Group tour operator and DMC for tours to the Netherlands
Dutch Bulbfields and Diamonds – including Antwerp and Delft Pottery – NEW
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Keukenhof Gardens ©Keukenhof
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Grote Markt - Central Square of Antwerp ©SigridSpinnox.com
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Royal Delft Pottery
An easy paced short break tour to see the world famous bulbfield gardens at Keukenhof and a visit to the Royal Delft Pottery combined with a 3 night stay in the ‘City of Diamonds’, Antwerp. Keukenhof is one of the world’s largest flower gardens and from the middle of March to the Middle of May each year you can see the most impressive displays of spring flowers. Antwerp is home to one of Europe’s largest ports and has a stunning historic centre and Delft is famous for its royal blue porcelain.
Dates
Keukenhof dates: 20 March to 11 May 2025
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK
Take the short sea ferry crossing from Dover to Calais and continue into Belgium and to the city of Antwerp for the next 3 nights.
Day 2
Antwerp Sightseeing
Antwerp boasts stunning architecture and a charming historic centre. Meet up with a local guide for a walking tour and see the imposing Cathedral of our Lady which stands prominent in the Grote Markt and the interior of the railway station which is ranked as one of the most beautiful station interiors in the world – a real railway cathedral!
There is so much to see and do. Maybe visit the DIVA Museum to learn about the history of diamonds and jewellery. For beer lovers there is the De Koninck Brewery, for art lovers there is Rubens House and for history lovers there is the new MAS Museum dedicated to the history of Antwerp. Antwerp is also a shopaholics paradise from markets, souvenir shops to high-end designer shops. A market usually takes place every weekend in the Grote Markt. There are also optional cruises around the harbour and port for those interested in maritime history.
Day 3
Keukenhof Gardens
Visit the famous Keukenhof Gardens to see the world’s finest bulbfields and flower parks. Keukenhof was once a modest kitchen and herb garden for the Dutch Royal House. Today, however, each year between March and May, seven million bulbs planted across the park’s 70 acres burst into bloom. Visitors enjoy a spectacular rainbow carpet of flowers. For over 50 years Keukenhof has been displaying its floral art with a different theme each year and a fresh look.
On the way back to Antwerp, stop for a visit and tour of Royal Delft Blue pottery and experience the beauty of Delft Blue pottery in the original 400 year old factory and see pottery in production, Admire the craftsmanship and watch the hand painting techniques as artists paint the high quality Delft pottery. Maybe make some purchases from the on-site shop.
Day 4
Return to the UK
Drive to Calais for the short sea ferry crossing to the UK.
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.
| Dates | Hotel | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| 24 March, 07 April & 05 May 2025 | Mercure Antwerp City South | From £259.00 per person | From £125.00 |
