Join two luminaries of the garden world on this exquisite tour. Each have written numerous books plus they are both renowned speakers, teachers, podcasters and more:
Debra Prinzing is the founder of Slow Flowers Society which works to promote using locally-grown flowers and the people who grow them. Her most recent book is "Flower Farmers" plus she also wrote "The 50 Mile Bouquet" and "Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways"
Lorene Edwards Forkner's most recent project is Cultivating Color which is about exploring the wonders of the natural world through observation of color. Lorene has written numerous books, including "Color In and Out of the Garden" and "Handmade Garden Projects" and "The Beginner's Guide to Growing Great Vegetables" and more.
Springtime in Holland and Belgium is paradise on earth! Well-known for its tulips, the region is also bursting with other flowering bulbs and blossoms. The wonderous waterways and the culture of the region are on full display in the spring and we have selected the best of the best for your visit
During this 10-night tour, we will enjoy a curated array of breathtaking gardens with time to enjoy what we are seeing. You will delight in the company of fellow garden enthusiasts plus opportunities to explore for non-gardeners. We have created a tour with less time on a coach so that you have more time for fun, experiences and exploration.
We begin with 3 nights in Utrecht, near Amsterdam and exceptionally charming but without the crowds. We then board our luxurious river cruise ship, the Certo. Our next 7 nights will include cruising the waterways in the evenings and custom shore excursions for our group each day. For non-gardeners, the cruise ship also offers numerous daily excursions such as walking tours, cycling tours and more. You are free to choose our custom excursions to gardens or the regular excursions or you can even take time off and enjoy relaxing on the ship!
The custom shore excursions will feature gardens with plenty of time to experience and enjoy, including Keukenhoff with the largest flowering bulb display gardens in the world plus 10+ other gardens in the region. There are scores of gardens to choose from in this part of the world - this itinerary features the cream of the crop.
The itinerary was designed by Lois Moss of Tour 2 Explore who has orchestrated scores of horticulture-themed tours. The combination of plant knowledge and organizing exceptional tours will make this a memorable experience. Plus the ship has a crew of over 50 people - you will be pampered and well-looked after throughout the tour.
OPTIONAL PRE-TOUR
Arrive on Friday, April 17 and stay 2 nights in the charming town of Haarlem. On Saturday, April 18 one of the largest flower parade in The Netherlands goes from near Keukenhof and ends in the evening in Haarlem. You'll be able to experience the town and you'll be able to see the flower floats as they arrive. Saturday is also market day so the square will be filled with activity plus there are world-class museums in Haarlem.
A deckplan in the photo section shows where each cabin is. For additional photos of the ship, click here
A video of the cruise can be seen by clicking here
River cruises have been incredibly popular and we are not able to secure additional cabins, so act fast if you want to join Debra, Lorene and Lois plus the rest of the crew.
If you have any questions, contact Lois at Tour2ExploreMore@gmail.com She has visited each of the hotels, all the gardens, done 2 river cruises this year and much more. She is happy to answer your questions or give you additional information.
3 nights Utrecht at the gorgeous 4-star Crowne Plaza Hotel, 7 nights river cruise on the luxurious ship AmaCerto
If you prefer just the 7-night cruise portion of the tour, that is also an option. You would board the ship in Amsterdam on the afternoon of April 22. You will visit Keukenof on April 28.
10 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 8 Dinners. AmaWaterways is known for its gourmet-quality food. At lunch and dinner wine and beer are complimentary. The ship also has free afternoon tea and nighttime snacks
We expect to visit Keukenhof Gdns, Arboretum Kalmthout, Plantentuin Meise, Tuin Demen, Lage Oorsprang, Castle De Haar, Utrecht Bot Gdn, and Palais Het Loo
The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken are open to the public only 3 weeks each year. We are working with local experts and will try to get tickets to visit. Local connections can make a big difference
During the cruise portion, our group will enjoy custom shore excursions which are included in the tour price. We will have our own charter coach to visit exceptional gardens.
AmaWaterways is known for their variety and quality shore excursions which are all included. You can choose as many or as few as you like. This is perfect for non-gardening partners or spouses
Since our hotel essentially travels with us, it is ideal for people who want to have more independent time or alternatives to gardens such as hiking, cycling, antiquing or exploring
AmaWaterways includes free morning yoga, stretching classes and other wellness programs
We will have a charter coach and local driver for our custom excursions
The tour starts in Utrecht and our hotel is next to the train station. A team of Dutch guides will be at the airport and at the station, so you'll be efficiently transported from and to the airport
The cruise is scheduled to end in Amsterdam. AmaWaterways staff have an efficient system for handling your transportation at the end of the cruise. with options you can choose from.
Gratuities for the driver, guides, ship crew and cruise manager are included in the tour price. Port charges are also included. These are usually additional fees but they are included in our tour
You can pay using your credit card or ACH electronic transfer on this secure, encrypted booking software. Paying online is more secure than traditional checks
The balance will be due no later than January 19, 2026
A withdrawal from a tour after October 10, regardless of the reason, is subject to the following fees:
From October 11, 2025 to January 19, 2026, the withdrawal fee is $750 per person
After January 20, 2026 the tour deposit and all installments are forfeited.
If a replacement is found for your place, the cancellation charge becomes $750 per person and you will be refunded the difference, if any
No hidden port charges or required gratuities. The tour price includes port charges and gratuities to the guides and cruise staff
If you would like help booking airfare, Lois is happy to help you decide
Travel insurance is highly recommended. Some policies require purchase soon after your first deposit
The tour ends in Amsterdam. If you would like help with post-tour travel, Brian can help you
We value your time and individual preferences, so any meals not listed in the itinerary are your choice.
