Hello From Holland!
Five months ago, I received the exciting news that I was going to be one of the six Tour Directors accompanying CTD travelers on our Holland and Belgium’s Tulips tour. As this was one of my favorite tours in our 2024 catalog, I was thrilled and began like many other travelers, counting down the days until our adventure began.
Let The Fun Begin...
Upon meeting travelers at the airport, you could feel the excitement in the air. We were all eager to start exploring the best of Holland and Belgium.
The magic started in Den Bosch, where I had the pleasure of learning from Gertie, a CTD traveler, and Netherlands native, she taught me how to pronounce Den Bosch like a local saying “Boss” rather than “Bosch.”
Nestled in the heart of Den Bosch, the Golden Tulip Hotel is perfectly situated overlooking the medieval market square. Surrounded by charming shops, restaurants, and cafés, each morning, we woke up to a local market set up just outside of our hotel doors. As a true Wisconsin girl at heart, I couldn’t resist indulging in the selection of fresh cheese offered at the market. Over dinner that first night with travelers Mary and Mel, we found ourselves enchanted by Den Bosch, saying we felt like we could stay in this town forever!
Let's Get Off-The-Beaten-Path...
At CTD, we are known for finding those special off-the-beaten-path attractions that you can’t get to on your own. Well… our stop at the beautiful De Tuinen garden in Demen was so far off the typical tourist's route that locals told us they had never seen a motorcoach in their city before. We were even featured in several local news articles because they were so excited about our visit! The news article below features a photo of CTD travelers Pat and Dennis as they explore the garden’s grounds.
More articles about our group-
So does this mean our group is world famous?!
Tulips, Tulips, and More Tulips!
Staying true to the tulip theme, a standout moment for many during our tour was our excursion to the Keukenhof Gardens, often dubbed the “Garden of Europe.” Not only did the garden meet our high expectations, but it also exceeded them! We spent hours wandering through the impressive grounds, marveling at the stunning flowers and plants. Holland during the peak of tulip season is truly a breathtaking sight that everyone should have the chance to witness.
All Aboard!
All aboard the Amadeus Cara! We boarded the ship that would serve as our home for the next week, eager for the adventures that awaited us. The Amadeus crew is truly top-notch and went above and beyond for our travelers.
My point of view of Lindy ^
Lindy's point of view of me ^
Let's Explore the Netherlands...
Our journey began in Amsterdam where we explored the city via a traditional canal cruise. We learned about the city’s rich history from our hilarious and knowledgeable guide as we cruised under the iconic Amsterdam bridges and along charming waterways.
Amsterdam was followed by a visit to Arnhem where we saw the historic Arnhem Bridge and learned its important story at the Airborne Museum. The events that unfolded here inspired the historical movie, “A Bridge Too Far” which I highly recommend you watch before the trip if you are taking this tour in 2025. You can even watch it on the plane ride over!
We're Off to Belgium, known as the "Battlefield of Europe"
The next part of this tour is spent discovering the history and natural beauty of Belgium. In Rotterdam, we explored the famous Cube Houses and walked through the market hall lined with stands of local delicacies. In Ghent, we visited the fortress Gravensteen built in the 12th century and walked the charming streets of the town with our local guide. I even stopped for the best cup of hot chocolate I’ve ever had!
Seeing the streets of Bruges saturated with colorful buildings, cobbled streets, and medieval sites was definitely a highlight for me. After enjoying a Belgium waffle topped with strawberries, whipped cream, and of course… Belgian chocolate, it was time to head back to the ship.
Each night aboard the ship was an experience within itself filled with live music, spectacular food, and new friendships. In the photo below my table was one of the winners on game night! We were awarded with champagne and bragging rights.
As we woke up in Antwerp, we began our day touring the city. The Tower of Our Lady, the largest Gothic church in Belgium, and the historic city center were highlighted during our tour. We also participated in a fascinating beer tasting where we learned why Belgium is renowned for its beer selections.
That's a Wrap!
This tour truly flew by. As we arrived in Middelburg, I was sad to realize this was our last day together, exploring the sites of Holland and Belgium. Ending the tour by returning to the Netherlands, travelers learned about the Delta Works Project, a giant flood-control project that closed off the Rhine. And it wouldn’t be a trip to the Netherlands without seeing windmills! Our group traveled by boat to see Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site containing some of the region's best-preserved windmills.
Although I was sad to see the tour come to an end, the memories of vibrant tulips, rich Belgian chocolate, and the songs of Dutch shanty performers are ingrained in my memory. (And my camera roll for backup.) One of the greatest perks of my job is getting the chance to meet genuinely warm and fascinating people from various corners of the world. From the wonderful CTD travelers I had the pleasure of traveling alongside, to the amazing local guides I collaborated with, and the exceptional staff on the ship, this tour was truly filled with unforgettable people and remarkable destinations.
And… CTD is offering it all again in 2025! To read the full itinerary please see the link below. Sign up today and start counting down the days until you can experience this incredible itinerary for yourself!
Holland and Belgium’s Tulips 2025
-Grace Skendziel
Marketing Manager
