Dutch Bulbfields & Floralia

Monday

To Dover for the ferry to Calais then across Belgium and into Holland, arriving at our Dutch hotel in time for dinner and four nights.

Tuesday

Following breakfast we travel to the famous Keukenhof Gardens. We'll spend the morning here, giving plenty of time for strolling at leisure through the gardens, greenhouses and set pieces. In the afternoon, there is free time to explore or maybe take a ride on one of the 'whisper boats', which are almost silent as they sail through the beautiful bulb landscape.

Wednesday

The 'historic triangle' of Enkhuizen, Medemblik and Hoorn is located just above Amsterdam. Here, we enjoy a steamboat ride around the Ijsselmeer coast to Medemblik (Light refreshments -Tea/coffee & Apple Pie included), before taking a fascinating ride by historical steam tram to Hoorn. We also visit the museum at Hoorn, to learn something of the history and development of the Dutch steam tram from 1879 to 1966.

Thursday

Today being Thursday, it's Cheese Market day in Gouda. It's a spectacle that takes place every Thursday morning between April and the end of August, with cheese traders dressed in traditional outfits gathering to weigh their cheeses at the original weigh house. Afterwards we enjoy time to relax and maybe enjoy a waffle for lunch.

Friday

Leaving Holland we visit the ornate city of Ghent, with an included boat trip along the canals to view the gabled buildings. We continue to our hotel near Antwerp for 2 nights.

Saturday

Today we visit the exquisite Floralia at Chateau Grand Bigard near Brussels. Bulbs planted by expert Dutch planters now provide a floral adventure within the grounds of a romantic chateau. To end the day we have a little free time in central Antwerp. Be sure to see the Central Railway Station, one of the most beautiful station buildings in the world.

Sunday

Leaving our hotel we make our way back to Calais and our ferry to Dover and home.