Holland, Michigan Tulip Festival

Holland, Michigan Tulip Festival

Trip Duration: 6 Days

 

 

Trip Inclusions

• Meals: 5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners

• Tour Director

• Overnight accommodations

• Deluxe motorcoach transportation

• Baggage handling and related gratuities (excludes Elyria hotel)

• Taxes

 

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Nelis' Dutch Village

Transport yourself to the Netherlands of over a century ago, reliving a day when the town bustled with festival excitement. Witness demonstrations of traditional Dutch crafts, enjoy captivating Dutch klompen dance performances and lessons, delight in classic rides, visit the petting farm, and indulge in family-friendly entertainment. Experience a plethora of tasting opportunities, and for beer enthusiasts, savor the option to order a Dutch or locally crafted brew.

 

Evening Entertainment Concert

TBD

 

Windmill Island Gardens

Nestled on the outskirts of downtown Holland, Windmill Island Gardens stands as a picturesque oasis. At its heart lies the magnificent 248-year-old working Dutch windmill known as 'De Zwaan,' translating to 'graceful bird.' This towering structure, soaring 125 feet from the ground to the tip of its blades, presides over 36 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens, tranquil dikes, winding canals, and inviting picnic spots.

 

Volksparade

For more than 80 years, Holland residents have faithfully upheld the cherished tradition of 'Dutch Cleanliness,' a tradition that begins with meticulous white glove inspections. Later, witness hundreds of Dutch-costumed townspeople, armed with brooms and pails, diligently scrubbing the parade route clean. Experience this vibrant procession, featuring numerous colorful bands, floats, and Dutch Dance groups, joyfully 'Klomping' along the route in their authentic costumes and traditional wooden shoes!

 

Holland Princess Dinner Cruise

Embark on a picturesque journey through the serene waters of Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan aboard the Holland Princess, a magnificent 65-foot Victorian-style paddle-wheel riverboat. Glide past the iconic BIG RED lighthouse as you soak in the breathtaking scenery. Indulge in a memorable dining experience while taking in the sights, passing by charming lakefront homes, significant historical landmarks, and natural landscapes at their finest.

 

Holland, MI Sightseeing Tour

Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Holland, Michigan. Journey through downtown and explore its historic districts, marveling at the picturesque city parks, iconic landmarks such as Hope College, charming windmills, and enchanting Tulip Lanes, all while uncovering the hidden gems that make Holland truly special.

 

Veldheer Tulip Gardens

Discover Veldheer, the quintessential tulip farm and perennial garden nestled in the heart of Holland, Michigan. What began as Vern Veldheer's passion project in 1950, with just 100 red tulips and 300 white tulips, has blossomed into a breathtaking landscape boasting over five million vibrant tulips for you to meander through and delight in. Explore an array of perennials and flowers sourced from around the globe for you to buy and plant in your gardens.

 

We'll also visit the only Blue Delft Factory in the U.S., where timeless craftsmanship meets artistic tradition. Watch as a skilled carver transforms a block of wood into a wooden shoe at the wooden shoe factory.

 

Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park

Enjoy a visit and tram tour at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. There are many areas within Meijer Gardens to explore including the indoor gardens - the tropical conservatory, carnivorous plant house, and arid gardens - as well as the outdoor areas like the Children's Garden, Michigan's Farm Garden, seasonal gardens, and the world-class Sculpture Park with meandering nature trails and boardwalk.

 

Meadow Brook Hall

Meadow Brook Hall is the fourth largest historic house museum in the United States. Built between 1926 and 1929 as the residence of Matilda Dodge Wilson (widow of auto pioneer John Dodge) and her second husband, lumber broker Alfred G. Wilson, the 110-room, 88,000-square-foot, Tudor-revival style mansion is complete with vast collections of original art and furnishings.

 

Edsel & Eleanor Ford House

Experience the story of the Ford family in this historic mansion, rich with art and antiques spanning centuries. Situated along Lake St. Clair, the estate stands amid 87 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds. Visit the enchanting playhouse and the garage, which houses five of Edsel’s classic designs.

 

The state-of-the-art visitor center offers 2 special exhibits: Making It Work, which chronicles the lives and labors of the staff that made Ford House a home. Guests will learn about the various staff, their families, and how their work on the estate impacted their lives. The second exhibit, The Ford Story, will take visitors deep into the Ford family story and the creation of this magnificent estate

 

 

Meal Information:

 

Day 2: Dinner at Local Restaurant

Choices TBD

 

Day 3: Boxed Lunch at Tulip Fest

Choices TBD

 

Day 3: Holland Princess Dinner Cruise

Buffet dinner with salad, dessert, and soft drinks. Cash bar on board.

 

Day 4: Lunch Voucher for Meijer Gardens Cafe

With an emphasis on local products, Meijer Gardens’ globally inspired menu changes with the seasons and features sandwiches, salads, small bites and a kid’s menu. You’ll find a colorful variety of beverages including soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea, wine and a selection of Michigan craft beers.

 

Day 5: Lunch at Meadow Brook Hall offers the following choices:

• Citrus Chicken (pan-roasted breast of chicken, cirtus artichoke cream and crispy capers). Served with wild rice pilaf and poached French green beans

• Vegetarian Option

Includes apple pie for dessert, roll, butter, fresh coffee and hot tea.

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

 

Need to Know:

 

Elyria hotel (night 1 and 5) does not provide baggage handling.

 

Veldheer Tulip Gardens spans 7 acres of tulips. The terrain consists of hard-packed dirt and gravel, with plenty of benches scattered throughout for you to sit and take in the beautiful views.

 

 

Accessibility:

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is totally barrier-free with ramps and paved paths in all garden locations. Complimentary wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) are available inside the Welcome Center. Wheelchairs and ECVs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Accommodations Days 1 & 5: Hampton Inn, Elyria, OH

The hotel features an indoor pool and fitness center. Guestrooms include mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker, iron/board, and hair dryer. Baggage handling will not be provided at this location

 

Accommodations Days 2 & 3: Hampton Inn, Holland, MI

The hotel features an indoor pool and fitness room. Guestrooms include mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker, iron/board, and hair dryer.

 

Accommodations Day 4: Hampton Inn, Troy, MI

The hotel features an indoor pool,and Fitness Center. Guestrooms include microwave, mini-fridge, iron/board, hair dryer, and coffee maker.