- Accommodation
- Tour Information
- Introduction
Netherlands
*Prices are per paying passenger based on 2 people sharing a twin room. Single room supplement of £12 per person per night applies. Minimum numbers of 40 passengers apply.
Friday 11th - Monday 14th May 2012
The Netherlands is a country steeped in fascinating culture and art, centuries of history and glorious landscapes; combine this with the friendly nature of the often fluent English speaking locals and you have found the perfect destination for a long weekend getaway! There is certainly plenty to see and do in this wonderful country, but one of its most famous exports, flowers, will give people an extra incentive to visit in 2012! Our long weekend break will be based in the typically Dutch town of Valkenburg in Eastern Holland and will give you the opportunity to visit the largest bulb flower park in the world, Keukenhof, and one of the most awaited events in the Dutch calendar for the last ten years, the Floriade.
Floriade 2012
Floriade is a World Horticultural Expo staged once every ten years in Holland. From April until October 2012, the sixth edition of Floriade will be organised in central-eastern Holland and it is expected that over 2 million visitors will be welcomed here during this time. Visitors to Floriade 2012 will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the world’s most exquisite and exceptional flowers, plants, trees, fruit and vegetables exhibited over 40 hectares, of which much are indoor flower and plant shows. Each day will feature a cultural programme of music, dance, literature, theatre and visual art from all over the world.
Keukenhof
Once you step foot into the Keukenhof it’s easy to see why the 32 hectare park, home to 4.5 million tulips in 100 varieties, was once named one of Europe’s most valued attractions. As well as the country’s most famous export, tulips, the park will be blooming with hyacinths, daffodils, many other spring bulbs and over 87 varieties of trees. Whether you cover as much of the park as you can on foot, enjoy a leisurely boat ride around the park or rent a bike to get around quicker, make sure you take some time to soak up the beautiful surroundings from one of the restaurants or tea pavilions.
Itinerary
Friday 11th May
Leaving London St Pancras at 7.30am, you will travel by coach to Valkenburg, crossing by ferry from Dover to Calais. You will arrive in Holland in time for a relaxed evening meal.
Saturday 12th May
After breakfast you will travel by coach to Venlo, home to Floriade 2012. Spend the day exploring the sights and attractions in the park on foot or via cable car which offers spectacular views of the whole park.
Sunday 13th May
Visit the Keukenhof, a spectacular park filled with over 7 million blooming tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other spring bulbs.
Monday 14th May
Leave the Netherlands behind as you travel back to UK, arriving back into London at 6pm.
Tour Inclusions
- Travel on a Executive Coach from London St Pancras
- Ferry crossings via Dover/Calais
- The services of a Venture Abroad representative
- 3 nights half board accommodation in twin rooms
- Entrance fee to Floriade
- Entrance fee to Keukenhof
Stay Local on Thursday 10th May
If you live outside London then you can avoid an early start by travelling to London on Thursday 10th May and staying overnight at the WAGGGS World Centre, Pax Lodge. The coach will pick you up from here on the morning of Friday 11th May to start your journey to the Netherlands.
Eurotel Atlas Hotel
Eurotel Atlas Hotel is a lovely 3 star hotel located in the centre of Valkenburg. The hotel is adjacent to the town’s shopping areas, monuments and museums, and is the perfect base from which to take in the sights of this picturesque town. All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom, TV/Radio, hair dryer, telephone and tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel has a bar and restaurant making it a convenient place to relax after a day exploring the Floriade or Keukenhof.
