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... and is known as "the most beautiful spring garden in the world!"

 

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:​

• Amsterdam History Tour: The Dutch Golden Age -- with our local historian we'll explore Amsterdam's canals, following the paths of the long-ago adventurers and merchants who transformed this port city into a major European capital. We'll learn how trade, power, and art intersected during the 17th century to produce the so-called Dutch Golden Age.

• Rijksmuseum -- with a local art historian guide we'll 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.

• Van Gogh Museum -- with a local art historian guide we'll explore Vincent van Gogh's masterpieces in the museum's permanent exhibition seeing such paintings as Sunflowers, Almond Blossom, The Bedroom and The Potato Eaters... plus learn about the artist's life. 

• 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... or venturing on a walk through the city's infamous Red Light District.

 

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

 

We'll travel by train 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 luxury/premiere 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 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/premiere 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 and visit to the Dutch countryside to see fishing villages, windmills and for Holland cheese tasting.

• Tour of Rijksmuseum with a local Dutch art historian guide.

• Tour of the Van Gogh Museum with a local Dutch art historian guide.

• Tickets to Anne Frank House

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

• 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.

• Train transportation from Amsterdam to Brussels.

• Ground transportation for all group activities and day trips.

• Concierge service – with personal & customized service.​ 

 

Arrival & Departure Cities:

Arrival - Amsterdam, Holland

Departure - Brussels, Belgium 

 

Trip Cost:

Luxury/Premiere Hotels:

• To Be Annouced – 7 days / 6 nights per person in double occupancy shared hotel room. Tour cost does not include airfare

• Added cost for private double room hotel accommodation option - To Be Announced  

        

Space Is Limited -- Reserve Early!

Small Group Tour. Limited to 10 Guests.