Dutch Bulbfields Cruise & Floralia Brussels

7 Day Dutch Bulbfields Cruise - Highlights include Bruges, Edam, Volendam, Gouda, Amsterdam, Floralia and the spectacular flower displays of Floralia and Keukenhof Gardens

Dutch Bulbfields Cruise, Floralia Brussels & Keukenhof Gardens

Walking through the dazzling spectacle of bulbs of every colour of the rainbow, Tulips, Hyacinths, Daffodils, Orchids, Roses, Carnations, Irises, Lilies, you’ll be overwhelmed by the spectacle of colour and perfume of the flowers. Expansive gardens, filled to the brim with flower beds, beautiful landscaping and magnificent floral exhibitions.

As Dutch history goes, Keukenhof is young. Situated on the grounds of a long-razed castle, inhabited during the fifteenth century by a countess whose four husbands (one at a time) included a dauphin of France and a Duke of Gloucester, it was opened a few years after the end of World War II by a group of bulb-growers intent on exhibiting the splendor of Dutch flowers. Did they ever succeed! Keukenhof had become prestigious enough by 1962 for Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard to have celebrated their twenty-eighth wedding anniversary on the grounds, with imported royals and heads of state topping the guest list."

Your Holiday Includes:

Channel Crossing

1 Night - Bruges

5 Nights - MS Victor Hugo

Buffet Breakfast - 6 Mornings

3 Course Dinner – 4 Evenings

4 Course Gala Dinner - 1 Evening

All Inclusive Drinks Package (Cruise) - Including Beer, Wines, Spirits, Soft Drinks, Tea and Coffee

On Board Activities

Included Highlights:

Bruges
Floralia Brussels
Hoorn
Edam
Volendam
Gouda - Gouda Cheese Experience
Keukenhof Gardens
Amsterdam
Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Notification of Boarding Times:

Departure Times/Itinerary/Luggage Labels will be forwarded approximately 10 days prior to departure.

Day 1

We head south for our early afternoon crossing to Calais. We arrive in Bruges late afternoon. With picturesque canals and intricate gabled houses it is no wonder Bruges is often referred to as the ’Venice of the North’. It is one of the most beautiful and best preserved medieval cities in Europe. Our hotel is situated a few steps from the Grote Markt (Main Square) - a perfect location! Choose to dine this evening in one of it's many restaurants.

Day 2

This morning we depart for Brussels and the Groot-Bijgaarden Castle, a floral paradise. This moated castle in its magnificent park forms the setting for Floralia Brussels. Each spring, the extravagant floral exhibition of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths delights visitors' senses anew. ore than a million flower bulbs are planted annually for this international flower festival. Visitors are treated to floral carpets beneath centuries-old trees, carefully curated flowerbeds, and a vibrant labyrinth that never fails to impress.

Late afternoon, we board the MS Victor Hugo in Amsterdam, our base for the next 5 nights. After settling into your cabin, enjoy a welcome cocktail with the on-board crew and dinner in the restaurant.

B, D

Day 3

This morning we cruise the beautiful Markermeer Lake, and area ideal for water sports. There’s hardly another waterway in the Netherlands offering so many uncomplicated possibilities, for experienced water sports enthusiasts. Lunchtime we berth into the village of Hoorn. Walk around its historic streets, grab a coffee and a stroopwafel and watch local life go by.

Or, join us to Volendam and Edam. Volendam was for years a small, orderly fishing village. Now, however, it is a town that is gaining more and more visitors thanks to its tranquillity, its still authentic spirit and its atmosphere. The adorable village of Edam with its picturesque canals, stunning 17th-century buildings, charming cobbled street, a laid-back, genuine Dutch vibe and great cheese!

We cruise overnight to Gouda.

B, L, D

Day 4

After lunch on board, it's time for Gouda. Gouda has much more to offer than cheese alone. There are plenty of things to do and discover in this beautiful historic city full of trendy hotspots and passionate people. From The Markt, the central square with its iconic town hall to the beautiful stained-glass windows of the Sint-Jans church. We also include admission to the Gouda Cheese Experience.

We re-board ship and continue our cruising towards Rotterdam.

B, L, D

Day 5

Today we make our way to the most beautiful Spring garden in the World. Keukenhof Gardens opens 8 weeks per year, displaying a staggering 7 million blooms. The site covers 80 acres of dazzling display. This rainbow carpet of flow is a riot of colour, set amongst shimmering lakes, ancient trees, flower shrubs and beautiful water gardens. The Dutch do know a thing or two about tulips - the variety of flower and colours are overwhelming. There are restaurants located within the park.

We set sail this evening for Amsterdam

B, D

Day 6

A hearty breakfast commences our day, before we disembark and head into Amsterdam for our canal cruise. Our 1 hour cruise takes in the highlights of Amsterdam. Impressive canal houses with clock gables, spout gables and neck gables, the Skinny Bridge and the port of Amsterdam. The audio system guides you through the experience and lets you in on interesting facts about the city. We return to the MS Victor Hugo for lunch.

The afternoon is free to explore Amsterdam at leisure. Maybe a visit to the Rijksmuseum, the Royal Palace, Anne Franks House, or just enjoying waffles and a little retail therapy.

B, L, D

Day 7

Enjoy our last breakfast on board before we disembark and commence our journey home. We head to Calais for our late afternoon crossing back to the UK

B=Breakfast Included, L=Lunch Included, D=Dinner Included

Your Accommodation

MS Victor Hugo

The MS Victor Hugo is named after one of the most famous figures in French literature. This attractive standard ship sails on the Tisza, Sava, Elbe, Rhine and Danube, rivers with a vast history and culture.

Completely refitted in 2019, the MS Victor Hugo is an intimate-sized standard ship, measuring 82 m long and 9,50 m wide. It can accommodate 90 passengers, in 45 comfortable and spacious cabins spread over two decks, offering amenities and providing guests with all the comforts they need during their stay. The decoration is a contribution to romanticism. Mineral and bluish colors refer to the Channel Islands where the writer was exiled, while touches of brass and some art-deco elements evoke the characteristic style of the period. Located on the upper deck, the restaurant offers a delicate cuisine in a refined setting, where large bay windows allow guests to fully enjoy the panorama. The lounge bar with a dance floor is located on the same deck, while on the sun deck, an ideal place to relax and admire the landscapes, passengers can enjoy comfortable sun loungers, as well as a large shaded area.

Cabin - Main Deck- Deck 1

2 Bed Outside 9m2

Comfortable cabin equipped with two beds that can be separated, private bathroom with shower, bath products and toiletries, satellite TV, safe, hairdryer and radio. Located on the main deck with high window, it offers a panoramic view of the landscapes.

Cabin - Upper Deck - Deck 2

2 Bed Outside 9m2

Comfortable cabin equipped with two beds that can be separated, private bathroom with shower, bath products and toiletries, satellite TV, safe, hairdryer and radio. Located on the upper deck with picture window with sliding top section, it offers a great view of the landscapes.

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

Name	Address	Contact Details	Distance
Burntwood	The Wych Elm Pub Bridge Cross Road Burntwood
Cannock	The Bus Station Cannock
Hednesford	The Bus Stop Outside Tesco Victoria Street Hednesford
Lichfield	The Bus Station Lichfield
Rugeley	The Bus Station Rugeley
Stafford	Outside the Police Station Eastgate Street Stafford
Sutton Coldfield	McDonalds Lower Parade Sutton Coldfield
Tamworth	Assembly Rooms Corporation Street Tamworth