European Affair & The Chelsea Flower Show
European Affair & The Chelsea Flower Show
$4825
European Affair & The Chelsea Flower Show
10 Days Starting in London and ending in Paris
Visiting: London, Calais, Amsterdam, Monnickendam, Bruges, Paris, Chenonceaux, Chambord, Versailles
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Experience the finer things in life as you cruise through the canals of medieval Bruges and witness the world’s largest flower auction in Amsterdam. Arriving into London, Britain puts its best foot forward with the internationally renowned Chelsea Flower Show. Be on the lookout for the royal, the rich and the famous at the world’s premier garden show. Hop the English Channel to France and live it up at the Loire Valley Chateaux—where the riverside castles at Chenonceau and Chambord flash back to the heyday of the French royal family. The regality continues with a tour of King Louis XIV’s palace of Versailles before the vacation draws to a close at Monet's Garden and water-lily pond.
Top Rated Highlights
- Amsterdam: Cruise along the waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century.
- Aalsmeer: The colossal Aalsmeer Flower Auction is the size of 200 football pitches and even has its own fire brigade, hairdresser and bicycle repairman! Over 30,000 species are featured, with 43 million flowers and 5 million plants are sold daily Monday to Friday. The most popular varieties are roses, tulips and chrysanthemums.
- Bruges: Visit the Market Square and famous belfry of the Market Hall with your Local Expert. See the Gothic town hall in Burg Square and the frescoes on the walls of the Holy Blood Chapel.
- Giverny: Visit the fascinating house and gardens where Claude Monet, the Master of Impressionism, lived and worked from 1883 until his death in 1926. Revel in an oasis of color, both within the house and in the fragrant gardens.
- Chambord: 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: Chenonceau Castle, and Chateau de Chambord, and be transported back in time as you explore them and their gardens.
- Versailles: Visit the Château de Versailles, one of the most beautiful achievements of 18th century French art. This former royal residence is world renowned for its architecture, grandeur and extravagant gardens.
- Paris: Experience the magic of Paris with Insight Vacations as you explore its iconic sights, landmarks, and charming streets. Meander along the picturesque banks of the River Seine, delving into the rich history of its beautiful bridges and renowned landmarks, including the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe. Whether from the comfort of your coach or a scenic vantage point, immerse yourself in the timeless stories that bring this enchanting city to life.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive London
Location: London
Accommodation: Thistle Marble Arch, London, Hilton London Bankside, London
Accommodation Name: Thistle Marble Arch, London, Hilton London Bankside, London
Meals Included: Dinner
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 before enjoying a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Chelsea Flower Show
Location: London
Accommodation: Thistle Marble Arch, London
Accommodation Name: Thistle Marble Arch, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day to experience the famous Chelsea Flower Show – the ‘mecca’ of all garden shows. A transfer in the morning takes you to the famous show! The Chelsea Flower Show will bring together the very best show gardens, flowers, and gardening from around the world. You will see magnificent floral displays, model gardens, English garden tools and a host of garden structures and artefacts. This afternoon a transfer back to your hotel is provided.
Day 3: London To Amsterdam
Location: London, Calais, Amsterdam
Accommodation: Bilderberg Garden Hotel Amsterdam, Jakarta by Westcord Hotel, Amsterdam.
Accommodation Name: Bilderberg Garden Hotel Amsterdam, Jakarta by Westcord Hotel, Amsterdam.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 4: Monnickendam
Location: Monnickendam
Accommodation: Bilderberg Garden Hotel Amsterdam, Jakarta by Westcord Hotel, Amsterdam.
Accommodation Name: Bilderberg Garden Hotel Amsterdam, Jakarta by Westcord Hotel, Amsterdam.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. 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.
Day 5: Aalsmeer And Bruges
Location: Bruges
Accommodation: Hotel De Tuilerieen, Bruges., Radisson Blu, Bruges
Accommodation Name: Hotel De Tuilerieen, Bruges., Radisson Blu, Bruges
Meals Included: Breakfast
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! 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 before finishing the day off at the local restaurant.
Day 6: Bruges At Leisure
Location: Bruges
Accommodation: Hotel De Tuilerieen, Bruges., Radisson Blu, Bruges
Accommodation Name: Hotel De Tuilerieen, Bruges., Radisson Blu, Bruges
Meals Included: Breakfast
With your free day perhaps explore magical Bruges by Horse and Carriage? Don’t forget to try some of the tempting chocolates or beers for which Belgium is renowned.
Day 7: Monets Giverny
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris
Accommodation Name: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8: Loire Valley Excursion
Location: Paris, Chenonceaux, Chambord
Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris
Accommodation Name: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 9: Versailles And Paris
Location: Versailles, Paris
Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris
Accommodation Name: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit the Château de Versailles, one of the most beautiful achievements of 18th century French art. This former royal residence is world renowned for its architecture, grandeur, and extravagant gardens. With a Local Expert, explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris. See famous landmarks including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the facades of the Louvre. Stroll the banks of the River Seine and admire romantic bridges, and enjoy a drive along the Champs Elysée’s to the Arc de Triomphe. You are in for a memorable evening starting with a delicious Celebration Dinner serving delicious French cuisine and wine. Perhaps this evening experience a Seine Cruise and Illuminations tour?
Day 10: Farewell Paris
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay in comfort at renowned hotels such as Thistle Marble Arch in London, Bilderberg Garden Hotel in Amsterdam, and Le Méridien Etoile in Paris, offering a blend of luxury and convenience throughout your European journey.
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Luxurious Coach Travel
Travel in style aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom, ensuring comfort and safety with onboard washroom facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi.
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Dining
Enjoy 4 dinners with wine and 9 breakfasts during your tour.
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times for flights that match the itinerary start and end dates.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Luggage Handling
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as cabaret shows and Seine Cruise are not included in the tour price.
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Transfers for Non-Itinerary Flights
Transfers are not included for flights outside the itinerary start and end dates unless additional nights are booked with Insight Vacations.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
Additional Included Highlights
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
Insight Experiences
- London: Experience the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show, an inspiring and enjoyable showcase of fabulous floral displays and cutting-edge garden design. Immerse yourself in colour and ingenuity as you enjoy the very best show gardens, flowers, and gardening from around the world.
- Monnickendam: 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.
Travel Director
- "I love to see how guests react to Paris because, despite its fame, it still surprises. It’s a majestic city, which shines in the daytime and sparkles at night."
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned 40-seat coach, which offers double the standard legroom, onboard washroom facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Additionally, ferry crossings and scenic canal cruises are included for a unique travel experience.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 4 dinners with wine and 9 breakfasts.
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What is the luggage handling policy during the tour?
The tour includes luggage handling, where your bags are carried for you and promptly delivered to your hotel door.
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Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available on the coach and in hotels where available, allowing you to stay connected with friends and family.
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes unique experiences such as visiting the Chelsea Flower Show, exploring Monnickendam with a cheese workshop and clog making demonstration, and visiting the house and gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny.
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Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?
Yes, optional experiences such as cabaret shows and a Seine Cruise are available but not included in the tour price.
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What is the policy for airport transfers?
Transfers are available at scheduled times for flights that match the itinerary start and end dates. Transfers for flights outside these dates are not included unless additional nights are booked with Insight Vacations.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
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Friday - Sunday
May 23, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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