European Affair and Chelsea Flower Show

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Overview

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 and 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. 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.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive 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.

Meals: Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Thistle Marble Arch, London

Day 2: Chelsea Flower Show

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.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Thistle Marble Arch, London

Day 3: London to Amsterdam

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.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Apollo, Amsterdam

Day 4: Monnickendam

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. 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.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Apollo, Amsterdam

Day 5: Aalsmeer and Bruges

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Radisson Blu, Bruges, NH Collection Ghent

Day 6: Bruges at Leisure

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.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Radisson Blu, Bruges, NH Collection Ghent

Day 7: Monets Giverny

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. 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.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Le Meridien Paris Arc de Triomphe

Day 8: Loire Valley Excursion

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.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Le Meridien Paris Arc de Triomphe

Day 9: Versailles and Paris

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, 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?

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Le Meridien Paris Arc de Triomphe

Day 10: Farewell Paris

Your memorable journey comes to an end as you bid your Travel Director farewell. Transfers arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08.00 and 11.00.

Meals: Breakfast

Trip Inclusions

Dining Summary

4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
9 Breakfast (B)

Additional Included Highlights

From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
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.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert’s fascinating commentary.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

Insight Experiences

London: 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.
Monnickendam: 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.

Top Rated Highlights

Amsterdam: Cruise along the waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th century.
Aalsmeer: 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.
Bruges: Visit the Market Square and famous belfry of the Market Hall with your Local Expert. See the Gothic town hall in Burg Square and the frescoes on the walls of the Holy Blood Chapel.
Giverny: 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.
Chambord: 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: Chenonceau Castle, and Chateau de Chambord, and be transported back in time as you explore them and their gardens.
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.
Paris: Experience the magic of Paris with Insight Vacations as you explore its iconic sights, landmarks, and charming streets. Meander along the picturesque banks of the River Seine, delving into the rich history of its beautiful bridges and renowned landmarks, including the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe. Whether from the comfort of your coach or a scenic vantage point, immerse yourself in the timeless stories that bring this enchanting city to life.

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.

Trip Dates:

22 May 2026

Room Type:

Twin Share

Solo (Own Room)