heads north toward Holland, Michigan. As the miles fly by, we make new friends and perhaps renew old acquaintances. There will be stops along the way for lunch and dinner on our own before us check in to the hotel for the next three nights. Over 78 years ago, Lida Rogers, a local school teacher, had a colorful dream to celebrate the Dutch Heritage and culture of Holland, Michigan through the beauty of tulips. Settled by Dutch immigrants in 1847, Holland retains the essence of a Dutch town. Millions of blooming tulips in the parks and neighborhoods provide a spectacular floral display, which we will enjoy throughout out trip.
Day 2 – Enjoy the included breakfast at the hotel this morning, after which we are joined by a local Tulip Time step on guide dressed in Dutch costume who will give us a tour of Holland’s historic areas, city parks, Hope College, a view of the windmill, Tulip Lanes, downtown Holland and more. Lunch is on your own today. This afternoon we visit Windmill Island Gardens, a beautiful oasis within the city of Holland which features a 240 year old working Dutch windmill, DeZwaan (meaning graceful bird). The windmill towers over 36 acres of manicured gardens, canals and picnic areas. Over 150,000 tulips bloom in the spring. Next we visit Veldheer Tulip Gardens and DeKlomp Wooden Shoe Factory. Veldheer’s is Holland’s only tulip farm, perennial garden and buffalo farm. Veldheer’s plants over 5,000,000 tulips for you to walk in and enjoy. DeKlomp offers you two unique items: Delftware, Dutch pottery ranging from figurines to specialty products; and Wooden Shoes which are very practical footwear for gardening. This evening we enjoy the New Odyssey Dinner Concert. For over 30 years New Odyssey has been performing to the delight of audiences in a unique and dynamic way. This outstanding performance will feature classical rock, country, and novelty and specialty arrangements. (B, D)
Day 3- After an included breakfast at the hotel and some free time, we depart for Evergreen Commons. Today’s lunch is an included lunch and show entitled “Let There Be Music”. The show, with a full, live pit band, has a sampling of Big Band, Show Tunes, Country, Barber Shop, Gospel and many more types of music. The show is preceded by a delicious lunch. This afternoon we enjoy the Volksparade. Watch as hundreds of Dutch costumed townspeople armed with brooms and pails scrub the parade route. The Volksparade features floats, colorful bands, Dutch Dance, and much more. After the Volksparade you will have free time to explore everything downtown Holland has to offer. This evening we enjoy an included buffet dinner at a local church. The Holland churches prepare home-cooked meals for the visitors to the Holland Tulip Festival. (B, L, D)
Day 4 – After an included breakfast at the hotel, we begin the journey back to our homes with fond memories and lots of photographs of the beautiful flowers. Lunch is on our own on the way home. (B)
Departs: Marion, Benton, Mt. Vernon, Salem, Effingham
Departs: Jasper, Evansville McDonald’s I-64-41
