Floriade 2022 Amsterdam
Day 1 Overnight flight
Day 2 Zaanse Schans – Beemster Polder – Amsterdam
Arrival at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Meet your driver and tour escort and depart to the recreated Dutch village dating back to 1850, the Zaanse Schans. Wander about the unique village, full of wooden houses, windmills, and workshops, and step back in time. Visit one of the mills that are still in operation, the bakery museum, see the cheese factory, tin foundry and view a range of traditional Dutch crafts such as cheese and clog making. Enjoy a typical Dutch Pancake lunch together. Time permitting, you will travel through the unique polder landscape (UNESCO World Heritage listed) of the Beemster Polder to Amsterdam. On route you will make a short stop in Edam, the city of cheese. Edam cheese has been a famous Dutch export product since the Golden Age. Check in at the hotel and have some time to relax before dinner.
Welcome dinner and overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 3 Amsterdam
This morning enjoy a guided walking tour of Amsterdam to discover the capital of the Netherlands. Amsterdam was founded in the Middle Ages and has many historical buildings. You will see the most important sights such as the Dam Square with the impressive Royal Palace and New Church, the canals with the arched bridges, and Waterloo Square. Afterwards visit the Rijksmuseum, with an expert guide. This museum features famous paintings such as Rembrandt’s `Night watch’ and `Jewish bride’. Paintings by Johannes Vermeer, Frans Hals, Jacob van Ruisdael are on exhibit as well. In the afternoon you will visit the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. In the garden and the greenhouses a staggering 4,000 types of plants from all over the world can be seen. An expert guide will show you around in this haven of tranquillity.
Overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 4 Amsterdam – Floriade Expo – Amsterdam
After breakfast you will depart to Almere to visit the Floriade, World Horticultural Expo, which has become the largest public event in the Netherlands. The theme of the Floriade Expo 2022 is ‘Growing Green Cities’. During the Expo, different countries, cities and companies will offer inspiring ideas about the Green City of the Future. As a visitor, you can participate and contribute to four relevant sub-themes: green, food, energy and health. Return to Amsterdam, remainder of the day free for independent activities.
Overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 5 Amsterdam – Aalsmeer Flower Auction – Keukenhof or Palace ‘het Loo’ – Amsterdam
In the early morning you will travel to Aalsmeer. Here you will see the trading in action at the world’s largest flower market, the Aalsmeer Flower Auction. In a building approximately the size of a 100 soccer fields, many different kind of flowers are traded. Afterwards you will visit the Keukenhof. This world renowned display garden is a 70-acre estate where 6 million bulbs are planted annually by local growers. The Keukenhof is the world’s largest exhibition of blooming tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. * For tours that are held outside the Keukenhof opening dates, a visit to the former Royal Palace ‘het Loo’ in Apeldoorn is included instead. Palace ‘het Loo’ has been a summer residence for the Dutch Royals until 1975 and now is a National Museum. The carefully restored rooms, French gardens, large collection of Royal carriages and surrounding forest are a delight to wander around. Return to Amsterdam.
Overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 6 Amsterdam – Delft – Amsterdam
Before travelling to Delft, you will visit the private garden of Emely Häcker near Leiderdorp. The visit will be concluded with a cup of coffee or tea. Travel onwards to Delft, with its historic city center and famous for its characteristic Delft’s Blue Porcelain. Enjoy some free time in the city centre. In the afternoon you will visit Royal Delft’s factory, ‘the Porceleyne Fles’ where you will discover the complete history and production process of Delft’s Blue Porcelain. You will experience the painters’ passion during a painting demonstration and will walk through the factory where craftsmen are still producing. Return to Amsterdam and have some time to relax before dinner.
Farewell dinner and overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 7 Departure
After breakfast you will depart for Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for your flight back home.