The Beginning of the Journey

• Gathering at Riga Airport.
• Departure from Riga at 9:50.
• Arrival in Amsterdam at 13:10.
• Train transfer to the hotel.
• Check-in at a 3-star hotel in the city center.
• Free time.
• In the evening, enjoy an unforgettable canal cruise through Amsterdam.
• At this very time, the city transforms into a magical world of light, color, and fantasy—the famous Amsterdam Light Festival is taking place.

• Return to the hotel.
• Overnight stay at the hotel.

Sightseeing tour of festive Amsterdam

• Breakfast.
• A sightseeing tour of festive Amsterdam – an encounter with an astonishing, romantic, and truly unique city that, in winter, transforms into a real European fairy tale.
• We will head to the heart of old Amsterdam—a place atmospheric, picturesque, and full of charm. Here, we will find cozy, winding streets, historic brick houses, majestic landmarks, and quiet corners where time seems to have stood still.
• We will explore the famous "kingdom of crooked houses"—striking, distinctive, and slightly leaning buildings, each possessing its own unique character.
• We will cross some of the hundreds of charming bridges that span the city and admire the endless network of picturesque canals, where the clear water reflects historic facades, elegant lampposts, and festive lights.
• In winter, Amsterdam takes on an especially mysterious, romantic, and captivating quality: the crisp air, a light mist hovering over the canals, the warm, golden glow of streetlamps, festive decorations, and cozy lights all combine to create a truly special atmosphere.
• Around every turn, a new, beautiful vista awaits; every bridge offers a perfect photo opportunity; and every canal feels like a postcard brought to life.
• Free time for a stroll. - In the evening, we will visit the world-famous Red Light District.
• Return to the hotel.
• Overnight at the hotel.

A couple more excursions

• Breakfast.
• A visit to the national Rijksmuseum. This will be an unforgettable journey into a world of great art, fascinating history, and exceptional masterpieces.
• We will visit one of Amsterdam’s most majestic and renowned museums, where, behind grand historic walls, a world of striking beauty, art, and centuries of Dutch culture unfolds.
• During this captivating tour, we will explore outstanding works by Dutch masters, uncovering the extraordinary stories, intriguing facts, and hidden secrets behind these famous paintings.
• Magnificent halls, opulent interiors, enchanting paintings, exquisite details, and the unique atmosphere of a true temple of art await us.
• A special place is reserved for famous masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other brilliant masters—paintings that astound with their depth, expressiveness, and remarkable vitality. This will be more than just a museum visit; it will be a vivid, enlightening, and inspiring journey through the centuries, where history, art, and the lives of great artists come to life.
• Free time for lunch and shopping. - A visit to the traditional "Christmas Village" market
• During the holiday season, Museumplein transforms into an enchanting Christmas village, filled with twinkling lights, elaborately decorated stalls, and the enticing aromas of mulled wine and delicious winter treats.
• We will enjoy a leisurely stroll among the many festive stalls, where you can find unique gifts, handicrafts, decorations, artworks, cozy scarves, and warm accessories.
• A special atmosphere is created by festive music and the polyphonic singing of a cappella choirs, which may appear right among the visitors, filling the space with captivating Christmas melodies.
• Here, you can warm up with a fragrant drink, sample traditional Dutch *poffertjes*, fresh *stroopwafels*, crispy churros, and other delightful winter snacks.
• The Christmas Village is a true kaleidoscope of holiday experiences: shimmering lights, festive tunes, aromatic treats, cozy stalls, and that unique, magical atmosphere that makes Amsterdam in winter especially beautiful, warm, and fairytale-like.
• Overnight stay at the hotel.

Just a few more moments

• Breakfast.
• Excursion to the village of Zaanse Schans (weather permitting).
• We will head to a remarkable corner of the Netherlands where the authentic, historic Holland comes to life—featuring picturesque green houses, majestic windmills, and age-old traditions.
• We will explore the famous Dutch windmills and discover the fascinating story of how wind power was harnessed here to process goods and pump out water, enabling the reclamation and drainage of the land.
• Next, we will visit a cheese farm to learn how famous Dutch cheeses are made. We will gain insight into the traditional production process and, of course, enjoy a proper cheese tasting—sampling various varieties to find our personal favorite.
• Following this, a delightful Dutch spectacle awaits: an engaging demonstration on the crafting of *klompen*—the iconic Dutch wooden clogs. We will watch as an ordinary block of wood is transformed into a traditional Dutch shoe right before our eyes, uncover the secrets of this ancient craft, and view a unique collection of clogs.
• Alternatively, an excursion to Utrecht. Let’s head to one of the most charming, atmospheric, and distinctive cities in the Netherlands, where medieval history intertwines in a surprising way with the rhythm of modern life.
• The primary symbol of Utrecht is the majestic Dom Tower, which rises 112 meters above the historic center. It is the tallest church tower in the Netherlands and has preserved the city’s history for centuries.
• Utrecht’s famous two-level canals lend the city a special charm. Let’s take a stroll along the picturesque Oudegracht, where ancient wharves and unique underground spaces—formerly the cellars of medieval warehouses—sit right by the water. In the past, goods were delivered here directly from boats, but today, these historic spaces house cozy cafés and restaurants.
• Afterward, let’s step into the Pandhof cloister garden—a quiet, green, and strikingly beautiful spot near the Dom Church. A unique atmosphere prevails here: ancient walls, meticulously tended flower beds, blooming plants, and inviting medieval arcades create the feeling of a secret garden hidden in the very heart of the city. Utrecht enchants with its medieval architecture, winding streets, historic bridges, picturesque canals, and unique multi-level promenades.
• Return to Amsterdam.
• Overnight stay at a hotel.

Returning Home

• Breakfast.
• Check-out. We will leave our luggage in the storage area.
• Visit to the Canal Museum.
• We will embark on a fascinating journey through 400 years of Amsterdam’s history to discover how a small fishing town transformed into one of Europe’s most remarkable and famous capitals.

• Free time for purchasing souvenirs and gifts.
• Departure for the airport.
• Departure from Amsterdam at... 19:25
• Arrival in Riga at 22:35
• Transfer Riga–Daugavpils (optional)