Welcome to the Discover The Netherlands Garden Tour with Kathy Jentz Spring 2024!
Get ready to be amazed by the unparalleled beauty of the world-renowned Dutch gardens. A country that is famous for its tulips and known for its well-maintained gardens, the Netherlands is a paradise for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts. Our tour takes you on a journey through the Dutch countryside and picturesque cities to explore iconic botanical gardens, tulip fields, flower markets, and extensive garden landscapes. Be immersed in the world of Dutch horticultural mastery, explore the unique landscapes that inspire garden design, and discover the art of creating a blooming country.
A $1,000 deposit per person is required to hold your reservation. The deposit is due no later than February 17, 2024, with final payment due no later than March 17, 2024.
This tour will require a minimum number of 18 tour participants to establish viability.
Do NOT arrange airfare until you have been notified via email that the tour is fully viable! You must arrive to Schiphol Amsterdam Airport (AMS) before 12:00 pm (noon) on April 17, 2024.
Please note that changes to the itinerary may be necessary due to weather, availability, or other factors beyond our control. Participants must be able to endure moderate physical activity (daily activities may include 2-4 hours of walking and 3-4 hours of bus rides) and should be in overall good health!
For more information on this, or any of our other tours, please leave a message for Ray at 816-842-7500 or send an email to ray@discoverourtours.com.
9 nights accommodation - 4 Star
Private shuttle from and to Schiphol Amsterdam Airport (AMS). Full size motor coach for all sightseeing and transfers
Welcome Reception the night of arrival
9 Dinners, 9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches - as indicated on The Itinerary
All visits and activities indicated on itinerary
Entrance fees to all activities stated on itinerary
Services of a Dutch/English speaking tour guide
All tips *see more below
Tourist taxes and parking fees
Luggage handling at hotels
Travel to/from Schiphol Amsterdam Airport
If applicable at time of tour
*While not required, tipping a tour guide or motor coach driver is appreciated, depending on satisfaction of the services provided.
Optional travel insurance recommended. For your convenience, a link for travel insurance is provided at the bottom of our home page - www.discoverourtours.com.
Tour Extensions are available. Email Discover Garden Tours directly - contact@discoverourtours.com
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
● Morning (by noon) arrival at Schiphol Amsterdam Airport (AMS)
● Meet your bus driver/guide
● Transfer to the Golden Tulip Leiden Centre Hotel
● Visit Emely's Tuin, landscape garden
Meals Included - Welcome Dinner
Lodging - Golden Tulip Leiden Centre
Upon arrival at Schiphol, your journey commences with a brief transfer to the comfortable Golden Tulip Leiden Centre. After checking in, you'll explore Emely’s Garden, a hidden gem boasting an array of flowers, shrubs, and stunning lawns. The day concludes with a delectable Welcome Dinner, allowing you to savor local culinary delights before retiring for a comfortable night at the hotel.
EMELY’S TUIN, Oud Ade
Private garden of 5.500 m2, which is divided into; a forest garden, a small orchard, a white garden, a shadow garden, a kitchen garden with glasshouse and nursery.
Thursday, April 18, 2024
● Breakfast at Golden Tulip Leiden Centre
● Visit Hortus Botanicus Leiden
● Explore Rosarium Westbroek Park
● Visit Royal Delft Pottery
Meals Included - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging - Golden Tulip Leiden Centre
The day kicks off with a captivating visit to Hortus Botanicus Leiden, a botanical garden featuring a rich collection of plants. You'll then explore Gravenhage/The Hague and indulge in a lunch amidst the floral beauty of Westbroekpark, followed by a scenic stroll in Rosarium. The afternoon includes a visit to the Royal Delft Pottery in Delft, where you'll learn about the centuries-old art of Delft Blue. The day concludes with a culinary adventure at a local restaurant in Leiden.
The Hortus Leiden is the oldest botanic garden in The Netherlands. The oldest section of the Hortus, dating back to 1590, is the current Front Garden. It has been renovated with new plants and in 2000, a new glasshouse was added to form the Winter Garden. The Clusius Garden gives an impression of what the Hortus was like around 1600, when the bonds between the Netherlands and Asia were formed. The exchange of plants and knowledge between these cultures can be seen in the Japanese Garden. The Hortus’ pride, Victoria amazonica, can be admired in the Victoria Glasshouse.
ROSARIUM WESTBROEKPARK, The Hague
The Westbroekpark in The Hague was created during the 1920’s according to a design by Pieter Westbroek. The colorful rose garden is one of the park's highlights, as is the romantic tearoom where you can enjoy high tea. The Westbroekpark rosarium has acquired international fame. The rose garden contains approximately 20,000 rose bushes and more than 300 varieties of roses.
THE ROYAL DUTCH DELFTWARE, Delft
The Royal Dutch Delftware Manufactory "De Porceleyne Fles", established in 1653, is the last remaining Delftware factory from the 17th century. The world famous Royal Delftware is still entirely hand-painted according to centuries-old tradition.
A visit to Royal Delft includes:
• The history of Blue Delft and Royal Delft and its development and production process. • Master painter at work • The dining room of Vermeer and the Dutch Royal family Chamber • Museum with antique Delft pieces • Ceramic rooms with building ceramics • Historical courtyard • Visit to the factory.
Friday, April 19, 2024
● Breakfast at Golden Tulip Leiden Centre
● Visit Keringhuis and Maeslant Kering
● Visit Trompenburg Tuinen & Arboretum
● Visit Molens Kinderdijk UNICEF
Meals Included - Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner
Lodging - Golden Tulip Leiden Centre
Today focuses on innovation and natural beauty. You'll start with a visit to the impressive Keringhuis and the imposing Maeslantkering in Hoek van Holland. After a fascinating morning, the journey continues to the Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum in Rotterdam, immersing you in the diversity of plants and trees. The day ends with a return to Leiden for a relaxing dinner.
Visit The Keringhuis, Public Water Management Information Centre about flood risk management in the Province of Zuid-Holland and the impressive Maeslant Storm Surge Barrier. The Keringhuis shows how the Dutch still manage to keep their feet dry. The Maeslant Storm Surge barrier is the last part of the Dutch Delta Works and is the world’s largest moveable barrier. This impressive construction cannot be described in words, only experienced.
STICHTING TROMPENBURG TUINEN & ARBORETUM, Rotterdam
Trompenburg is a beautifully designed botanic garden (20 acres) boasting a large collection of trees, shrubs, perennials, bulbs and tubers. Located in the district of Kralingen just outside Rotterdam city center, this is a real treasure trove for any plant lover and an oasis of tranquility for walkers away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Due to this special collection, Trompenburg is also acknowledged as a museum and municipal monument, The Green Museum of Rotterdam.
In The Netherlands today boasts more than 1,000 mills. Around 1740 near Kinderdijk stood no less than 19 sturdy mills built, which are well preserved to the present day. The mills drain the excess water from the Alblasserwaard polders - situated below sea-level - after which the water is sluiced into the river Lek (Rijn). The powerful mill sails serve to transmit wind force on to large paddle-wheels which scoop up the water. Nowadays power-driven pumping engines do the job, including one of the largest water screw pumping-stations in Western Europe. The Foundation "Wereld Erfgoed Kinderdijk" maintains and preserves the windmills in Kinderdijk. The preservation is not limited to the windmills themselves, but also covers the area in which the windmills are situated. In 1997 the mills of Kinderdijk were put on the World Heritage List of UNESCO.
Saturday, April 20, 2024
● Breakfast at Golden Tulip Leiden Centre
● Experience the Keukenhof
● View the Dutch Flower Parade from the Grandstands
Meals Included - Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner
Lodging - Hotel Van der Valk Emmeloord
The morning is dedicated to the enchanting Keukenhof, known as the "Garden of Europe." Here, you'll enjoy the overwhelming colors of tulips and other flowers during floral shows and themed gardens. Indulge in the world-famous Dutch Flower Parade from the VIP Grandstands, a unique opportunity! After lunch, you'll explore the picturesque surroundings and conclude the day with a delightful dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Van der Valk Emmeloord.
The most beautiful spring garden in the world! Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Keukenhof Gardens during the 2024 Tulip Festival. More than 7 million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths fill over 79 acres with color and fragrance. Discover the latest trends in gardening and get new ideas from inspirational gardens and numerous works of art, among the flowers. Enjoy the unique experience of the 2024 Dutch Flower Parade, sitting in the VIP Grandstands.
Sunday, April 21, 2024
● Breakfast at Van Der Valk Hotel Emmeloord
● Visit De Stekkentuin, Espel
● Visit Het Zwaluwhuis, Ens
● Visit De Orchideeënhoeve, Luttelgeest
Meals Included - Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner
Lodging - Van der Valk Hotel Emmeloord
Today unveils the hidden treasures of De Stekkentuin in Espel and Het Zwaluwhuis in Ens, two unique gardens each telling its own story. After lunch, you'll visit De Orchideeënhoeve in Luttelgeest, surrounded by colorful orchids and tropical flora. The day concludes with a delightful dinner in Emmeloord.
DE STEKKENTUIN, Espel
Landscape and farm garden of 4,000 m2, with special plant collections: 350 species of helleborus, cyclamen, snowdrops, and 25,000 bulb flowers in spring, next to the hosta walk; 200 holyhocks, 90 hydrangea, and a sedum collection.
HET ZWALUWHUIS, Ens Bezoektuin en tuinontwerp
A sleek rural farm garden in the Noordoostpolder. The NOP, since 1942 reclaimed land from the former Zuiderzee. The garden has been landscaped in 2014, so a young garden, with many grasses, perennials fruit trees, and small kitchen garden.
DE ORCHIDEEENHOEVE, Luttelgeest
Explore the Orchideeën Hoeve and discover the most magnificent jungle park of Europe. Wander around in the indoor park (25,000 m2) and let yourself be enchanted by breathtaking nature full of exceptional flowers, plants, and animals. Visit the tropical butterfly garden, cavort around the water-rich playground, have lunch in the fairytale-like "Suspended’ Flower Garden," and discover the brand-new meerkat garden.
Monday, April 22, 2024
● Breakfast at Van der Valk Hotel Emmeloord
● Visit Mien Ruys Tuinen
● Visit de Tuinen Mergen-Metz
Meals Included - Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner
Lodging - Landgoed Groot Warnsborn Arnhem
You'll commence the day by exploring the Mien Ruys Gardens in Dedemsvaart, an oasis of peace and creativity. Next, a visit to the Gardens Mergen-Metz, where biological diversity takes center stage. The evening concludes with a relaxed dinner and overnight stay at the beautiful Landgoed Groot Warnsborn in Arnhem.
MIEN RUYS GARDENS, Dedemsvaart
An overview of garden architecture from 1924 to the present. 30 inspirational gardens with experiments in design, plants and materials. The gardens are a lifetime’s work of Mien Ruys, one of the most important garden architects in the 20th Century.
DE TUINEN VAN MERGENMETZ, Doorwerth
A garden of 1 hectare, half of which is part of the Dutch Ecological Main Structure. The traditional garden is turned into a Edible Ornamental Garden with partly exotic crops and native edibles. Behind the house lies a kitchen garden of 300 m2; here the founders goal is to create a garden where everything that grows can be eaten.
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
● Breakfast at Landgoed Groot Warnsborn Arnhem
● Visit Arnhem Centre, Arnhem
● Visit Eusbuis Church, Arnhem
● Visit Kijktuin De Stek, Driel
Meals Included - Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner
Lodging - Landgoed Groot Warnsborn Arnhem
The day begins with a stroll through the beautiful gardens in the center of Arnhem, followed by a visit to the impressive Eusebius Church. After lunch, you'll explore Kijktuin De Stek in Driel, a surprising private garden with a unique atmosphere. The day concludes with dinner at a charming local restaurant in Arnhem.
DE TUINEN VAN HET SPIJKERKWARTIER, Arnhem
In town centre of Arnhem, city quarter Spijkerkwartier, one can find 11 “hidden” gardens, open to the public. These special gardens are designed by the residents, who mostly maintain the gardens themselves.
EUSEBIUS CHURCH BUILDING, Arnhem
The Eusebius Church tells the history of almost twelve centuries of Arnhem, and not just as the capital of Gelderland. The city was an important power and trade center in Europe under Karel van Gelre (1467-1538). In the Second World War (1944-1945), the Eusebius Church, like the people of Arnhem, had a very hard time. But the church was resurrected during the recent reconstruction period and has given the city and its inhabitants their pride back.
- The Battle of Arnhem
The Eusebius Church was at the center of the fighting during the Battle of Arnhem. On the night of 19 to 20 September 1944, the church was heavily shot at and almost completely burned out. To make matters worse, when the Rhine Bridge was blown up in 1945, half the tower broke loose and collapsed onto the battered nave of the church.
- Spectacular Panorama lift, Glass balconies
Thanks to the glass wall, the lift offers an increasingly wider view of Arnhem, the Rhine, the Betuwe and the Veluwezoom. At the same time, the lift offers a view of the inside of the tower. This enables the bells of the impressive carillon in the tower to be admired up close.
HOBBY KWEKERIJ EN KIJKTUINEN DE STEK, Driel
The garden lies on historic grounds from the Roman period. The Limes route runs right through the garden. During the Second World War the house was used as headquarters of the Polish Airborne Brigade, around which were heavily fought by the Poles and Germans. The garden emphasizes the variation in plants; over 1,900 species are spread throughout 21 themed gardens.
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
● Breakfast at Landgoed Groot Warnsborn Arnhem
● Visit private garden at De Briellaerd
● Canal Cruise Amsterdam
Meals Included - Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner
Lodging - Nhow Amsterdam RAI Hotel
Today, you'll discover the charming private garden De Briellaerd in Barneveld, where every corner offers a new visual delight. In the evening, you'll enjoy a relaxing evening cruise through the canals of Amsterdam, followed by a culinary highlight in a renowned restaurant in the capital.
HOVENIERSCENTRUM DE BRIELLAERD, Barneveld
Gardening center De Briellaerd shows various garden styles: English garden, modern garden, shadow garden, and small gardens.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
● Breakfast Nhow Amsterdam RAI Hotel
● Visit FloraHolland Royal Co-Operative Flower Auction
● Visit Hortus Bulborum
● Explore Singel Canal Floating Flower Market
Meals Included - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging - Nhow Amsterdam RAI Hotel
Early in the morning, you'll visit the Royal Cooperative Flower Auction FloraHolland in Aalsmeer, providing a unique opportunity to witness the flower trade in action. Next, you'll explore the historic Hortus Bulborum in Limmen, home to a treasure trove of ancient flower bulbs. The day concludes with a leisurely walk along the Singel Canal in Amsterdam, followed by dinner in a characteristic restaurant.
ROYAL CO-OPERATIVE FLOWER AUCTION, Aalsmeer
The Netherlands is the heart of the international floriculture sector. It has an intricate and high-quality network of companies, ranging from breeders and growers to sales experts and export firms, representing every aspect of the business. The Netherlands is the place where supply and demand come together, from Europe and beyond. FloraHolland flower auction plays a key role in the Netherlands, land of Floriculture where its position as marketplace fulfils the role of matchmaker, intermediary and knowledge center.
STICHTING HORTUS BULBORUM, Limmen
The foundation manages the unique Hortus collection garden with its 4,000 spring-flowering historical bulbs. This collection consists primarily of tulips, narcissus and hyacinths, but there is also a small number of Fritillaria and crocus, primarily the C.vernus types. In addition to functioning as a gene bank, the garden has a seasonal display of thousands of heirloom bulbs, some of which are no longer in commercial production. Certain tulips originated in the 16th century. The Fritillaria persica on display was already in cultivation as early as 1577, while the oldest narcissus is several centuries older yet. The visiting public has the pleasure of enjoying such legendary tulips as the ‘Duc van Tol Red and Yellow ‘(1595), ‘Zomerschoon’ (1620), popular during the Tulipmania (1635-1637) period or the exotic parrot tulip ‘Perfecta” (1750), and many other fascinating examples.
Singel Canal Floating Flower Market
Walk the only floating flower market in the world. Located in the city center, the flower stalls are found on boats, moored on the canals, reminiscent of days gone by when the market was supplied daily by boats.
Friday, April 26, 2024
● Breakfast at Nhow Amsterdam RAI Hotel
● Check out of Nhow Amsterdam RAI Hotel
● Private Shuttle to Schiphol Amsterdam Airport (AMS) for your flight home,
● or begin an Optional Tour Extension - contact Discover Garden Tours for details.
Meals Included - Breakfast
A final morning transfer takes you to Schiphol Amsterdam Airport for your return flight to the United States. Bid farewell to your dedicated tour manager and driver, cherishing the unforgettable memories of this captivating garden study tour in the Netherlands.
Monday, April 16 - Tuesday, April 17, 2024
Arrive on Monday morning for a leisurely time change adjustment. The Pre-Tour Extension includes 1 night at the NH Schiphol Hotel with breakfast, and a ticket to the Anne Frank House Museum. Tickets to the Anne Frank House are acquired through an online lottery exactly 6 weeks in advance. Every effort will be made to obtain tickets for Monday afternoon, but cannot be guaranteed. If we are unable to purchase them, you will be refunded the cost - $35.
Transportation is not included, but the hotel is near the airport and easily accessible by tram or taxi. Detailed instructions will be provided for luggage drop off and transit to the Anne Frank House Museum.
*This optional extension is available when you book your reservation.
Meals Included - Breakfast
Lodging - NH Schiphol Hotel
