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Floriade is a World Horticultural Expo staged once every ten years in the Netherlands. During the period from April until mid-October 2012, the sixth edition of Floriade will be organised in Venlo. The participating countries, businesses and horticultural companies and public and semi-public bodies present visitors to Floriade 2012 with the opportunity to enjoy the world's most exquisite and exceptional flowers, plants, trees and fruit and vegetables.

But Floriade 2012 offers much more. Each day features a cultural program of music, dance, literature, theatre and visual art from all over the world. Sustainable, pioneering architectural eye catchers, as never seen before, will be shown for the first time at Floriade 2012. Serious and casual gardeners alike should make this a "must see" for 2012 since 2022 is a long way off!

 

 

Day 1 – Amsterdam Arrival

Amsterdam is often referred to as one of the most colorful cities in the world. And rightly so! With its beautiful tree lined canals, world famous museums, 17th century townhouses, infamous coffee shops and flower markets there is something for everyone. You can't fail to fall for Amsterdam's relaxed charm.  Enjoy a fun hop on, hop off canal cruise Canal Bus is the perfect way of getting around Amsterdam with its wealth of waterways. The comfortable boats offer a regular service along 3 routes with 14 stops located near the major museums, attractions and shopping areas. Dinner is arranged in a traditional local restaurant.
Overnight Amsterdam

 

Day 2 – Amsterdam Sightseeing

Morning walking tour of the city's hidden gardens and courtyards. Courtyards normally are publicly accessible but nowadays they are becoming more and more difficult to find even people from Amsterdam don't know of their existence. Examples of famous Courtyards in Amsterdam include Claes Claeszhofje, Van Brienenhofje and het Begijnhof.

Afterwards visit the only floating flower market in the world, and one of the most fragrant places in Amsterdam - in all seasons. The flower stalls stand on the houseboats. You will find there all sorts of tulips, narcissus and other bulbs and flowers. The bulbs are ready for export, so you can enjoy them at home too.

This afternoon visit Anne Frank's House. The former hiding place, where she wrote her diary, is now a well-known museum. The museum tells the history of the eight people in hiding and those who helped them during the war. Anne Frank's diary is among the original objects on display.
Overnight Amsterdam

 

Day 3 – Aalsmeer and Volendam

The Aalsmeer Flower auction welcomes early birds, and a visit is more than worthwhile. Witnessing a flower and plant auction at close range is a fascinating experience. Take a peek in the auction rooms, and watch flowers being auctioned in front of the clock, arrangers displaying the products, and buyers working the auction rooms. All activities are carried out under the watchful eye of the auctioneer. Marvel at the hundreds of carts of flowers below on the auction floor, ready to be auctioned or sent to the customer.

Afterwards enjoy a visit to Zaanse Schans, with a brief stop at Volendam en route. Zaanse Schans is a delightful old hamlet on the banks of the river Zaan with characteristic green wooden houses, charming stylized gardens, small hump-backed bridges, tradesmen's workshops, historic windmills and engaging little shops. This enchanting hamlet gives an excellent impression of how a typical Zaanse village must have looked like in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Apart from the cluster of windmills and houses there are also several museums, restaurants and a visitors' centre to be found. Afterwards continue to Edam, Haarlem, and then onto Zandvoort. Dinner is arranged in a traditional local restaurant. Then continue back to Amsterdam.
Overnight Amsterdam

 

Day 4 – Hortus Botanicus

Visit Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, one of the oldest botanic gardens in the world. There are more than 6,000 plants growing in the garden and greenhouses. The Hortus is located in the Plantage district on the edge of the hectic center of Amsterdam. Behind the 300-year-old gates, however, the bustle of the city seems to disappear. Enjoy another cruise in Amsterdam, with the option to buy lunch on board. Afterwards, enjoy a visit to the Van Gogh Museum. The museum contains the worlds largest collection of paintings by the eccentric artist.
Overnight Amsterdam
 

Day 5 – The Hague

This morning we leave Amsterdam behind and head to The Hague, via Keukenhof. Every spring Keukenhof is a feast for the eye. when millions of tulips and other bulb flowers are then in bloom. An overwhelming display of color in a beautiful setting covering an area of 32 hectares that incorporates elements of traditional and modern landscape gardening. After lunch on own, we visit a local bulb farm, where we enjoy a tour. Afterwards continue to The Hague where we check into our hotel.

Tradition and culture meet in this relaxed and tranquil city. Home to the Dutch Royal family and seat of Government, famous for its international Peace Palace, the city is far from sleepy. Its green stately boulevards, priceless art collections, abundance of shops and wide variety of restaurants give The Hague a very refined feel.
Overnight Den Haag
 

Day 6 – Leiden / Int'l Criminal Ct.

Visit Hortus Botanicus in Leiden you will walk among the subtropical plants of the Mediterranean and the forest plants of Japan. The journey then continues to the tropical flora of the jungles around the equator. You will see carnivorous plants and beautiful orchids. And maybe even the Victoria Amazonica. In the daytime she slumbers in the pond of her greenhouse and waits till it is dark. Then, and only then does the giant-water lily from Brazil open her leaves. Admission to Madurodam is arranged. The canal houses of Amsterdam, the Alkmaar cheese market and parts of the Delta Works, all replicated in minute detail on a 1:25 scale. Windmills turn, ships sail through the harbour and trains cross the city on the world's largest miniature railway.

Afterwards return to The Hague for a visit to the International Criminal Court. The visit consists of a lecture on the mandate, structure and the activities of the Court. Visitors may beforehand or afterwards, where possible, attend a hearing according to the Court's schedule. The Court's working languages are English and French. Visits are not possible when the court is in recess. Dinner is arranged in a traditional local restaurant.
Overnight Den Haag

 

Day 7 – Delft and Rotterdam

Enjoy a trip to Delft this morning. The historic town of Delft has a beautifully preserved centre dating back to medieval times. During Holland's Golden Age it became a wealthy merchants town and it was during this period that the famous painter Johannes Vermeer was born and grew up here Delft is, of course, equally famous for its traditional blue and white pottery. Royal Delft is the last remaining Delftware factory from the 17th century still producing entirely handmade Delftware. During your visit you will see pieces of antique Delftware as well as the chance to visit the Showroom for some souvenir shopping. Afterwards continue into Rotterdam.

As soon as Rotterdam's skyline comes into view you get a sense of what this city is all about. Nearly every month, another new dynamic building rises to redefine the cityscape. The city, once most famous for its bustling port, is now equally famous for its adventurous avant-garde architecture. Enjoy a cruise in Rotterdam's impressive harbor.

Next we head to Kinderdijk. The Netherlands is famous for its windmills, and nowhere will you find as bigger concentration than Kinderdijk. Around 19 mills were built in 1790. All have been well preserved to the present day and Kinderdijk is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. A local expert will give us a talk about how the land has been drained and preserved. Dinner is arranged in a traditional local restaurant.
Overnight Den Haag

 

Day 8 – Arnhem and Utrecht

This morning we leave The Hague and head to Arnhem, via Utrecht. Located in the heart of Holland, this surprising and friendly city boasts cultural and historical highlights. The city's ultimate symbol is the beautiful Dom Tower. In addition, Utrecht offers great shopping and a pleasant cafe culture.

As the oldest municipal museum of the Netherlands, the Centraal Museum demonstrates that for centuries Utrecht has been a breeding ground for artistic and cultural talent - both on a national and international scale. The Central Museum is home to the largest collection of Rietveld designs in the world, and also exhibits work by the world-famous artist Dick Bruna. Another collection definitely worth seeing is the old masters collection with pieces by Jan van Scorel, Abraham Bloemaert and Hendrick ter Brugghen. Besides works by these iconic figures from Utrecht, the Central Museum provides a historical overview of the past 2000 turbulent years, as well as focusing on contemporary collections of fashion, design and fine arts.

Afterwards enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Utrecht, enjoying some individual shopping and sightseeing. Afterwards we continue to Arnhem. Arnhem is situated in the green province of Gelderland, in the east of Holland. The historic city centre offers great shopping and impressive monuments. The skyline is dominated by the 73 meter high Easebius Tower.
Overnight Arnhem

 

Day 9 – Het Loo Palace

This morning is dedicated to Het Loo Palace located in the woods near Apeldoorn. From 1686 to 1975 it was the favorite summer residence of the Dutch Stadtholders and the Royal Family. The palace and the gardens were faithfully restored to their 17th-century grandeur. Next, visit the Kroller-Muller Museum - a magnificent amalgamation of art, architecture and nature. Amidst unspoilt natural surroundings, the Kroller-Muller Museum's collection centres on the extensive collection of works by Vincent van Gogh and the world famous sculpture garden.

A local guide is provided for a historical tour of Arnhem. Arnhem's location near the border of Germany meant it played a pivotal role during the final days of the Second World War and many museums and monuments in the region are dedicated to these events.
Overnight Arnhem

 

Day 10 – Floriade 2012

Enjoy a full day at Floriade 2012 in Venlo. Floriade is a World Horticultural Expo staged once every ten years in the Netherlands. During the period from April until mid-October 2012, the sixth edition of Floriade will be organised in Venlo. The participating countries, businesses and horticultural companies and public and semi-public bodies present visitors to Floriade 2012 with the opportunity to enjoy the world's most exquisite and exceptional flowers, plants, trees and fruit and vegetables. But Floriade 2012 offers much more. Each day features a cultural program of music, dance, literature, theatre and visual art from all over the world. Sustainable, pioneering architectural eye catchers, as never seen before, will be shown for the first time at Floriade 2012. With countless exciting, innovative and educational attractions and activities, Floriade 2012 is a spectacular voyage of discovery for children. Various characteristic restaurants and friendly, welcoming cafes offer visitors a place to savor delicious local and international cuisine, naturally prepared with home grown ingredients. Or enjoy a picnic surrounded by flowers and trees, lounge on the banks of the water and delight in the countless shows and parades. Dinner is arranged in a traditional local restaurant.
Overnight Antwerp

 

Day 11 – Brussels

A local guide is provided for a half day city tour of the Belgian capital. Brussels, the capital of Belgium and headquarters of the European Union, is a bustling and cosmopolitan city. Brussels' fame as a political centre is well known, but it also offers stylish shopping districts, incomparable beers, chocolate and seafood and one of the finest squares in Europe, The Grand Place.
Overnight Brussels or Antwerp (depending on flight schedules).

 

Day 12 – Departure

Departure transfer to Brussels airport.