European Affair & The Chelsea Flower Show
European Affair & The Chelsea Flower Show
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:
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.
Highlights
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
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. 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 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.
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
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.
Check out our Q&As
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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
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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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