Travels with Marilyn: Fields and Fields and Fields of Tulips

I have just returned from an amazing Collette Vacations river cruise through Holland and Belgian where I saw so many varieties and colors of tulips that it is hard to write about the experience that is better seen than read about. Nothing I have seen in any of my many travels rivals the sight of the acres and acres of tulip fields, and I encourage everyone to take in this experience at least once.

River cruising, in my opinion, is the way to see the European countryside. Our group was picked up at the airport in Amsterdam and introduced to this bustling city where bicycles reign over cars and pedestrians and sightseeing is done in small boats along the canals.

Our ship was lovely, the food excellent, the wine never-ending and the cities along the way charming. The itinerary included the Imperial City of Ghent; Bruges, one of Europe’s most perfectly preserved medieval cities; the diamond city of Antwerp, Belgium, also home of the famous artist Peter Paul Rubens; and Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The highlight of all the highlights, however, was Keukenhof Gardens filled with 70 aces of every type of tulip imaginable. This is a must see. I am recommending that the Chamber plan a Tulip River Cruise once again next year, for if you want to be treated royally on board, see amazing sites docking right within walking distance of the various cities, enjoy gourmet meals and meeting and hearing stories of the interesting travelers aboard, there’s nothing better I can recommend!

Though tulip season 2018 is a bit in the future, let me tempt you with some of the upcoming tours that just might be on your travel bucket list for 2018.

One that particularly interests me, departing next March 17, is the tour to see the Cultural Treasures of Japan. I’ve always been interested in the Japanese culture and the 14-day trip features 23 meals, river cruises, tea with locals, Sake tasting, the Bullet Train, a Geisha show and a visit to Hiroshima.

The tour begins in Tokyo where we spend 3 nights and then on to Lake Ashi and the lakeside resort of Hakone. Then on to Takayama- Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa. We’ll take the Thunderbird Express Train to Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan. After touring the sites there, we’re off for a ride on the Bullet Train to Hiroshima ending the tour in Kyoto. With the exception of 1 night in Hakone, all other stays are 2 and 3 nights. Deposits for this grand tour must be made by August 11th. See the Chamber website Travel Page for full itinerary and costs.

Another trip creating buzz is the planned Journey to the Holy Land departing on February 7th. Israel is a true land of contrasts and one need not be religious to take in the history of this ancient land. This 10-day tour features all the major sites, 15 meals and offers a 4-night post-tour to Jordan. Everyone who has already traveled there remarks how safe it is.

The Chamber has so many tours planned for 2018 that surely there is something for you. I love traveling with Collette Vacations through the Chamber. Between the Chamber and Collette, no stone is left unturned. I’ve been traveling with them since 2012 and have had many exciting and memorable experiences. Be sure to stop by the Chamber at 1900 S. Carson Street or log on to the website www.carsoncitychamber.com and check out the tours on the Travel Page. New tours are being planned weekly, so check often.

Marilyn is a consummate traveler who, at 88 years old, still is amazed by the many sites she sees and the people she meets all over the world.