Started in 1962 in the Netherlands, Floriade is a celebration of nature and – for a country that prides itself on its flowers – it is a crowning achievement.  Grand Circle Cruise Line added the 10 Floriade departure dates after high demand sold out all Floriade departures on a sister cruise.

Recognized by CNN, Lonely Planet, Smarter Travel, and others as a top destination for 2012, Floriade is much more than a garden show – it’s a feast for all the senses – and it will draw over 2 million travelers to the Venlo Region of the Netherlands.  The theme this year is to “be part of the theatre in nature, get closer to the quality of life,” and visitors will stroll through ornately sculpted landscapes, fields of colorful tulips, and organized vegetable gardens, all devoted to well-being, sustainability, innovation, environment, and world cultures.  Floriade is a global endeavor, and visitors will have a worldly experience, tasting traditional European foods, marveling at the craftsmanship of Chinese and Japanese gardeners, and enjoying the folk music of Turkey.

In addition to Floriade, Grand Circle travelers will explore several countries on their cruise, which takes them along the Rhine and Mosel Rivers, and from Belgium through the Netherlands and on to Germany, France, and Switzerland.  Grand Circle’s exclusive Discovery Series events provide an even more intimate look at the region, such as a Kaffeeklatsch – a coffee and cake break – with a local German family, a wine tour and tasting, and talks on the European Union and Swiss traditions.