Netherlands in Springtime

Your holiday begins by meeting the Tour Manager and travelling group at London St Pancras to board the Eurostar to Rotterdam.

On arrival in this Dutch port city, we continue by coach to Delft to enjoy a guided tour to the Royal Delft porcelain factory, famous for manufacturing the artistically designed Delft Blue pottery. This iconic blue and white earthenware has been manufactured in this city since the 17th century in the style of traditional Chinese porcelain. There is free time to explore this historic city that was once the seat of the royal house of Orange as well as being the birthplace of artist Johannes Vermeer, whose works include the Girl with the Pearl Earring. Delft's charming centre is criss-crossed by tranquil canals and overlooked by the piercing towers of the Gothic Old and New churches.

This evening, we transfer to our hotel in central Utrecht for four nights, where we get to know the group over dinner in the hotel.

• Dinner

Hotel

Hampton by Hilton Utrecht Central Station

Located in the Hoog Catharijne mall, this 3-Star hotel in central Utrecht is a short distance from the train... More

After breakfast, there is a free day to explore the sights of Utrecht at your own pace. An important religious centre since the Middle Ages, Utrecht's iconic symbol is the impressive Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the country. Built in the 14th century, it was originally connected to St Martin's Cathedral but, when the nave collapsed in the 17th century, it became separated and has remained free-standing ever since.

With tree-lined canals and attractive medieval buildings in the centre, Utrecht is often called a 'cosier alternative to Amsterdam', and its main attractions are within walking distance from our modern hotel. Set in a restored 19th-century train station, the Rail Museum traces the history of train travel through interactive and informative displays. Another option is to head just out of the city to Castle De Haar. Surrounded by a moat with fairytale turrets piercing the sky, this 19th-century medieval-style castle has expansive landscaped gardens.

Dinner tonight is on your own, and there are many attractive restaurants in Utrecht serving up a wide range of cuisines.

• Breakfast

Today is a holiday highlight as we transfer by coach to the incredible Keukenhof Gardens near Lisse. This springtime visit coincides with the most spectacular time to visit one of the world's largest flower gardens.

Open only from the end of March to the beginning of May, we experience the expansive park as it bursts into colour with dazzling spring blooms and intricate flower displays. Elegant arrangements of daffodils, tulips and other spring plants are laid out in incredible detail to resemble famous works of art, creating an astonishing and delicate spectacle. There is free time to wander at your own pace, marvelling at these vibrant gardens where approximately seven million bulbs are planted each year.

Returning to the hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to explore or relax. Perhaps soak up the atmosphere at a traditional café with a favoured Dutch snack of bitterballen or enjoy dinner at a restaurant lining one of the city's attractive squares.

• Breakfast

This morning, we travel by rail to the Dutch capital and embark on a sightseeing tour. An expert local guide shows us around the city, taking in Dam Square, one of the most famous landmarks of the city, the Begijnhof, home to a cluster of medieval houses, the upmarket shopping street of Kalverstraat, and the 'skinny bridge' over the River Amstel.

After the tour, you are free to explore one of Europe's most visited cities at your own pace. Art lovers may prefer to head to the Rijksmuseum, which contains an impressive collection of famed masterpieces, or the nearby Van Gogh Museum, home to the largest number of the artist's works. Anne Frank's house recalls the incredible and sobering story of the young girl who documented her family hiding from invading Nazis during World War Two, while the intriguing Body Worlds explores human anatomy in dynamic fashion across seven floors. If you wish to visit Anne Frank's House and Body Worlds, we recommend booking in advance.

Returning to Utrecht by rail, we enjoy a farewell dinner at our hotel tonight.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Based in the historic city of Utrecht, we have been perfectly located to explore the delights of a Dutch spring. From witnessing the astonishing floral displays as the colourful tulips and seasonal flowers burst into bloom at the Keukenhof Gardens to touring the iconic Delft porcelain museum, we have explored the sights and culture of the Netherlands. A tour of its capital, Amsterdam, also revealed its history along charming streets lining serene canals.

After breakfast, we travel by rail to Rotterdam and you join the Eurostar service back to London St Pancras, where your holiday comes to an end.

• Breakfast