Sunday, March 25, 2012

Enjoy a perfect Netherlands rail trip to Floriade 2012




Admire the beauty of nature at Floriade 2012
Admire the beauty of nature at Floriade 2012

If you're planning a short break this spring that allows you to get close to nature, consider visiting the Netherlands during the World Horticultural Expo, Floriade. This event, which is held only once every ten years, is a celebration of nature's beauty and sees gardeners from the world over put on amazing displays.
This year, the sixth incarnation of Floriade will take place in the Dutch town of Venlo at the settlement's local park. Horticulturalists are working on five themed zones spread over the park's 66 hecatres, with each section separated by wooded areas. The segments each have their own decor and programme, with music and theatre playing a large part in the planned events.
Arguably the world's ultimate flower show, Floriade runs for a period of six months, so there's no need to worry about booking a break quickly. Travel between April 5th and October 7th and you'll be able to visit the park and experience all the natural celebration has to offer.
Under the broad title The Theatre of Nature, Floriade 2012 will be hosting sections dedicated to relaxing and healing, education and innovation, and the environment. Make your way around the first section to see how nature affects your health and wellbeing through the five senses of taste, smell, vision, hearing and feeling. In this Oriental setting you can follow a barefoot path, witness tea rituals and find out more about healing herbs.
In the Education and Innovation world, meanwhile, you'll discover the importance of continued learning and be inspired by the ideas and innovations you come across. Try cooking your own meal in a laboratory, sample unusual fruit and vegetable creations and go on a journey through the jungle greenhouse.
Head to the Environment section next to see how flowers, plants, trees, fruit and vegetables can improve your life every day as you discover the importance of greenery in the city. Wander through gardens designed by creative artists and famous landscape architects, and watch a special virtual tour video that lets you explore Floriade.
Another world is entitled Green Engine, and it's here you can see how nature and industry complement one another, with horticulture shown to be an economic engine. Plant a tulip as a permanent souvenir of your trip, learn how to make floral art and visit the Villa Flora to make your way round one of the world's biggest indoor flower shows.
The last section is the World Show Stage, where you can enjoy some entertainment in the amphitheatre or sample international foods. Visit gardens named after countries - like Pakistan and Indonesia - where you can admire traditional buildings, water features and indigenous flora.
At the restaurant here you can sample world flavours, while performances will be given daily in the amphitheatre. The main attraction is set to be the Harvest Show - a spectacular performance of world music and acrobatics that will be held every day for visitors.
If you want to pay a visit to Floriade, consider booking a Great Rail Journey, which will take you directly to the horticultural extravaganza along with other top spots in the Netherlands. A holiday by rail is an ideal way of relaxing and soaking up pretty Dutch scenery as you travel around.
Expect to call in at the picturesque Keukenhof Gardens - which open in spring to reveal enchanting floral displays as well as sculpture gardens, greenhouses, tranquil ponds and a windmill across 80 acres of land - before heading to Delft, which is renowned for its famous Royal Delft porcelain factory.
Your train journey will also take you to the heart of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, where you can embark on a walking tour of the cosmopolitan city. Take in the landmarks and afterwards be sure to call in at some of the local museums. Among the most prominent is the Rijksmuseum, which displays artworks by native painters such as Vermeer, Frans Hals and Rembrandt.
There's also the historical spot of Anne Frank House to visit, where you can find out more about the young girl's life in hiding from the Nazis, or - to admire some more art - call in at the Van Gogh Museum, which is home to the largest collection of the artist's works in the world.


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