Floriade 2022 Holland & germany

Day 1  Overnight flight

Day 2  Zaanse Schans – Beemster Polder – 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. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure to explore this vibrant city on your own.
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 – Arcen – Maastricht  

Before travelling to Arcen and Maastricht, you will visit the private garden of Emely Häcker near Leiderdorp. The visit will be concluded with a cup of coffee or tea. During your journey southwards, you will stop at the fortified town of Arcen, situated between the Maas river and Germany. Here you will visit the Castle Garden Arcen, a series of extensive gardens covering 32 hectares in total. On the estate you will discover the beauty and scents of flowers and plants in over 15 different gardens, such as the Baroque Rosarium and the oriental water garden. There will be time to visit the 17th century castle as well. Before arriving in Maastricht, you will visit Thorn, a picturesque village with lovely white houses. The village has a rich history dating back to the late 10th century and the town centre is a protected heritage area. Enjoy some free time here to stroll through the cobblestone streets and see the beautiful Abbey Church. Travel onwards to Maastricht, where you will arrive in the late afternoon. Overnight in Maastricht.

Day 7  Maastricht

Maastricht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and founded by the Romans. Its name is derived from Mosa Trajectum which means river crossing. This morning starts with a guided walking tour of this charming city, to see the Stokstraat Quarter, the Our Beloved Lady Church, the old city walls and the churches at the Vrijthof. Afterwards you will cruise the river Maas to the Mount St. Peter Caves. Enjoy a tour by torchlight through a labyrinth of tunnels. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the  Apostelhoeve, located just outside Maastricht. Here, at ‘the Louwberg’ (Louw mountain) you will visit the oldest and largest winery of the Netherlands. Learn all about cultivating grapes in the Dutch climate and the specific soil in this region, consisting of gravel and marl with a layer of loess on top. The tour ends with a wine tasting. Return to the city and the remainder of the day at leisure in Maastricht. Overnight in Maastricht.

Day 8  Maastricht – Monschau – Koblenz –  Rüdesheim am Rhein

This morning you will travel into Germany. Your first stop will be Monschau, considered the most beautiful village in the Eiffel region, with its half-timbered, slate roofed houses  and atmospheric narrow streets. Continue your journey with a delightful drive through the Rhine River Valley to Koblenz. In Koblenz enjoy time on your own to see the German Corner or Deutsches Eck, it refers to the long slip of land between the Rhine and Mosel river. From here, you can walk through the beautiful Rhine Gardens, a promenade and walkways connecting the green spaces on the east bank of the Rhine river. Walking  upstream, you will see fortress Ehrenbreitstein, an Augustinian Monastery, the Electoral Palace, the Pfaffendorf Bridge and  the historic Weindorf, a reconstruction of a Mosel village built in 1925. In the late afternoon you will arrive in Rüdesheim, a quaint wine village with an authentic and picturesque atmosphere.
Overnight in Rüdesheim.

Day 9  Rüdesheim am Rhein – Rhine River Cruise – Rüdesheim am Rhein   

Your day starts with a Rhine River cruise, to see the Loreley Cliffs where legend says a blonde nymph lured passing sailors with her chant, to perilous waters and rocks. This river route is laced with lovely villages, beautiful churches, lofty mountainside vineyards and grand castles.

Afterwards return to Rüdesheim and spend the rest of the day at leisure. You might want to visit the Rheingau Wine Museum or Benedictine Abbey of St. Hildegard. Or stroll through the Drosselgasse, a cobbled street filled with historic buildings, restaurants, bars and shops. Conclude your day with a festive farewell dinner in a traditional ‘Weingasthaus’.

Farewell dinner and overnight in Rüdesheim.

Day 10 Departure

After breakfast transfer to Frankfurt Airport for your flight back home.