Chelsea Flower Show & Springtime In the Alps

Welcome to Amsterdam! On arrival, complimentary transfers are provided to your hotel, departing the airport at 9:00 am, 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. Later, meet your Travel Director for a Welcome Drink and Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant.

First, an orientation of the city, see the Mint Tower, the floating flower market and the Royal Palace in Dams Square. Then it’s off to Keukenhof Gardens to view this amazing spectacle. After plenty of time to meander through the fields of flowers return to Amsterdam.

For those early risers join our trip to Aalsmeer Flower Auction. The size is so tremendous that it 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. Enjoy guided sightseeing of this city, where the European Union was created in 1993. This evening is at your leisure.

This morning travel to Rothenburg, the most well preserved town on part of the “Romantic Road”. On our orientation, we plunge into the 16th century, walking 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.

Continue on the “Romantic Road”, meandering through river valleys and rolling countryside. Before heading for the Bavarian capital of Munich. On arrival your orientation shows the Olympic Stadium, University, Victory Arch and the Marienplatz.

Enjoy the scenery as you travel into the heart of Bavaria to the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein, perched on a spectacular Alpine mountainside. This was King Ludwig II’s favorite castle. Visit the exuberantly decorated apartments, including the Throne Room before returning to Munich via the Alpine Road.

Travel to Innsbruck in Austria, set in a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains. See the lovely Golden Roof of the Emperor Maximilian and the Royal Palace. Continue through the Italian Alps and some of the most spectacular scenery Europe has to offer before arriving in the stunning town of Bolzano.

Descending the Dolomites, drive to 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. On an orientation tour of the town, see the churches and palaces of different architectures, like 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.

The Italian Lakes District, a favorite haunt for artists and travelers. A full day 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.

Travel across the border into Switzerland and ascend the Swiss Alps where we stay for the next two nights.

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 meters. Perhaps take a cog- wheel train ride to the summit of the Jungfrau Mountain?

Visit Chillon Castle today, set on a rocky inlet, immortalised by Byron’s “Prisoner of Chillon”. Later travel to Montreux for a lunch stop before continuing to Burgundy and to historic Dijon. Enjoy a walking tour through the medieval streets where you are sure to appreciate the wealth and elegance of the city’s architectural heritage.

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?

Travel first to Giverny to 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. Return to Paris where this afternoon is at leisure. This evening, a highlight dinner in true French style, up the Eiffel Tower.

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 luxury spa hotel in the picturesque Kent countryside.

Garden Wisley was 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, the rest of the day and evening is at your leisure.

A transfer in the morning takes you to the famous Chelsea Flower Show! The Chelsea Flower Show will bring 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 our memorable holiday!

After breakfast bid your Travel Director farewell and transfer to the airport to meet your ongoing flight.