Day 1 - April 28
It all kicks off at 7.30am at our London Victoria office where your Guide, Driver and big blue Busabout bus will be waiting. Kick back and relax on the way to Amsterdam over the English Channel and get to know the people who will be next to you for the biggest street party in the world! You will arrive into Amsterdam in the early evening. Meet in the hostel bar for a few sociable drinks before heading into town on a orientation night walk finishing with an optional pub crawl to discover the delights of the 'Dam'.
Day 2 - April 29
Today is the warm-up for Queens Day so a good sleep-in is on the cards for those who are ready to party with the Dutch! The festivities will kick off at midnight and generally run all night before Queens Day officially starts at 6am on April 30th so catching up on some zzz's is bound to be a smart move. When you finally rise your Guide will lead you on a afternoon orientation walk of the city, pointing out all the famous (and infamous) sights Amsterdam is renowned for. In the afternoon there will be optional city bike tour before we get the party started at one of the many packed bars across the city. Brace yourself.
Day 3 - Queens Day!
The day we've all been waiting for! Today we have an early start (for those who've slept) in order to make sure we don't miss a second of this crazy Dutch tradition. The madness officially starts at 6am when the city is literally flooded in a sea of orange as the streets erupt in an emphatic celebration of the birthday of Queen Beatrix.
Queens Day originally was the celebration of the birthday of Queen Wilhelmina (1880-1962), on August 31. But, after 1948 Koninginnedag (Queens Day) moved to April 30 (the birthday of Queen Juliana). When Queen Beatrix (whose birthday is in January) succeeded Juliana on April 30th 1980, she decided to keep the holiday on April 30th as a tribute to her mother, AND, more importantly because the weather in April is much nicer than in January. Beer in the winter just doesn't taste the same!
Day 4 - May 1
We will say a tearful goodbye to Amsterdam and the Netherlands and head back on our coach to London via the ferry. Our coach is equipped with DVDs and screens and a multi-channel audio system so there is plenty to keep you entertained on the way home. Remember to stock up on cheap European delights whilst on the ferry.