This week is super unusual and super specific.
For anyone who loves gardens and river cruising, we have something so unique it is literally the only opportunity to enjoy this again until at least 2032, and it's for one week only.
My great friend, colleague and fellow Condé Nast Travel Specialist, Sandy Lipkowitz of We Make Travel Easy has worked tirelessly with our favorite river cruise line, AmaWaterways to create an amazing itinerary featuring Floriade 2022. This is the most important International Horticulture Expo on the planet, happening only once in a decade in the Netherlands.
We are delighted to be able to work with her and highlight this spectacular river cruise charter.
See the Top 5 below for just a few of the reasons this cruise is so unique and click on the AmaPrima ship below for full details.
Floriade 2022 & Beyond - May 29th to June 7th, 2022
Top 5 Floriade 2022 and Beyond
1. Floriade 2022 (projected mock-ups above and below)
There are several river cruise lines that feature Floriade next year during its opening between April 14th and October 9th. The Expo is located just outside of Amsterdam city center and these cruise lines are offering a half day on site, before embarking on the regular river cruise schedule that features nothing else garden related. The special charter though highlights Floriade for 2 full days, includes the pre cruise hotel, and then embarks on a charming cruise on the waterways of Belgium and the Netherlands. Also, there are another 5 fully customized tours along the way featuring world famous gardens and arboretums.
2. AmaWaterways (above)
I've personally sailed on Europe's rivers twice with AmaWaterways and their laid-back style of luxury is a winner, but it is the crew on board who will make the difference. The onboard service is second to none, and your virtually All-Inclusive experience will be phenomenal whether you pick this particular charter or any itinerary that Ama sail, including Egypt and the Nile among others.
3. Aalsmeer Flower Auction (above and below)
There is an early morning visit included to this, the worlds largest flower auction site. A few facts - 60% of all international trade in plants and flowers takes place here and the site is so gigantic that it's around the size of 220 soccer fields. Some 12.5 billion flowers and plants are sold here annually and the auctions and logistical challenge of getting the flowers to their final destinations within 24 hours are amazing to observe.
4. Rozentin Coloma (below)
If you have even a passing interest in roses, then the Coloma Rose Garden is a must-visit place and is highlighted on the itinerary as you near Brussels. With its impressive displays of more than 3,000 varieties of roses from 26 countries, this is one of the most extensive rose gardens in the whole of Europe.
5. Bruges (above and below)
How you choose between a half day visit to Bruges or to Ghent's Castle of the Count of Flanders I just don't know. For now I'll plump for Bruges. It's distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and 13th and 14th century medieval buildings. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. When in Belgium you also really ought to try the beer and Bruges boasts two breweries, a beer museum, and Bruges’ woodlands and wetlands are home to many traditional brewers who are passionate about their craft.
I have really only just touched on the possibilities with this special itinerary, so please click the button below for more details, and reach out if you have any questions.
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