Floriade, Keukenhof & Amsterdam| Rail Discoveries

Itinerary

Day 1 - To Amersfoort

Meeting at London St Pancras, you take the Eurostar service to Amsterdam. Continue by rail to the attractive canal city of Amersfoort, and your hotel for the next four nights, the 4* Mercure Amersfoort, just a few minutes' walk from the train station. 

With abundant history and culture packed into its compact but beautiful centre, Amersfoort is an ideal base for your explorations of Holland. During your free time, you could explore the delightful Old Town, where pretty town squares are lined with welcoming cafés and restaurants, or head to the Late Gothic church known as the Church of Our Lady, which towers over the city.

Day 2 - Exploring Amsterdam

Take the train to Amsterdam. Built on a myriad of crisscrossing canals which neatly divide the city, and with a labyrinth of atmospheric streets to explore, Amsterdam is a delight to visit. Meet your local guide outside the train station for a guided walking tour of the city, taking in its most iconic sights.

Begin at Dam Square, Amsterdam's 13th-century city square, in the heart of the historical centre. The lively square is surrounded by notable buildings, the jewel in the crown of which is the grand Royal Palace, the former home of the Dutch Royal family. You continue, seeing the Begijnhof, a group of picturesque houses built around a secluded courtyard, and the Kalverstraat, Amsterdam's bustling main shopping street. You also pay a visit to the unique floating Flower Market, where colourful stalls are set up on a pontoon on the Singel Canal.

Your afternoon is free in Amsterdam. You could see the 'Venice of the North' from its waterways with a canal cruise, a fantastic way to envelop yourself in the romance of the city. Alternatively, visit the poignant Anne Frank House, where Anne Frank and her family hid during the German occupation of the Netherlands in WWII. Today, the house serves as an inspiring memorial of a young girl in exceptional circumstances. 

Make sure to sample one of the city's famous treats, stroopwafel - thin waffles with a sweet caramel filling - before your return train journey to Amersfoort. 

Day 3 - Keukenhof Gardens

Transfer to Keukenhof today for a visit to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, the world's largest permanent flower garden. Also known as the 'Garden of Europe', this glorious sea of rainbow-hued tulips is, without doubt, one of Europe's most wonderful floral displays. 

You have plenty of time to admire the incredible explosion of colour here, the result of around seven million tulip bulbs planted each year, along with an array of crocuses, daffodils, orchids and other flowers. The gardens only open in the spring, to ensure the best possible seasonal display of the beautiful flowering plants. Across 80 acres of parkland, Keukenhof also boasts tranquil ponds, sculpture gardens, greenhouses, a windmill open to the public, and several cafés for you to enjoy. One particular delight of this incredible park is the Historical Garden, where some 400 years of tulip cultivation is explored through carefully-planted flower beds.

After a day spent immersing yourself in stunning sights, return to your hotel by coach this afternoon.

Day 4 - Floriade

Take in a real highlight of your holiday today with a visit to Almere, a modern 'garden city' and the host city of Floriade 2022. A stunning and unique six-month event that only takes place every ten years, this international garden and exhibition festival celebrates the very best of horticulture from around the world, this year following the theme of the 'Growing Green Cities'. 

Spend time strolling amongst innovative exhibitions from over 30 different countries, all taking place on a specially-made exhibition site built using reclaimed land from the sea. In line with the theme, the land will be transformed into a brand-new, sustainable city district following Floriade's closure in Autumn. 

As well as discovering a breathtaking array of rare plants, shrubs, flowers and trees, you'll learn about the creative and sustainable solutions that cities are showcasing in order to promote a greener future. Discover street food that grows in the street, with greenhouses where you can quite literally pick your own lunch. There are also many fantastic pop-up restaurants dotted throughout the city where you can indulge in innovative cuisine, as well as lively street performers, informative talks and interactive exhibitions to be discovered.

After a day indulging all your senses at Floriade 2022, you return to your hotel where you enjoy dinner together to celebrate your final evening in the Netherlands.

Day 5 - Home

Your holiday comes to an end today. You take the train to Amsterdam, where you join the Eurostar service back to London St Pancras.

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Additional information

Please note

Please note that Keukenhof Gardens are open only in the spring to ensure the best possible displays. On departures outside of this time, you will enjoy a 4-day break with a day spent exploring Amsterdam on Day 2, including a guided city tour, and a day to take in the incredible Floriade 2022 exhibition on Day 3.

An escorted experience with all your travel arrangements

UK Tour Manager from start to finish Standard Class Rail
All rail and coach travel throughout your tour

Comfortable accommodation in your destination

4 nights' 4* hotel accommodation

Delicious meals included

5 meals including 3 breakfasts and 2 dinners

Tour Highlights

Explore the stunning city of Amsterdam with a guided tour and free time, visiting Dam Square and the quirky floating Flower Market.
Spend time at the 'Garden of Europe', Keukenhof, renowned for being one of the world's most spectacular flower shows.
Experience the wonder of Floriade 2022, a unique event that runs only once every ten years. This magnificent celebration of horticulture boasts extravagant floral displays and innovative exhibitions alongside lively performers and tasty street food.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Floriade, Keukenhof & Amsterdam

Discover historic cities and world-class floral events