Visit the Netherlands in spring and discover exquisite gardens on this seven-night cruise. While at sea, you'll enjoy a very special talk and Q&A with TV gardener Charlie Dimmock, as well as a cocktail masterclass with bar owner and TV bartender Merlin Griffiths.
This cruise has been perfectly timed to visit the Netherlands during its vibrant tulip season, when parks and gardens across the country burst into spectacular bloom.
You'll be sailing on the small ship Balmoral, where you can relax on board in its spa, swimming pools, and elegant restaurants. There'll be two full days spent at sea, meaning you'll have plenty of time to unwind on board, where all your meals are included.
On a trip to the world-renowned Keukenhof Gardens you can admire these iconic flowers in bloom. More than seven million bulbs are planted each year across 80 acres, including a stunning 800 varieties of tulip.
If you want to know more about the country's tulips, you can visit a tulip farm with a local grower who will share insights into their cultivation.
You'll also dock in Hamburg, where you'll learn more about the early days of The Beatles and their connections to the city, and Antwerp, where you can explore the famous diamond district and enjoy Belgian delights such as rich chocolate and flavoursome beer.
There are plenty of horticultural delights waiting for you in these cities, from the Planten un Blomen park in Hamburg, to Antwerp's Plantentuin, a botanical garden with an exotic collection of plants from around the world.
Charlie Dimmock is an English gardening expert and television presenter. She was part of the Ground Force team and has since hosted numerous TV shows in the UK and US, including The Joy of Gardening, Charlie's Garden Army, and most recently, Garden Rescue. She has also authored several gardening books, including the BBC Ground Force book, Water Garden Workbook.
London-born and Cheltenham-raised barman Merlin Griffiths was a pub landlord now owning a chain of pubs, who had previously worked as a global brand ambassador for Bombay Sapphire gin. Griffiths also works alongside co-bartender Fiona Beck who as well as working in the First Dates restaurant, has a career in advertising.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a lead in cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Deposit 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Selected drinks included in drinks package. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Fred. Olsen Cruises.
Today you'll arrive in Southhampton and board your home at sea for the next seven days, the beautiful small ship Balmoral.
Take some time to settle into your cabin and explore the ship before dinner this evening. You'll enjoy welcome drinks and dinner with Jo Checkley, Prima's Editor-in-Chief, who'll also be hosting two craft workshops throughout the week.
Today will be spent entirely at sea, as you sail towards Hamburg from Southampton. A day at sea gives you the perfect opportunity to relax on board, making the most of Balmoral's fantastic facilities.
Take time to explore the six beautiful restaurants, seven bars and lounges, two pools and lovely wide open decks which are perfect for taking in the views when Balmoral is at sea.
Today you'll dock in Hamburg. Surrounded by water, and located on the River Elbe, Hamburg has a heritage stretching back over 700 years and has many impressive historic buildings and monuments, such as the steeple of St. Nikolai, which was almost destroyed in World War II.
A significant maritime city, Hamburg is crisscrossed with hundreds of canals and thousands of bridges, like the 17th century Zollenbrücke Bridge and the famous Köhlbrandbrücke - high enough for ships to pass underneath.
You'll spend another day at sea today onboard Balmoral as you sail from Hamburg to Rotterdam. It's the perfect opportunity to explore the ship, relax, unwind and catch up with your travelling companions.
Perhaps you'll head to the Atlantis Spa, where Large picture windows offer incredible sea views as you relax with a treatment. There's a range of luxurious treatments on offer, supplements apply, including massages, manicures, pedicures, relaxation treatments and hairdressing.
Today you'll sail into Rotterdam, the Netherlands' second largest city. Rotterdam has a diverse community, a captivating maritime history, and an abundance of excellent museums to explore.
When you arrive, you will find the city is an open-air exhibition of fantastic futuristic architecture. This modern architecture is a result of the destruction of large parts of the city during World War II.
Also included today is an unforgettable visit to the nearby Keukenhof Gardens, Holland's iconic gardens where millions of tulips burst into bloom each spring. You could also visit a tulip farm with a local tulip grower to learn more about how they're grown.
The medieval city of Antwerp has much to offer with magnificent monuments and narrow streets to explore.
Over 80% of the world's rough diamonds pass through the diamond district in Antwerp, making this city the international centre of the diamond industry.
Antwerp is also famous for its Belgian chocolate, which, and over time, has been refined from a tonic used by pharmacists into the deliciously smooth praline sold in the many quaint chocolate shops in the city today.
Today you'll arrive in Southampton as your cruise comes to an end.
Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral carries up to 1,350 guests, and is small enough to navigate narrow waterways and bring inspirational sights and experiences closer to you. Like the rest of the fleet, Balmoral has a warm, welcoming atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation and lounges, stylish restaurants and plenty of open-deck space. Your meals will be included on board and there’s a lively schedule of evening entertainment to enjoy while sailing, as well as dance classes, cookery demonstrations and daily games and quizzes.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a lead in cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Deposit 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Selected drinks included in drinks package. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Fred. Olsen Cruises.