European Affair & The Chelsea Flower Show
European Affair & The Chelsea Flower Show
European Affair & The Chelsea Flower Show
10 Days Starting in London and ending in Paris
Visiting: London, Calais, Amsterdam, Aalsmeer, Monnickendam, Bruges, Paris, Loire Valley, Chambord, Versailles, Giverny
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
15 - 40
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegans, Vegetarians, Advise specific requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
From:
$4400 (USD)Tour Overview
Experience the finer things in life as you cruise through the canals of medieval Bruges, admire the Mona Lisa at Le Louvre in Paris and witness the world’s largest flower auction in Amsterdam. Arriving into London, Britain puts its best foot forward with the internationally renowned Chelsea Flower Show. Be on the lookout for the royal, the rich and the famous at the world’s premier garden show before embarking on an exclusive Thames River Dinner Cruise. Hop the English Channel to France and live it up at the Loire Valley Chateaux—where the riverside castles at Chenonceau and Chambord flash back to the heyday of the French royal family. The regality continues with a tour of King Louis XIV’s palace of Versailles before the vacation draws to a close at Monet's Garden and water-lily pond.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive London
Location: London
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth London. The Clermont Victoria London.
Meals Included: Dinner
On arrival, you are transferred to your hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore London. This evening join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink and trip briefing at your hotel before enjoying a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2 : Chelsea Flower Show
Location: London
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is dedicated to the famous Chelsea Flower Show, run by the Royal Horticultural Society, this is the ‘mecca’ of all garden shows. Bringing together the very best show gardens, flowers, and gardening from around the world, lose yourself amongst the magnificent floral displays and show 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.
Day 3 : London To Amsterdam
Location: London, Calais, Amsterdam
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Amrâth Amsterdam. Movenpick Amsterdam City Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Departing London, we travel through the lush green Kent countryside to board our ferry in Dover, watching the impressive White Cliffs disappear into the distance as we cross to France. Our journey today ends in the Dutch capital of Amsterdam. The best way to see this remarkable city is from the water as you cruise through the canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the elegant merchant houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, their facades reflect when trade flourished during Amsterdam's Golden Age. Relax as you pass stunning gables, beautiful churches and the iconic Magere Brug, better known as the Skinny Bridge, with a delicious meal onboard.
Day 4 : Aalsmeer And Monnickendam
Location: Aalsmeer, Monnickendam
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Amrâth Amsterdam. Movenpick Amsterdam City Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast
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! 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.
Day 5 : Amsterdam To Bruges
Location: Amsterdam, Bruges
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Bruges
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Meet your Local Expert from Bruges for a stroll along cobbled streets, lined with high-gabled houses from the 16th century. Visit the Market Square dominated by the 83-meter medieval bell tower, The Belfry of Bruges. Explore Burg Square with its ornate Gothic town hall and glorious frescoes on the walls of the Holy Blood Chapel, followed by a relaxing canal cruise. Experience a Dine-Around Evening in beautiful Bruges, enjoying regional dishes, excellent service and famous Belgian beer.
Day 6 : Bruges At Leisure
Location: Bruges
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Bruges
Meals Included: Breakfast
A free day to explore medieval Bruges at your own pace. Don’t forget to try some of the tempting chocolates or beers for which Belgium is renowned for.
Day 7 : Bruges To Paris
Location: Bruges, Paris
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Paris - Republique
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit the house and famous gardens of the Impressionist painter Claude Monet. His passion was his garden, which is kept alive in the same tradition and is home to famous ponds with water lilies. You have time to explore the gardens before departing for Paris, the City of Light. Perhaps this evening experience a Seine Cruise and illuminations tour?
Day 8 : Loire Valley Excursion
Location: Loire Valley, Chambord, Paris
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Paris - Republique
Meals Included: Breakfast
The stunning Loire Valley is world-famous for its magnificent Chateaux, as well as beautiful landscapes and delicious wine. Visit two of the most famous Chateaux and be transported back in time as you explore them and their gardens. Chenonceau Castle, known as the 'Ladies' Chateau' it perfectly embodies the elegance of 16th century design in the Loire Valley. Chateau de Chambord, an awe-inspiring Renaissance chateau inspired by Leonardo de Vinci. As evening decends, the City of Light lives up to its name as the monuments, buildings are lit up in all their glory. For that special touch of excitement and glamour don’t miss the chance to join an Optional Experience to one of the world-famous cabaret shows.
Day 9 : Versailles And Giverny
Location: Versailles, Giverny
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Paris - Republique
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend the day admiring two of Europe’s most celebrated gardens, Versailles and Giverny. France’s royal history is revealed at King Louis XIV’s majestic palace of Versailles which, along with its magnificent garden, became the quintessential model for palaces in Europe. Visit the luxurious Grand Apartments, the chandelier-lit Hall of Mirrors and the Chapel of Versailles. Then we head to Giverny to view the gardens that inspired many of Impressionist Claude Monet’s paintings.
Day 10 : Farewell Paris
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your memorable journey comes to an end as you bid your Travel Director farewell. Transfers arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08.30 and 11.00.
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
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International Travel
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, ages 5 years & over
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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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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
No
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
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
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Yes
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
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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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes
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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
Dates & Availability
Friday - Sunday
May 24, 2024 - Jun 02, 2024Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD 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.
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Terms and Conditions