European Affair & The Chelsea Flower Show

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 and fellow travellers for a welcome drink and trip briefing at your hotel before enjoying a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

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.

Departing London, we travel through the lush green Kent countryside to board our ferry in Dover, watching the impressive White Cliffs disappear into the distance as we cross to France. Our journey today ends in the Dutch capital of Amsterdam. The best way to see this remarkable city is from the water as you cruise through the canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the elegant merchant houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, their facades reflect when trade flourished during Amsterdam's Golden Age. Relax as you pass stunning gables, beautiful churches and the iconic Magere Brug, better known as the Skinny Bridge, with a delicious meal onboard.

Experience the excitement at the very epicentre of the international flower trade! Each day, over 19 million flowers are sold at 'Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer', the world's largest flower auction. Witness all the action from a specially designed viewing gallery as traders bid against the clock for a mind-blowing assortment of blooms. A unique experience you'll remember forever! Journey through the polder landscape to visit Monnickendam. Along the way, visit a rustic cheese workshop to learn the secrets of the dairy industry and witness the ancient art of clog making.

Meet your Local Expert from Bruges for a stroll along cobbled streets, lined with high-gabled houses from the 16th century. Visit the Market Square dominated by the 83-meter medieval bell tower, The Belfry of Bruges. Explore Burg Square with its ornate Gothic town hall and glorious frescoes on the walls of the Holy Blood Chapel, followed by a relaxing canal cruise. Experience a Dine-Around Evening in beautiful Bruges, enjoying regional dishes, excellent service and famous Belgian beer.

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.

Visit the house and famous gardens of the Impressionist painter Claude Monet. His passion was his garden, which is kept alive in the same tradition and is home to famous ponds with water lilies. You have time to explore the gardens before departing for Paris, the City of Light. Perhaps this evening experience a Seine Cruise and illuminations tour?

The stunning Loire Valley is world-famous for its magnificent Chateaux, as well as beautiful landscapes and delicious wine. Visit two of the most famous Chateaux and be transported back in time as you explore them and their gardens. Chenonceau Castle, known as the 'Ladies' Chateau' it perfectly embodies the elegance of 16th century design in the Loire Valley. Chateau de Chambord, an awe-inspiring Renaissance chateau inspired by Leonardo de Vinci. As evening decends, the City of Light lives up to its name as the monuments, buildings are lit up in all their glory. For that special touch of excitement and glamour don’t miss the chance to join an Optional Experience to one of the world-famous cabaret shows.

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.

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.