CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW & SPRINGTIME IN THE ALPS

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Spring Blooms: A Refreshing 18-Day Guided Tour of The Netherlands, Belgium & Germany

From the flowers of London’s Chelsea Flower Show to the fresh air of the Swiss Alps and springtime along the Seine in Paris, this three-week tour recharges and rejuvenates. In Amsterdam, visit the world’s largest flower auction, where over 19 million blooms are sold each day. Not to be outdone, Louis XIV’s magnificent grounds at the Versailles Châteaux are sure to delight before a glittering evening in Paris and a trip to the lily pond of the Monet Gardens. Onward to the UK through Royal Tunbridge Wells, the fabulous Sissinghurst Gardens give way to the magnificent floral displays and show gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show. A sumptuous Thames River dinner cruise ends the vacation in style.

Monnickendam Cheese Workshop and Clog Making Demonstration

Journey through the polder landscape to visit Monnickendam. Along the way, visit a rustic cheese workshop to learn the secrets of the dairy industry and witness the ancient art of clog making.

Wisley Garden

Explore the beautiful Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden and delight the senses with roses of all shapes, sizes, colors and fragrances. Stroll through the picturesque orchard, the huge cathedral like Glasshouse and the Exotic Garden.

Chelsea Flower Show

Experience the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show, an inspiring and enjoyable showcase of fabulous floral displays and cutting-edge garden design. Immerse yourself in color and ingenuity as you enjoy the very best show gardens, flowers, and gardening from around the world.

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Start from USD 5,900 per person

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USD 5,900

per person

Reserve Now

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Day 1

Arrive Amsterdam

Dinner with Wine

Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam

Activity

Welcome to the vibrant, artistic city of Amsterdam, famed for its canals, art museums, cobbled streets, and its bicycles! Airport transfers to your hotel depart at 09:00, 11:30 and 14:30, then your time is yours to explore this fascinating city. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers on board a canal boat for a delicious Welcome Dinner and a cruise along the city’s beautiful canals.

Day 2

Aalsmeer and Keukenhof

Breakfast

Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam

Activity

For the early risers experience the excitement at the very epicenter of the international flower trade! Each day, over 19 million flowers are sold at ‘Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer’, the world’s largest flower auction. Witness all the action from a specially designed viewing gallery as traders bid against the clock for a mind-blowing assortment of blooms. A unique experience you’ll remember forever! Keukenhof, is hailed as the most beautiful spring garden in the world. And for good reason – the sea of color is breath-taking. With tulips as the showstopper, you can also expect to see a wide array of flowers including roses, lilies, daffodils, and irises.

Day 3

Amsterdam to Maastricht

Breakfast

Amrath Grand Hotel de l'Empereur & Select Hotel Maastricht

Activity

Journey through the polder landscape to visit Monnickendam. Along the way, visit a rustic cheese workshop to learn the secrets of the dairy industry and witness the ancient art of clog making. Continue to the pretty town of Maastricht on the Dutch/Belgian border. Join your Local Expert for a guided visit of the city. The heart of the city is home to the beautiful Vrijthof square. This special square has become famous as the backdrop to the summer concerts including Andre Rieu, walk around Vrijthof square and take in the breath-taking panoramas.

Day 4

Medieval Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Hotel Eisenhut

Activity

Venture to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the best-preserved town on the Romantic Road. Plunge back into the 16th century during your orientation as you walk through narrow cobbled streets lined with high-gabled houses to the market square, dominated by its Renaissance town hall. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure for further exploration on your own. For your Dine-Around Evening, you're offered an excellent selection of Rothenburg restaurants, each with its own distinctive ambience and cuisine. From local Franken specialties to international menus, your Travel Director's inside knowledge ensures a more intimate and authentic dining experience.

Day 5

Rothenburg ob der Tauber your way

Breakfast

Hotel Eisenhut

Activity

The day is yours to enjoy the medieval town at your leisure, perhaps visit one of the Christmas stores to purchase some decorations, or even visit Rothenburg Castle Gardens.

Day 6

Rothenburg to Munich

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Leonardo Royal Hotel

Activity

Continue on the “Romantic Road”, meandering through river valleys and rolling countryside, heading for the Bavarian capital of Munich. An orientation on arrival gives you the chance to explore the Olympic Stadium, University, Victory Arch and the stunning Marienplatz. Soak up the sublime mix of traditional and enjoy the lakes, parks beer gardens and museums.

Day 7

Munich to The Dolomites

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Parkhotel Laurin

Activity

This morning we travel to Austria to visit the Alpine city of Innsbruck, set in a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Enjoy an orientation with your Travel Director as you walk the narrow streets of the Old Town, lined with medieval houses and arcades, to see the Golden Roof. Continue through the Italian Alps and some of the most spectacular scenery Europe has to offer, before arriving at the stunning town of Bolzano. Explore the streets and squares of this alpine town, with your Travel Director.

Day 8

The Dolomites - Italian Lakes

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Hotel Simplon

Activity

Descending the Dolomites, head to the medieval walled town of Soave, in the Veneto region of Italy. This fascinating town is famed for its wine, and is situated at the foot of an impressive castle. On an orientation tour with your Travel Director, admire the intricate architecture of the churches and palaces, including the Palazzo di Giustizia, the 14th century law court and the residence of the Captains of Serenissima. Continue through picturesque scenery to the much loved Italian Lakes District, and settle into your lakeside hotel for a two night stay in this stunning region.

Day 9

Italian Lakes

Breakfast

Hotel Simplon

Activity

The Italian Lakes District, a favorite haunt for artists and travelers where a full day is set aside to relax and enjoy. Take a cruise to Isola Bella, the largest and most famous island, renowned for its incredible palace and stunning Botanical Gardens. There is a guided tour of this privately owned palace with free time to admire the gardens.

Day 10

Italian Lakes - Swiss Alps

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald

Activity

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Como. Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, this is a prime people watching spot with Europe’s rich and famous. Travel across the border into Switzerland and ascend the Swiss Alps where we stay for the next two nights.

Day 11

Grindelwald Valley Excursion

Breakfast

Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald

Activity

Marvel at the dramatic glacial views as you travel along Grindelwald Valley, and follow the sparkling Lutschine River to Lauterbrunnen. Enjoy your orientation of the village that takes its name from 'many fountains,' referring to the 72 waterfalls that are within the surrounding valley. See the Staubbach Falls plunge 300 meters. Later, perhaps take a cog- wheel train ride to the summit of the Jungfrau Mountain?

Day 12

Grindelwald - Chailly-sur-Armançon

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Hotel Golf Chateau de Chailly

Activity

This morning, we visit Chillon Castle, set on a rocky inlet on Lake Geneva, immortalized by Lord Byron's 'Prisoner of Chillon'. For nearly four centuries, this water fortress was the residence of the Counts of Savoy and an important stop for traders. We stop in the nearby resort town of Montreux, set against the pristine backdrop of snow-covered peaks and vineyards, with time for lunch before continuing to Burgundy and historic Dijon. Enjoy a walking tour with your Travel Director through the medieval streets where you are sure to appreciate the wealth and elegance of the city’s architectural heritage. Your day concludes at Château de Chailly, a magnificent castle in the heart of Burgundy dating from the 16th century and full of history, where you stay overnight and dine on Burgundian specialties.

Day 13

Chailly-sur-Armançon to Paris

Breakfast

Le Méridien Etoile

Activity

Visit the Château de Versailles, one of the most beautiful achievements of 18th century French art. Visit the Château and the extensive gardens which in Louis XIV’s view were just as important as the Château itself. In glittering Paris tonight, perhaps see one of the world-famous cabaret shows for an evening of glamour?

Day 14

Paris & Monet's Garden

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Le Méridien Etoile

Activity

This morning, take a short trip to Giverny and visit the charming house and gardens where, the great Impressionist painter, Claude Monet, lived and worked from 1883 until his death in 1926. The stunning gardens were the inspiration for his famous water lilies paintings. Return to Paris where this afternoon is at leisure and, in the evening, enjoy a highlight dinner in true French style.

Day 15

Paris to Tunbridge Wells

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

The Spa Hotel Tunbridge Wells

Activity

After crossing the channel to Britain this morning from Calais, continue to Sissinghurst, one of the best known and admired gardens in the world. Explore the amazing series of garden spaces and climb the tower for a fabulous view. Then settle into your hotel in picturesque Kent.

Day 16

Wisley Gardens to London

Breakfast

Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth

Activity

The Gardens of Wisley were gifted to the Royal Horticultural Society in 1903 and since then it has evolved into a world class garden. Explore the beautiful Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden, picturesque orchard and the huge cathedral-like glass house. Continue to London to your hotel located by Buckingham Palace, where the rest of the day and evening is at your leisure.

Day 17

Chelsea Flower Show

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth

Activity

A transfer in the morning takes you to the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show. Bringing together the very best show gardens, flowers, and gardening from around the world, lose yourself amongst the magnificent floral displays and model gardens. Enjoy elaborate displays featuring courtyard, city and roof gardens, and hear from the experts. This evening dine on a spectacular Thames River Dinner Cruise, the perfect way to toast your travel companions and complete your memorable journey! (Dress code for the dinner cruise: Smart attire – dinner jacket recommended)

Day 18

Farewell London

Breakfast

Activity

After breakfast bid your Travel Director and fellow travel companions farewell, and transfer to London Heathrow Airport to meet your ongoing flight.

Start from

USD 5,900

per person

Reserve Now

includes

Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Our Well-Being Directors take a proactive approach to your welfare ensuring all well-being regulations are met (available on tours with 21 or more guests).
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

excludes

All international / domestic flights, taxes & fees
All personal expenses & porterage
Travel visa application (if needed)
Gratuities / Tipping & Travel insurance coverage
High season surcharge (if applicable)