Thu, May 6: Depart Indianapolis by motorcoach, stopping in Saugatuck, Michigan, a quaint lakeside town rich with character and culture—the perfect place for lunch and some free time. Continue to Holland and visit Veldheer Tulip Farm, showcasing more than five million tulips, plus thousands of daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses in the spring. There is also a wooden shoe factory and a Delftware production facility where you can watch the world-famous Dutch pottery being molded, fired, hand-decorated, and glazed. Check in to the hotel before spending your evening at Nelis Dutch Village, where you’ll step back in time to explore and admire Dutch culture and heritage as well as a delicious dinner at their Hungry Dutchman Cafe. (Meal: Dinner)

Fri, May 7: Take a tour of the Holland area with a costumed guide and learn the history of this famous town and its Tulip Time Festival. Colorful stops along the way provide many photo opportunities. Explore the Marktplaats (“Marketplace”) with the Dutch Costume Exhibit and Dutch inspired food, arts and crafts. Spend some free time in the downtown area shops as well. Visit Windmill Island Gardens, featuring a 250-year-old working Dutch windmill, De Zwaan (“graceful bird”), which towers over the 36-acre property of manicured gardens, dikes, canals, and more than 150,000 tulips. The gardens are also the home of an antique Dutch carousel and the Posthouse museum, an exact replica of a 14th-century wayside inn. Enjoy dinner with a view of the water and the Michigan Maritime Museum’s tall ship; Friends Good Will, docking nearby. Return to the hotel following the meal. (B,D)

Sat, May 8: Depart Holland for nearby Grand Rapids, Michigan for a walk in the park. Not just any park, but the famed, 185-acre campus of the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Enjoy lunch and time on your own to stroll through the indoor and outdoor gardens including 15,000 square feet of tropical flora, carnivorous plants, Victorian era flowers, and seasonal flowers. Meander through quiet walkways and meadows while enjoying the shade garden and relish the tranquility while perusing the 8-acres of the Japanese garden. Meet back up for a narrated tram tour through the exquisite sculpture garden showcasing art from sculptors of the late 19^th century to the present. Depart for Indianapolis following the visit. (B)

Hampton Inn Holland Hotel & Suites, Holland, Michigan.

Recently remodeled, the hotel is conveniently located for festival events. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker, microwave and mini-refrigerator • complimentary high-speed Internet access • indoor pool and hot tub • outdoor year-round hot tub • fitness center.