1. From Amsterdam: Floriade Expo & Zaanse Schans Full-Day Tour
Immerse yourself amongst plants and flowers at Floriade Expo 2022, the international horticulture exhibition in Almere, Netherlands. This exhibition happens only once every ten years. Later, travel to Zaanse Schans and see the historic windmills and architecture of the village. Choose from two meeting points in Amsterdam, then take a 40-minute ride to the expo on a single-deck bus. Upon arrival, take an orientation tour through the park with your guide. Learn facts and stories as you walk. The main theme of the expo this year is “Growing Green Cities.” More than 40 countries from all over the world will show you the possibilities of a greener, more sustainable world. The event is situated in an area of 60 hectares (148 acres) that will be converted into a green urban district in Almere after the exhibition is finished. Immerse yourself in this scenic park over the green bridges and amongst the flowers. After your guided tour, enjoy free time to explore the area on your own. Your guide will provide further information about things to do and see. Visit the pavilions where the participating countries will present their flowers, plants, and culture. Learn about cultivating food in a city, sustainable energy solutions, and green infrastructure. Get tips and tricks for a healthy lifestyle. Optionally, grab a drink or try a local healthy dish. After the expo, take a 45-minute ride to the second location of the excursion: the windmill village of Zaanse Schans. This is a typical Dutch village with windmills and houses from the 18th and 19th centuries situated on the riverbanks of the Zaan region. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour through the village. Visit the clog museum and see how to make clogs. Later, stop by a cheese farm and get a demonstration of how to make Gouda cheese. There may even be the opportunity for a taste test. Enjoy a cable car ride over the Expo grounds. After the tour, take advantage of free time to discover the village on your own. Explore as you sightsee green-colored houses with attractive architecture in which people are still living today. See some of the more than 600 windmills that were used for industrial purposes such as sawing wood, producing oil, and milling grain. On the village’s riverbank, see the 8 windmills that are still in active use today. At the conclusion of the tour, get dropped off at the designated drop-off point.