This site is operated by The Travel Corporation, not by Costco. Use of this site (and any destination you reach through this site) is subject to The Travel Corporation’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, rather than those of Costco.
Skip to content
Call Us:   0808 169 8807
Experience

Springtime in the Alps & Chelsea Flower Show

Everyday Price From

£6,760

18 days

No Countries

Overview

From the flowers of London’s Chelsea Flower Show to the fresh air of the Swiss Alps and springtime along the Seine in Paris, this three-week tour recharges and rejuvenates. In Amsterdam, visit the world renowned Keukenhof Tulip Gardens to witness 7 million floral bulbs bursting through the earth. Not to be outdone, Louis XIV’s magnificent grounds at the Versailles Châteaux are sure to delight before a glittering evening in Paris and a trip to the lily pond of the Monet Gardens. Onward to the UK through Royal Tunbridge Wells, the fabulous Sissinghurst Gardens give way to the magnificent floral displays and show gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show. 

Locations Visited

Amsterdam, Maastricht, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Munich, Innsbruck, Bolzano, Soave, Baveno, Isola Bella, Chillon Castle, Dijon, Versailles, Paris, Giverny, Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Woking, London, Swiss Alps, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen

Countries Visited

Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France, England

Travel Style

Discovery

Accommodations

17 nights included

Age Requirements

Minimum age 5

map-chelsea-flower-show-springtime-alps-guided-tour-2023.jpg

Itinerary

COLLAPSE ALL EXPAND ALL

Day 1

Arrive Amsterdam

Welcome to the vibrant, artistic city of Amsterdam, famed for its canals, art museums, cobbled streets, and its bicycles! Airport transfers to your hotel depart at 09:00, 11:30 and 14:30, then your time is yours to explore this fascinating city. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a delicious Welcome Dinner. 

  • Accommodation

    Apollo Hotel Amsterdam


  • Meals

    Dinner with Wine

For the early risers 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! 

Visit Keukenhof, hailed as the most beautiful spring garden in the world, and for a good reason – the sea of colours is breath-taking.  With tulips as the show stopper, expect to see a wide array of flowers including roses, lilies, daffodils and irises.  

 

  • Accommodation

    Apollo Hotel Amsterdam


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

highlights.title

Aalsmeer Flower Auction

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.

Journey through the polder landscape. Along the way, visit a rustic cheese workshop to learn the secrets of the dairy industry and witness the ancient art of clog making.

Continue to the pretty town of Maastricht on the Dutch/Belgian border. Join your Local Expert for a guided visit of the city. The heart of the city is home to the beautiful Vrijthof square. This special square has become famous as the backdrop to the summer concerts including Andre Rieu, walk around Vrijthof square and take in the breath-taking panoramas.

  • Accommodation

    Crowne Plaza Maastricht


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

highlights.title

Maastricht City Tour

Maastricht is one of the oldest cities in Holland, where churches, city walls, monumental merchant houses and big squares merge seamlessly with contemporary boutiques and restaurants. Join a Local Expert to learn about its history and see the sights.

highlights.title

Monnickendam Cheese Workshop and Clog Making Demonstration

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.

Venture to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the best-preserved town on the Romantic Road. Plunge back into the 16th century during your orientation as you walk through narrow cobbled streets lined with high-gabled houses to the market square, dominated by its Renaissance town hall. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure for further exploration on your own. Tonight enjoy an authentic dining experience at a local restaurant. 

  • Accommodation

    Hotel Rappen Rothenburg ob der Tauber


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner with Wine

Highlights

highlights.title

Visit the Fairytale Town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Picturesque Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the best-preserved medieval town in Germany and a truly enchanting destination. Step back in time and explore the city walls, towers, and gates around the old town as well as the old town itself. 

The day is yours to enjoy the medieval town at your leisure, perhaps visit one of the Christmas stores to purchase some decorations, visit Rothenburg Castle Gardens or perhaps take an excursion to Nuremberg. 

  • Accommodation

    Hotel Rappen Rothenburg ob der Tauber


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Continue on the “Romantic Road”, meandering through river valleys and rolling countryside, heading for the Bavarian capital of Munich. An orientation on arrival gives you the chance to explore the Olympic Stadium, University, Victory Arch and the stunning Marienplatz. Soak up the sublime mix of traditional and enjoy the lakes, parks beer gardens and museums. 

  • Accommodation

    Munich Marriott Hotel


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner with Wine

Highlights

highlights.title

Munich Orientation

During your orientation of the city with your Travel Director, see Feldherrnhalle in the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, the English Garden, the Hofbräuhaus, St. Peter's Church and the famous Marienplatz.

This morning we travel to Austria to visit the Alpine city of Innsbruck, set in a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Enjoy an orientation with your Travel Director as you walk the narrow streets of the Old Town, lined with medieval houses and arcades, to see the Golden Roof. Continue through the Italian Alps and some of the most spectacular scenery Europe has to offer, before arriving at the stunning town of Bolzano. Explore the streets and squares of this alpine town, with your Travel Director.

  • Accommodation

    Parkhotel Laurin


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner with Wine

Highlights

highlights.title

Innsbruck Orientation

Nestled amidst majestic mountains, Innsbruck is a beautiful city offering a unique combination of nature, history, and culture. Stroll the streets of the picturesque Old Town, with your Travel Director, learn about its history and admire the Baroque and Gothic architecture.

highlights.title

Bolzano Orientation

Explore the streets and squares to admire the Tyrolean-style architecture of this town flanked by impressive mountains. 

Descending the Dolomites, head to the medieval walled town of Soave, in the Veneto region of Italy. This fascinating town is famed for its wine, and is situated at the foot of an impressive castle. During your visit take time to admire the intricate architecture of the churches and palaces, including the Palazzo di Giustizia, the 14th century law court and the residence of the Captains of Serenissima. Continue through picturesque scenery to the much-loved Italian Lakes District, and settle into your lakeside hotel for a two night stay in this stunning region. 

  • Accommodation

    Hotel Simplon


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner with Wine

The Italian Lakes District, a favourite haunt for artists and travellers where a full day is set aside to relax and enjoy. Take a cruise to Isola Bella, the largest and most famous island, renowned for its incredible palace and stunning Botanical Gardens. There is a guided tour of this privately owned palace with free time to admire the gardens.

  • Accommodation

    Hotel Simplon


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

highlights.title

Cruise to Isola Bella

Take to the waters of Lake Maggiore for a delightful cruise to the beautiful Borromean Islands. Visit Isola Bella renowned for its incredible palace and stunning Italian-style baroque garden.

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Como.  Nestles in the foothills of the Alps, this is a prime people-watching spot with Europe’s rich and famous. Travel across the border into Switzerland and ascend the Swiss Alps into Interlaken. Surrounded by the Alps and with the legendary view of the Jungfrau Mountain, the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, welcomes you in the heart of the Bernese Oberland. A place where tradition and modernity join hands: The hotel in the Bernese Oberland looks back on a 150-years of history – and still it moves with the times.  

  • Accommodation

    Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner with Wine

Marvel at the dramatic glacial views as you travel along Grindelwald Valley, and follow the sparkling Lutschine River to Lauterbrunnen. Enjoy your orientation of the village that takes its name from 'many fountains,' referring to the 72 waterfalls that are within the surrounding valley. 

 

 

  • Accommodation

    Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

highlights.title

Lauterbrunnen Orientation

Enjoy your orientation of the village that takes its name from 'many fountains,' referring to the 72 waterfalls that are within the surrounding valley.

This morning, we visit Chillon Castle, set on a rocky inlet on Lake Geneva, immortalised by Lord Byron's 'Prisoner of Chillon'. For nearly four centuries, this water fortress was the residence of the Counts of Savoy and an important stop for traders. We stop in the nearby resort town of Montreux, set against the pristine backdrop of snow-covered peaks and vineyards, with time for lunch before continuing to Burgundy and historic Dijon. Time permitting, enjoy a walking tour with your Travel Director through the medieval streets where you are sure to appreciate the wealth and elegance of the city’s architectural heritage.

  • Accommodation

    Hotel Mercure Dijon Centre Clemenceau


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner with Wine

Highlights

highlights.title

Chillon Castle

The beautiful fortress of Chillon Castle, set on a rocky islet on Lake Geneva, is widely regarded as one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe. Following his walk through the dungeons in 1816, Lord Byron wrote the poem 'The Prisoner of Chillon'. Look out for his name, which he carved into a pillar.

Visit the Château de Versailles, one of the most beautiful achievements of 18th century French art. Visit the Château and the extensive gardens which in Louis XIV’s view were just as important as the Château itself. In glittering Paris tonight, perhaps see one of the world-famous cabaret shows for an evening of glamour?

  • Accommodation

    Pullman Paris Montparnasse Hotel


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

highlights.title

Château de 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.

This morning, take a short trip to Giverny and visit the charming house and gardens where, the great Impressionist painter, Claude Monet, lived and worked from 1883 until his death in 1926. The stunning gardens were the inspiration for his famous water lilies paintings. Return to Paris where this afternoon is at leisure and, in the evening, enjoy a highlight dinner in true French style.

  • Accommodation

    Pullman Paris Montparnasse Hotel


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner with Wine

Highlights

highlights.title

Claude Monet House

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.

After crossing the channel to Britain this morning, continue to Sissinghurst, one of the best known and admired gardens in the world. Enjoy exquisite aromas and explosions of color in the many varied garden spaces of Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, split by stunning buildings, old pink brick walls and high clipped hedges. Then to your hotel in East Sussex for the night.

  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner with Wine

Highlights

highlights.title

Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Enjoy exquisite aromas and explosions of color in the many varied garden spaces of Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, split by stunning buildings, old pink brick walls and high clipped hedges.

The Gardens of Wisley were gifted to the Royal Horticultural Society in 1903 and since then it has evolved into a world class garden. Explore the beautiful Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden and delight the senses with roses of all shapes, sizes, colors and fragrances. Stroll through the picturesque orchard, the huge cathedral like Glasshouse and the Exotic Garden. Continue to London, where the rest of the day and evening is at your leisure.

  • Accommodation

    Thistle Marble Arch


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

highlights.title

Wisley Garden

Explore the beautiful Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden and delight the senses with roses of all shapes, sizes, colours and fragrances. Stroll through the picturesque orchard, the huge cathedral like Glasshouse and the Exotic Garden.

A transfer in the morning takes you to the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show. Bringing together the very best show gardens, flowers, and gardening from around the world, lose yourself amongst the magnificent floral displays and model gardens. Enjoy elaborate displays featuring courtyard, city and roof gardens, and hear from the experts. This evening toast your travel companions at your Celebration Dinner   the perfect way to complete your memorable journey! 

  • Accommodation

    Thistle Marble Arch


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner with Wine

Highlights

highlights.title

Chelsea Flower Show

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.

After breakfast bid your Travel Director and fellow travel companions farewell, and transfer to London Heathrow Airport to meet your ongoing flight.

  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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.

Travel Director

  • "Italians are very fashionable but their cooking is the opposite - simple, rustic and down to earth. A handful of quality vegetables, fresh herbs and beans are turned into a warm and comforting soup."

  • "Munich is the capital of beer, so taking guests into the famous Hofbräuhaus, at any time of year, gives them a small idea of what it’s like to attend Oktoberfest."

  • "Paris is truly a delight to all the senses – seeing the iconic architecture, hearing about the history, smelling the wonderful bakeries and tasting the local specialties during our foodie walk."

What's Included

Vox 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.

  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

Gratuities

  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

Porterage

  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

Touchpoints

  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

Wifi

  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

Transport

  • 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.

  • 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.

Results: loading...

Definite Departures Only

Special Offers

Airfare is not included, but can be added to quote upon request

Tour Version Selected

You have successfully selected a different version of this tour

Terms & Conditions

Trip Notes:

  • A deposit of £100 must be paid at the time of booking.
  • International Air: Please note that airfares are not included. We will quote you the lowest possible airfare available on the day you book.
  • Travel to the USA and Canada often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 of the itinerary.

Terms & Conditions:

  • Prices listed are per person, land only and based on double occupancy (twin room). Single room supplements are available.
  • 'Price with Current Deals' reflects current applicable 'Early Payment Discounts' or 'Last Minute Deals.' Early Payment Discounts (land only) savings vary by itinerary, are not valid on all vacations/departure dates and are subject to availability; not valid with all other promotional offers. Last Minute Deals are available on select departures only; not combinable with Early Payment Discounts or any other promotional offers; full payment due at time of booking. All discounts are for new bookings only, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Call or request a quote for complete details.
  • 'Exclusive Costco Member Price' available upon login.  
  • Trip prices and information are correct at the time of the trips going live online, however, are subject to confirmation - please confirm all details at time of quote and booking.
  • For full details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions or FAQs page.

*Temporary changes to standard terms and conditions apply to bookings until further notice. In accordance with travel restrictions imposed by government advisories worldwide, Insight Vacations has temporarily suspended all guided vacations across the globe for trips departing up and until 30 November 2020. For any new bookings being made, we are temporarily offering a fee waiver on the land portion of the trip until 30 days prior to departure should guests wish to change their dates or travel to a different destination. Airlines may have different policies and penalty charges, which are the guest’s responsibility. This applies to land bookings only and does not apply to group bookings. If the guest chooses a trip or departure that is more expensive than the original, they are responsible for the difference in price; if the trip or departure is less expensive than the original, a future travel credit will be issued for the difference. Please note guests are responsible for any airline penalties imposed due to trip changes and/or cancellations. View full details, along with terms and conditions here.

Every effort is made to ensure accuracy of the enclosed content. Insight Vacations cannot be held responsible for typographical errors, or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances. Conditions apply. Policies are subject to change at any time.