Thursday, April 10, 2025

● Breakfast at Golden Tulip Leiden

● Guided Tour of Hortus Botanicus Leiden

● Lunch at Greens in The Park

● Explore Rosarium Westbroekpark

● Free Time in The Hague city center

● Dinner TBD

Meals Included - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodging - Golden Tulip Leiden Center

The day begins with breakfast at the Golden Tulip Leiden Centre, starting at 8:00 AM.  After breakfast, we tour the Hortus Botanicus Leiden, followed by traveling to The Hague. Here, we will have lunch at Greens in the Park and take a leisurely walk in the Rosarium Westbroekpark.  Afterwards, you will have free time in the city center of The Hague.  At 6:00 PM, we will return to Leiden for dinner at a restaurant to be determined and overnight again at the Golden Tulip Leiden Centre.

HORTUS BOTANICUS 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 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. 

Friday, April 11, 2025

● Breakfast at Golden Tulip Leiden

● Visit Molens Kinderdijk UNICEF

● Lunch at Theehuis De Uithoek Home

● Visit Trompenburg Tuinen & Arboretum

● Visit Keringhuis and Maeslantkering

● Dinner at Restaurant Hudson

Meals Included - Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner

Lodging - Golden Tulip Leiden Center

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Kinderdijk to visit the famous Dutch windmills.  For lunch, we will go to Theehuis De Uithoek Home in Trompenburg, followed by a visit to Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum in Rotterdam. We will explore Keringhuis and Maeslantkering for the remainder of the afternoon. Dinner will be at Restaurant Hudson in Leiden and overnight again at the Golden Tulip Leiden Centre.

KINDERDIJK

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.

STICHTING TROMPENBURG TUINEN & ARBORETUM

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.

KERINGHUIS

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.

Saturday, April 12, 2025

● Breakfast at Golden Tulip Leiden Centre

● Experience the Keukenhof Flower Parade

● Lunch Provided

● Visit Keukenhof

● Dinner TBD

Meals Included - Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner

Lodging - Hotel Van der Valk Emmeloord

After breakfast, we depart at 9:00 AM for the Keukenhof parade for a morning full of floral splendor.  We will enjoy a packed lunch and spend the afternoon at the Keukenhof before departing for Emmeloord via the Markerwaarddijk.  We will have dinner at a location to be determined and overnight at Hotel Van der Valk Emmeloord.

LANDGOED DE KEUKENHOF

Feast your eyes on a kaleidoscope of color at the legendary Landgoed De Keukenhof. Stroll through 32 hectares of meticulously manicured gardens, where millions of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths bloom in a breathtaking display. Marvel at innovative floral installations that push the boundaries of garden design. Discover hidden pathways that wind through tranquil forests and along shimmering lakes. This is a sensory experience like no other - a true celebration of the natural world's beauty and the human creativity it inspires.

Sunday, April 13, 2025

● Breakfast at Van Der Valk Hotel Emmeloord

● Visit De Stekkentuin, Espel

● Lunch at Grand Cafe Emmeloord

● Visit Het Zwaluwhuis, Ens

● Dinner at Grand Cafe Emmeloord

Meals Included - Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner

Lodging - Van der Valk Hotel Emmeloord

After breakfast at Hotel Van der Valk Emmeloord, we will visit De Stekkentuin in Espel from 10:30 AM to Noon. Following lunch at the Grand Cafe Emmeloord, we will explore Het Zwaluwhuis in Ens.

DE STEKKENTUIN

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

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.

Monday, April 14, 2025

● Breakfast at Van der Valk Hotel Emmeloord

● Visit Tuinen de Lage Oorsprong

● Lunch at Paleis het Loo

● Visit Paleis het Loo

● Dinner

Meals Included - Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner

Lodging - Hotel Haarhuis Arnhem

After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for Oosterbeek to visit Tuin de Lage Oorsprong. Lunch is planned at Paleis Het Loo, followed by a visit to the Palace and its gardens. We will have dinner at 6:00 PM and overnight at Hotel Haarhuis in Arnhem.

TUINEN DE LAGE OORSPRONG

At Tuinen de Lage Oorsprong, step into a serene oasis where history, horticulture, and harmony intertwine. Wander through meticulously maintained gardens that showcase centuries-old traditions alongside modern design, all set against the picturesque backdrop of the Dutch countryside. Lose yourself in a tapestry of colors, textures, and tranquility that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired.

PALEIS HET LOO

Prepare to be dazzled by the grandeur of Paleis Het Loo, a stunning 17th-century palace that transports visitors back to the golden age of Dutch royalty. Wander through opulent state rooms adorned with priceless artworks and furnishings, then step outside to explore the impeccably manicured gardens, where ornate fountains and symmetrical hedgerows create a picture-perfect landscape. At every turn, the perfect blend of historical elegance and natural beauty will leave you enchanted and eager to uncover the stories hidden within this royal estate.

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

● Breakfast at Hotel Haarhuis

● Visit Tuinen van Appleltern

● Lunch in Arnhem Local

● Visit Kijktuin De Stek in Driel

Meals Included - Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner

Lodging - Hotel Haarhuis in Arnhem

The day begins with breakfast at Hotel Haarhuis in Arnhem. For those who wish, there is an optional exploration of the back gardens of Arnhem in Bakenberg. Departing at 10:30 AM, we will visit the Tuinen van Appeltern until lunch. After a late lunch, we will visit Kijktuin De Stek in Driel for the remainder of the afternoon. Dinner will be at 6:00 PM in Restaurant Klein Hartenstein and overnight at Hotel Haarhuis in Arnhem.

TUINEN VAN APPLETERN

Indulge your senses at the breathtaking Tuinen van Appleltern, where centuries-old orchards and meticulously manicured gardens weave a tapestry of natural beauty. Wander through verdant landscapes dotted with rare fruit trees and discover hidden alcoves bursting with vibrant blooms. This serene oasis pays homage to the region's rich agricultural heritage while offering a tranquil respite from the outside world. Prepare to be enchanted as you lose yourself in the timeless charm of Tuinen van Appleltern.

KIJKTUIN DE STEK

On 3000 m2 we have created 21 gardens, with 1,900 types of plants, including a large number of special ones. It is precisely this variety of plants that makes our garden so special.

If the 85-year-old pear tree at the start of the walking route could talk, it would undoubtedly tell us about the Romans who had their trade route right through the garden and about the Polish paratrooper brigade that was stationed there during the Second World War. Historical ground. In short, a wonderful place to experience!

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

● Breakfast at Hotel Haarhuis

● Visit private garden at Klein Boskoop in Stroe

● Lunch Canal Cruise Amsterdam

● Free Time in Amsterdam

Meals Included - Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner

Lodging - NH Leidscheplein Amsterdam

Visit the private garden Klein Boskoop in Stroe following breakfast at the hotel. Then, travel to Amsterdam, where we will have lunch during a guided canal cruise. Enjoy your afternoon free time to explore Amsterdam. At 6:30 PM, we will have dinner and overnight at NH Leidscheplein.

KLEIN BOSKOOP IN STROE

Lose yourself in the serene beauty of Klein Boskoop, a stunning garden oasis nestled in the Dutch countryside. Wander through meticulously manicured grounds, where vibrant floral displays and sculpted hedges create a sense of timeless elegance. Discover hidden pathways that wind between tranquil ponds, inviting you to pause and soak in the calming ambiance. From the magnificent greenhouse showcasing a diverse array of plant life to the charming tea house offering respite, every corner of Klein Boskoop promises to delight the senses and rejuvenate the spirit.

AMSTERDAM CANAL CRUISE AND FREE TIME

Thursday, April 17, 2025

● Breakfast NH Leidscheplein Amsterdam Hotel

● Visit FloraHolland Royal Co-Operative Flower Auction

● Visit Hortus Bulborum

● Lunch in transit

● Explore Singel Canal Floating Flower Market

● Farewell Dinner

Meals Included - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodging - NH Leidscheplein Amsterdam

After an early breakfast from 7:00 AM at NH Leidscheplein, we will visit the Royal Flower Auction FloraHolland in Aalsmeer. Then, we will explore Hortus Bulborum in Limmen before having a packed lunch en route. Next, we will take a walk along the Singelgracht and visit the floating flower market in Amsterdam. The day will end with a farewell dinner at 7:00 PM at a restaurant to be determined. Here, we will bid farewell to the tour guide and our bus driver. We will overnight at NH Leidscheplein.

ROYAL CO-OPERATIVE FLOWER AUCTION

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.

HORTUS BULBORUM

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 18, 2025

● Breakfast at NH Leidscheplein Amsterdam Hotel

● Check out of NH Leidscheplein Hotel

● Private Shuttle to Schiphol Amsterdam Airport (AMS) for your flight home,

● Or begin the Optional Post Tour "Art in The Netherlands" Extension - contact Discover Garden Tours for details.

Meals Included - Breakfast

The final day begins with breakfast at 8:00 AM at the NH Leidscheplein. A morning transfer to Schiphol Amsterdam Airport with the NH Shuttle bus marks the end of the enriching Discover Gardens Tour through The Netherlands as we depart.

A final morning transfer takes you to Schiphol Amsterdam Airport for your return flight. Bid farewell to your friends and colleagues, cherishing the unforgettable memories of this captivating tour.

Saturday, April 5 - Monday, April 7, 2025

Includes:

•Guided Tour of Brussels, including visits to the Grand Place, Manneken Pis,

and Parc du Cinquantenaire

•Visit to Ghent University Botanical Garden

•Time to explore Ghent, including a visit to the Gravensteen Castle

•Guided Tour of Bruges with visits to the Markt, Belfry of Bruges, and canals

Meals and Lodging Included

*This optional extension is available when you book your reservation.

For more details, email ray@discoverourtours.com

Thursday, April 17 - Saturday, April 19, 2025

Includes:

• Visit to Rijksmuseum for a Guided Tour focusing on the history of Dutch Masters

• Visit the Van Gogh Museum

• Visit the Anne Frank House and Museum

• Explore the Stedelijk Museum for Modern and Contemporary Art

• Free Time to shop in Amsterdam

Meals and Lodging Included

*This optional extension is available when you book your reservation.

For more details, email ray@discoverourtours.com