Itinerary
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Monday, May 14 – Arrive Amsterdam, Netherlands; Welcome Dinner (D)
Arrive Amsterdam no later than 11:00am. Group transfers will be provided based on arrival times. This afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of Amsterdam including a canal cruise and a visit to Ann Frank’s House. This evening, we gather for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Amsterdam.
Tuesday, May 15 – Amersfoort, Gardens of Appeltern (B)
This morning we board our private coach and begin our travels through the Netherlands to the Floriade. Our first stop is near Amersfoort, where we will visit a private garden. We will then continue on to the Gardens of Appeltern, with more than 200 model gardens and the largest collection of plants in the Netherlands. Van der Valk Cujik Hotel for 3 nights.
Wednesday, May 16 – Floriade (B, L, D)
Today we have the entire day to take in Floriade 2012. The flower expo includes a cultural program of music, dance, literature, theatre and visual art from all over the world. Sustainable, pioneering, architectural eye catchers, as never seen before, will be shown for the first time at Floriade 2012. Using the senses of sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell, you can experience the influence horticulture has on our daily lives. It will be a full day and we will all be pretty tired when we return to the hotel. Relax some before we have dinner together at the hotel this evening.
Thursday, May 17 – Magraten, De Heerenhof Gardens, Giardino Garden Sculpture Gallery (B)
Our first stop this morning will be at Magraten, American Cemetery and Memorial. As a group we will place a floral wreath on the grave of the Unknown Soldier. We then continue on to the De Heerenhof Gardens in Maastricht. We also visit the Giardino garden sculpture gallery where we admire sculptures in a beautiful setting. In the afternoon we will tour Maastricht, the oldest city in the Netherlands.
Friday, May 18 – City Tour – Paris (B, D)
Today we depart Holland and travel on to Paris. Upon arrival, we are met by our local guide for a panoramic city tour of Paris. We see the sights for which Paris is famous including the Champs Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and the Cathedral of Notre Dame. We conclude the afternoon at our hotel in Paris. Dinner tonight is at the hotel. Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel Paris for 3 nights.
Saturday, May 19 – Giverny & Monet Gardens/ Seine River Cruise of Paris (B)
Nearby Giverny are the gardens which the Impressionist painter, Claude Monet, believed to be his greatest artistic achievement. Here we see inspiration for many of Monet’s paintings, particularly the lily pond and the Japanese bridge. This afternoon will be some leisure time to explore Paris before we meet for an evening Seine River Cruise.
Sunday, May 20 – Day at Leisure (B, D)
It’s a free day to explore Paris’s many treasures. If you like, join your tour leader who will have many suggestions. The Sacre Coeur sits at the highest point of Paris. Take the funicular up and stop off at Sacre Coeur before exploring the winding village-like streets of Montmartre. Visit the Louvre or Notre Dame Cathedral. Stroll the grandiose Avenue des Champs-Elysees for some shopping or a stop at a sidewalk cafe. We will gather back at the hotel and go out to a lovely French restaurant for dinner together.
Monday, May 21 – Paris to London by Train; City tour of London (B)
After breakfast, we take the Eurostar to London. The Eurostar speeds you through the Chunnel, one of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects – an amazing feet of engineering - and concludes in the heart of London. We are met by our coach and guide who will give us a tour of London, including Big Ben and Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey and Piccadilly Circus and the Tower of London. Overnight Copthorne Tara London 2 nights.
Tuesday, May 22 – Chelsea Flower Show (B, D)
For gardening enthusiasts, the Chelsea Flower show, held annually in London, is one of the most prestigious flower shows in the world. The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity dedicated to advancing horticulture. Today we have the opportunity to visit the best show of them all, the Chelsea Flower Show. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel.
Wednesday, May 23 – Return Home
Today we say goodbye to Europe’s Garden Cities as our trip comes to an end. Make your return flight for 10:00am or later. One group transfer to the airport is included.