The first signs of Spring have started to appear and to celebrate the new season Great Rail Journeys is announcing the launch of a new tour for Spring 2022 enjoying two fantastic horticultural experiences: Floriade 2022 and the Keukenhof Gardens.
Held in the Netherlands just once every ten years, the Floriade Flower Show is the world’s ultimate flower show, spread over five themed zones across an enormous 66 hectares. Almere is the stage for 2022’s event – a modern garden city that has been built on land reclaimed from the sea, a true Dutch tradition. This decade’s theme is ‘Growing Green Cities’ and there are exhibitions from over 30 different countries, along with stunning displays of plants, vegetables, fruit and produce from across the globe.
Also on the itinerary is a trip to the incredible Keukenhof Gardens. Open for just two months a year, and home to seven million tulips planted every year, the gardens are the perfect embodiment of spring, with hundreds of different flower species delivering row upon row of vivid colours, set amongst tranquil woodland and trickling streams. Also known as ‘the Garden of Europe’, Keukenhof is home to the world’s largest permanent flower garden, giving guests an unbeatable opportunity to admire a range of fantastic floral displays including crocuses, daffodils, orchids and other seasonal flowers.
Across its 80 acres of parkland, Keukenhof also features tranquil ponds, sculpture gardens, greenhouses, a windmill open to the public and several cafés to relax in. Guests will enjoy free time to look around at their own pace and to soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
Julian Appleyard, Commercial Director of Great Rail Journeys said: “Spring is a time of natural beauty across the world and whilst many of our tours travel across spectacular landscapes, there’s none that compare to the vibrancy and splendor on display at Floriade and Keukenhof. Whether you are an avid gardener or not, this is a date in the diary not to be missed.”
Alongside the horticultural highlights, guests will also discover the charming town of Delft where guests can also tour the celebrated Royal Blue porcelain factory. Delft is one of the prettiest towns in the Netherlands, the compact city centre is small enough to explore on foot and boasts tree-lined canals, cobbled avenues and a grand central square known locally as ‘Markt’.
What’s more, those who book can make the most of the escorted tour provider’s flexible booking offer* until the 30th April, giving guests peace of mind that they can transfer their holiday for free should their plans change.
The Floriade Flower Show and Keukenhof Gardens – 5 days from £875 per person**
PRICE: £875 per person. Includes 4 nights 3* hotel accommodation. 6 meals, including 4 breakfasts and 2 dinners. Price based on departure 17thApril 2022. For more information or to book, please call 01904 527180 or visit www.greatrail.com.
The Majestic Rhine (Rail and Cruise) – 8 days from £1,995 per person
From Switzerland to the Netherlands, this spectacular cruise reveals the majesty of the Rhine River in all its fairytale glory. We uncover beautiful valley gorges, splendid halftimbered towns and many of the remarkable cities that line the banks of this grand old river. Sailing through four countries, we uncover unique experiences including the Floriade Flower Show 2022, German heritage rail journeys, French city tours and Dutch steam trains.
PRICE: £1,995 per person. Includes 7 night cruise on board MS Amadeus Silver III or Imperial. 20 meals, including 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners. Price based on departure 14th July 2022. For more information or to book, please call 01904 527180 or visit www.greatrail.com.
Brussels, Bruges and the Floriade Flower Show – 5 days from £795 per person**
Staying in cosmopolitan Brussels, soak in the history and foodie culture of Brussels and Bruges, including a visit to an artisan chocolate maker, before enjoying entrance to the Floriade flower show, a unique horticultural event which only happens every ten years.
PRICE: £795 per person. Includes 4 nights 4* hotel accommodation. 5 meals, including 4 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Price based on departure 21stApril 2022. For more information or to book, please call 01904 527180 or visit www.greatrail.com.
Springtime Tulips and Keukenhof Gardens Fly and Cruise – 8 days from £1,895 per person**
Spectacular floral displays, poignant battlefield tours and fairy-tale cities await on this scenic cruise along the waterways of Belgium and the Netherlands. From the decks of a luxurious river cruise ship, get to the heart of what makes these two charming countries so special as guests are joined for on-board talks from gardening television celebrity Charlie Dimmock and World War I specialist Col. Piers Storie-Pugh.
PRICE: £1,895 per person. Includes 7 night cruise on board the MS Amadeus Silver III, Imperial or Star. 20 meals, including 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners. Price based on departure 8th April 2022. For more information or to book, please call 01904 527180