Springtime Tulips & Floriade Expo


This cruise has now set sail.
Focused on a horticultural theme, this bank holiday weekend break provides opportunities to feast on the sights and scents of some of Europe’s finest floral exhibitions.[ReadMoreMob] The highlight is a visit to Amsterdam, timed for you to experience the seasonal delights of the Keukenhof Gardens, where millions of tulips burst into life with vibrant colour and fragrance in the spring, and the Floriade Horticulture Expo, a fascinating decennial celebration of ecology and botany. You’ll have a chance to stop by the early morning flower markets too, as well as other highlights such as the UNESCO-listed Canal Ring and Anne Frank House.
In France, from Honfleur you could take a tour to home of Claude Monet, and explore the beautiful grounds and gardens, a collage of colourful flora, lush green trees, lily ponds and ivy-crawled buildings that inspired some of the legendary artist’s most famous works. Alternatively, opt to explore Honfleur’s centuries-old streets, sample the charm of daily life here and delve into the maritime history. There’s also a visit to Belgium; Zeebrugge is your gateway to Brussels, where there are plenty of colourful gardens to discover amongst the city’s many sights and attractions too.
Liverpool, England
May 13 | Depart - early evening

Liverpool is one of Britain's most iconic and interesting cities, and famously home to the Cavern Club and The Beatles.
Liverpool - a former European Capital of Culture - is globally-renowned for its music, arts, culture and diverse architecture, and attracts visitors from around the globe.
A busy port city, Liverpool is also known for its historic waterfront district and Albert Dock, where some of the city's best known galleries and museums can be found. The Tate Gallery, International Slavery Museum and 'The Beatles Story' exhibition are easily found on foot, and sit alongside the largest collection of Grade One listed buildings in the UK, including the iconic Liver Building and a number of structures associated with the ill-fated RMS Titanic.
Cartagena, Spain
May 17 | Arrive - late morning | Depart - late afternoon

One of Spain’s most important port cities for over 2000 years, Cartagena is bursting with history and culture. Originally built over five hills by the Romans, Cartagena is strategically placed on the Mediterranean coast and boasts some wonderful architecture and historic monuments. They include Casa de la Fortuna, a villa with murals and mosaics, and the medieval Castillo de la Conception, which served as a fortress for the Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, Arabs and Castilians, and overlooks the city's stunning natural harbour.
Many of the buildings from Roman Cartagena have disappeared, but some important sites remain, including the amphitheatre which dates from around 100BC. Cartagena is also home to a number of Modernist buildings that were designed and built by the pupils of Antoni Gaudi, the world famous architect renowned for designing the stunning La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. The city’s tapas bars and vibrant bars on the marina offer some fabulous local wining and dining.
Barcelona, Spain
May 18 | Arrive - late morning | Depart - late evening

Spain's cosmopolitan second city, Barcelona, is awash with heritage and its mood is infused with a vibrant Catalan spirit. There's something around every corner of the city: jewels of Catalan and contemporary architecture, relaxing parks and beaches, mouth-watering markets and treasures from its Roman and Medieval past.
Barcelona's 2000-year-old city walls, temple columns and subterranean stone corridors provide a glimpse back to the time of the Romans, while the shady plazas and lanes of the Gothic quarter, and Barcelona’s Old Town district, the Ciutat Vella, reveal the origins of its medieval culture.
The city is famous for an incredible array of UNESCO-listed buildings from world-renowned architect Antoni Gaudi. His sculptural masterpieces of Modernisme are dotted across the city. La Sagrada Familia - Barcelona’s Gaudi-designed Roman Catholic Church – is the most famous landmark. With its astonishing details and stunning facades, this unique work of art is one of Europe’s most visited sites.
Barcelona has inspired many artists, including Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso, whose works feature in numerous museums and galleries. Away from the city centre, sun-drenched, Iberian beaches are the perfect place to walk, bike ride, take a refreshing dip, or merely relax and enjoy the gorgeous Mediterranean coastline.
Valencia, Spain
May 19 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late afternoon

Packed with plenty to see, do and explore, there is a never a dull day in this charming Spanish city. Wander through the beautiful city centre admiring the array of beautiful historic monuments; visit the myriad of museums and art galleries such as the Institute of Modern Art and Museum of Fine Arts or simply head to one of the city’s beaches to enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine and sample local cuisine in the many restaurants that line the promenades.
The Old Town district - like similar districts in other major European cities - is where you will find some of the oldest, most beautiful and most interesting sites in the city, including the UNESCO-Listed Lonja de la Seda, 13th century Santo Domingo Convent and Torres de Serranos - a 14th century gothic gateway that’s considered the oldest in Europe.
Motril, Spain
May 20 | Arrive - late morning | Depart - early evening

At the heart of the Costa Tropical, situated in the foothills of the imposing Sierra Lujar Mountains, Motril is a true Andalusian gem. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes, fronted by glorious coastal scenes and inviting beaches, and benefitting from a mild, sub-tropical climate all year round, it is the perfect location for some soothing rest, relaxation and sunshine.
But it’s not all sun, sea and sand in Motril, there is plenty for those looking for a taste of authentic local culture too. While the city is not quite as well known, or as well trodden as others on the Andalusian coast, such as Malaga and Almeria, Motril boasts artistic, historical and architectural treasures that are well worth taking the time to discover. Highlights include the 16th century cultural hub of Casa de la Palmas, 17th century Town Hall – a fine example of mudéjar architecture, and the baroque-style Sanctuary of Ntra Sra de la Cabeza.
Meanwhile, as one might expect from an Andalusian city, Motril offers an array of tempting traditional cuisine and locally produced drinks, from authentic tapas – served in restaurants around the city – to ‘ron de Motril’ rum.
Cádiz, Spain
May 21 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late afternoon

Cádiz, one of Europe's most ancient cities, hugs Andalusia’s sunlit Atlantic coast and is characterised by palm trees, lookout towers and weathered old buildings. Now into its fourth millennium, Cádiz's fascinating Old Town district features huge stone walls from the 1500s and is home to a wealth of historic highlights, including the beautifully crafted 18th century Cádiz Cathedral.
Boasting over 100 watchtowers, including the iconic Torre Tavira, traditionally used for spotting ships; traditional tapas bars serving delicious traditional cuisine and local seafood; and fascinating maritime history; Cádiz offers a plethora of authentic sights and experiences. The winding streets assume the feel of a carnival, packed-out with friendly locals and humming to the sounds of upbeat alegrías (flamenco songs).
Cádiz is also the gateway to the stunning city of Seville, with its maze of courtyards, atmosphere old quarters and ornate churches and cathedrals.
La Coruña, Spain
May 23 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late afternoon

The city of La Coruña is the capital of the province and a busy seaport situated in the Galicia region of northwest Spain. Most famous for its Roman lighthouse, the diverse architectural styles of La Coruña make the city an absolute delight for sightseeing.
La Coruña boasts an impressive seafront promenade, beautiful beaches and a host of attractions such as the Domus Museum, the Casa del Hombre and Torre De Hercules – said to be the only Roman lighthouse in existence – which offers sweeping coastal views from the top of its 60 metre high tower. The Paseo Marítimo, a lovely 13km walkway and bike path, runs from the port, around the peninsula, and along the ocean beaches.
The compact Ciudad Vieja – La Coruña’s old quarter – is a must-visit area. Often referred to as “the city” by the locals, the medieval centre contains remains of the centuries-old Roman wall that once protected it. The arcaded Plaza de María Pita, surrounded by narrow pedestrianized lanes, is a popular spot, and features the Estatua de María Pita, a statue of a 16th century woman who warned the town of an invasion by Sir Francis Drake. The medieval Church of Santiago, the Museum of Sacred Art and the Military Museum are all fine places of interest.
Beyond the historic city is a proud, modern metropolis, which boasts a superb food scene and a buzzing nightlife. The world’s best picnic food, empanadas, and the locally produced beer, Estrella, both demand trying.
Liverpool, England
May 25 | Arrive - early morning

Liverpool is one of Britain's most iconic and interesting cities, and famously home to the Cavern Club and The Beatles.
Liverpool - a former European Capital of Culture - is globally-renowned for its music, arts, culture and diverse architecture, and attracts visitors from around the globe.
A busy port city, Liverpool is also known for its historic waterfront district and Albert Dock, where some of the city's best known galleries and museums can be found. The Tate Gallery, International Slavery Museum and 'The Beatles Story' exhibition are easily found on foot, and sit alongside the largest collection of Grade One listed buildings in the UK, including the iconic Liver Building and a number of structures associated with the ill-fated RMS Titanic.