A sensational springtime bucket list small group trip for flower and garden lovers.... especially for those who love the magnificent colorful beauty of springtime tulips!

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The week will be packed seeing world-class gardens in Holland and Belgium in the height of spring when tulips are in full bloom!

 

We'll meet in Amsterdam where we'll be based our first four nights in a luxury boutique hotel located on one of the city's most beautiful canals.

 

With our local Dutch historian guide specializing in landscape and garden architecture, we'll take a day trip to visit the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, Keukenhof is one of Europe's most beautiful gardens encompassing over 200 hectares with over 7 million spring-flowering bulbs. This year's theme is "Flower Power"!

 

On the way from Amsterdam to Keukenhof Gardens we'll pass the center of the Netherlands's tulip industry seeing carpets of flowers in the Dutch tulip fields. We'll learn about the history of tulips in the Netherlands, leading to the heightened "tulipmania" of the early 17th century. And we'll learn about the development the of Holland's industrialized floral farming and the continued importance of floriculture for Holland’s economy in the 21st century.

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Our Holland itinerary will also include:

• Aalsmeer Flower Auction -- the largest flower auction in the world, located in the largest building in the world.

• Rijksmuseum -- with a local art historian guide we'll take a private tour one of the world’s great museums, learning about and seeing renowned works from Dutch masters -- Rembrandt, Vermeer, Steen, and Ruisdael... and from some more obscure Dutch artists.

• Amsterdam Boat Tour -- we'll tour through Amsterdam's canal belt (a UNESCO World Heritage site,) with awe inspiring views of the city's 17th-century architecture and quaint bridges.

• Dutch Cheese Tasting Session -- Holland is one of the world largest cheese producing countries. Its cheeses have distinctive and complex tastes characterizing Holland artisan cheeses from other countries. We'll have a special cheese tasting session with a Dutch expert.

 

There will be free time in Amsterdam for... personal sightseeing, shopping and relaxing... visiting the Anne Frank House, tour the Vincent van Gogh Museum... taking a walking tour through the city's infamous Red Light District.

 

Thursday we're off to Belgium... another garden lover's paradise!

 

We'll travel by train, going 1st-class, from Amsterdam Centraal railway station to Brussels, the capital of Belgium. We'll be based for two nights in the historic city-centre of Brussels near the pictureque Grande Place, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe

 

Thursday afternoon we'll visit colorful Floralia Brussels, Belgium's major spring flower exhibition located in the park and the greenhouses of the castle of Grand Bigard (Groot-Bijgaarden.) The exhibition is an unforgettable "tulip time" Belgium experience for flower lovers. The park consists of 14 hectares incorporating nearly all spring bulb varieties. Gardeners of the castle plant more than one million bulbs. Special attention goes to the tulips, with almost 400 varieties... hyacinths and daffodils are also well represented.

 

Late afternoon will be open to tour Brussels on your own... see the Manneken Pis... taste delicious Belgium chocolate... browse the shops in Saint-Hubert Royal Galleries... relax at a Brussels pub and enjoy a Belgium beer.

 

Friday we are off on a day trip to explore beautiful medieval Bruges with our local historical guide

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Friday evening we’ll gather back in Brussels for a traditional Belgium Flemish-French cuisine farewell gala dinner.

 

Great trip for friends, couples and for solo travelers. Limited to 15 persons.

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Holland & Belgium Tulip Time Garden Tour Is Designed To Provide:

• A fabulous springtime vacation experience in Holland & Belgium when tulips are in full bloom!

• Friendly and fun small group environment limited to 15 persons. Enjoy the camaraderie and begin friendships with like-minded travelers.

• A comprehensive week in the height of tulip season visiting world-renowned gardens in Holland and Belgium... learning about the global tulip industry... staying in premiere/signature boutique hotels located in the historic city centres of Amsterdam & Brussels... learning about & seeing famous works of the great Dutch masters painters... boat tour through Amsterdam's historic canal district... tasting session of Holland cheeses... and much more!

• Free time for personal exploring & sightseeing... shopping... relaxing.

• Optional group morning pleasure walks led by WalkEurope president, Tom Harter.

• Recommended restaurants should you want to explore on your own, yet everyone own, is invited to join for local-cuisine group meals.

• Concierge service & support – fully escorted tour, personal & customized service for a WORRY-FREE vacation!

 

What's Included:​​

• Six nights accommodations in luxury hotels.

• Daily hotel buffet breakfasts.

• Welcome Reception -- an opportunity to meet other tour guests and review the week's itinerary.

• Farewell Dinner -- featuring traditional Belgium cuisine hosted by WalkEurope.

• Day trip to Keukenhof Gardens with local Dutch guide specializing in landscape and garden architecture.

• Morning tour to the Aalsmeer Flower Auction.

• Tour of Rijksmuseum with local Dutch art historian guide.

• Amsterdam Boat Tour -- through the historic canal district.

• Holland Cheese Tasting Session -- with local expert.

• Visit to Floralia Brussels.

• Day trip to Bruges with local Belgium historical guide.

• Gardens, museums, palaces, castles, villas entrance fees for all group activities and day trips.

• Optional Morning Pleasure Walks - before breakfast group city walks.

• 1st-class train transportation from Amsterdam to Brussels.

• Ground transportation for all group activities and day trips.

• Concierge service – with personal & customized service.​ 

 

Arrival & Departure City:

Arrival - Amsterdam, Holland

Departure - Brussels, Belgium 

 

Trip Cost:

• $7,225 – 7 days / 6 nights per person in double occupancy shared hotel room. Tour cost does not include airfare.

• $6,975 – Early-Bird Discount. Save $250 by signing up and full payment before February 15, 2023.

• Added cost for private single room hotel accommodation option - $1,500     

        

Space Is Limited -- Reserve Early!

Small Group Tour. Limited to 15 Guests.