“Once every ten years, all the horticultural greats gather during this International Horticultural Exhibition. Experts from all over the world come together at Floriade to present green solutions that make our cities more enjoyable, beautiful and sustainable. Within the theme ‘Growing Green Cities’, more than 400 national and international participants showcase their latest green innovations, solutions and applications. From state-of-the-art solar roof tiles to amazing vertical façade gardens and from the best ways to grow tomatoes to the latest pruning techniques. You can see, taste and experience it all at Floriade.”
We are pairing the once every ten years experience of Floriade with the exploration of Holland and Belgium.
Immerse yourself in a feast for the senses as you travel through the Netherlands and Belgium. Taste rich Belgian chocolates. Admire the beautiful architecture and artistry of castles. Inhale the aroma of freshly pressed Belgian waffles and Dutch street fries. And feel the gentle breeze dance along your cheeks as you cruise through the Amsterdam canals. Ready to Go?
Days 1 Amsterdam
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam. Enjoy some of them on a canal cruise, visit the Anne Frank Museum, or lose yourself at the the Van Gogh Museum.
Day 2 Amsterdam
Later in the day, enjoy a scenic cruise out of Amsterdam to Utrecht, a far-reaching city boasting a medieval old town, canals and a beautiful Gothic cathedral. Enjoy a walking or bike tour to experience all aspects of the city!
Day 3 Veere
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise before arriving in Veere. Tour the town square, where some houses boast gorgeous gardens – although the highlight is the town hall, with its 48-bell carillon! For those who prefer an active adventure, pedal from Veere, with its cobblestone streets and charming harbor, to the historic town of Middelberg and back
Day 4 Ghent
Stroll or pedal and learn about the unique history of Capital of East Flanders. Alternatively, visit Bruges, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, that includes the renowned Church of Our Lady, home to the beautiful Carrara marble Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo. Or visit the town later in the day or spend your afternoon at Ghent’s moated Castle of the Counts, which boasts an eye-catching design as well as a ghoulishly interesting collection of medieval torture devices.
Day 5 Brussels
Explore Brussels on a guided walking tour or pedal on a guided bike ride. For the history enthusiast, travel back in time with sites related to World War II’s historic Battle of the Bulge and toast fallen soldiers with a tasting of Trappist beer brewed by monks. Or choose from excursions that include a visit to Beersel Castle, one of the oldest and authentic moated castles in Flanders, or delight your palate with a Belgian chocolate tasting.
Day 6 Antwerp
Explore Belgium’s trendy “City of Diamonds” on a walking tour where you’ll see Antwerp’s Steen Castle, Grote Market and Brabo Fountain, along with the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady. Later in the day, beer enthusiasts will appreciate a tasting of the local brew while foodies may prefer our excursion to sample some of Belgium’s culinary delights such as its fresh and fluffy waffles.
Day 7 Kinderdijk
If you prefer to venture off the beaten path, head to the smaller town of Gorinchem with its picturesque Old Town or go on an architectural bike tour through Rotterdam. In the afternoon, venture to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, a lovely village renowned for having the country’s greatest concentration of windmills, all dating from the 18th century. Feel the breeze as you pedal past the windmills from the seat of a bike.
Day 8 Amsterdam
Time to make sure you did not miss anything and return home!