Amazing Amsterdam

Join us for an action packed day of Dutch delight that celebrates Holland’s legendary cheese, craftsmanship and customs, from the countryside to Amsterdam, one of Europe's iconic cities.

This morning we will visit the family owned and operated Clara Maria Farm, where we will meet the van Wees family and learn all about the premium cheese that is carefully crafted here. Our hosts will serve you a customary Dutch breakfast, offering an assortment of breads, sliced meats, sweet jam, fresh fruits, juice and coffee.  It doesn’t end here, this is a cheese farm after all and the Dutch believe cheese is essential to life!  Each breakfast table comes equipped with a half wheel center piece of delicious, Clara Maria cheese, that you are free to eat to your hearts content!  We hope you come hungry for this one of a kind “all you can eat” feast of cheese!

A cheese making demonstration will reveal how the magic ingredients, aging process, care and technique come together to create the amazing artisan cheeses created here.  There will also be tasty samples for you to nibble and test your palette with your newly acquired cheese knowledge! A visit to Holland would not be complete without a complete exploration of Dutch clogs, another traditional specialty offered by the van Wee’s. At their wood working shop you will have an opportunity to see how the famous, beautiful wooden shoes are hand-made by artisans in the traditional fashion and the process used to create the modern mass-produced clogs by machine will also be explained. Before we leave the Farm, there will be time for you to visit the incredibly well stocked gift shop. Here you can purchase cheeses of every variety and flavor as well as an assortment of classic Dutch souvenirs from deft porcelain items, wooden crafts, clogs of all varieties and much more.

With our bellies full of cheese and bags full of Dutch treasures, we leave the countryside for the urban metropolis of Amsterdam.  Here 50 miles of narrow canals, 1000 bridges that connect more than 70 islands, threaded together by thousands of streets and alleyways, all lined with uncountable numbers of beautiful buildings, await your discovery. The combination of waterways, amazing architecture and unique Dutch attitude of “Gezellig” make Amsterdam a rare gem.  Upon arrival in the city, a short orientation will be provided, finishing at Dam Square giving you the entire afternoon to explore on your own and experience your favorite Amsterdam attractions for the rest of the day. 

A popular way to get to know the city is to take a boat ride among the picturesque canals and where you may learn more about the surrounding historical locations.  Other popular sites you may want to visit during your free time include the Van Goh Museum, Ann Frank House, the Jordaan area or the De Negen Straatjes (Nine Little Streets).  If you find yourself getting hungry, keep your eye out for Stroopwafels, a sensational sweet Dutch treat made from two wafer thin, cookie like waffles glued together with a delectably thick caramel syrup.  Another classic culinary creation the Netherlands is known for is Stamppot, a hearty dish made mashed potato, vegetables and smoked sausages such as Dutch Rookworst, Spanish Chorizo or Polish Kielbasa.