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Insight - Chelsea Flower Show & Springtime in the Alps - 2023 (05/2023 - 05/2023) (CF0149GL01)

18 Days From Amsterdam to London 
Tour Style: Custom Group
Insight Brochure Price from $6,200.00
Brochures: Global Tours
Visits: Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France, England

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.
Choice Highlights

Well-being
  • : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
  • : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
  • : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Travel Director
  • : "Italians are very fashionable but their cooking is the opposite - simple, rustic and down to earth. A handful of quality vegetables, fresh herbs and beans are turned into a warm and comforting soup."
  • : "Munich is the capital of beer, so taking guests into the famous Hofbräuhaus, at any time of year, gives them a small idea of what it’s like to attend Oktoberfest."
  • : "Paris is truly a delight to all the senses – seeing the iconic architecture, hearing about the history, smelling the wonderful bakeries and tasting the local specialties during our foodie walk."

Authentic Dining
  • Amsterdam: Toast to the travels ahead during your Welcome Dinner while we cruise along the old waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century.
  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber: For your dining pleasure, 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 Tour Director's inside knowledge ensures a more intimate and authentic dining experience.
  • London: Enjoy a Thames River Dinner Cruise and admire this magnificent city from the water. Sit back and take in the striking landmarks and bridges, and enjoy the eclectic riverbank architecture along with a delicious meal.
  • Dining Summary: 10 Dinner with Wine (DW), and 17 Breakfast (B)

Top Rated Highlights
  • Aalsmeer: The colossal Aalsmeer Flower Auction is the size of 200 football pitches and even has its own fire brigade, hairdresser and bicycle repairman! Over 30,000 species are featured, with 43 million flowers and 5 million plants are sold daily Monday to Friday. The most popular varieties are roses, tulips and chrysanthemums.
  • Keukenhof: Visit Keukenhof to see millions of multi-coloured bulb-flowers in bloom on select departures.
  • Maastricht: Maastricht is one of the oldest cities in Holland, where churches, city walls, monumental merchant houses and big squares merge seamlessly with contemporary boutiques and restaurants. Join a Local Expert to learn about its history and see the sights.
  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Picturesque Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the best-preserved medieval town in Germany and a truly enchanting destination. Step back in time and explore the city walls, towers, and gates around the old town as well as the old town itself.
  • Munich: During your orientation of the city with your Travel Director, see Feldherrnhalle in the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, the English Garden, the Hofbräuhaus, St. Peter's Church and the famous Marienplatz.
  • Innsbruck: Nestled amidst majestic mountains, Innsbruck is a beautiful city offering a unique combination of nature, history, and culture. Stroll the streets of the picturesque Old Town, with your Travel Director, learn about its history and admire the Baroque and Gothic architecture.
  • Bolzano: Explore the streets and squares of this alpine town, with your Travel Director.
  • Soave: Enjoy an orientation tour of medieval Soave with your Travel Director. This intriguing walled town lies under the gaze of the impressive Soave Castle, and is world renowned for its vintage white wine.
  • Isola Bella: Take to the waters of Lake Maggiore for a delightful cruise to the beautiful Borromean Islands. Visit Isola Bella renowned for its incredible palace and stunning Botanical Gardens.
  • Chillon Castle: Led by your Local Expert, visit the castle set on a rocky islet in the lake. Following his walk through the dungeons in 1816, Lord Byron wrote the poem 'The Prisoner of Chillon'. Look out for his name, which he carved into a pillar.
  • Dijon: Explore Dijon with your Travel Director to learn all about the history of this fascinating city, famous for its mustard and wines.
  • Versailles: Visit the Château de Versailles, one of the most beautiful achievements of 18th century French art. This former royal residence is world renowned for its architecture, grandeur and extravagant gardens.
  • Giverny: Visit the fascinating house and gardens where Claude Monet, the Master of Impressionism, lived and worked from 1883 until his death in 1926. Revel in an oasis of color, both within the house and in the fragrant gardens.
  • Sissinghurst Castle Garden: Enjoy exquisite aromas and explosions of color in the many varied garden spaces of Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, split by stunning buildings, old pink brick walls and high clipped hedges.
  • 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.

Insight Experiences
  • Monnickendam: 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.
  • Woking: Explore the beautiful Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden and delight the senses with roses of all shapes, sizes, colours and fragrances. Stroll through the picturesque orchard, the huge cathedral like Glasshouse and the Exotic Garden.
  • London: Experience the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show, an inspiring and enjoyable showcase of fabulous floral displays and cutting-edge garden design. Immerse yourself in colour and ingenuity as you enjoy the very best show gardens, flowers, and gardening from around the world.

Insight Tour Itinerary

Day 1Arrive Amsterdam
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.
Visits: Amsterdam
Meals: Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam.
Day 2Aalsmeer and Keukenhof
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! Keukenhof, is hailed as the most beautiful spring garden in the world. And for good reason – the sea of colour is breath-taking. With tulips as the showstopper, you can also expect to see a wide array of flowers including roses, lilies, daffodils, and irises.
Visits: Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam.
Day 3Amsterdam to Maastricht
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.
Visits: Maastricht
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Amrath Grand Hotel de l'Empereur, Maastricht., Select Hotel Maastricht.
Day 4Medieval Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
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.
Visits: Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Hotel Eisenhut, Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Day 5Rothenburg ob der Tauber your way
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.
Visits: Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Eisenhut, Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Day 6Rothenburg to Munich
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.
Visits: Munich
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Leonardo Royal Hotel, Munich.
Day 7Munich to The Dolomites
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.
Visits: Munich, Innsbruck, Bolzano
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Parkhotel Laurin, Bolzano.
Day 8The Dolomites - Italian Lakes
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.
Visits: Soave, Baveno
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Hotel Simplon, Baveno.
Day 9Italian Lakes
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.
Visits: Baveno, Isola Bella
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Simplon, Baveno.
Day 10Italian Lakes - Swiss Alps
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.
Visits: Swiss Alps
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald.
Day 11Grindelwald Valley Excursion
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?
Visits: Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald.
Day 12Grindelwald - Chailly-sur-Armançon
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.
Visits: Chillon Castle, Dijon, Chailly-sur-Armancon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Hotel Golf Chateau de Chailly, Chailly-sur-Armancon
Day 13Chailly-sur-Armançon to Paris
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?
Visits: Versailles, Paris
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.
Day 14Paris & Monet's Garden
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.
Visits: Paris, Giverny
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.
Day 15Paris to Tunbridge Wells
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.
Visits: Paris, Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Royal Tunbridge Wells
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: The Spa Hotel Tunbridge Wells.
Day 16Wisley Gardens to London
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.
Visits: Woking, London
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth, London.
Day 17Chelsea Flower Show
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)
Visits: London
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth, London.
Day 18Farewell London
After breakfast bid your Travel Director and fellow travel companions farewell, and transfer to London Heathrow Airport to meet your ongoing flight.
Visits: London
Meals: Breakfast


Available Room Types: Single, Triple, Twin
Child: ages 5 to 17

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