Holland in full bloom with 'Floriade 2012'

Her Royal Highness Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands will officially open the Floriade 2012 on 04 April. Staged only once every ten years at a changing location in Holland, the Floriade World Horticultural Expo will open its doors to the public on 05 April 2012.

Expect to see some of the most exquisite and exceptional flowers, plants, trees, fruit and vegetables of the world on show. If you want to make the most of your visit to Holland make sure you fit in a visit to the Keukenhof Gardens. This colourful park near Amsterdam offers the best of traditional tulips and other spring flowers.

Floriade 2012 - a unique experience

The Floriade World Horticultural Expo is held in Holland every ten years since 1960 and always at a different location in Holland. From 5 April until 7 October 2012, the sixth edition of Floriade will be organised in Venlo in central-eastern Holland. The central theme of Floriade 2012, 'Be part of the theatre in nature, get closer to the quality of life', has been translated into five core sub-themes, which will be portrayed via five themed zones on the park.  The five core sub-themes at Floriade will cover the different aspects of the relationship between the consumer and the horticultural sector.

It will be open to the public daily from 10.00-19.00. The entrance fee starts from €25.00 for adults and €12.50 (4-12 years). Expected attendance of Floriade 2012 is 2 million visitors. The site is easily accessible by road, rail and air, offering many different routes from the UK. It has ample parking facilities for both cars and coaches. The site is only a short distance from the main Venlo railway station. The region is home to a variety of excellent authentic hotels.

Colorful flower displays at Keukenhof

From 22 March-20 May 2012, one of Holland's most popular attractions will open its doors again. The Keukenhof gardeners have planted over 7 million bulbs during the winter to guarantee that the flower gardens can be experienced in all its glory throughout the spring. In 2012, the park's theme will be paying a colourful tribute to Poland with its theme: "Poland - Heart of Europe".

The Keukenhof is open to the public from 22 March to 20 May 2012 daily from 08:00 to 19:30 (ticket office open until 18:00). The entrance fee is €14,50 for adults and €7,00 for children (4-11 years). The Keukenhof can be reached by car or by train and bus/ Combination tickets are available when travelling by bus from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

Enjoy a perfect Netherlands rail trip to Floriade 2012

Admire the beauty of nature at Floriade 2012

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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.