Belgium & Fleuramour Flower Show Tour 2016

March 8, 2016 - PRLog -- There are more castles per square mile in Belgium than anywhere else in the world. Beautiful castles to experience, formal gardens to get lost in and peaceful abbeys to enjoy the tranquility only they can afford. Belgium has been environmentally conscious and organic since before it became cool! They have mastered the art of farm to table cooking and are eager to share their expertise. Belgians eat out a lot and are particular when it comes to the quality and inventiveness of their gastronomy. If a restaurant, old or new, isn't quite ‘cutting the mustard’ - it's out of business. As a result of this gourmet culture, it is nearly impossible to have a less than stellar meal. Since it is home to many international cultures, Belgium is a melting pot and this is clearly represented in the variety of cuisines available. There are more than 2000 restaurants in Brussels alone.

Brussels is the world center of the curvaceous architectural and decor style. It goes back to King Leopold II’s reign, from 1867–1909, when Belgium flourished, commissioning masterpieces from designers including Victor Horta, Paul Hankar and Henri van de Velde. Highlights include the Hotel Tassel, the musee Horta, the musee Constantin Meunier and the Palais Stoclet by Josef Hoffman. After that, you’ll need refreshment – so try Le Ultieme Hallucinatie bar, where even the piano is art nouveau.

Belgium has a great opera tradition. It was during an opera performance of La Muette de Portici that following a rebellion on stage the spectators were so excited that they rushed out of the theater to the neighboring Royal Park. There they started the revolution that led to the separation of the Belgians from the Dutch and the independence of the country. There are many reasons to visit Belgium so perhaps think about coming in early so that you can enjoy some of Brussels before our tour begins.

Francoise Weeks is our Special Guest while on this tour….

FRANÇOISE WAS BORN IN BELGIUM IN AN AREA ROMANTICIZED BY THE FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS OF THE DUTCH AND FLEMISH PAINTERS OF THE 17TH AND 18TH CENTURIES.

Honing her talents through training with the florists of Antwerp, Françoise discovered her signature—a unique lush and textural style, heavily imprinted by her love of nature and art. Since 1996 she has translated her passion into creations of flowers, herbs, fruits, vegetables and foliage in a way that the masters could only paint.

Recently her work has emerged into two distinctive styles: URBAN WOODLANDS—contemporary stylings of mosses, lichens, bark and forest floor gatherings and FLORAL FORWARD—exquisite botanical haute couture creations of purses, headpieces and shoes.
Highlights:

• 9 Nights 4 Star Hotels
• 9 Buffet Breakfasts
• Welcome Dinner 3
• Course with Wine
• Farewell Dinner 3 Course at Patrick DeVos with Wine
• Lunch 3 Course at Maredsous Abbey with Beer
• Lunch at Friet Museum
• Full Day Ticket to Fleuramour
• Walking Tour in Brussels
• Walking Tour in Antwerp
• Walking Tour in Bruges
• Boat Tour in Bruges
• Botanic Garden Meise, Van Buren House
& Garden, Rubens House & Garden, The
Gardens of Annevoie, Maredsous Abbey,
Chateau de Freyer,
Private Gardens in Liege
Bijsterveld Private Garden
• Groeninge Museum
• Frit Museum
• Wonderful Memories!

Visit www.gardeningtours.com to see the full day by day and come along on this exclusive and small group tour.

Offering unique garden inspired tours since 1998