4* Dutch Dahlias on Parade

Join us for this colourful weekend and marvel at the incredible floral displays at the annual Zundert Flower Parade which has been taking place for over 80 years. Using half a million locally grown dahlias, twenty nearby villages compete to craft giant, elaborate floats covered in the pom-pom like blooms. The spectacular creations are kept top secret until parade day when they wind their way through the town and the judges make their decision. You will enjoy the dazzling action with a seated ticket for the parade and there is plenty of fun to be had with all kinds of street entertainment, music and stalls to enjoy.

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.Highlights
- Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast- Buffet dinner on first evening- Porterage- Excursion to Zundert Flower Parade with seated ticket in area B- Free time in Breda

Your Itinerary
DAY 1 - After joining your holiday coach, you travel to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais, then continue to Holland via the auto-routes of France and Belgium and check into your hotel in central Breda for your 3-night stay. Buffet dinner included on the first evening // B&B for 2 nights

DAY 2 - 3 - At leisure in Breda, with one included excursion and one optional excursion.

Easily walkable from your hotel, enjoy a full day at leisure in Breda, an unexpected delight of a city with its beautiful historic heart, numerous terraced cafes, imposing buildings and monuments and a distinctive bon-vivant atmosphere. Take time to explore and you may like to visit Breda's best known landmark, The Great Church (entrance is free but climbing the 287 steps of the 97m ornate tower costs approx. €7.50 pp - advanced booking may be required) as well as the wonderful Park Valkenburg, the former castle gardens. Alternatively, why noy join the optional excursion to Heusden - details below

The hotel is just a 10 minute walk over a footbridge through the city park to the vibrant city centre. Breda is well-known for its wine and dine culture so you are sure to easily find plenty of interesting dining options on Saturday and Sunday evening. There are so many restaurants, brasseries and cafes and The Breda Food Hall is open until 9pm and offers a variety of world cuisines from 12 different kitchens under one roof

INCLUDED EXCURSION
Zundert Flower Parade
Enjoy the highlight of the weekend - the 'Corso Zundert', the biggest flower parade in the world. After a short transfer to the quaint Dutch village of Zundert, birthplace of Vincent Van Gogh, you will marvel at this annual, vibrant spectacle and the riot of colour as the towering floats pass by. You will have a ticket for a numbered seat in area B where the parade passes twice.


OPTIONAL EXCURSION
Fortress Town of Heusden
Travel back to a bygone era and picture-postcard little Brabant town of Heusden. You can expect picturesque old streets, narrow alleyways, countless centuries-old, beautifully preserved buildings and facades with magnificent stonework as well as antique tile-roofed houses and a lovely yacht harbour - all wrapped in a fortified river-moat which still retains its triangular ravelins (island-bastions). You may like to stroll atop the fortifications for a view of the marina and the Meuse river or take it easy in one of the pleasant terraces that look out onto the main town square. The Visitor Centre, centrally located in the former town hall, houses a model of the amazing fortifications.

DAY 4 - Drive back to Calais today and the return ferry crossing to Dover, arriving home during the evening.Leonardo Hotel Breda City Centre

Located next to the central railway station, this modern 4* hotel was once the city's post office and is just a short walk (approx. 1km) through the beautiful Valkenberg park to Breda's vibrant city centre and the Grote Markt.

All 88 rooms have bold, graphic art adorning the walls and feature air-conditioning, flat screen TV, in-room safe, tea / coffee making facilties and free WiFi.

There is a restaurant, outdoor terrace as well as a bar. Bike rental is available at the hotel for additional cost. There is a lift.