Group Tour Operator for holidays to the Netherlands
Dutch Dahlias on Parade – Discover Zundert’s Amazing Flower Parade – Last Few Remaining Places!
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Dutch Dahlias on Parade, Holland
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Zundert Flower Parade - Dutch Dahlias
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A float in the Dutch Dahlias on Parade
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Zundert Flower Parade 2006 - Dutch Dahlias
Just as the summer begins to fade, the charming Dutch village of Zundert, near the Belgian border, hosts a phenomenal festival of dahlia flowers. On the first Sunday of September every year, the annual Zundert Flower Parade has the town decked in dahlias which attracts tens of thousands of visitors. Furthermore, it has become one of the Netherlands’ most beautiful parades. The impressive structures built from flowers have been turning heads since 1936 and is a must-see for fans of flowers, art or the downright bizarre!
Millions of locally-grown dahlias go into making the floats for the annual Zundert Flower Parade. Easily one of Europe’s most magnificent spectacles. Furthermore, the extravaganza requires hundreds of hours’ volunteering. The Bloemencorso has seen local communities compete in the Dutch village of Zundert for over 70 years. As the floats have grown from dahlia-adorned bikes and carts to colossal floral dioramas, so too has the crowd grown. Every year this Dutch village buzzes with thousands of visitors, drawn by beautiful and surreal floats. Entertainers add to the lively atmosphere, while local markets offer many browsing opportunities.
What’s more, Zundert’s position close to the Belgian and Dutch borders means you can spend the rest of your tour visiting some of Holland and Belgium’s main cities. Our base for this tour is the popular city of Antwerp, only a short drive from Calais and Zundert.
Dates
05 September 2025
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK (Friday)
Travel to Dover and take the short sea ferry crossing to Calais and continue to your hotel in Antwerp for 3 nights.
Day 2
Antwerp sightseeing (Saturday)
Start your discovery of Antwerp surrounded by the beautiful gabled buildings of the cobbled Grote Markt square. The imposing Cathedral of Our Lady, the tallest Gothic building in the Low Countries, houses many of Ruben’s paintings. Perhaps visit the visually arresting MAS Museum. Opened in 2011, the multiple staggered red sandstone levels celebrate the links between the city and the rest of the world. You can also get great views of the city from the 10th floor! Alternatively, take a relaxing cruise on the River Scheldt which we highly recommend as an alternative way to see this wonderful city.
Visit DIVA, the museum that sparkles, and discover the extraordinary story of diamonds, jewellery and silver. Antwerp’s success as a diamond city is a story of craftsmanship, technology, traditions and creativity. You will find this museum in the heart of the historic centre, between the Grote Markt and the Scheldt. Also, in the Diamond Quarter there are many shops selling the precious stones.
For beer lovers why not visit the De Koninck Brewery and sample one of Belgium’s delights – beer. Those with an interest in art may prefer to visit Ruben’s house where he painted most of his masterpieces.
In addition to these wonderful attractions, a stroll around the city is remarkable in itself. During the weekend, Antwerp’s famous markets take place so be sure to stop by and browse the stalls. It is also a shopaholic’s paradise from souvenir shops to high-end designer shops.
Day 3
Zundert Flower Parade Day – Dutch Dahlias on Display (Sunday)
Travel to the Dutch village of Zundert for their famous Dahlia Parade. Spend the morning exploring the town and let the many performers dotted around the streets entertain you. Browse the local markets before taking your seats for the parade.
The afternoon is spent watching the Flower Parade which volunteers have been preparing for a whole year to create. The parade passes down the main streets of the town before stopping for a break for visitors to inspect and admire the floats before resuming its route around the town and the award ceremony for the best float. Zundert also provides music and theatre performances throughout the town during the day.
Return to Antwerp for an evening at leisure.
Day 4
Return to the UK (Monday)
Depart the hotel after breakfast and drive to Calais for the short sea ferry crossing to the UK.
Featured Hotels
Hotel Mercure Antwerp City South ****
Adjacent to Hertoghe Park, this upscale hotel in the business district is a 6-minute walk from the deSingel International Arts Centre and 3 minutes away on foot from the nearest tram stop. Warmly furnished rooms provide Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, in addition to minifridges, tea and coffeemaking facilities, and safes. Room service is available. There’s a restaurant/bar, and a terrace with park views. Other amenities include a gym, a sauna and parking is available for a fee.
Hotel Mercure Antwerp City Centre****
Located in the Diamond District opposite the romantic English style city park in the heart of Antwerp city. This modern hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms, free WiFi throughout, a 24 hour fitness gym, a lounge bar and a restaurant. The Central Station and Zoo are only a five minute walk from the hotel where you will also find shops, restaurants, bars, cultural activities and nightlife.
Information regarding Zundert Flower Parade tickets:
All tickets need to be pre-registered when the booking system opens which should be early 2025 (subject to confirmation and availability) and a deposit of approximately £30 per person will be required. Ticket types may also change for 2025, they are currently:
**Category B ticket – The parade will pass the grandstand twice and you will hear the award ceremony through the loudspeakers. Your seat is a numbered bucket seat
**Category C ticket – The parade will pass the grandstand only once. However, there are catering and toilet facilities next to the grandstand as well as good entrance and departure possibilities. Your seat is a numbered bucket seat.
Hotel Mercure Antwerp City South ****
| Departure date | 4 days / 3 nights |
| 05 September 2025 | From £295.00 per person |
Hotel Mercure Antwerp City Centre ****
| Departure date | 4 days / 3 nights |
| 05 September 2025 | From £329.00 per person |
Single supplement available on request.
REGISTER NOW FOR 2026!
