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Chelsea Flower Show & Springtime in the Alps

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 Trip Length
18 Days
 Trip Starts
Amsterdam
 Trip Finishes
London
18 Day Chelsea Flower Show & Springtime in the Alps Itinerary (Insight Vacations)
Countries Explored: Holland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France
Trip Style
Special Interest
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
40
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
CF0536

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Insight Vacations 18 Day Chelsea Flower Show & Springtime in the Alps. From the full blooms of London’s Chelsea Flower Show to the fresh air of the Swiss Alps and springtime along the Seine in Paris, this three week tour recharges and rejuvenates. From Amsterdam , you will witness the floral spectacle of 7 million bulbs bursting through the earth at the world renowned Keukenhof gardens and Floriade. Not to be outdone, Louis XIV’s magnificent grounds at the Versailles Châteaux are sure to delight before a glittering evening in Paris and a trip to the lily...read more pond of the Monet Gardens.

Onward to the UK through Royal Tunbridge Wells, the fabulous Sissinghurst Gardens give way to the magnificent floral displays and show gardens—presented by society’s creme de la creme at the Chelsea Flower Show. A sumptuous Thames River dinner cruise ends the vacation in style.

Itinerary

Welcome to Amsterdam. Complimentary transfers are departing the airport at 09.00, 11.30 and 14.30. Later join your Travel Director as you board your canal boat and dine while gliding along the canals. (DW) Stay: Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam.

It’s off to Keukenhof Gardens to view this amazing spectacle with time to meander through the fields of flowers. This afternoon visit the Floriade Expo 2022, a once-in-a-decade horticultural and international garden exposition. The theme is “Growing Green Cities”. You will have time to visit the Green Island and other districts focusing on food, energy and health. (B)

For the early risers, join a trip to Aalsmeer Flower Auction. The size is so tremendous that will overwhelm the eyes and the senses as millions of brilliant flowers are sold worldwide. Later head to the pretty town of Maastricht on the Dutch/Belgian border. Join your Local Expert for a guided visit of the city, where the European Union was created in 1993. This evening is at your leisure. (B) Stay: Designhotel, Maastricht.

This morning travel to Rothenburg, the most well-preserved town on part of the “Romantic Road”. Your Travel Director will walk you through the narrow-cobbled streets lined with high, gabled houses to the market square dominated by its Renaissance town hall. Dinner tonight is in an old town restaurant. (B/DW) Stay: Hotel Altes Brauhaus, Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Continue on the “Romantic Road”, meandering through river valleys and rolling countryside, heading for the Bavarian capital of Munich. An orientation on arrival shows the Olympic Stadium, University, Victory Arch and the Marienplatz. (B/DW) Stay: Pullman Munich Hotel.

Enjoy the scenery as you travel in the heart of Bavaria visit the fairy tale castle of Neuschwanstein. Perched on a spectacular Alpine mountainside, it features exuberantly decorated apartments, including the impressive Throne Room. Then return to Munich via the Alpine Road. (B)

This morning we travel to Austria to visit Innsbruck, set in a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Here we see the lovely Golden Roof of the Emperor Maximilian and the Royal Palace on your orientation tours. Continue through the Italian Alps and some of the most spectacular scenery Europe has to offer before arriving at the stunning town of Bolzano. (B/DW) Stay: Four Points by Sheraton Bolzano.

Descending the Dolomites, head to the medieval walled town of Soave, a middle-age wine village situated in the region of Veneto in Italy at the foot of an impressive castle. On an orientation tour of the town, see the churches and palaces of different architectures, including the Palazzo di Giustizia, the 14th century law court and the residence of the Captains of Serenissima. Continue through picturesque scenery to the much loved Italian Lakes District, where we head to our lakeside hotel for our two night stay. (B/DW) Stay: Hotel Simplon, Baveno

The Italian Lakes District, a favourite haunt for artists and travellers, where a full day is set aside to relax and enjoy. Take a cruise to Isola Bella, the largest and most famous island, renowned for its incredible palace and stunning Botanical Gardens. There is a guided tour of this privately owned palace with free time to admire the gardens. (B)

Travel across the border into Switzerland and ascend the Swiss Alps where we stay for the next two nights. (B) Stay: Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald / Hotel Royal St Georges Interlaken.

Marvel at the dramatic glacial views as you travel along Grindelwald Valley, and follow the sparkling Lutschine River to Lauterbrunnen at the head of the “Valley of Waterfalls”. See the Staubbach Falls plunge 300 metres. Perhaps take a cog- wheel train ride to the summit of the Jungfrau Mountain? (B)

This morning, we visit Chillon Castle, set on a rocky inlet on Lake Geneva, immortalised by Lord Byron's 'Prisoner of Chillon'. For nearly four centuries, this water fortress was the residence of the Counts of Savoy and an important stop for traders. We stop in the nearby resort town of Montreux, set against the pristine backdrop of snow-covered peaks and vineyards, with time for lunch before continuing to Burgundy and historic Dijon. Enjoy a walking tour with your Travel Director through the medieval streets where you are sure to appreciate the wealth and elegance of the city’s architectural heritage. (B/DW) Stay: Hotel Mercure Dijon Centre Clemenceau, Dijon.

Travel through the countryside before arriving at the Château de Versailles, one of the most beautiful achievements of 18th century French art. Visit the Château and the extensive gardens which in Louis XIV’s view were just as important as the Château itself. In glittering Paris tonight, perhaps see one of the world-famous cabaret shows for an evening of glamour? (B) Stay: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris / Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile.

Travel first to Giverny to visit the charming house and gardens. Former home of the greatest impressionist painter, Claude Monet, and inspiration for his famous water lilies paintings. Return to Paris where this afternoon is at leisure. This evening, a highlight dinner in true French style. (B/DW)

After crossing the channel this morning from Calais, continue to Sissinghurst, one of the best known and admired gardens in the world. Explore the amazing series of garden spaces and climb the tower for a fabulous view. Then to your hotel in picturesque Kent. (B/DW) Stay: The Spa Hotel Tunbridge Wells or similar.

The Gardens of Wisley were gifted to the Royal Horticultural Society in 1903 and since then it has evolved into a world class garden. Explore the beautiful Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden, picturesque orchard and the huge cathedral like glass house. Continue to London to your hotel located by Buckingham Palace, where the rest of the day and evening is at your leisure. (B) Stay: The Rubens at the Palace, London.

A transfer in the morning takes you to the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show. Bringing together the very best show gardens, flowers, and gardening from around the world. You will be able to see magnificent floral displays and model gardens plus extensive displays of show gardens, courtyard gardens, city and roof gardens with areas to learn about plants and growing flowers. This afternoon a transfer back to your hotel is provided. This evening we dine on a spectacular Thames River Dinner Cruise, a perfect way to complete your memorable journey! (B/DW)

After breakfast bid your Travel Director farewell and transfer to London Heathrow airport to meet your ongoing flight. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Almere: Visit the Floriade Expo 2022, a once-in-a-decade horticultural and international garden.
  • Aalsmeer: Visit Aalsmeer Flower Auction, enjoy the senses as millions of brilliant flowers are sold worldwide.
  • Maastricht: Join your Local Expert for a guided visit of the city, where the European Union was created in 1993.
  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Explore Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the most well-preserved town on the Romantic Road.
  • Munich: During your orientation of the city with your Travel Director, see Feldherrnhalle in the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, the English Garden, the Hofbräuhaus, St. Peter's Church and the famous Marienplatz.
  • Neuschwanstein Castle: Visit the archetypal fairy-tale castle that allegedly inspired many of Walt Disney's castles. Led by a local historian, walk through the magnificent halls, take in the lavish decoration and enjoy spectacular views.
  • Innsbruck: Enjoy an orientation with your Travel Director as you walk the narrow streets of the Old Town, lined with medieval houses and arcades, to see the Golden Roof.
  • Soave: Enjoy an orientation tour of the walled medieval town of Soave, a middle age wine village situated in the region of Veneto in Italy at the foot of an impressive castle.
  • Isola Bella: Take to the waters of Lake Maggiore for a delightful cruise to the beautiful Borromean Islands. Visit Isola Bella renowned for its incredible palace and stunning Botanical Gardens.
  • Chillon Castle: Visit the castle set on a rocky islet in the lake. Following his walk through the dungeons in 1816, Lord Byron wrote the poem 'The Prisoner of Chillon'. Look out for his name, which he carved into a pillar.
  • Dijon: Listen as your Travel Director tells you about the history of Dijon, the capital city of the Burgundy region.
  • Versailles: Visit Château de Versailles, one of the most beautiful achievements of 18th century French art.
  • Giverny: Visit the charming house and gardens of the former home of the greatest impressionist painter, Claude Monet, and inspiration for his famous water lily paintings.
  • Sissinghurst Castle Garden: Explore the amazing series of garden spaces and climb the tower for a fabulous view.
  • Grindelwald: Explore this glacier village during an orientation led by your Travel Director.
  • Woking: Explore the beautiful Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden, picturesque orchard and the huge cathedral like glass house.
  • London: Experience the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show, an inspiring and enjoyable showcase of fabulous floral displays and cutting-edge garden design. Immerse yourself in colour and ingenuity as you enjoy the very best show gardens, flowers, and gardening from around the world.

  • Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

  • Amsterdam: Toast to the travels ahead during your Welcome Dinner while we cruise along the old waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century.
  • Dining Summary: 17 Breakfast (B), and 9 Dinner with Wine (DW)

  • Our Well-Being Directors take a proactive approach to your welfare ensuring all well-being regulations are met (available on tours with 20 or more guests).
  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
  • We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
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Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Insight Vacations. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Insight Vacations. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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