Steam Trains & Tulips in Holland 2012 

We depart St Pancras International on Eurostar to Brussels, where we change trains and continue to Amsterdam. On arrival we check in to the luxurious Hotel Estheréa, located in the heart of the city. (D)

Today we enjoy a guided walking tour of Amsterdam's vibrant city centre, exploring the hidden gems of Holland's beautiful capital. For our Spring departures we then join a coach and head to Keukenhof, where 80 acres of park featuring large beds of spectacular flower displays await. You have time to explore via strategically laid paths weaving through the colourful gardens. For our later season departures, our floral excursion takes us instead to the 2012 Floriade in Venlo on Day 3. The incredible World Horticultural Expo takes place only every 10 years and includes flowers, plants, and gardens from all over the world. (B)

For our Spring departures we travel by coach to the picturesque village of Hoorn. Here we have time for a quick visit to the fascinating Steam Train Museum. The museum restores old steam trains, running them on the historic line; a journey which we take. After travelling through the beautiful Westfrisian countryside to Medemblik, we travel by coach to Volendam, once an important base for the Dutch East-India Company and renowned for its old fishing boats and the traditional clothing still worn by some residents. Our final port of call is Zaanse Schans, a fascinating open air museum depicting Dutch life in the 17th and 18th centuries. Our June to August departures enjoy the day at the Floriade World Horticultural Expo in Venlo. (B)

Spring departures have a free day to explore Amsterdam at leisure; the city is home to some fascinating museums including the Rijksmuseum, Rembrandt House, the Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum. Later season departures enjoy the Steam Train journey from Hoorn to Medemblik, and the historic villages of Voldendam and Zaanse Schans, as described on Day 3. We dine together tonight at a local restaurant. On Day 5 we depart Amsterdam, travelling by train to Brussels. Here we join the Eurostar service to London. (Day 4-B,D; Day 5-B)

B = Breakfast, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday

Once every 10 years, somewhere in the Netherlands, a town is transformed into a fabulous festival of flowers. Floriade is the World Horticultural Expo and takes place in 2012 in the Dutch town of Venlo. Floriade is not only the world's ultimate fl ower show - spread over 5 themed zones across an enormous 66 hectares - it is also a celebration of plants, vegetables, fruit and produce. Gardeners from all over the world offer you the opportunity to enjoy the most exquisite and exceptional examples of horticulture found anywhere on Earth.