Discover Holland in full bloom with Charlie Dimmock
EVERY spring, Holland’s famous bulb fields burst into bloom, blanketing the countryside in a riot of reds, oranges, pinks and yellows. On this superb seven- day river cruise, you will experience the very best of the glorious Netherlands, from Amsterdam to Kampen. The highlight will be a full day exploring the fabulous Floriade Expo, one of the world’s great floral events that takes place only every ten years.
Next year’s Floriade, which will be held in Almere on the outskirts of Amsterdam, will be a l i vely and colourful celebration of trees, shrubs, perennials, creepers and flower bulbs.
To top it all, during this delightful holiday you will also meet and hear from television gardening favourite Charlie Dimmock, the perfect special guest for this wonderful, greenfingered trip.
You will also have a chance to enjoy an optional excursion to the magnificent Het Loo Palace, built i n 1686 for William of Orange; stroll around the 17 themed gardens at De Kruidhof, the largest botanical garden in t he Netherlands; and see how delicious Dutch specialties such as gevulde koeken (almond paste cookies) and speculaas (gingerbread cookies) are made in a local bakery.
REASONS TO BOOK
See the Floriade: Held just once a decade, the Floriade Expo is one of the world’s great flower shows. The 2022 Floriade in Almere will boast gardening presentations from 40 countries, a spectacular greenhouse complex, fascinating pavilions to explore and even a cable-car offering brilliant views over the Expo park.
Meet Charlie Dimmock: You will be joined on this unique cruise by Charlie Dimmock, one of Britain’s best-loved gardeners. Charlie, a regular on t he BBC’s coverage of t he Chelsea Flower Show and presenter of Garden Rescue, will be on hand to offer her expert advice and handy tips.
Enjoy time in Amsterdam: You’ll have the opportunity to wander around the Dutch capital’s picturesque centre, go strolling along t he canals or t ake an optional canal cruise.
Maritime cities: You’ll stop at Hoorn, a former Dutch East India Company base with a charming 17th Century town centre; Den Helder, on the northernmost tip of Holland, with its beautiful nature reserve and naval lb base; and dH Harlingen, li which hi h boasts more than 600 monuments commemorating its long history of fishing and shipping.
Traditional Dutch specialities: Join an optional excursion to the Medemblik bakery, a quaint twostorey museum where you’ll be able to see how gevulde koeken and speculaas are made.
Sail in style: Enjoy a wonderful full-board cruise on the new fourstar MS Arena. This elegant ship offers ff a fitness fi suite, i sun deck, lounge bar and restaurant, as well as spacious cabins, all with floorto-ceiling panoramic windows and French balconies allowing you to enjoy the view from the comfort of your room.