| THURSDAY,
May 2 DEPART
FOR AMSTERDAM
FRIDAY, May 3
AMSTERDAM:
Arrive and travel through the lovely bulb fields of South
Holland to the seaside town of Noordwijk. After checking into
your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight gather
for a reception and Welcome Dinner. (D)
SATURDAY,
May 4 HAGUE:
Start
the day with a tour at the historic Leiden Hortus Botanicus.
The garden was founded in 1575 as the medicinal herb garden for
the Univeristy of Leiden. Then go on to a large local garden
center,Europa Tuin, where there is time to browse. This
afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour of historic Delft,
and a tour of the Delft Blue Pottery Factory. (B,L)
SUNDAY, May 5
APLEDOORN
& COUNTRYSIDE:
Drive through the Dutch countryside to the Palace Het Loo.
Here a guide will take you through the gardens which are often
referred to as a "little Versailles." After lunch at
the Farm Restaurant, drive to National Park "De Hoge Veluwe"
to visit The Kroller Muller Museum which houses many
impressionist works including paintings by Van Gogh. A marvelous
sculpture park adjoins the museum. After checking into your
hotel, join fellow travelers for dinner. (B,L,D)
MONDAY, May 6
APELDOORN AREA:
Visit
gardens not usually open to the public. First see one of the oldest
estates and garden in the Netherlands dating from 1791 and
owned by Mrs.Van Weede at the Hulze Bingerden in Angerio. After
a guided tour and refreshments, have lunch on your own in
Nijmegen. Continue on to Hermen to visit Mrs. Brinkhof's
garden in a 17th century farmhouse setting. A wooded area
makes a perfect spring garden with bulbs and hellebores. Return
to Apeldoorn for overnight. (B)
TUESDAY, May 7
AMSTERDAM
Enroute to Amsterdam, visit the private garden of Mr. and
Mrs. Hobijn in Breukelen which is boldly planted with borders of
herbaceous plants, bulbs, tubers and roses. On arrival in
Amsterdam, have a guided walking tour of the city and
learn about five centuries of urban gardening. Enjoy a private
lunch at the Museum Huis Van Loon, then check into your
hotel for some free time before meeting for dinner. (B,L,D)
WEDNESDAY, May
8 HAGUE:
See horizons of red, yellow, and blue come alive as the distant
flower fields come into full view on your way to visit the Keukenhof
Exhibition, the worlds' largest exhibition of blooming
tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. This world renowned display
garden of 70 acres is planted with more than 6 million bulbs.
Stroll through the gardens, view the plantings in the two
exhibition halls and walk up the windmill for a magnificent look
at the brilliant colors in the accompanying bulb fields. Return
to Amsterdam for a free evening. (B)
THURSDAY, May
9 AMSTERDAM:
Early this morning we go to the impressive Aalsmeer Flower
Auction. Some of the flowers that you see sold at auction
could be at your local florist the very next day! Next visit the
magnificent Hortus Bulborum in Limmen, where rare species
of flowering bulbs can be admired along with a unique collection
of more than 100 varieties of tulips, some species dating back
300 years. Return to Amsterdam for an evening at leisure. (B)
FRIDAY, May 10
AMSTERDAM:
The Floriade, a wonderful horticultural exhibition taking
place just once every 10 years, is today's highlight. The theme
"Feel the Art of Nature" is carried out throught the
whole park. Floriade exhibits every aspect of Dutch horticulture
from producer to consumer as well as features floral and
vegetable displays from other countries. Return to Amsterdam for
a free evening. (B)
SATURDAY, May
11 AMSTERDAM:
Explore Amsterdam on your own and meet tonight for your gala Farewell
Dinner. (B,D)
SUNDAY, May 12
DEPART AMSTERDAM
Your Garden Tour includes:
9 nights Deluxe accommodations
All breakfasts,3 lunches, 4 dinners
Ground transportations per itinerary
All admissions per itinerary
Services of tour manager & on-site garden guides
All gratuities except for tour manager and driver
Hotels
2 nights Hotel Van Oranje, Noordwijk
2 nights Hotel de Keizerskroon, Apeldoorn
5 nights Marriot Hotel, Amsterdam
(B)Breakfast; (L)Lunch; (D)Dinner
(R)Reception; (WT)Wine Tasting; (T)Tea
|
