Fitzgerald Tours makes it easy to schedule a springtime getaway to the Netherlands and Belgium

By Mary Malik

George Bailey, from It’s a Wonderful Life said, “You know what the three most exciting sounds in the world are? Anchor chains, plane motors and train whistles.”

You’ll hear all those sounds on a trip with Fitzgerald Tours in Concord based—and you won’t need to wait nearly as long as George did.

Debra and Tom Fitzgerald invite you to join them for their 21st year of anchor chains, plane motors and train whistles as they explore the beauty and deliciousness of springtime in the Netherlands and Belgium, in April 2023.

Debra and Tom have always loved travel and did a lot of it both for their careers and for pleasure. Twenty years ago, Debra and Tom, both marathon runners, ran the Dublin Marathon and that event led to an interest in hosting tours throughout Europe, and eventually starting Fitzgerald Tours.

“ We had travelled to Ireland previously before opening Fitzgerald’s Irish Bed & Breakfast and decided to run the marathon in 2000. We invited other runner friends and non-runner friends to join us,,” says Debra. “We had so much fun and made the tour an annual tradition, without the marathon.”

Fitzgerald Tours has since expanded their tours to include Italy, England, Scotland, Wales and river cruises throughout Europe and Asia. The Tulip Time Cruise is a Netherlands and Belgium river cruise taking place April 5-13, 2023. You’ll explore Amsterdam’s colorful canals, the whimsical Kinderdijk windmills and the art of Rubens and Michelangelo while indulging in Belgian chocolates, warm waffles, and the amazing cheeses this part of the world is known for.

“The tulips will be in full bloom, the storks will be nesting, and the sweet aroma of the blooms on the linden trees will offer a one-of-a-kind experience for the senses,” says Debra. “And for architecture enthusiasts, we’ll explore the medieval, picturesque treasures of Bruges, Middelburg and Ghent.”

Fitzgerald Tours makes the process easy. You’ll find all the details and the itinerary for this trip and others on their website, where you reserve your spot, choose your cruise cabin, then sit back and relax, dream about your vacation and let Debra and Tom do the rest.

“We handle all of the arrangements, book the flights, schedule excursions together with a partner travel agency in the region, provide transfer service from the east side of Cleveland to and from the airport and keep you updated on everything you need to know before you leave,” says Debra. “And we always have a pre-departure party where you’ll meet others coming along on the trip and get helpful information including packing tips, expectations for weather and foods, facts, and information about the area, and more. We’ve learned a lot through our travels and love to share our tips and tricks.”

One of the best parts of travel for Debra and Tom is the people they meet along the way. Through Fitzgerald Tours, they’ve made lifelong friendships and built relationships with people all around the world.

“We have many return travelers,” says Debra. “Tom and I just love introducing people to different parts of the world they may never see on their own. Each trip is a new adventure, and we’d love for you to join us for this seven-night Tulip Time Cruise, or any of our upcoming tours.”

Fitzgerald Tours is located at 12396 Summerwood Drive in Concord. For information on the Tulip Time Cruise or any trips, call 440-796-3529, email FitzTours@gmail.com or check the website FitzgeraldTours.com.