Our Tulip Time Signature Event is now in the History Books
I can’t believe it. After 18 months of planning, our first ever Signature Event is now behind us. What an incredible adventure.
As always, it’s the people participating in our private groups that put the trip over the top, and this group was no exception. With over 120 passengers onboard the Avalon Tranquility II (a ship so gorgeous most passengers thought it was brand new) it was heartwarming to see and hear people laughing, interacting, and making new friends.
On our private group interaction page the prevailing comments are expressions of joy over newfound travel friends.
Our adventure began in Amsterdam, where walking tours and canal cruises introduced this marvelous destination to new visitors as well as repeat visitors in brand new ways. I have been to Amsterdam four times now, and every time I find something new to marvel over and appreciate. This time it was the Rijk’s museum. I can’t say enough about the Dutch masters. I’m not even going to try. Our local guide here was terrific.
On to Rotterdam and our day trip to the incredible Keukenhof Gardens. As you probably know, I am a huge fan of gardens. I’ve managed to spend quality time in most of the famous ones across the world, but Keukenhof was still on my bucket list. It blew me away. In fact, I spent another day there a week later during my Holland, Luxembourg and Belgium tour. I couldn’t get enough of the place. 70+ acres, 7 million+ bulbs. Open from mid-March to mid-May. You must see it to believe it.
On to Antwerp, that fabulous old city famous for Rubens. With an astounding castle, ancient cobblestone streets, and amazing artisan chocolates, it was everything we hoped it would be and more.
Ghent. If you want to see a gorgeous city, Ghent will not disappoint. The picturesque canals, the architecture, the friendly people. Ghent gave us a day of pure enjoyment and the best hot chocolate I ever had in my life.
Middelburg was so much more than I had expected. More beautiful, more peaceful, more canals. I am so glad we spent quality time here. I loved watching children pass their required "safe bicycle” test so they are able to ride their bikes on the public streets.
Veere. This is where I elected to spend the day at the Delta Works, where the Dutch (ever ingenious) devised an amazing system to control the flooding caused by the North Sea. A monumental endeavor, a great public service, and worthy of your time.
Schoonhoven. This quiet hamlet provided one of the best days of the tour. Famous for silversmiths, we saw incredible creations and were warmly welcomed by the locals. As with all our stops, the canals, architecture, restaurants, shops, were just too wonderful to fully describe.
Back to Amsterdam where several of us opted for a guided tour of Muiderslot Castle. What a day! Imposing castle, gorgeous surrounding village, and great apple pie with cappuccino or hot chocolate. We were a bunch of very happy campers.
Life onboard our ship was a trip within a trip. There were two nights of incredible entertainment. One was a 50’s and 60’s rock and roll band that had everyone on board dancing the night away.
Another was a classical music trio that was unlike anything I’ve ever heard before. Energizing is not a word I usually use for Chamber Music, but these cats were on fire. It was the energy of Garth Brooks, the skill set of Perlman, and the fun of a three-ring circus.
I haven’t begun to adequately describe the wonderful and amazing things we saw and experienced on our trip. I hope, if you haven’t been to this part of Europe, you feel motivated to add it to your “bucket list”. I assure you, you won’t be sorry.
Your Globetrotting Friend,
JOY