Compare European Affair & The Chelsea Flower Show - 2022 by Insight Vacations vs 10 Day Classic Amsterdam, Bruges, Paris & London by Gate 1 Travel

Day 1: Welcome to London

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 for a Welcome Drink and trip briefing at the hotel.

Day 2: Chelsea Flower Show

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

Travel to Dover for the channel crossing to Calais, and transfer to Amsterdam. Later we board our canal boat and dine as we gently glide along the canals, past traditional Dutch-gabled houses built right on the water’s edge, and under picturesque bridges.

Day 4: Floriade

Start your day at the famous Aalsmeer Flower Auction, the largest of its kind in the world. Experience the intoxicating bustle of the auction floor and witness the incredible number of blooms sold every day. Later visit the Floriade Expo 2022, a once-in-a-decade horticultural and international garden exposition. The theme is “Growing Green Cities”, you will have time to visit the Green Island and other districts focusing on food, energy and health.

Day 5: Amsterdam to Bruges

Continue to medieval Bruges in Belgium. Stroll along the cobbled streets lined with high, gabled houses from the Golden Age of the 16th century. Visit the market square dominated by the 272ft Belfry of the Market Hall. Then explore Burg Square with its ornate Gothic town hall and glorious frescoes on the walls of the Holy Blood Chapel. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing canal cruise, followed by a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 6: Bruges at Leisure

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

Depart Bruges for glittering Paris. Enjoy sightseeing with a Local Expert, taking in the imposing facades of the Louvre and Garnier Opera House. See the obelisk in the Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe and see the Eiffel Tower, completed for the World Exhibition in 1899.

Day 8: Loire Valley Excursion

Today take a day trip from Paris to visit two of the most famous Chateaux of the Loire Valley: the picturesque Château de Chenonceau, and perhaps most magnificent of them all, the Château de Chambord. You’ll witness the glamour and grandeur of French royalty and aristocracy, and gain insights into ‘castle life’ in these iconic Renaissance riverside estates.

Day 9: Versailles and Giverny

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

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.