Chelsea Flower Show & Springtime in the Alps - 2023
Chelsea Flower Show & Springtime in the Alps - 2023
Chelsea Flower Show & Springtime in the Alps - 2023
18 Days Starting in Amsterdam and ending in London
Visiting: Amsterdam, Maastricht, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Munich, Innsbruck, Bolzano, Dolomites, Soave, Baveno, Isola Bella, Swiss Alps, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Chillon Castle, Dijon, Chailly-sur-Armançon, Versailles, Paris, Giverny, Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Wisley Gardens, London
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
20 - 40
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Advise specific requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
From the flowers 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. In Amsterdam, visit the world’s largest flower auction, where over 19 million blooms are sold each day. 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 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 at the Chelsea Flower Show. A sumptuous Thames River dinner cruise ends the vacation in style.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Amrâth Amsterdam
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to the vibrant, artistic city of Amsterdam, famed for its canals, art museums, cobbled streets, and its bicycles! Airport transfers to your hotel depart at 09:00, 11:30 and 14:30, then your time is yours to explore this fascinating city. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers on board a canal boat for a delicious Welcome Dinner and a cruise along the city’s beautiful canals.
Day 2 : Amsterdam With Aalsmeer
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Amrâth Amsterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast
For the early risers experience the excitement at the very epicentre of the international flower trade! Each day, over 19 million flowers are sold at 'Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer', the world's largest flower auction. Witness all the action from a specially designed viewing gallery as traders bid against the clock for a mind-blowing assortment of blooms. A unique experience you'll remember forever! Your day is yours to discover Amsterdam your way, perhaps visit the floating flower market or visit one of the many museums?
Day 3 : Amsterdam To Maastricht
Location: Maastricht
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Amrath Grand de l'Empereur Maastricht. Select Maastricht
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey through the polder landscape to visit Monnickendam. Along the way, visit a rustic cheese workshop to learn the secrets of the dairy industry and witness the ancient art of clog making. Continue to the pretty town of Maastricht on the Dutch/Belgian border. Join your Local Expert for a guided visit of the city. The heart of the city is home to the beautiful Vrijthof square. This special square has become famous as the backdrop to the summer concerts including Andre Rieu, walk around Vrijthof square and take in the breath-taking panoramas.
Day 4 : Medieval Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
Location: Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Eisenhut Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Venture to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the best-preserved town on the Romantic Road. Plunge back into the 16th century during your orientation as you walk through narrow cobbled streets lined with high-gabled houses to the market square, dominated by its Renaissance town hall. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure for further exploration on your own. For your Dine-Around Evening, you're offered an excellent selection of Rothenburg restaurants, each with its own distinctive ambience and cuisine. From local Franken specialities to international menus, your Travel Director's inside knowledge ensures a more intimate and authentic dining experience.
Day 5 : Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber Your Way
Location: Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Eisenhut Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Meals Included: Breakfast
The day is yours to enjoy the medieval town at your leisure, perhaps visit one of the Christmas stores to purchase some decorations, or even visit Rothenburg Castle Gardens.
Day 6 : Rothenburg To Munich
Location: Munich
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Leonardo Royal Munich
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Continue on the “Romantic Road”, meandering through river valleys and rolling countryside, heading for the Bavarian capital of Munich. An orientation on arrival gives you the chance to explore the Olympic Stadium, University, Victory Arch and the stunning Marienplatz. Soak up the sublime mix of traditional and enjoy the lakes, parks beer gardens and museums.
Day 7 : Munich To The Dolomites
Location: Munich, Innsbruck, Bolzano, Dolomites
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Parkhotel Laurin Bolzano
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we travel to Austria to visit the Alpine city of Innsbruck, set in a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains. 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. Continue through the Italian Alps and some of the most spectacular scenery Europe has to offer, before arriving at the stunning town of Bolzano. Explore the streets and squares of this alpine town, with your Travel Director.
Day 8 : The Dolomites - Italian Lakes
Location: Soave, Baveno
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Simplon Baveno
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Descending the Dolomites, head to the medieval walled town of Soave, in the Veneto region of Italy. This fascinating town is famed for its wine, and is situated at the foot of an impressive castle. On an orientation tour with your Travel Director, admire the intricate architecture of the churches and palaces, 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, and settle into your lakeside hotel for a two night stay in this stunning region.
Day 9 : Italian Lakes
Location: Isola Bella, Baveno
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Simplon Baveno
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 10 : Italian Lakes - Swiss Alps
Location: Swiss Alps
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Romantik Schweizerhof Grindelwald
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a morning at leisure in Como. Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, this is a prime people watching spot with Europe’s rich and famous. Travel across the border into Switzerland and ascend the Swiss Alps where we stay for the next two nights.
Day 11 : Grindelwald Valley Excursion
Location: Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Romantik Schweizerhof Grindelwald
Meals Included: Breakfast
Marvel at the dramatic glacial views as you travel along Grindelwald Valley, and follow the sparkling Lutschine River to Lauterbrunnen. Enjoy your orientation of the village that takes its name from 'many fountains,' referring to the 72 waterfalls that are within the surrounding valley. See the Staubbach Falls plunge 300 metres. Later, perhaps take a cog- wheel train ride to the summit of the Jungfrau Mountain?
Day 12 : Grindelwald - Chailly-Sur-Armançon
Location: Chillon Castle, Dijon, Chailly-sur-Armançon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Golf Chateau de Chailly Chailly-sur-Armancon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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. Your day concludes at Château de Chailly, a magnificent castle in the heart of Burgundy dating from the 16th century and full of history, where you stay overnight and dine on Burgundian specialities.
Day 13 : Chailly-Sur-Armançon To Paris
Location: Versailles, Paris
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Le Méridien Etoile Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit 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?
Day 14 : Paris & Monet's Garden
Location: Paris, Giverny
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Le Méridien Etoile Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, take a short trip to Giverny and visit the charming house and gardens where, the great Impressionist painter, Claude Monet, lived and worked from 1883 until his death in 1926. The stunning gardens were the inspiration for his famous water lilies paintings. Return to Paris where this afternoon is at leisure and, in the evening, enjoy a highlight dinner in true French style.
Day 15 : Paris To Tunbridge Wells
Location: Paris, Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Royal Tunbridge Wells
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Spa Tunbridge Wells
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After crossing the channel to Britain 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 settle into your hotel in picturesque Kent.
Day 16 : Wisley Gardens To London
Location: Wisley Gardens, London
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth London
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 17 : Chelsea Flower Show
Location: London
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth London
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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, lose yourself amongst the magnificent floral displays and model gardens. Enjoy elaborate displays featuring courtyard, city and roof gardens, and hear from the experts. This evening dine on a spectacular Thames River Dinner Cruise, the perfect way to toast your travel companions and complete your memorable journey! (Dress code for the dinner cruise: Smart attire – dinner jacket recommended)
Day 18 : Farewell London
Location: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast bid your Travel Director and fellow travel companions farewell, and transfer to London Heathrow Airport to meet your ongoing flight.
What's Included
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Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
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From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
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We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
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Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
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Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Accommodation
As detailed in the itinerary
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Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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.
What's Not Included
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
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.
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Are flights included in this tour?
Yes, ages 5 years & over
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Yes
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Low
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What is the maximum group size?
40 people on a Classic Tour, and 24 people on a Small Group departure
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes, as detailed in the itinerary
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.