UPDATED (9.2.2025) Itinerary: SPATA 65th Convention

SPATA 65th CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER 14–28, 2025

NETHERLANDS – BELGIUM – LUXEMBOURG – POLAND

Amsterdam – Hague – Bruges – Gouda – Brussels – Luxembourg – Szczecin – Kolobrzeg

This year, to celebrate the 65th anniversary of our SPATA organization, the convention will be held in the Benelux countries and in northwestern Poland – we will explore our beautiful Baltic coast.

AMSTERDAM

September 14 – Departure from JFK to Amsterdam with LOT Polish Airlines
September 15 – Arrival in Amsterdam at 12:40 PM – Hotel check-in
Hotel EDEN Amsterdam

⦁ Short rest after the journey
⦁ 16-16:30 Visit to the exhibition organized by the Polish Culture Foundation celebrating the 750th anniversary of Amsterdam: Polish Traces in Amsterdam. Address Keizersgracht 566
⦁ 18:30 Dinner In De Waag
⦁ Free exploring time

September 16 – Breakfast, and guided city tour

AMSTERDAM – the capital of the Netherlands, from the 13th century recognized around the world by symbols of the Netherlands that include bicycles, canals, and, of course, tulips! Amsterdam is a city of picturesque canals, historical monuments, and world-class museums such as the Van Gogh Museum with its collection of works by the famous painter; the Rijksmuseum – with its magnificent collections of Dutch art and history, including works by Rembrandt.
! Guided City Tour 2 groups !
Group 1: 10:30-12:30
Group 2: 13:30-15:30
⦁ If you have some free time, you can go to the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum individually – all within walking distance.
⦁ ALL Groups meet at Blue Boat dock
⦁ 16:45 Cruise along the “Golden Age” canals – a different perspective on the city
⦁ 19:00 Dinner & free time to explore, Van Puffelen

THE HAGUE

September 17 – Breakfast & departure for The Hague
8:00 am

OPENING CEREMONY FOR SPATA CONVENTION

THE HAGUE, a city in the western Netherlands, located on the North Sea, is the seat of the Dutch government, parliament, and royal family. The Hague has become a center of international importance, housing, among others, the headquarters of the International Court of Justice, the Criminal Court, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and other similar institutions.
⦁ 10:00 AM – Opening Ceremony of the SPATA Convention at the Polish Embassy
⦁ 1:00 PM – Transfer to Zaanse Schans – visit the famous windmill museum – stroll through the picturesque windmill village along the Zaan River. Windmills, colorful houses, and an idyllic atmosphere – this is a place where you can experience and feel the atmosphere of the landscape and what life was like when wind power was harnessed.
⦁ Return to Amsterdam, 7:00 PM – Dinner at Van Puffelen Restaurant

Bruges & Gouda

September 18 – Departure for Brussels, stop in Gouda
8-8:30

After breakfast, depart for the charming old town of Gouda, also famous for its cheese of the same name. For centuries, farmers from surrounding villages have brought cheese to the “Waag” market, where they still observe all the traditional rituals associated with the cheese trade. The cheese is sold by auction – a ceremony that attracts crowds of tourists.

Continuing towards Belgium, stop in Bruges; famous for its beautifully preserved medieval architecture, winding canals, and cobblestone streets. Like some Dutch cities, Bruges is famous for its canals. From the 13th to the 15th centuries, as a major European trading center, waterways have long played a key role in the city’s development and connectivity. Bruges, Belgium, is one of the most romantic destinations.
⦁ Walking tour of the charming town of Bruges
⦁ Continue to Brussels; Hotel check-in, Ibis Brussels

BRUSSELS

September 19 – Breakfast, guided tour of Brussels

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and also serves as the informal capital of the European Union. The city is home to many key EU institutions, such as the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, and the European Parliament. It is an important administrative, commercial, and financial center, as well as the headquarters of NATO. This cosmopolitan city is the seat of the King and Parliament of Belgium.

• Walk through Brussels
• Dinner & free time

September 20 – Brussels guided tour

⦁ Breakfast – bus ride to the European Parliament
Discover the historic center and its most important monuments, such as St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Royal Palace. Stroll through the Grand Place, the heart of the city, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
⦁ 12:13:00 Visit to the Parliament
⦁ 1:30 PM – Guided tour begins: Walk through Fiftieth Anniversary Park, Arc de Triomphe, Schuman Roundabout, Leopold Park. Drive up to the Atomium – the symbol of Brussels. It is also possible to visit AUTOWORLD – the car museum (depending on time, fitness, and participants’ interests).
⦁ Free time

Luxembourg

September 21st – Luxembourg guided tour, dinner, overnight

Luxembourg (Grand Duchy of Luxembourg) is a small country in Western Europe bordering Belgium, France, and Germany. Its capital, also named Luxembourg, is renowned for its UNESCO-listed historic center. Luxembourg combines the charm of a country rich in history and monuments with modernity and a very high standard of living.
⦁ After an early breakfast, we set off towards Poland, but before that we stop in Luxembourg.
⦁ Dinner and overnight stay in Luxembourg: Accommodation: MELIA LUXEBURG HOTEL
⦁ September – A full-day journey awaits us, stopping for coffee and lunch.
⦁ Arrival in Szczecin in the evening, check-in at the hotel: Courtyard by Marriott

Szczecin

September 22nd – Full day travel to Szczecin

Szczecin’s history dates back to the times when the city was a powerful port and one of the largest trade centers in Pomerania. The city has a unique character, historic architecture, and is famous for its numerous parks. Its buildings and streets are built in a star-shaped pattern, reminiscent of Paris.
⦁ Full day travel, stopping for coffee, lunch, etc.
⦁ Arrival in Szczecin in the evening, Hotel check-in, dinner

September 23rd – Guided tour of Szczecin City Center

Walking through the city center, we will see, among others: the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle; the Chrobry Embankments; the Przełomy Dialogue Center; and the Philharmonic Hall.
⦁ 9:30 – 12:30 guided tour of the center of Szczecin
⦁ Walking through the city center, we’ll see, among others: the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle; the Chrobry Walls; the Przelomy Dialogue Center, and the Philharmonic Hall.
⦁ 2:30 PM Arrival in Kolobrzeg, check-in at the DIUNE Hotel

Kołobrzeg

September 23-26 – Breakfast, departure for Kołobrzeg & stop in Świnoujście

Kołobrzeg is a renowned Baltic resort, nestled on healing brine springs, and one of the oldest cities in Pomerania. Kołobrzeg’s main attractions include the Lighthouse, one of the city’s most recognizable symbols; the Kołobrzeg Pier, one of the longest structures of its kind in Poland, measuring 220 meters; a place for romantic walks along the Baltic Sea. Also worth seeing are the Co-Cathedral Basilica, a monumental Gothic temple from the 14th century; the Neo-Gothic Town Hall, built in the 19th century; its distinctive red brick architecture and beautifully decorated interior make it one of the city’s most important landmarks; the Amphitheater, a venue for numerous summer concerts, festivals, and theater performances; and the Sea Port, home to a fishing port where you can observe the daily work of fishermen, and a marina for yachts.

• the Lighthouse, one of the city’s most recognizable symbols
• the Kołobrzeg Pier – one of the longest structures of its kind in Poland, measuring 220 meters and a wonderful place for romantic walks along the Baltic Sea
• The Co-Cathedral Basilica, a monumental Gothic temple from the 14th century
• The neo-Gothic Town Hall, built in the 19th century; its distinctive red brick architecture and beautifully decorated interior make it one of the city’s most important landmarks
• The Amphitheater, a venue for numerous concerts, festivals, and theater performances during the summer
• The Sea Port, home to the fishing port where you can observe the daily work of fishermen, and a marina for yachts

The Future Tourism Congress in KOLOBRZEG is taking place from September 23rd to 26th, and SPATA was invited to participate in this Congress. It is a great honor and distinction for us to participate in such an important event.

Below is a preliminary outline of the program for the stay in Kolobrzeg – the timetable is subject to change; everyone will be kept informed:

September 24-25 – Conference: Meetings, Panels, and Discussions

After check-in:
⦁ 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM Congress opening ceremony – presentations by invited guests
⦁ 4:20 PM – 6:00 PM Inaugural lectures
⦁ 8:30 PM – 11:00 PM Concert and buffet dinner

September 24th
⦁ 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM Participation in meetings, panels, and discussions
⦁ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Lunch (hotel restaurant)
⦁ 3:30 PM – 5:45 PM Panel discussions
⦁ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Buffet dinner (hotel)
⦁ 8:00 PM Networking

September 25 – Congress closing and Grand Gala for World Tourism Day!!

⦁ 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM Panel discussions – meetings
⦁ 13 – 3:00 PM Dinner (hotel restaurant)
⦁ 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM Tourist program – pre-registration required: guided walk on the beach; electric cart tour of Kolobrzeg’s most important attractions; sunset cruise
⦁ 8:30 PM – midnight Gala (max. 1 hour) celebrating World Tourism Day and the 25th anniversary of the Polish Tourist Organisation (hotel conference room) – dinner and concert
NOTE: This is not a full-blown gala, but a formal gathering, a summary of meetings – business casual attire – no long dresses or suits

September 26 – Breakfast, departure for the Gdansk airport – flight to the USA

⦁ Breakfast
⦁ 12:00 Congress Summary Panel
⦁ 12:00 Congress Closing
⦁ Airport Transfers – Departure to the USA or extension of stay in Poland, at your discretion

NOTE: Due to circumstances beyond the organizers’ control, the program and the order of sightseeing may change.