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2012 GRAND GARDEN TOUR featuring
FLORIADE, THE CHESLEA FLOWER SHOW
and
THE KEUKENHOF
May 13 to 25, 2012

The Travel Broker is happy to announce our return to Floriade, the Chelsea Flower Show and the Keukenhof in 2012!
Highlights will include visits to Floriade in the Netherlands (the World Horticultural Expo held only once every 10 years), The Chelsea Flower Show (the most famous garden show in the UK presented by the Royal Horticultural Society), The Keukenhof (the world's largest flower garden at 32 hectares) and visits to various other gardens and attractions including the Aalsmeeer Flower Auction, the Paleis Het Loo and the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew in London to name just a few.
Enjoy a total of 13 days travelling the European countryside with overnights in Amsterdam, Wasserburg (Germany), Maastricht, Brussels and London.
Our Program - 12 Nights
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Detailed Itinerary
SAT May 12th - DEPART HOMECITY
Board your flight to Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Being a part of a full service travel agency, Travel Broker Tours is happy to assist you with your travel arrangements including flights to join this tour. We suggest booking early to obtain the best flights and rates available.)
DAY 1: SUN May 13th - ARRIVE in AMSTERDAM
Welcome to Amsterdam, the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. Its name is derived from Amstelredamme, indicative of the city's origin: a dam in the river Amstel. The city was settled as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, and became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age, a result of its innovative developments in trade. After making your way to your hotel in the heart of Amsterdam, you'll be greeted by Travel Broker Tour Leader - Jeff Pychel in the lobby of the hotel. After check-in the rest of the afternoon is at leisure to relax and explore the surroundings. Later, meet up with Jeff Pychel and fellow traveling companions at the Tour's Welcome Dinner. Meals: (D) Dinner Hotel: Mercure Amsterdam Arthur Frommer
Mercure Amsterdam Arthur Frommer is located in the famous Grachtengordel, or "Ring of Canals". This charming hotel is entirely non-smoking and perfectly situated on a quiet street in the heart of Amsterdam. The Mercure Amsterdam is within walking distance of numerous shops, restaurants, museums and visitor attractions. The the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam (one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world) is also nearby. The hotel has over 93 tastefully designed rooms and bathrooms, a bar and a breakfast room.
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DAY 2: MON May 14th - AMSTERDAM
After breakfast we transfer to an authentic saloon boat for a private sightseeing cruise on the 17th-century canal ring area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. A canal cruise is the ultimate "don't miss out" experience in Amsterdam. We will cruise along the capital's network of canals, enjoying a wonderful view of Amsterdam's most beautiful spots, observing the gracious 17th century gabled merchants' houses, the iconic carillon crowned churches and the enchanting bridges.
After the canal cruise the rest of the day is at leisure to explore this wonderfully cultural and historic city! For those interested in visiting the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam (one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world), Jeff Pychel will be paying the gardens a visit preceded by lunch at "The Orangery", a gorgeous museum café which is located in the middle of this living museum and possesses one of the most beautiful outdoor cafés in Amsterdam. Meals: (B) Breakfast Hotel: Mercure Amsterdam Arthur Frommer
Aalsmeer Flower AuctionThe Aalsmeer Flower Auction (Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer) is located in Aalsmeer, a small town just 10 miles from Amsterdam. It is the largest flower auction in the world. The auction building in Aalsmeer is the third largest building in the world, in terms of floorspace, covering 990,000 metres sq or 10.6 million sq ft. Over 1,400 types of flowers from all over the world are auctioned Mon - Fri at thirteen clocks in five auction rooms. The center is known for its sophisticated facilities for processing and assembly, for example of small bouquets. Approximately 18 million cut flowers and 2 million potted plants are sold daily with a 10 % increase around special days such as Valentines and Mothers day. |
DAY 3: TUE May 15th - AALSMEER FLOWER AUCTION and KEUKENHOF
We enjoy an early breakfast before leaving for Aalsmeer, a small town just 10 miles from Amsterdam. The claim to fame of this town is the Aalsmeer Flower Auction, home to the world's largest flower auction, handling in excess of 18 million cut flowers and over 2 million pot plants daily. Upon our arrival we head to the walkway high above the main flower market floor, which gives the visitor a bird's-eye view of the floral goings-on. The action below is manically fast as carts full of every flower imaginable (over 13,000 types) are linked together and pulled by small motorized vehicles. The flowers and plants are grouped by purchaser and sent to Amsterdams airport, where they will be shipped worldwide usually within 24 hrs.
Next its off to the Keukenhof, which is located near Lisse, Netherlands and one of the countrys most popular attractions. We'll have plenty of time to explore the grounds and gardens of the largest bulb flower park in the world. We regroup in Mid-afternoon and transfer back to our hotel in Amsterdam, where the rest of the day is at leisure to explore this exciting city! Meals: (B) Breakfast Hotel: Mercure Amsterdam Arthur Frommer
The current park was a section of the sizeable estate of Slot Teylingen, with beautiful untamed bushes and dunes. After the decease of Jacoba van Beieren, Keukenhof fell into the hands of a rich merchant family who invited the landscape architects of Amsterdam's Vondelpark to make a design for the garden around the castle. This design, in the English landscape style, has always been the basis of Keukenhof. On the initiative of the local mayor of that time and a number of leading flower bulb growers and exporters, an open air flower exhibition was organised here for the first time in 1949. This expanded to an annually recurring event that has attracted more than 44 million visitors in the past six decades from all over the world. Keukenhof is the the largest bulb flower park in the world and home to the largest sculpture collection (under the name Art Keukenhof) in the Netherlands. The park covers an area of 32 hectares and contains 15 kilometers of footpaths, 280 benches, 15 fountains, 32 bridges, 4.5 million tulips in 100 varieties and 2,500 trees in 87 varieties with the beech trees of the Beech Tree Lane being over 160 yrs old. Over 7 million flower bulbs are planted by hand each year in more than 1600 different varieties. The windmill from 1892, has been at the Keukenhof since 1957 and is on the Dutch Monument List. The gardens are open annually from the last week in March to the mid-May. During the last week of the opening, the largest indoor lily exhibition in the world can be seen here with more than 300 different varieties on display. There are 5 restaurants, 6 souvenir shops and 3 flower bulb selling points in the park. |
DAY 4: WED May 16th - PALEIS HET LOO and KRÖLLER-MÜLLER MUSEUM
After an early morning breakfast we depart Amsterdam for Paleis Het Loo (Het Loo Palace, meaning "The Woods Palace"), located in Apeldoorn, Netherlands. The symmetrical Dutch Baroque building was built between 1684 and 1686 for stadtholder-king William III and Mary II of England. The palace was a residence of the House of Orange-Nassau from the 17th century until the death of Queen Wilhelmina in 1962. A Dutch baroque garden with rich decoration, foreign visitors have often seen Het Loo as 'the Versailles of Holland', because of its axial layout, fountains, parterres and statues. Orange trees were placed in the garden as an emblem of the Prince of Orange and for their association with Hercules. In the eighteenth century, William III's baroque garden was destroyed to make a landscape park. Beginning in 1970, the garden was fully restored for the it's 300th anniversary in 1984.
Next we continue on to the largest actively managed conservation area in private hands in the Netherlands, "De Hoge Veluwe National Park" where there will be a break for lunch (at your leisure) and plenty of time to explore the Kröller-Müller Museum, with its world-renowned collection of mainly 19th and 20th century visual art. The museums centrepieces include the large collection of work by Vincent van Gogh and the sculpture garden.
Later we depart for our moated castle hotel located directly on the Dutch border and Lower Rhine. This evening we'll enjoy a special dinner in the hotel's restaurant with a view of the castle park. Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Parkhotel Wasserburg Anholt
Parkhotel Wasserburg Anholt is located at the furthest point of Westphalia, directly on the Dutch border and the Lower Rhine. The ensemble Wasserburg Anholt comprises the hotel, the museum with the princely Salm-Salms collection of paintings, the beautiful castle park, a 18 hole golf course and the biotope wildlife park Anholter Schweiz. The 4 star moated hotel has 31 individually furnished rooms, all with a view of the castle park. The attention to detail can be seen as the each individual room has a direct connect to the history of the house and the flora and fauna of the park, for example the double room "Rhododendron" has a view of the rhododendron island in the park. All rooms are non-smoking and have private en suite facilities.
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The Floriade Park with its estimated 100 exhibitors will cover an area of 66 hectares and be comprised of five unique themed worlds ("Relax and Heal", "Green Engine", "Education and Innovation", "The Environment" and "The World Show Stage") all separated by wooded areas. Worlds in which you will see, feel and experience nature in a constantly changing way. |
DAY 5: THU May 17th - FLORIADE 2012
After an early morning breakfast we depart for Venlo and Floriade 2012, a World Horticultural Expo staged once every ten years in the Netherlands. Floriade 2012 will have an estimated 100 exhibitors coming together to pay tribute to horticulture. The 66 hectare park will be comprised of five unique worlds: themed zones connected by wooded areas. We will be able to walk along a thematic route or enjoy a bird’s eye view of the park from the 30-metre-high cable-car system. There is so much to "See & Do" and we have the entire day to explore and experience this extremely unique horticultural event! Afterwards we depart for the historic city of Maastricht, where we will spend the next 2 days. The rest of the evening is at leisure. Meals: (B) Breakfast Hotel: Bastion Deluxe Hotel Maastricht / Centrum
Bastion Deluxe Hotel Maastricht / Centrum is situated in the heart of Maastricht, within a stone's throw from the Market Square 'Markt', one of three main squares in the city of Maastricht. The square takes its name from the markets that were held here for centuries. The churches, treasure rooms and houses show a rich history, together with the city walls and the tunnels. The hotel has 115 Deluxe rooms and are equipped with a television, a WiFi modem, an alarm clock, a bureau, a safe, free coffee and tea making facilities and a bathroom with bath, toilet and hairdryer. The hotel serves breakfast and has an attractive restaurant with an extensive à la carte menu.
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DAY 6: FRI May 18th - MAASTRICHT
Today the entire day is at leisure to explore the historical city of Maastricht. Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet in the hotels restaurant before setting out on a day of discovery. From the hotel on the west side of the Maas river, many of Maastricht's attractions are within an easy walking distance. The Markt (the site of the city hall) and the Dinghuis, a 15th century court building in Gothic style, are only 500 metres from our hotel, and the beautiful Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe cathedral and Medieval towngate Helpoort (the oldest existing city gate in The Netherlands, circa 1229) are both not far from the old city centre. Also highly recommended are the caves and fort of St. Pieter and cobblestoned Het Vrijthof Square with its outdoor cafes and many shops. Adjacent to the Vrijthof is the St. Servatius Basillica, a Romanesque cathedral with crypts and treasures. So much to see and do in this historic old city. Meals: (B) Breakfast Hotel: Bastion Deluxe Hotel Maastricht / Centrum
DAY 7: SAT May 19th - MAASTRICHT to BRUSSELS
After an early morning breakfast we depart Maastricht for Brussels, the Capital of Belgium and the administrative centre of the European Union. We arrive at the Atomium, an icon of Brussels and Belgium and the unique architectural and emblematic vestige of the World Fair in Brussels (Expo 58). The Atomium continues to embody its ideas of the future and universality, half a century later. Three of the nine spheres are open to the public, the base sphere housing an Expo 58 permanent exhibition, the central sphere a restaurteur and the upper sphere the "Panorama Observation Area". There will be time to explore the Atomium and to enjoy lunch before transferring to our hotel in the center of Brussels.
En route we will make a brief stop at the Parc du Cinquantenaire (French for "Park of the Fiftieth Anniversary"), or Jubelpark (Dutch for "Jubilee Park") a large public, urban park in the easternmost part of the European Quarter in Brussels. Most buildings of the U-shaped complex which dominate the park were commissioned by
King Leopold II and built for the 1880 National Exhibition commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of Belgian independence. The centrepiece "Triumphal Arch" was erected in 1905. The structures were built in iron, glass and stone, symbolising the economic and industrial performance of Belgium. After checking into our hotel the rest of the day is at leisure to explore many of the city's charming and beautiful attractions including the Grote Markt, the Manneken Pis and La Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. Meals: (B) Breakfast Hotel: Hotel NH Stephanie
Hotel NH Stephanie is located in the center of Brussels, just around the corner from the internationally renowned shops on Avenue Louise. It is also very close to Place Louise, a hub providing bus, tram and metro connections to reach the heart of the historic city and the Midi railway station with its Eurostar and Thallys connections. The Royal Palace and Parc de Bruxelles are just a 15 minute stroll away. Located on a partially pedestrianized street where you will be able to discover attractive bar and restaurant terraces, boutiques and cafes, the hotel is set in a haven of peace right in the middle of bustling Brussels. NH Stephanie has 67 rooms all with city views. The lobby provides a setting where guests can relax over a drink, or stop for a light lunch or dinner in the Lobby bar.
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DAY 8: SUN May 20th - BRUSSELS
Today the entire day is at leisure to continue exploring the city of Brussels or enjoy a day excursion to the historic neighbouring city of Bruges.
For those interested in visiting Bruges, Jeff Pychel will be making the one-hour train journey after breakfast to explore one of the most picturesque cities in Europe. Bruges has it all; stunning "Gothic, Romanesque and Renaissance" architecture, history, art, culture and cuisine - plus some of the best beers in the world and the kind of chocolate that would make Willy Wonka give up and flog the factory! In 2000 the city's wonderfully preserved medieval centre was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting the city's architectural, artistic and cultural influences.
Bruges is sometimes referred to as "The Venice of the North" and the open-top boat tours afford one of the best views of the town. Bruges is also a very compact city, which makes it ideal for exploring on foot, by bicycle, or even by horse-drawn carriage. Suggested sights include The Markt, The Belfort (belfry), Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady), Stadhuis, Heilig Bloedbasiliek (The Basillica of the Holy Blood), Groeninge Museum and for the Chocoholics - The Choco Story Museum with its three storeys of chocolate-related exhibits, information and demonstrations.
Oh by the way, Belgians are the fifth biggest beer drinkers in the world, which is probably why they have over 450 varieties to choose from, including some of the best in the world. One place to enjoy a pint is the Cafe Vlissinghe which was founded in 1515 and is reputedly the oldest pub in the city. Meals: (B) Breakfast Hotel: Hotel NH Stephanie
DAY 9: MON May 21st - BRUSSELS to LONDON
We enjoy a relaxed breakfast before departing for Brussels Eurostar Train Station for our high-speed passenger rail journey to London, via the Channel Tunnel between Britain and France. The Eurostar trains run at up to 300 kilometres per hour (186 mph) on a network of high-speed lines, and therefore we will arrive at London's St Pancras Terminal in just over 2 hours. Upon our arrival at the train station, we'll transfer to our Boutique Hotel in the elegant Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. For those interested, Kensington Palace and Gardens is not that far away from the hotel. Meals: (B) Breakfast Hotel: K + K Hotel George
K + K Hotel George is located in West Central London in the district of Kensington, within the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. Its commercial heart is Kensington High Street containing the well known museum district of South Kensington. To the north, Kensington is bordered by Notting Hill, to the east by Brompton & Knightsbridge, to the south by Chelsea & Earl's Court and to the west by Hammersmith & Shepherds Bush. The privileged location, quiet but central, is a special bonus. Just a short walk from the underground station, the K+K Hotel George is within easy reach to London's many museums, tourist attractions and the many exclusive shops and stores in Knightsbridge, home of Harrods. The unique character of this traditional townhouse-style London hotel is instantly beguiling: a refined combination of luxury, charm and style. Savor the tasteful atmosphere created by the English architecture and relax in the hotel's own private garden, a truly unique oasis of peace and tranquility in the center of the city. Rooms feature guest beds with top quality mattresses and duck down duvets, individually adjustable air-conditioning, satellite TV, telephone, electronic safe, mini-bar, coffee & tea making facilities, free highspeed Internet access, electronic door lock and electric travel adapters. Luxurious black granite bathroom are fully equipped with a hairdryer and under floor heating.
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DAY 10: TUE May 22nd - KEW GARDENS, LONDON
This morning after breakfast we depart for the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, home to the world's largest collection of living plants and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003. Kew has over 30,000 different kinds of plants and a herbarium that is one of the largest in the world, with over 7 million preserved plant specimens. Enjoy the day exploring glasshouses, landscapes and 250 years of history at the world's most famous garden. Climb to the treetops, and enjoy a bird's-eye view of the gardens while being suspended over 18 metres in the tree canopy giving you a spectacular experience. We regroup in Mid-afternoon and transfer back to our hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure to explore this vibrant city! Meals: (B) Breakfast Hotel: K + K Hotel George
The first "Great Spring Show" was held at the RHS garden in Kensington from 1862 to 1888, before it was moved to the heart of London. The site choosen was the Temple Gardens, situated between the Embankment and Fleet Street, which had a recorded history dating back to 1307 and which were said to date from the time of the Knights Templar. The roses for which these Temple Gardens were famous were alluded to in Shakespeare's Henry VI - Part One. In 1912, the Temple Show was cancelled to make way for the Royal International Horticultural Exhibition. Sir Harry Veitch, the great nurseryman, secured the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, for this one-off event. It proved such a good site for an exhibition that the Great Spring Show was moved there in 1913, where it has taken place almost every year since. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is attended by 157,000 visitors each year (a number limited by the capacity of the 11-acre (45,000 m2) ground), and all tickets must be purchased in advance. Highlights to the Show include the avant-garde Gardens designed by leading names with Floral Marquee at the centrepiece. The Show also features smaller Urban and Artisan Gardens. There are four grades of award presented, gold, silver-gilt, silver and bronze, in each of the 16 categories. Bronze grade exhibits do not actually receive a medal. |
Day 11: WED May 23rd - RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW on MEMBER'S ONLY DAY
Today after an early morning breakfast we board our coach and transfer to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show to enjoy "Member's Only Day", an exclusive day for RHS members only (membership included with your tour) when the general public are not allowed.
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, formally known as the Great Spring Show, is a garden show held over five days in May by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in Chelsea, London. The show is the most famous flower show in the United Kingdom, perhaps the world and part of "London's Summer Social Season".
The entire day is yours to explore this amazing event on the gardening calendar. Late in the afternoon we will transfer by coach back to our hotel where the rest of the evening is at leisure. Meals: (B) Breakfast Lodging: K + K Hotel George
DAY 12: THU May 24th - LONDON
Today the day is all yours to explore the city of London. How about a city tour on an iconic double decker bus? A cruise along the famed River Thames? Shopping at Harrods? Or the 'Changing Of The Guard' at Buckingham Palace? In London there are unlimited choices to be had and you have the entire day to explore! In the evening we'll regroup at our hotel and transfer to a local restaurant to enjoy the Tour's Farewell Dinner followed by a musical performanc
e at a West-End theatre. After the show the rest of the evening is at leisure.
PRE-THEATRE DINNER and a WEST-END SHOW....
Later in the afternoon we regroup at our hotel or at a London restaurant for our Pre-Theatre Dinner followed by a visit to a West End Theatre for an evening musical performance. Transfers are included from the hotel and back from the theatre. Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: K + K Hotel George
DAY 13: FRI May 25th - DEPART LONDON for HOME
This morning enjoy a beautiful breakfast before we bid farewell to England, and make our way to one of London's airports for our international flight back home. Flight is not included in the tour price, but as a full service travel agency were happy to assist with flight arrangements to join this tour. We suggest booking early to obtain the best flights and rates available. Meals: (B) Breakfast
Pricing:
Prices per person in Canadian Dollars (CAD $) |
Twin/Dble |
Single |
Grand Garden Tour - May 13 to 25, 2012 |
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On Request |
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Tour Inclusions:
- Accommodation: 3 Nts in Amsterdam, 1 Nt Wasserburg, 2 Nts Maastricht, 2 Nts Brussels and 4 Nts London in 3 1/2 Star or higher hotels with private en suite facilities.
- Meals: Full hotel breakfast daily and 3 dinners including the Tour Welcome Dinner and Pre-Theatre Tour Farewell Dinner in London's West End Theatre District.
- Transportation: By private touring coach throughout the entire tour in Europe and England. Eurostar ticket from Brussels to London is included in tour price.
- Tour Leader: Jeff Pychel from The Travel Broker will travel with the group from Canada.
- Entrance fees: Full day at Floriade 2012 and at The RHS Chelsea Flower Show on "Member's Only Day"; and fees to all sights and attractions mentioned in the tour itinerary and highlights.
- Tour Highlights: Amsterdam Canal Cruise, Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, Keukenhof Gardens, Paleis Het Loo, Kröller-Müller Museum, Floriade 2012, Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Welcome Dinner and Farewell Pre-Theatre Dinner and West-End Theatre Muscial Performance.
- Theatre Tickets: Tour includes one premium theatre ticket to see a musical in London's West-End Theatre district.
- Taxes: Local taxes on all included services.
Tour Exclusions:
- International flight to Amsterdam, Netherlands and back from London, England.
- Airport Transfer from Amsterdam Airport to Amsterdam hotel and London hotel to London Airport.
- Personal Insurances (travel, baggage, cancellation, etc.)
- Passport & Visa Fees and Immunizations
- Alcoholic beverages and bar beverages (soft drinks)
- Laundry & personal hotel charges, etc.)
- All optional excursions or deviations from the itinerary
- Items of personal nature and souvenirs
Deposits and Final Payments:
- Deposits: At time of booking CA$500.00 per person + insurance premium if applicable
- Final Payment: Invoices will be issued on February 24, 2012; final payment
due by March 2, 2012. Payments may be made by personal cheque, Visa or Mastercard
Cancellation Charges:
- Once a deposit has been paid the following scale of cancellation charges will apply: (Note that insurance premiums, once paid, are non-refundable)
- Until March 2, 2012: Deposits paid
- From March 3 to March 23, 2012: 50% of final invoice
- March 24, 2012 to April 11, 2012: 75% of final invoice
- April 12, 2012 till departure: 100% of final invoice
Travel Broker Tours would be happy to assist you in arranging flights from your home to join us!
For more information or to register for this tour please contact Jeff Pychel at:
Travel Broker Tours
(A division of The Travel Broker & Cruise Centre)
1758 Bath Road Kingston, ON Canada
Telephone: 613-389-7914 or 1-800-387-7678
Email: jpychel@thetravelbroker.ca
Web: www.thetravelbroker.ca




Aalsmeer Flower Auction
Keukenhof


Floriade 2012








RHS Chelsea Flower Show