The Participating Ohio Metro Bars invite you to join our exclusive Journey to the Netherlands. ***Space is limited, book to secure your spot***

We begin in The Hague (Den Haag) - the political heart of the Netherlands as well the Center of International Law hosting such institutions as the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and the International Criminal Court (ICC).  Besides affording us fascinating legal content and speaking engagements on Rule of Law topics with renowned experts and legal professionals, The Hague's wide avenues and numerous green zones make for an incredibly pleasant pedestrian experience with charming boutiques, cafes and fine dining abound. 

The Hague is also ideally situated within reach of some of Holland's greatest attractions. During our stay we see the world famous Keukenhof Spring garden, open only 8 weeks each year to see the Tulips in bloom. We also visit Rotterdam Harbour and the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk. And of course, no visit to Holland is complete without an immersion into Dutch cuisine. Our group meals will be selected for their elevated and authentic culinary experiences ensuring we make the most of every meal and taste the best of Holland's local and creative cuisine recognized for its purity, high quality, and honest presentation. 

We continue for 2 additional nights in Amsterdam, the world-famous 17th century capital of Holland known for its museums, fine dining, beautiful architecture, complicated canal system, and unique sights.

CLE CREDITS ANTICIPATED. 

CLE Abroad, a division of Travel de Novo LLC, is a registered Seller of Travel (CST# 2140365-40). All customer funds are held in a trust account and safeguarded for the exclusive use of your program and related services.   

Please take note airfare is not included. Suggested air will be sent to participants after the minimum number of participants is achieved. 

Delegates are asked to arrive at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) before 10:00 am.  From the airport we travel to Keukenhof and see the iconic Tulips in bloom. For just a few weeks each year, Keukenhof opens its grounds to visitors to see one of the

most beautiful spring gardens in the world. This world-famous park holds more than 7 million spring flowering bulbs, with over 500 growers presenting an enormous variety of flowers and their iconic tulips in bloom. Free time to explore the grounds on your own.

Lunch at Kom Eten in Hoogmade. This lovely restaurant sits on a peaceful canal in a charming village not far from Den Haag. This husband [chef] and wife [sommelier]  team create a unique dining experience using the freshest local ingredient. We also enjoy some organic local cheeses from a nearby farm.

After lunch, we depart for The Hague by private coach.

Check into Carlton Ambassador (4*) or similar

Sophia Lan 2

2514 JP Den Haag, Netherlands

+31 70 36 30 363

A short walk from our hotel, we board a canal boat for a panoramic orientation and Welcome to the Hague. After our cruise, we enjoy a bit of time for freshening up before our Welcome Reception/Dinner. 

WELCOME TO THE NETHERLANDS Welcome Dinner/Reception with guest speakers.

Remainder of the evening is free to rest and get acclimated to the time zone.

INTRODUCTION TO DUTCH RULE OF LAW, POLITICAL SYSTEMS & CONSTITUTION WALK This interactive presentation provides an engaging introduction to the Dutch political system and the unique political cultures in the Netherlands. Notable is that the Dutch Constitution plays an important role in the history of numerous locations throughout the city. 

Guided Walking Tour of the Hague’s city center and historic and political landmarks. Tour of the medieval Prison Gate Museum. The museum tells the story of crime and punishment from the 15th century onward. 

Lunch at t’Goude Hooft (The Good Student), the oldest inn in The Hague. Over the years, this institution has evolved into a rather eclectic dining establishment. 

Visit the Supreme Court of the Netherlands AND/OR Lecture.  

DUTCH DRUG POLICY & ENFORCEMENT In 1976, the Netherlands officially amended its Opium Act to create a distinction in law between cannabis and other “harder” drugs with the stated goal of reducing harm to both individuals and society. Famous for its cannabis-serving “coffee shops,” the Netherlands has recorded a lower drug-related death rate ever since.   

In this controversial presentation for a political activist, we learn about the many harms and benefits to the longstanding Dutch Drug policies. 

OR 

WAR CRIMES & GENOCIDE IN THE DIGITAL AGE  We welcome a panel of distinguished international law practitioners and leading women in the field of international criminal law for an informative discussion on the prosecution, defense and administration of justice in war crime tribunals including the latest from Ukraine.  

Afternoon visit the Mauritshuis Museum, home to a fine collection of classical art from the age of Rembrandt including Vermeer's most famous work, Girl with a Pearl Earring.  Alternatively, some may choose to visit Escher in Het Paleis (Escher in The Palace) to see the permanent collection of the renowned Dutch graphic artist's work. 

Or return to the hotel.  Dinner on your own. Remainder of the evening free.  

Depart the hotel for our visit to the Peace Palace, a short walk from the hotel and home to the International Court of Just ice (ICJ) and the Permanent Court of

Arbitration (PCA). Suggested Dress Code is Smart/Business Casual.

THE FOUNDATIONS OF INTERNATIONAL LAW AND THE HAGUE AS A CITY OF PEACE AND JUSTICE

Financed and maintained by the Carnegie Foundation, the Peace Palace was built in 1913 to house the PCA and a Library. Soon after, they were joined by the Permanent Court of International Justice, the official court of the League of Nations. 

After the Second World War, the League of Nations was dissolved and the United Nations was founded. The IICJ of the United Nations then took up residence in the Palace. During our visit, we tour the gardens of the Peace Palace and meet with the Director of the Peace Palace Library.

Group lunch at Bayonne for Dutch-Spanish style tapas and pinchos.

After lunch, we visit the International Criminal Court (ICC) and/ or the National Monument Oranjehotel - the name the Dutch attributed to the Scheveningen

prison during the 2nd World War. The Germans detained over 25,000 people for interrogation and prosecution purposes. Those who violated regulations imposed by the Germans came from all of the Netherlands and included Resistance Members, Jews, Jehovah's Witnesses and those who were caught dealing on the

black market or other economic offenses.

Alternative for Non-Attorneys: Behind- the- scenes tour with the Director of the Museum Panorama Mesdag featuring 19th-century artist Hendrik Mesdag's

striking panoramic beach painting. Housed in a purpose-built museum, this cyclorama is more than 130 feet in diameter and over 45 feet high. From an observation gallery in the center of the room the cylindrical perspective creates the illusion that the viewer is on a high sand dune overlooking the sea, beaches and village of Scheveningen in the late 19th century.

Free evening.  Dinner on your own.

Or add Optional Add- On

We continue to nearby Scheveningen Beach for time to walk the Boardwalk or the  Sand Dunes.

Enjoy dinner at Catch by Simonis on Scheveningen Harbour. This family run business has been in operation since the end of the 19th century. A former eel smokehouse, Catch is known for international seafood recipes using a daily fresh supply from the local fish auction. We dine on the rooftop terrace overlooking the marina filled with sailboats.

After dinner, The Pier SkyView. This 160' foot ferris wheel has 36 closed cars that seem to float over the water. Enjoy a glass of bubbly as you take in the sweeping views of the dunes, the boardwalk and the sun setting over the sea.

Return to the hotel by van or bus.

Board our bus and depart for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kinderdijk and its iconic Wind Mills.

The tour includes a multimedia presentation, hop-on/ hop-off canal ride and time to explore the grounds on foot.

Return to Rotterdam with its dynamic skyline including the iconic, white Erasmusbrug Bridge nicknamed The Swan.

Lunch at the historic Hotel New York, the former headquarters of Holland-America Line. The property is a prominent fixture of the Wilhelm in e Pier in

contemporary Rotterdam .

US- EU & US - DUTCH RELATIONS: Political and Economic Perspectives

Over lunch we welcome the Political and Economic Section Chief at the US Embassy in the Netherlands. This discussion will highlight major themes in US-EU relations and European economic issues, including trade, macro economics, sanctions, energy, digital privacy, science and technology.

Time permitting, we go to the top of the Euromast tower for stunning panoramic views over Rotterdam and surrounding  areas, including a rotating glass elevator and a restaurant, or free time to explore the market halls of Rotterdam.

Rotterdam is home to one of the largest ports in Europe with a rich maritime history. Time and schedule permitting, we visit the Royal IHC Shipyard, one of the largest shipyards in the world. We get up close and personal with some of the ships that are currently under construction or repair.

Return to the Hague.

Den Haag Farewell Dinner.

Hotel Checkout and Board Bus for Amsterdam. On arrival in Amsterdam, we enjoy a Walking Tour of the trendy Jordaan neighborhood. The charming narrow streets and canals of this area are home to hip pubs & restaurants, indie boutiques & galleries and the Noordermarkt outdoor marketplace.

Visit the Anne Frank House. This tour offers a poignant view into the famous young diarist's life. Time permitting pre-tour, one of the Museum educators will take you

through the history of Anne Frank in the context of the Second World War and the persecution of the Jews. Through this informative and interactive talk, you will

be well prepared for your visit.

Note: Museum visits are by appointment. Participants who separate from the group or arrive too late may not be granted entry.

Private Lunch and Canal Cruise. From the water, we have the best vantage point to see Amsterdam's most interesting Architecture.

Check in to Hotel Park Plaza Victoria [or similar].

Damrack 1-5, 1012 LG

Amsterdam, Netherlands

107 ZD

+31 20 623 4255

THE REGULATION OF PROSTITUTION IN THE NETHERLANDS Lecture followed by an exploration of the “Life of a Sex Worker,” a behind-the-scenes tour of the Adult Club BonTon. This informative presentation provides a glimpse into the world of the workers and patrons alike. 

Remainder of the evening free. Dinner on your own. This evening you may consider exploring Leidseplein, the bustling nightlife area home to theaters, music venues, restaurants, bars and street performers.

THE CASE FOR RESTITUTION OF STOLEN ART IN THE NETHERLANDS There is a growing movement in the Netherlands to demand the return of stolen art. The Goudstikker collection is just one of many examples of art looted during World War II new subject to potential claims for restitution under Dutch law and an evolving public policy. In this lecture, we learn about the most significant cases against the Dutch government some of which have resulted in the successful return to the heirs of stolen art collections.

Guided visit to the Van Gogh Museum, the largest collection of the tragic painter's work, and the most visited museum in the Netherlands.

Guided visit to the Rijksmuseum, the National Museum of the Netherlands. Home to Dutch Masters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer, this massive collection currently exhibits 8,000 objects of art and history.

Lunch is on your own today. 

On your last day in Amsterdam, enjoy as much free time as desired to sightsee, shop or enjoy the hotel amenities. After your museum visit, you may want to visit the high-end shopping area near Museumplein or stroll through Vondelpark.

Amsterdam Farewell Dinner and entertainment.

Optional morning activities depending on departure time.

Participants will make independent transfers to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS).