DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Bordeaux
Arrive in Bordeaux, in southwestern France and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Your tour begins with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a reception. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Bordeaux

DAY 3, Thursday - Bordeaux Walking Tour
This morning, take a walking tour of Bordeaux, one of France's most important port cities, located along the Garonne River. Bordeaux is distinguished for the wines that bear its name. View the Place des Quinconces, home to the imposing Monument aux Girondins - a towering column topped with a bronze Statue of Liberty breaking free from its chains. In the historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, view the Place de la Bourse with its Miroir d'Eau reflecting pool, the Grand Theater, and the Gothic Saint-Andre Cathedral. Take the rest of the day to explore at your leisure
Overnight: Bordeaux
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Friday - Saint-Emilion, Winery Visit with Tasting
Depart Bordeaux and travel to Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in one of Bordeaux's most prestigious wine regions. On arrival, take an orientation walk through the medieval village. Afterward, savor a leisurely lunch on your own. In the afternoon, visit a renowned wine estate. Explore the vineyards and learn about the area's unique terroir. Conclude the tour with a tasting of local wines. Arrive at the hotel in the late afternoon
Overnight: Bordeaux
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Saturday - Full Day in Bordeaux or Optional Arcachon Tour with Oyster Tasting
Today is free to explore Bordeaux at your own pace. Perhaps, join the optional Arcachon Tour with Oyster Tasting. Experience the charm of the Atlantic coast with a visit to the Bay of Arcachon, where you will immerse yourself in the region's rich oyster farming tradition. Stop at a raw bar offering an authentic tasting experience. Savor freshly shucked oysters before continuing to Arcachon, a coastal town with Belle Epoque architecture and sandy beaches. Visit the bustling market where locals shop for fresh produce, seafood, cheeses, and regional delicacies. After exploring the market, have lunch at your leisure. Return to Bordeaux late in the afternoon
Optional: Arcachon Tour with Oyster Tasting
Overnight: Bordeaux
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Sunday - Perigueux & Bergerac
Your day of exploration begins with a journey to Perigueux, a town steeped in history located in the heart of the Dordogne region. Take an orientation walk through the medieval streets and view Saint-Front Cathedral. Afterward, you may want to sample local specialties for lunch. In the afternoon, continue to Bergerac, a town that is famous for its winemaking heritage and connections to the legendary Cyrano de Bergerac. Wander through the winding streets, lined with half-timbered houses and historic buildings. Arrive at your hotel in the early evening
Overnight: Bordeaux
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Monday - Full Day in Bordeaux or Optional Cognac Region with Le Chateau Royal de Cognac & Distillery Visit
Spend the day at leisure or choose the optional Cognac Region with Le Chateau Royal de Cognac & Distillery Visit. Travel into the heart of France's cognac producing area. Explore the historic town of Cognac, home to world-renowned cognac houses. Next, visit the impressive Le Chateau Royal de Cognac, a medieval fortress built in the 10th century and the birthplace of King Francis I. During the guided tour, learn about the chateau's royal past and how it transformed into a cognac producing estate. Venture into the cellars, where the fine cognacs are aged in oak barrels. Afterward, proceed to a distillery and gain insight into the craftsmanship of cognac production. Conclude the tour with a tasting. Return to Bordeaux in the afternoon
Optional: Cognac Region with Le Chateau Royal de Cognac & Distillery Visit
Overnight: Bordeaux
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Tuesday - Full Day in Bordeaux or Optional Cité du Vin Museum
On your last day at leisure in Bordeaux, participate in the optional Cité du Vin Museum. Visit the innovative Cité du Vin Museum with its striking architecture, inspired by the swirling motion of wine in a glass. Embark on a journey through the history, culture, and art of winemaking across the globe. The museum features interactive exhibits with over 20 themed areas, offering digital displays, sensory experiences, and engaging storytelling. Stop by the Belvedere on the 8th floor and savor a glass of wine while admiring panoramic views of Bordeaux. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Optional: Cité du Vin Museum
Overnight: Bordeaux
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Wednesday - Flight to Amsterdam, Transfer to Utrecht
Head to the airport for your flight to Amsterdam, known for its historic canals, gabled buildings, and artistic heritage. Arrive and transfer to your hotel in Utrecht. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your Dutch Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a reception
Overnight: Utrecht

DAY 10, Thursday - Utrecht Walking Tour with Cruise
This morning, take a walking tour of Utrecht. Begin in the heart of the city and admire the iconic landmarks such as the Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands and the tranquil Oudegrachr (Old Canal) lined with quaint wharf cellars and colorful terraces. Continue to St. Martin's Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that dominates the city skyline and learn about the history of Utrecht's medieval past. Next, embark on a boat cruise along the canals to experience Utrecht from a different perspective. Spend the rest of the day at leisure
Overnight: Utrecht
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Friday - Amsterdam Tour & Canal Cruise, Optional Amsterdam City Walk with Dinner
Depart Utrecht and travel north to Amsterdam. Upon arrival, begin your panoramic tour of Amsterdam. View the famous Rijksmuseum, the historic Heineken Brewery, and the former Jewish district with its 17th century Portuguese Synagogue. Afterward, board a glass-top boat for a cruise of the winding canals for an up-close view of stately historic mansions, and 16th century gabled merchant houses. Free time to explore or join the optional Amsterdam City Walk with dinner. Take a guided walk through the neighborhood where Rembrandt van Rijn lived and worked. View Zuiderkerk (South Church), where his children were baptized and buried and walk by his former home, now a museum. Conclude with dinner in a traditional Dutch restaurant, with drinks included. Arrive in Utrecht in late evening
Optional: Amsterdam City Walk with dinner (PM)
Overnight: Utrecht
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12, Saturday - Full Day in Utrecht or Optional Delta Works & Rotterdam
Today is free to explore Utrecht at your own pace. Perhaps, join the optional Delta Works & Rotterdam Tour. Your adventure begins with a visit to the Delta Works, a testament to Dutch ingenuity in water management and flood protection. Taking 30 years to complete, the storm flood barrier, almost six miles long, is designed to protect the low-lying Netherlands from the threat of flooding. Learn about the history and technology behind these engineering marvels. Spend free time to sample local specialties for lunch. In the afternoon, journey to Rotterdam a bustling port city. Embark on a city tour and view iconic landmarks such as the Cube Houses, Markthal, and Erasmus Bridge
Optional: Delta Works & Rotterdam
Overnight: Utrecht
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13, Sunday - Madurodam Tour* or Keukenhof Gardens Tour*
Your day of exploration begins with a scenic drive to The Hague. Take a panoramic tour of the city and view the Binnenhof, home to the Dutch Parliament and majestic Peace Palace. Continue onwards to Delft, known for its world-famous Delftware pottery. Next, visit Madurodam, a delightful miniature park. Explore the intricately detailed replicas of famous buildings, bridges, and landmarks from across the Netherlands, all meticulously crafted with precision. Admire the miniature versions of Amsterdam's canals, windmills, and tulip fields and discover interactive exhibits that showcase the country's rich history, culture, and innovation. Continue onwards to Delft, known for its world-famous Delftware pottery. Take an orientation walk and spend free time to explore the city on your own. Afterward, return to Utrecht. In season (weather dependent) between mid-March to mid-May, the Madurodam tour is replaced with the Keukenhof Gardens Tour. Explore the beautiful Keukenhof Gardens, the largest and most spectacular flower gardens in the world***Keukenhof Gardens Tour operates March 20-May 11 and the Madurodam Tour operates May 12-Mar 19.** The sightseeing might change when Keukenhof Gardens tour is offered.
Overnight: Utrecht
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 14, Monday - Full Day in Utrecht or Optional Zaanse Schans, Volendam & Windmills with Lunch
Spend the day at leisure or choose the optional Zaanse Schans, Volendam & Windmills with lunch. This excursion takes you through the countryside to the edge of the river Zaan, where you will visit the windmill village Zaanse Schans, with its characteristic green wooden houses. At the turn of the 18th century this district was an industrial area with approximately 700 windmills in use. Today there are only five left. Next, head to the fishing village of Volendam on the old Zuiderzee. Visit a historic windmill and watch a clog making demonstration. Next, tour a cheese farm and learn about the craft of Dutch cheese making. Explore Voledam with its maze of small streets and picturesque harbor before driving back to Utrecht
Optional: Zaanse Schans, Volendam & Windmills with lunch
Overnight: Utrecht
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 15, Tuesday - Full Day in Utrecht or Optional Giethoorn City Tour & Kröller-Müller Museum
On your last day at leisure in Utrecht, participate in the optional Giethoorn City Tour & Kröller-Müller Museum. Travel to the Dutch fairytale village of Giethoorn, often referred to as the "Venice of the Netherlands." Embark on a scenic boat ride through its tranquil canals and admire cottages with thatched roofs, quaint bridges, and colorful gardens. Journey onwards to the renowned Kröller-Müller Museum, set within Hoge Veluwe National Park. Discover a treasure trove of art spanning centuries, including the world's second largest Van Gogh collection. Marvel at iconic masterpieces such as The Potato Eaters, and Sunflowers. Wander through the sculpture garden and later arrive in Utrecht in the afternoon. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Optional: Giethoorn City Tour & Kröller-Müller Museum
Overnight: Utrecht
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 16, Wednesday - Depart the Netherlands
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast