Community Chorus of Detroit

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Wednesday September 25: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Thursday September 26: Haarlem

Arrive in Amsterdam, meet your Encore Tour Manager and board your coach to the city. This morning you'll discover Amsterdam, seeing the picturesque canals guarded by tall mansions of the 17th-century burghers during an expertly guided walking tour through the heart of the city. This afternoon, transfer to Haarlem where you will check into your hotel and have time to relax and freshen up before dinner. This evening's highlight is a traditional Indonesian Rijsttafel feast, a dining experience reflecting the historic connection of the Dutch with Indonesia. (D)

Day 3, Friday September 27: Haarlem

This morning is yours to explore the delightful city of Haarlem at your own pace. At 2:00 pm, you'll rejoin your group and transfer to an interactive cooking class to learn the art of Dutch cuisine. The cooking class will run from 3:00 - 4:30, followed by time to eat your delicious creations as an early dinner. This evening is yours to explore at your own pace. Optional independent activity: Attend an evening performance of Bruckner's Second Symphony, with Andrew Manze conducting the Concertgebouw Orchestra (subject to availability). You may order tickets at https://www.concertgebouworkest.nl/en at various prices. Tickets are already on sale, so please purchase tickets ASAP after registering for the tour. (B,D)

Day 4, Saturday September 28: Haarlem

This morning, take an excursion to the colorful, historic, fishing village of Volendam. Have time to explore with your Tour Manager and have lunch on your own. Then continue to Zaanse Schans to see working windmills dating from the 17th century. Return to Amsterdam to have dinner together. You'll then rehearse for tonight's debut concert performance, which will take place at Westerkerk. Rehearsal will be at 7:00 pm, and your concert will begin at 8:30 pm. (B,D)

Day 5, Sunday September 29: Haarlem

This morning, board your coach and transfer to Amsterdam where the morning is yours to explore at your own pace. Interact with vendors at the famed Albert Cuyp street market, wander the the food hall and multi-functional cultural complex of De Hallen in Oud West Amsterdam or visit Rembrandt's final resting place at Westerkerk. You may wish to visit one of the many museums in Amsterdam, such as the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, or the Rijksmuseum. A more extensive list of sights, with ticket prices and links, is available on the CCD website under Touring:communitychorusofdetroit.com. Rejoin your group this afternoon for your recital performance,which will take place at the Posthoornkerk. Rehearsal will be at 4:15 pm, with your performance at 5:00 pm. (B,D)

Day 6, Monday September 30: Bruges

Today's excursion brings you south to the city of Delft where you'll have a behind-the-scenes tour to see how the world-famous pottery is made, with a visit to the factory. You will perform an afternoon recital in Delft today at Oude Kerk at 2:00 pm! Continue to the charming city of Bruges where you will check into your next hotel and have dinner together. (B,D)

Day 7, Tuesday October 1: Bruges

Your morning walking tour highlights the winding canals, ornate houses, and medieval cobbled streets of a city that is often called the "Venice of the North" and was once a wealthy hub for merchants and traders. Visit the two beautiful squares, Burg and Markt, and see the whitewashed houses and garden of the Begijnhof. Have time for lunch on your own and a chance to explore this charming city. This afternoon, rehearse at 4:00 pm, followed by dinner together. Tonight, the choir's next concert performance will take place at St. Giles’ Church at 7:00 pm. (B,D)

Day 8, Wednesday October 2: Bruges

This morning, enjoy a visit to the Mini Harp Museum and attend an exclusive private concert performed by harpist Luc Vanlaere! Then transfer to the stunning city of Ghent which you'll have time to explore with your Tour Manager. Enjoy dinner together in Ghent, then return to Bruges for your overnight. (B,D)

Day 9, Thursday October 3: Bruges

Today, visit a local chocolatier where you will learn about the process of making some of the world's most famous chocolates - and taste the delicious treats! This afternoon, perform your next recital in Bruges at the Heilig Bloedbasiliek. You'll have a brief rehearsal at 3:30 pm, followed by your recital at 4:00 pm. Conclude your day with a charming canal cruise, followed by dinner together. (B,D)

Day 10, Friday October 4: Paris

Check out of your hotel this morning and depart for France. Visit the enchanting town of Reims. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch together. Walk to Notre Dame de Reims where this afternoon you'll have your final recital performance of the tour. You'll rehearse at 1:30, followed by your performance at 2:00 pm. After your perforamnce, enjoy a delicious champagne tasting with snacks, at a local vineyard in Reims. Continue to Paris, the City of Light. Check into your final hotel, and freshen up before your celebratory farewell dinner together! (B,L,D)

Day 11, Saturday October 5: Departure

For those not taking the optional 3-night Paris Extension, transfers are provided to the airport for your return flight home. (B)