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Holland Trip 2023: April 23rd – 29th
April 23 - April 29
$1,000.00 – $5,850.00
Discover Amsterdam with FlowerSchool!
Led by Operations Director Tara Sandonato
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Sunday, April 23rd:
Arrive in Amsterdam
Students are welcome to arrive whenever they choose. Our program begins on at 5PM with a welcome dinner at Hotel Arena right off Oosterpark. We will review the week’s activities and get a chance to meet each other.
Monday, April 24th:
Aalsmeer Tour – Early Departure
On our first full day in Amsterdam, we will travel to the neighboring town of Aalsmeer. Here, we will
have a tour of the famed Flora Holland Aalsmeer Flower Auction where over 20 million stems are sold daily on the auction clock. This is a behind-the-scenes look at an integral process of the floral industry.
Hilverda de Boer
Get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of an exporter who ships the finest Dutch flowers world-wide. Students will also be able to choose from hundreds of varieties of flowers and create their very own bouquet to take back with them.
Flower Farm Visits
Before lunch we will next explore several of the blooming flower farms local to the area. At these
farms the growers coax flowers into perfect blooms using a variety of traditional methods and innovative technologies. We will visit a few different farms growing various products from the famous Dutch hydrangea to roses and lilac. This will be a unique look inside the floral growing process and starting point of the flower business.
Everyone will be free for dinner and students will be provided a list of tested restaurants to visit.
Tuesday, April 25th:
The Historical Garden Aalsmeer
Holland has been linked to the growing and selling of flowers and plants for generations. The Historic Garden Aalsmeer will transport you back to the 17th century when farmers cultivated fruit trees and began to sell flowers at auction. Historical Aalsmeer continues to grow ancient rose and lilac varieties using ancient methods and techniques developed by the first Dutch growers. Travel back in time with us to explore the rich floral history of Aalsmeer. Students will have the opportunity to use a real auction clock from the 50’s.
After the morning tour, lunch will be served in the garden followed by a private tour of the beautiful Historical Garden Aalsmeer. Students will enjoy exploring the gardens by boat as well. Upon our return to the hotel, students will be free for the evening to enjoy dinner.
Wednesday, April 26th:
Morning Floral Design Workshop with Tara Sandonato
Spend the morning working with fresh blooms creating a gorgeous centerpiece with FlowerSchool LA Director Tara Sandonato. After this workshop, students will have free time to explore the area
Private Tour of the Rijks Museum
Guests will enjoy a private tour of the newly renovated Rijks Museum. The Rijks is home to many of the world’s most beloved masters including Hals, Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh.
Cocktail & Hors D’oeuvres Cruise
Following the museum tour, we will welcome you to Amsterdam with a traditional cocktail cruise aboard a renovated 19th century wooden salon boat. You haven’t seen Amsterdam until you have floated through the canals sipping champagne and had a taste of the local cuisine on one of these beautiful antique boats. After being dropped off in the city center, students will be free for dinner.
Thursday, April 27th:
King’s Day
This is your vacation within your vacation! King’s Day is the Dutch National Holiday celebrating the King’s birthday. Rejoice with the entire country with jubilant festivities. On this day, businesses and residents fill the streets to celebrate with activities, food, drinks, and shopping. Bring a piece of orange clothing with you to join in on the fun.
We will organize an optional dinner to get together in the evening.
Friday, April 28th:
Keukenhof Gardens
We will begin the day with a trip to the Keukenhoff growing fields and park. Keukenhof has a rich history. For centuries, the area was part of the estate of Teylingen Castle. During the 15th century, game was hunted and food collected in the region’s untamed woods and dunes, for the kitchens of the castle of Jacoba van Beieren. This is where ‘Keukenhof’ gets its name, which means ‘kitchen courtyard’ in Dutch.
Fam Flower Farm
We will make a special stop at a family owned tulip farm where we can explore and speak directly to Dutch growers. You will have the opportunity to walk through gorgeous, colorful tulip fields and take tons of photos while learning about all of these varieties and how they cultivate their blooms. After visiting Fam Flower Farm, we will head back to the city center where students will have time to explore until dinner.
Farewell Dinner at Restaurant De Kas
After a long week full of floral adventures, we will share dinner together and spend our last night reflecting on our week. Led by Michelin rated chef, Gert Jan Hageman, De Kas grows their own produce and herbs in the restaurant’s greenhouses and garden.
Saturday, April 29th
Official Departure
This concludes the FlowerSchool Holland 2023 Travel Program.
If you wish to stay additional nights at the hotel, please contact tara@flowerschoolla.com to coordinate.
Please fill out the below enrollment forms.
* If trip is cancelled, you will receive a 100% refund
