We spent a couple days visiting the capital city of Spain, Madrid! It was full of art, culture and history. The Prado Museum has the best collection of paintings by Velazquez and Goya so our visit there was very interesting. We were also treated to a stop in the small town of Toledo which was a breathtaking city with a Gothic cathedral, monastery, and several synagogues and mosques dating back to the 11th through the15th centuries. Now we know where the phrase “Holy Toledo”began!

The next stop on the trip was Coroba, home of the Mezquita, which was build by the Moors in the 8th century. It was truly a marvel that kept our eyes glued and our camera’s snapping to capture the details of each arch and pillar! The pictures we took won’t be able to share the vast beauty of this place!

From there we headed to Seville, which is known for its Flamenco dances and Tapas restaurants. While we were here we were able to take in both! In addition, we happened to be there during the April Fair which was a real treat! Thousands of people flood the streets for the seven day celebration which begins around nine at night and goes until the following morning! Men, women and children were dressed in traditional flamenco style, many danced and wandered the streets while others enjoyed carriage rides from decorated horses and their owners! It was a “once in a lifetime” kind of memory for us!

Valencia was the next stop on the journey. It is a beautiful city with a blend of ancient and modern architecture. It is nestled along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and is known for the delicious oranges that grow there. We had a tour of the city before reaching the Valencia Cathedral which housed the “genuine” Holy Grail, the vessel which Jesus used at the Last Supper to serve wine to the disciples. Our visit was on Sunday so people were gathered for services…including us! We stood in the back and watched/listened to the traditional services led by the local Priests, but most of us didn’t understand a single word!

Our final destination was Barcelona, home of the unusual architectural works by Guadi, and home of the 1992 Summer Olympics. Some of the group headed up to the jagged mountain tops of Montserrat to take in the views.  Others shopped along the popular Las Ramblas Boulevard to snatch up great deals and be immersed in the flavors, colors, and fragrances of the area during our last day of this Iberian Peninsula journey.

Our tour manager, Barbara, was a walking history book and kept us entertained by sharing stories which came from her personal rendition of ” As Iberia Turns”. We learned about the religious conflicts, family relationships of past leaders in Spain as we wandered in and out of palaces and cathedrals. In addition, she was quick to teach us about the language, culture,  and the current practices of the people in the area. She was passionate about the places we visited, and about making our experience as rich as possible.

We said our goodbyes during our farewell dinner. During this trip we made new friends, ate new foods, took lots of pictures and learned so much about this beautiful country and its culture! Ask someone to share their memories and pictures with you so you can hear more about our wonderful time together!

Check back in a couple weeks to view our album of pictures from this Portugal and Spain journey!

Spain continues to stun us with its beauty and history.   Cathedrals and palaces contain tiny details that have been carved into the massive pieces of stone and wood and viewed by millions of people over the centuries. We have tasted Spanish dishes such as paella and tapas. Fish is offered at most meals, even breakfast! The fragrances of spring meet us each time we step off the motor coach.  We have become accustomed to hearing languages that we can’t understand because there are people from all around the world visiting this beautiful country!

The trip started in Lisbon, a city that we didn’t know much about, but learned to love after a few hours of being there. We spent some time driving along the coastline and enjoyed a variety of seafood and shopping while during our visit. We saw cork forests and learned all about the growing and harvesting of cork. It is one of the major industries in Portugal. Cork is used to make shoes umbrellas, aprons, purses and hats…and we thought cork was just for wine bottles! Many of us are bringing home cork in some form! There is so much history here and have been overwhelmed by the numerous stories that our guide has shared. Meanwhile we viewed beautiful landscapes dotted with olive trees, cathedrals, castles and the occasional storks that fly above us.

There is no rain in Spain on the plains! We have had great weather as we meandered through the quaint historic towns and bustling cities. Some of us are learning key words like thank you, please, bill please, and handsome in Spanish!

Check back later to see what else we might be up to. Meanwhile we will make new friends and more memories!

Don Moyes and Marv Boersema Shopping on the coast of Portugal...or were they waiting for the shoppers?

Myrna Boersema Fish dinner including a head and a tail!

Carrie Visser Taking pictures in Toledo

November 8-15, 2012

Experience the magic of the season in Branson while it is aglow for the holidays! The city of Branson transforms into a holiday wonderland featuring spectacular lighting displays, wonderful shows celebrating Christmas, and theme parks in all their holiday glory. The mix of world-class entertainment that we have selected will sing you into the holiday spirit!

Kansas City and Springfield – The tour begins in Kansas City with a mystery tour…its one place that Tulip Tours has never been before! Oh, and in case you were wondering…yes, you can plan on dinner at Lamberts, “Home of the Throlled Rolls”!

Branson – Highlights include the following shows/activities and perhaps a surprise or two!

• The Pressley’s
• Daniel O’Donnell
• Sight and Sound Theater’s newest production, “Joseph”
• Hollywood’s Christmas Spectacular Show; the Twelve Irish Tenors are featured as part of the show.
• Silver Dollar City
• The Brett Family Christmas Show

Tulsa  – Tour the “Terra Cotta City” and learn more about the history of Native Americans and cowboys, see the mansions built by the oil barons and view the world’s largest bronze sculpture of praying hands.

Oklahoma City – The tour ends after visiting the highlights in this city including the National Cowboy Museum and the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum which is dedicated to the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing.

$1,750.00 per person, includes airfare

September 29-October 9, 2012

This tour will take you along the coastline where 19 million acres of woods slowly explode in a frenzy of color during the annual blaze of autumn glory.

Chicago – The tour begins in this bustling city nestled along the coastline of Lake Michigan. Enjoy a harbor cruise along the shore and the river to view the breathtaking architecture and views that this fantastic city has to offer. Attend a Sunday service at the well known Willow Creek Church.

Shipshewana – Spend time in an Amish settlement, shopping for local wares and eating at an Amish farmhouse.

Southwest Michigan – Special surprises await you in this area! This area is home to Tulip Tours director, Flori Mejeur, and she has arranged some memorable events in St. Joseph, Saugatuck, Holland and Grand Rapids.

Northern Michigan – Leaf peeping will be breathtaking as we make our way north along the lake and visit cities like Traverse City, Charlevoix, and Petoskey. Blankets of color are around nearly every bend in the road and you will be offered a real taste of the harvest season in Michigan. See the famous Mackinaw Island and watch the freighters pass through the Soo Locks from Lake Superior into Lake Huron.

Northeast Wisconsin – The blue-greens of the Great Lakes, the white birch bark, bright fall foliage and deep evergreens of forests will envelop the miles of quiet country roads as we make our way through the Upper Peninsula to Green Bay.

There we will visit Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers. We will also spend time in the sleepy towns of Door County and experience an authentic Fish Boil Dinner.

Southeast  Wisconsin – Learn more about Maritime history, visit a restored WWII submarine, tour an amazing European style Basilica, and enjoy the Harley Davidson Museum on our drive along the coast toward Illinois.

Chicago – The tour ends in Chicago, but not before we view the city from the tallest building in the western hemisphere, visit a museum, and enjoy Chicago style cuisine!

$1950.00 per person, includes airfare.

May 24 – June 2, 2012

A late spring cruise vacation with Holland America Cruise Line aboard the luxurious Maasdam along the St. Lawrence Seaway and East Coast.

Montreal – Experience an overview of this city and it’s historical sites for two days. You will also enjoy a city tour of Old Montreal along with surrounding highlights. Once aboard, we will explore the wild beauty of Gaspé Peninsula and sample the delights of French-flavored memories during this cruise to the following ports of call:

Saint Lawrence River Cruising – Once a water highway for explorers, missionaries, and fur traders. Today you can look for beluga whales, porpoises and dolphins, and countless bird species.

Quebec City, Quebec, CA – a grand château on the river. Is this Canada, or is it France? It is both!

Cruising Gulf of St. Lawrence – The largest estuary in the world which fringes the shores of half the provinces of Canada and is a gateway to the interior of the entire North American continent.  It has a stunning coast line and beautiful islands where sighting for migratory birds, whales, porpoises and seals are common.

Charlottetown, Prince Edward CA – Canada’s smallest province, but it’s big on history and attractions.

Sydney, CA – Awaiting you are highland villages to visit, the scenic Cabot Trail to explore, golden inland seas to sail and the Fortress of Louisbourg to inspect.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, CA – Ocean scenery at its best: craggy coastlines, fabled Peggy’s Cove, and the striking German village of Lunenburg.

Bar Harbor, Maine, US – An artists’ enclave and gateway to the rich natural beauty of Acadia National Park where you will see white-tail deer and other wildlife.

Boston, Massachusetts, US – Depart for Home

$2,195.00 per person, includes airfare. Port excursions not included. Deposit required by December 20, 2011.

April 11-23, 2012

Spain is a collection of the sunshine of the Mediterranean shores and the majesty of the mountain ranges which are dotted with clusters of white historic cities, grand architecture, and groves of oranges and olives. You will be dazzled by the colorful pageantry of Spanish art, history, and culture!

Madrid – We will begin the tour with a couple days in this magnificent city! A guided tour is arranged to see the highlights at the Prado museum, the 2,800-room interior of the Royal Palace, el Escorial, and Toledo.

Cordoba – Experience a tour of the city and visit the 8th-century Mezquita, a fascinating blend of Christian and Moorish architecture, and the land of the infamous Don Quixote.

Sevilla – Enjoy a guided tour of the area and visit Seville’s massive cathedral, the dazzling Alcázar. We will also experience the passion and music of a Flamenco show!

Gibraltar and Malaga – A visit to the unique British colony of Gibraltar, at the very tip of the Iberian Peninsula. The rock of Gibraltar is a limestone rock that towers about 1,400 feet above the countryside with a view of Africa. This small territory of about 3 square miles has a very interesting national, cultural and political history! Travel will continue through the popular Costa del Sol region.

Sierra Nevada and Granada – Travel through the peaceful Sierra Nevada region on the way to Granada where we will tour the magnificent 14th-century Alhambra.

Valencia – We will drive through amazing landscapes of rolling hills dotted with picturesque olive groves as we travel to the Mediterranean coast. We will spend a couple days here to see the highlights which include a visit to the Lladro factory.

Barcelona – Our final days of the tour will be spent in Spain’s second-largest city and the host of the Olympic Games in 1992. Our visit will include panoramic views of Costa Brava, the Columbus Monument, and the Picasso Museum.

$3,195.00 per person, includes airfare. $500 deposit required.

Join us for an outstanding and totally fun tour!

We LOVE to hear from you! Please leave us comments!

I know, it’s very amateur, but I wasn’t planning on posting and then when I watched them it brought back soooo many good memories I just had to! Carol

Centennial Olympic Park – Atlanta GA

Don’t quit your day job!

Never a dull moment on a Tulip Tour! Flori puts on a show for Lisa’s birthday!

Forrest Gump shows up on our private tour of Savannah!

Those brave enough went on a Ghost tour and saw some ghosts / orbs at Sorrel Weed House in Savannah GA

Carolina Opry was an amazing show. Here is just a “sneak” at what we saw

PLEASE leave a comment below to tell us how much fun you had on this trip! The 3 Blondes and a Mom miss you all! Watch for a special treat coming to your mailbox soon!

Thomas Tipps (bus driver) Marv Walker, Lisa Oostema, Vicki Van Allen

Today was our last full day of the tour. We enjoyed a leisurely morning as some strolled the beach and others sat and admired the beautiful view. We then made our way to the Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues where we enjoyed the unique décor and some wonderful music. The House of Blues buffet is set up in the kitchen where there was a great spread of wonderful food. After brunch we headed to Barefoot Landing for some quick shopping and a little stroll around the Intracoastal Highway.

Three Blondes & a Mom

When we returned to our bus the tour directors found a shopping bag secretly placed on their seats. You will see what they found in the bag in the picture shown here. We’ve had a lot of great laughs on this trip and at one point Art Van Allen came up to us and said that if we ever thought about renaming the company, he had a idea. He told us to call it “Three Blondes and a Mom”! Someone had come across these T-shirts while shopping!! Perfect! During our next stop the directors changed into them and then stepped back onto the bus as Thomas Tipp, the bus driver, introduced the tour guides as they modeled their new shirts.

During out long drive to Atlanta, we had our own little church service, watched an inspirational video by the Joni Erickson Tada, and watched the movie The Notebook, which was filmed in South Carolina. It was fun to see the scenes from the Boone Hill Plantation.

We stopped at the ever-popular Cracker Barrel and then ended up in Atlanta where we had our Farewell party. It was a warm and wonderful way to end our time together. We had some first-time guests on this trip and they quickly learned that Tulip Tours guests bond with each other and why those who come on these tours come back time and time again.