TOUR DATES: August 20-25, 2008.
We delight in introducing small groups (never more than ten guests) to lesser-known European music festivals, and the Grachtenfestival is a jewel of a festival that we love to share.
In a selection of exceptional venues, from hidden gardens to floating barges, we'll enjoy a variety of performances from classical music of the 17th century to innovative recent compositions.
The extra-ordinary locations are as exciting as the music. Otherwise off limits to anyone but locals, rooftop terraces, intimate ateliers, lavish gardens, and private homes welcome concertgoers for these special events.
Your accommodation for the tour is an historic canal house hotel, elegantly and carefully renovated, a combination of 17th-century atmosphere and 21st century comfort and service.
Amsterdam is a culinary adventure and we'll enjoy it to the fullest, from Indonesian ricetable to Dutch pancakes, inventive contemporary cuisine and garden-fresh creations enjoyed right in the greenhouse. We'll show you where to pick up a wedge of gouda or a packet of stroopwafels so you can enjoy tasty memories at home.
Although our tours are designed for music-lovers, we don't spend all our time at concerts, but we also enjoy specially arranged tours of the historic canals, on foot or by canal boat; an introduction to Amsterdam's best-buys, colorful open-air markets, and famed museums for a matchless five day experience in this living museum.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Amsterdam
From 1 to 3 in the afternoon, we'll await you in the lobby of the
Hotel Toren. Check in and make yourself comfortable. An introductory stroll along Amsterdam's glittering canals and cobbled lanes. Carillon on the Canal - opening concert of the Grachtenfestival. An Indonesian Feast (included) will introduce us to the wide variety of delicious world cuisine in the city.
Day 2: Amsterdam
Breakfast (included). Concert - perhaps a piano trio in the historic South Africa House. Lunch (included) at the quintessentially Dutch Pancake Bakery. Walking Tour of the historic Singel canal. Time to explore Amsterdam's wonderful shops.We'll direct you to our favorite areas and best buys (chocolates, clothing, tulips, and more). Dinner on your own. Concert - perhaps a piano recital in the Cristofori center.
Day 3: Amsterdam
Breakfast (included). We'll explore the rambling open-air market along Albert Cuypstraat in the spunky Pijp district. Lunch in a greenhouse (included). We'll feast on Chef Ronald Kunis - fresh local cuisine in a gleaming, soaring glass house. Amsterdam from the water - a Canal Boat Tour of the gabled mansion-lined Golden Century Canals. Dinner on your own. Concert perhaps chamber music at Anne Frank House.
Day 4: Amsterdam
Breakfast (included). Two Surprise Location Concerts - perhaps a Mozart trio in an antique shop, or trumpet solo in a garden, don't you love surprises?! Lunch on your own. Chamber Music in the exquisite garden of the Prince Bernhard Culture Foundation. Free time. Sample some enticing nouveau Dutch cuisine at a casually chic Jordaan district bistro (included). Evening Concert.
Day 5: Amsterdam
Breakfast (included) and a walk to the museum quarter. Floating Lunch (included) and Concert. Free time for shopping or museums.
Closing concert of the Grachtenfestival. We'll complete our appreciative exploration of Amsterdam's cuisine by candlelight (included) at an intimate frescoed canal-side restaurant.
Day 6: Departure
Breakfast (included), then goodbyes to new-found friends before leaving Amsterdam on your journey homeward.
* Schedule subject to program to be finalized in July, 2008
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
The cost for the 7 day tour is $2799 USD per person, double occupancy. For a single room, the cost is $3225. A deposit of $1200.00 will secure your place and registration.
The balance of $1599 ($2025 for a single room) is due not later than 60 calendar days before Day 1 of the tour, which is June 15, 2007. We will not accept more than 10 registrations. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will forward your registration confirmation, and other necessary information.
Price Includes:
- 5 nights in the elegant Hotel Toren, located in the heart of Amsterdam's historic canal district;
- 5 breakfasts and a combination of six lunches and/or dinners as indicated on the itinerary;
- Guided walks and canal boat tour;
- Entrance and event fees as indicated on the itinerary;
- All tips for housekeeping and for meals included in the itinerary;
- More unforgettable experiences than you can possibly imagine;
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Netherlands
Festival Tours
Cultural Journey
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