UNESCO Scenic Lake District

UNESCO Scenic Lake DistrictAfter meeting your local, friendly and knowledgeable representative near your ship pier, you will depart Amsterdam for this amazing journey of discovery. A short, 15 minutes later in your comfortable, air-conditioned minivan, you will have left behind the busy city center and along the way you will discover the Dutch countryside, picturesque villages, savor typical Dutch food and so much more.Start the day with two UNESCO sites, world-famous Beemster polder and the Defense Line of Amsterdam. Discover how the Dutch were masters over the water, as early as the 16th century by reclaiming land and using water in the battle against enemy attacks.Next you will visit the world-famous Afsluitdijk (Enclosing Dike). Leisurely discover this amazing dike while you enjoy a wonderful view of the IJssellake, the biggest fresh-water lake of the Netherlands. Cross the dike to the next UNESCO World Heritage Site on the list, the Wadden Sea.Then it's off to a picturesque open-air museum village, where the locals will welcome you for a trip back in time. After enjoying a typical, traditional delicious Dutch farmers lunch in a unique restaurant overlooking the scenic, beautiful Dutch countryside, continue your journey and learn about the 11 cities of Friesland, while on the way to Hindeloopen to meet your local resident guide.In this beautiful, scenic city with only 900 inhabitants, your guide will tell you the secrets and brilliant details of this once very wealthy city. You will learn where the beautiful Hindelooper painting found its origin while one of the last local painters gives a demonstration. Of-course there's plenty of free time to explore and discover on your own. Take a scenic walk across the dike and buy some traditional souvenirs you will not find anywhere else on this special day.The next stop is another UNESCO treasure, the impressive Ir. D.F. Wouda Steam Pumping Station. Be provided a grand tour by one of the operators and enjoy learning the history of this building as you follow closely as he gives you exclusive entry.The last stop on this full day of exploring this panoramic little country is another true UNESCO World Heritage Site. Have you ever been on an island which has been "swallowed" by land? Your local guides will take you to the former seabed where you will find the "island" of Schokland. It's impressive to learn all the history surrounding this island as the inhabitants were sent away by their own government.After this final stop it's time to explore more reclaimed land in the Dutch countryside with meadows, cows and Frisian horses as you make your way back to Amsterdam. A day you will remember forever includes photo stops wherever you wish in the company of an experienced driver and guide and stories and history given to you directly from residents happy to share their country with you.Book today as not to miss your chance at this once-in-a-lifetime experience, this tour will almost always sell out fast.