All tours on this holiday have now departed. Future departure dates will be confirmed in due course.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam
Dordrecht
Dordrecht
Den Bosch
's-Hertogenbosch
Zundert Flower Parade
Zundert Flower Parade
Zundert Flower Parade
Zundert Flower Parade
Kinderdijk
Kinderdijk
Rotterdam
Grandstand ticket to the fabulous Zundert flower parade – one of Europe’s most impressive with colourful flower floats, live music and street theatre
Rotterdam‘s superb modern architecture and world class art galleries
Archetypal Dutch town of Dordrecht
Kinderdijk Windmills – an iconic Dutch symbol
‘s-Hertogenbosch – hometown of Hieronymus Bosch
Direct Eurostar from London to Rotterdam
The pretty town of Zundert comes alive each year for the oldest flower parade in Europe, dating from 1936, featuring elaborate sculptures made by competing hamlets. Music and street theatre add to the carnival atmosphere. Our tour is based in the vibrant city of Rotterdam and takes in some of Holland’s lesser-known towns that merit further exploration including Dordrecht, the oldest town in Holland and ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
Day 1: Travel by Eurostar direct from St Pancras to Rotterdam.
Transfer by coach to your hotel for five-night stay. Welcome drink at the hotel.
Day 2: Morning guided tour of Rotterdam with afternoon free.
A guided walking tour will show you some of the sights of the Netherlands’ second city. The country’s economic powerhouse with one of the largest ports in the world, it was devastated by heavy bombing in May 1940, but has rebuilt very quickly and now arguably boasts some of Europe’s best modern architecture, both civic and residential and excellent museums devoted to art and architecture. The rest of the afternoon is free for personal exploration.
Day 3: Full day tour to Dordrecht and Kinderdijk.
Dordrecht is the oldest town in Holland, dating from 1220 and was the country’s most important port, despite its inland location, until the 1500s. Sites include its Grote Kerk church, Museum Simon van Rijn and city gate, dating from 1325. This afternoon we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Kinderdijk collection of 19 windmills which encapsulates Dutch history in a single image. Used to drain water from the Alblasserwaard, they are situated where the Noord and Lek converge and serve as an historic reminder of how Holland began.
Day 4: Full day at the Zundert Flower Parade.
We take a full day to enjoy the festivities and colourful flower floats of impressive creations – made entirely from dahlias - which fill Zundert on the first weekend of September when the streets come alive for the big parade of flower floats accompanied by live music and street theatre. A seated grandstand ticket ensures a great view of proceedings.
Day 5: Full day ‘s-Hertogenbosch
A guided walking tour in the morning with free time in the afternoon will allow plenty of time to explore this little known but fascinating and historic city, often referred to as Den Bosch. A monument to its most famous son, Hieronymous Bosch, stands on the edge of the impressive market square and the city offers a host of beautiful, historic sights, including the Stadhuis, dating from 1670, Moriaan, Zwanen Brothers’ House dating from the 14th century, medieval well, the majestic cathedral of Sint Jan and Binnen-Dieze canal (where boat trips are available). The Noordbrbants Museum houses a superb collection with works by Brueghel, Van Gogh and others. The city is renowned as a gourmet destination, too, so the perfect place for a leisurely lunch.
Day 6: Free time in Rotterdam this morning before transfer to Rotterdam station for the direct Eurostar to St Pancras.
NB: Exact order of exursions may vary according to local conditions, parade programmes and tour manager's discretion
Please note: The Zundert Flower Parade is a locally organised event over which we have no control, in the unlikely event of the total cancellation of the parade due to adverse weather or any other cause, only the grandstand ticket price will be refunded under such circumstances and no reimbursement made for travel expenses such as flights, accommodation, meals etc.
Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 35 passengers.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
PLEASE NOTE: as with most trains, passengers are responisble for carrying baggage onto and off the train. Baggage can be stored on overhead shelves or at the entrance to the carriages. Trollies are available at St Pancras, but bags do need to be carried onto the platform.
Travel Editions recommends a luggage delivery service called thebaggageman, where your suitcase can be picked up from your home before departure and delivered straight to your hotel; therefore removing the worry about carrying your cases onto and off the trains. Please click here for more information and we have arranged a 10% discount exclusive to Travel Editions clients off the thebaggageman service. Tel: 01844 264890
Bilderberg Parkhotel, Rotterdam
Stylish, modern four-star hotel in the city centre, next to the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum with bright, spacious public areas, bar, courtyard garden and very comfortable bedrooms. Bedrooms all have TV, telephone, hairdryer and free wi-fi.
All in all an absolutely excellent trip. Kudos to our excellent and most informative guide Gill the best we have ever had on one of these types of trips. Also the sensational Rotterdam guide Eveline who was not only a fount of information, witty and enthusiastic, but also gave up her own time to ensure we had all the relevant facts. An absolute treasure. Anyone who does not have her as a guide is missing out. The only downside of the trip was the visit to Den Bosch which was on a Monday when the museums were closed, the shops were closed over an extended lunchtime and the boats were unavailable. All in all a very long return coach trip for quite a disappointing day. Could the schedule not be rearranged so that the holiday starts on the Wednesday which would mean everything in Den Bosch would be open and Zundert Flower show (the whole point of the trip) would be on the final day? To our mind a more fitting itinerary, although we appreciate we do not know all the ins and outs of organising such a trip. 10/10 in any event.
Review by Daykin who travelled 01-September-2022
Fantastic holiday. And Gill is a brilliant tour guide who goes out of her way to be helpful. Our Rotterdam local guide was outstanding. The only thing I think you might think about changing is the final day - Den Bosch on a Monday morning is a bit of a ghost town. Shops snd museums closed...
Review by Grainger who travelled 01-September-2022
This was a gem of a tour. Excellent itinerary, Gill was a wonderful Tour Manager, we stayed in a superb hotel, and a lovely group of travelling companions.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 01-September-2022
Gill Thompson excellent tour manager, very organised. Hans the bus driver was passionate about his area of Holland and gave lots of added detailed info to us. Eveline the Rotterdam tour guide was fantastic, funny, enthusiastic and fun. The flower parade blew my mind, it was amazing, so exciting and clever and beautiful, a wonderful day. Having a seat was such a good idea too. Rotterdam surprised us, it is a lovely , clean city with interesting architecture but Dordecht was the icing on the cake, could have spent a whole day there, what a charming, quaint place. We were not so interested in the windmills at Kinderdyk as we have seen windmills before even though these were iconic and cannot comment on the last tour Het Bosch as we did not go, with all the walking involved during the previous days we were very tired too as it was very hot every day. The hotel was well positioned so that on our last half day we were able to fit in a visit to the 1930s Huis Sonneveld just round the corner, very interesting. All in all we had a wonderful holiday, the flower parade was the highlight and everything else was a bonus.
Review by Harrison who travelled 01-September-2022
Most enjoyable trip, have been to the Zundert parade before but enjoyed it as much this time as previously.
Review by Gordon who travelled 01-September-2022
Gill was a wonderful Tour manager. Her kindness and knowledge of the event and towns visited were excellent. The hotel was a dream and breakfast was yummy. But the highlight was the dahlia parade. What an well thought out event for so many years and crowds and transportation was excellent The bus drivers were most helpful and friendly and thought ahead when my watch dropped off my arm on the second day and the driver thought ahead to give it to the next day's driver to have it returned to me. Excellent service and thoughtfulness by Gill calling and asking about it and the bus driver with planning ahead. Great! I would definitely recommend your company and this tour to anyone and hope to maybe go on another in the coming years. Congratulations on an excellent tour.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 28-August-2019
Gill was an excellent tour leader, the hotel was comfortable, the itinerary good & the Zundert Flower Festival just too amazing for words.
Review by Herd who travelled 28-August-2019
A well constructed and interesting tour. Lots of art to see in the various cities and the Zundert Flower Parade was so creative and outstanding. A real highlight.
Review by Owens who travelled 29-August-2018
A most enjoyable tour with plenty of variety and places to go on each day. Helene was a personable and helpful Tour Manager and our group gelled well. The Radisson Blu Astrid was better than expected: we had a large, comfortable room; breakifast was plentiful; the walk into Antwerp was a level 20 minutes City with alternative transport close at hand. This is the secondd trip that we have been on with you, both were verey good value - thanks.
Review by Attridge who travelled 29-August-2018
We enjoyed the freedom and free time on this trip including taking meals independently. Our manager Helene was always available and helpful
Review by Flood who travelled 29-August-2018
Review by Sear who travelled 29-August-2018
The hotel was not in a good state to receive guests for 2 days.. It smelt of decorating materials with continual drilling reverberating through the hotel during the day. No hotel bar or restaurant for two days The swimming pool,sauna etc were unavailable during our stay. Earlier train home would have avoided the need for many to stay in London. To have the first day as a free day is not a good idea as the only way that a group initially bonds is through coach trips.
Review by Lamb who travelled 30-August-2017
Excellent tour guide. The Flower Parade was a wonderful experience. Disappointed that the swimming pool was closed and hotel still having work done..
Review by who travelled 30-August-2017
Apart from the flower parade, this trip was for us a re visiting of places we knew, thus we were happy to depart each day, after being transported to the destination, and totally do our own thing. The hotel was very good and the staff efficient and friendly. We eat in the hotel's restaurant three times as the food and service were excellent. The day at the Flower Parade was highly enjoyable. , entertaining and thought provoking.
Review by Cook who travelled 30-August-2017
Our tour manager, Terry Egan, was particularly kind, helpful and considerate.
Review by Ms M Gadd who travelled 01-September-2016
Thoroughly enjoyed a varied itinerary with a knowledgeable tour manager. Hotel excellent. Thank you.
Review by Mr Richard Binns who travelled 01-September-2016
The tour guide, Terry, was very aware of the needs of those with reduced mobility and made sure we were not rushed or left behind on any of our tours. He also made sure we were all on the right level at each station and of course on the right trains. Nothing was too much trouble and we appreciated it.
Review by Mrs Patricia Grabham who travelled 01-September-2016
I did not like the new trains on Eurostar. Nowhere to put your little bits of rubbish. I liked the original trains better
Review by Mr Alan Witte who travelled 01-September-2016
Helene was probably the best guide we have had on the various Travel Editions tours we have undertaken: friendly, efficient and informative. Hotel was good but pity that it was some distance from centre of Antwerp with (for us) the best eating places.
Review by Mr John Burchell who travelled 31-August-2016
Review by who travelled 31-August-2016
Antwerp was a much more interesting city than anticipated. All else lived up to our expectations.
Review by Mr F Morgan who travelled 31-August-2016
A very well-worth trip and have already suggested it to friends for next year. The three trips out were great and the Flower Festival amazing. Our tour quide didn't seem very informed as to the places we were visiting, didn't give us information as to where we should all meet up after the festival and was not confident as to which trains we should catch, platforms etc, to and from Antwerp. A new trip for her I should think?
Review by Mrs Zoe Bryant who travelled 31-August-2016
The whole holiday was terrific and Helene our tour guide was so helpful in every way. Nothing was too much trouble and she explained things during our journeys so well. The weather was good and we had a marvellous time
Review by Mr David Langley who travelled 31-August-2016
Very well organised enjoyable tour the hotel was first class a very relaxing stay Our tour guide was first class a big thank you for a wonderful break
Review by Mr David Young who travelled 31-August-2016
Flower parade was worth the trip,not to be missed.
Review by Mr P Stacey who travelled 31-August-2016
Helene was an excellent tour guide and went that extra mile at all times. The Ghent trip could have started a little later and the Bruges trip finish a little later. Otherwise my wife and I had a thoroughly great trip and will recommend you to all our friends.
Review by Mr John Daykin who travelled 31-August-2016
Had a very excellent time. As the tour manager took care of everything for us we totally chilled out. Hotel was amazing - quiet, comfortable and loads of choice for food. Only wish we had longer.
Review by Miss Angela Twiselton who travelled 31-August-2016
We couldn't fault both travel and accomodation arrangements which were first class. The hotel situation was ideal for walking round the city which is blessed with excellent public transport. A most enjoyable time.
Review by Mr Reginald Nicholl who travelled 31-August-2016
A personal preference would have been to have a rest day on Tuesday before the final day at Brussels and journey to London. Otherwise an excellent package with the flower parade an unsurpassable highlight. Congratulations to the team.
Review by Mr Mervyn Camp who travelled 04-September-2015
Apologies for not responding sooner!! As you can see above ,everything was excellent but I'd like to specifically mention the final day. We were due to take the coach into Brussels to catch a late afternoon Eurostar. However the farmers were due to blockade the centre so our leader aranged to go by train thereby allowing usn unschedued tour of Antwerp Docks. Brilliant!!!!!
Review by Mr Christopher Jones who travelled 02-September-2015
Train delayed at Ebbsfleet for 3 hrs due to fault on door locks. Apart from inconvenience it made little difference and Terry managed the situation admirably. An excellent leader.
Review by Mrs Christine Lesquereux who travelled 04-September-2015
Excellent holiday. The Zundert Flower Parade was an amazing spectacle. An especially good hotel in Antwerp
Review by Mr Antony Lancaster who travelled 04-September-2015
NB The train outward journey was very late - no blame towards Tr. Ed. The admin./brochure was confusing as we think further tours were added and we didn't really know which we were on - booked on phone. The whole tour was very well worthwhile with a highly competent tour manager.
Review by Mrs Pauline Foster who travelled 04-September-2015
Three hour delay at Ebbs Fleet due to train failure
Review by Mr Anthony Pycroft who travelled 04-September-2015
The hotel accommodation was excellent, but the catering left us decidedly unimpressed. Having reserved a table for a 7.30pm dinner on Saturday, we waited in excess of 1.5 hours after the starter course, and when the food arrived it was almost stone-cold. We were not alone in this experience...other diners were complaining also. The Maitre d's apologies were profuse and compensation was offered, but the excuse was that the kitchens were "very busy"!
Review by Mr Clive Flegg who travelled 04-September-2015
The Parade was more than up to expectations and many people said they would always remember it - or come back for more! Realise first time for this tour so all went well considering.Coach had to park in Block 7 which furthest from village so quite a walk in.Perhaps next year you may be able to book earlier for space in the nearer locations. Parade overran timings due to technical fault but Gill Thompson coped with it all. We had the pleasure of her leadership in Nancy a couple of years ago so were very pleased to meet her again this year. Think maybe you should add a footprint or two to the walking level code for this trip.
Review by Mr & Mrs C Harvey who travelled 02-September-2015
Affected by unfortunate accidents but hospital treatment was excellent. Problems with outward journey on Eurostar where we were delayed by 3 hours at Ebbsfleet. Offered compensation by Eurostar seemed ridiculous to us - the offer of a free return journey from Paris, Brussels or Lille within one year to 4.09.16 seems impossible to fulfil - apart from which we have to find the money for the outward fare!
Review by Mrs Janet Knowles who travelled 04-September-2015
Review by Mr Norman Ashby who travelled 03-September-2015
3 hours delay due to Eurostar train fault not yours but will be making claim from them for compensation - we'll see how that goes!
Review by Mrs Alison Willis who travelled 04-September-2015
Terry had a very good knowledge of every single place we visited and was very good and patient with us oldies. Unfortunately the Eurostar broke down for three hours at Ebbsfleet, on the inward journey which was not a good start. We felt sorry for people with children and the disabled ones as they had to get cases and belongings off the train and across the station to another platform. We were not offered even a complimentary bottle of water. Despite that the holiday was lovely. Surprised you do not advertise the Zundert flower thing more. Do you also run a trip to a floral thing in Spain, sorry I have not got the title of it?
Review by Mrs Pat Lister who travelled 04-September-2015
Eurostar 3 hours late outward journey. Zundert Flower Parade too long a day. No need to see the floats go back, there is too much delay in between.
Review by Mrs Olive Cherry who travelled 04-September-2015
Pity Eurostar delayed us by 3 hours. For older travellers a mention that there was more walking than I was led to believe, and mostly on cobblestones. A lot of our party became very weary (incl me) and we were unable to keep up the pace. It didn't phase Terry at all and always checked we were OK. He was very knowledgeable + kind. The tour was good but the very long walk to our seats in Zundert was a killer.
Review by Mrs Diana Airey who travelled 04-September-2015
The day in Zundert is long - we needed a packed lunch.
Review by Prof Peter Goodhew who travelled 04-September-2015
The tour was excellent and well planned. Our tour manager was friendly, very knowledgable and helpful with a great sense of humour. The hotel was very comfortable and in a good location. The choice of places to visit was great with plenty of free time to explore and the Zundert Flower Parade was amazing. There was quite a lot of walking which some might find difficult. The only negative was a 3 hour delay on the outward Eurostar journey due to a faulty train. However the return went like clockwork. Overall this tour was very enjoyable and we would recommend it to anyone.
Review by Mrs Carole Joan Taylor who travelled 04-September-2015
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Flower festival amazing but too long as it returns so you get to see it twice. Train only marked down because it broke down and we had 3 hour delay but we expect to be compensated for this by eurostar.
Review by Mrs Patricia Ives who travelled 04-September-2015
Excellent hotel-just bed and breakfast meant we could enjoy our own company and eat and drink when and where we pleased. The flower parade was a little long winded and parking was way out of town which was difficult for some to walk. But enjoyable
Review by Mrs Jane Deluca who travelled 03-September-2015
The Zundert Flower Festival is an amazing occasion with displays that are sensational. Very much the highlight of the visit The Radisson Blu Hotel could not have been bettered
Review by Mr C Winston who travelled 03-September-2015
The brochure could have explained how much walking there may be on the trip. It was a happy coincidence that the Brussels part of the trip was cancelled (because of the farmers protest in Brussels). We were not really looking keenly to mooching around Brussels for a 1/2 day, having dumped our bags, and really just filling in time waiting for the Eurostar. It was much better having the additional excursion around Antwerp (round the huge docks area) and then having an Antwerp train straight into Brussels Suid station to just change platforms. Gill organised this excellently.
Review by Mr Clive Hockley who travelled 02-September-2015
An excellent first time out for this tour. The hotel is a little way out of the centre of Antwerp, but the tram system works very well and is easy to use. Hotel fantastic, tour guide Jill the best I've had yet, and the flower parade was a real highlight - I'd come again on this tour just for that! Thanks for a fabulous holiday - until next time, Corinne
Review by Ms Corinne Price who travelled 02-September-2015
Gill`s inventiveness saved the day when the local farmers in Brussels staged a disruptive demo and risked our return journey. We had a few options which included an interesting tour of the Antwerp port area ( which we took).
Review by Mr Adrian Markley who travelled 02-September-2015
First holiday with Travel Editions. Would definitely consider using again. Excellent experience.
Review by Mrs Jill Williamson who travelled 02-September-2015
Excellent tour. A suggestion for next year would if organisers allow early during trip visit the dahlia fields to see them growing and a couple of the floats under construction with explanations of what they represent and demonstration of mechanical moving parts
Review by Mr David Lawrence who travelled 02-September-2015
Jill was very impressive. Antwerp wasn't that spectacular - Ghent was a lot prettier. Bruges was a disappointment, but not your fault as far too many people in far too small a place - in fact we were going to go for 3 days ourselves, so you have saved us time and money! I would be interested in becoming a WW1 guide as it is my passion - any openings?
Review by Dr Adrian Pilling who travelled 02-September-2015
