Exclusive for Mail on Sunday readers: Discover Holland in full bloom with Charlie Dimmock
Every spring, Holland’s famous bulb fields burst into bloom, blanketing the countryside in a riot of reds, oranges, pinks and yellows.
On this superb seven-day river cruise, you will experience the very best of the glorious Netherlands, from Amsterdam to Kampen. The highlight will be a full day exploring the fabulous Floriade Expo, one of the world’s great floral events that takes place only every ten years.
Next year’s Floriade, which will be held in Almere on the outskirts of Amsterdam, will be a lively and colourful celebration of trees, shrubs, perennials, creepers and flower bulbs.
Dutch treat: The bulb fields in all their glory
Enjoy a wonderful full-board cruise on the new four-star MS Arena
OUR SPECIAL GUEST
You will be joined by Charlie Dimmock
Charlie Dimmock first came to the nation’s attention in BBC1’s Ground Force. She is one of Britain’s best-known gardeners, having presented Garden Rescue, Cheer For Charlie, Charlie And The Duchess, Garden Invaders and Great British Garden Revival. Her books include Enjoy Your Garden and Container Gardening.
To top it all, during this delightful holiday you will also meet and hear from television gardening favourite Charlie Dimmock, the perfect special guest for this wonderful, green-fingered trip.
You will also have a chance to enjoy an optional excursion to the magnificent Het Loo Palace, built in 1686 for William of Orange; stroll around the 17 themed gardens at De Kruidhof, the largest botanical garden in the Netherlands; and see how delicious Dutch specialties such as gevulde koeken (almond paste cookies) and speculaas (gingerbread cookies) are made in a local bakery.
REASONS TO BOOK
See the Floriade: Held just once a decade, the Floriade Expo is one of the world’s great flower shows. The 2022 Floriade in Almere will boast gardening presentations from 40 countries, a spectacular greenhouse complex, fascinating pavilions to explore and even a cable-car offering brilliant views over the Expo park.
Meet Charlie Dimmock: You will be joined on this unique cruise by Charlie Dimmock, one of Britain’s best-loved gardeners. Charlie, a regular on the BBC’s coverage of the Chelsea Flower Show and presenter of Garden Rescue, will be on hand to offer her expert advice and handy tips.
Enjoy time in Amsterdam: You’ll have the opportunity to wander around the Dutch capital’s picturesque centre, go strolling along the canals or take an optional canal cruise.
Maritime cities: You’ll stop at Hoorn, a former Dutch East India Company base with a charming 17th Century town centre; Den Helder, on the northernmost tip of Holland, with its beautiful nature reserve and naval base; and Harlingen, which boasts more than 600 monuments commemorating its long history of fishing and shipping.
Traditional Dutch specialities: Join an optional excursion to the Medemblik bakery, a quaint two-storey museum where you’ll be able to see how gevulde koeken and speculaas are made.
Sail in style: Enjoy a wonderful full-board cruise on the new four-star MS Arena. This elegant ship offers a fitness suite, sun deck, lounge bar and restaurant, as well as spacious cabins, all with floor- to-ceiling panoramic windows and French balconies allowing you to enjoy the view from the comfort of your room.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Six-night full-board cruise on MS Arena.
- Welcome drink and Captain’s Gala Dinner.
- On-board entertainment every evening.
- The services of a cruise manager.
- Return travel from the UK by coach (air and rail options also available).
- Full-day excursion to Floriade Expo 2022.
- Visits to Amsterdam, Hoorn, Den Helder, Harlingen, Kampen and Lelystad.
YOUR ITINERARY: DAY 1 UK to Amsterdam DAY 2 Amsterdam to Hoorn DAY 3 Den Helder DAY 4 Harlingen to Kampen DAY 5 Kampen to Lelystad DAY 6 Floriade Expo in Almere DAY 7 Amsterdam to UK
HOW TO BOOK
The dates: May 11-17, 2022. The price: From £1,199pp* for seven days.
Call 02039 934 254 quoting reference MOS DIMMOCK JUN21. To find out more, visit mailtravel.co.uk/floriadedimmock.
Terms and conditions: *Based on twin/double share. Deposit: £150 per person. Single supplement applies. Subject to availability. For full T&Cs, visit mailtravel.co.uk/floriadedimmock.
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