The first Floriade Expo was held in 1960 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The Dutch Horticultural Council set itself a goal when it launched the Floriade. It was to be ‘a major cross-sector horticultural exhibition that will attract both national and international attention’. With over 3 million visitors, it was a definite success. The Euromast tower was built just for the Floriade, between 1958 and 1960 by Hugh Masskant.

The next Floriade was held 12 years later in 1972, and took place in Amsterdam. The ’72 expo was the busiest horticulture exhibition in all the world at the time, bringing in 5 million people between March and October. All the sections were held in different locations, and were brought together by a special Floriade train. Two of the biggest highlights of the 1972 expo were the lily display and the Dahliarama. The Floriade was held in Amsterdam again in 1982.

In 1992, the Floriade was held in Zoetermeer, and it attracted 3.3 million people to the grounds. Nearly 30 percent of all tourists that visited the Netherlands during this time came exclusively for the Floriade. The 1992 expo included a tramline that had been laid for the exposition, and there was a unique sculpture display. After the Floriade Expo was finished, the grounds were immediately reused for the Rokkeveen-West residential estate.

In 2002, the Floriade was held in Haarlemmermeer. The theme was ‘feel the art of nature’, and was divided into three separate sections. The sections were the Roof, the Mountain, and the Lake. The Roof was a large, floating piece made of 19,000 solar panels and fashioned the 30,000 square meter indoor display. Another key element was a 30-meter high pyramid called Spotter’s Hill. Floriade 2002 saw around 2.1 million visitors.

The 2012 Floriade Expo will take place in Venlo, Netherlands on an area that covers about 163 acres. There is to be 5 different sections of interest. The sections are: Relax and Heal, Green Engine, Education and Innovation, Environment, and World Show Stage.

The Relax and Heal section will allow visitors to see, smell, feel, hear, and taste how nature affects their mood, health, and wellbeing in the tranquil surroundings. It will have an Oriental setting, tea rituals, a barefoot path, and healing herbs to give each person a special experience. There will be a Restaurant Relax and Heal, with choices of Thai dishes, Japanese snacks, mint tea, and delicious fruit juices.

The Green Engine section houses the Villa Flora, the biggest indoor flower show which was designed just for Floriade 2012. You can take part in a fake flower auctions which allows you to bid on your own flowers, learn to make striking floral arrangements, and even plant your very own Dutch tulip as a souvenir. There is also a Restaurant Green Engine, where you can enjoy robust soups, organic salads, and sandwiches with generous fillings.

In the Education and Innovation section, you can watch a film, American-style, at the special Drive-In Cinema, and in the DALC travel pavilion, you can take a seat in a comfy car on the motorway. At Bee for the World, you can not only learn about the life of a bee, but also experience it for yourself! You will climb to different heights with your nose in flower blooms, land in a dim beehive, and move around while surrounded by the sound of bees buzzing. Make sure to visit the Restaurant Education and Innovation, where you can eat asparagus and strawberries from Netherland gardens.

In the Environment section, you’ll learn about the importance of bringing ‘green’ into the city, indoors and outdoors, and at home and work. You will also watch a special virtual tour of the Floriade. At the Restaurant Environment, you will enjoy barbecued dishes and divine cocktails.

At the World Show Stage section, you will be able to enjoy stunning performances on Theatre Hill, take a stroll down the Floriade Boulevard, and take in the Indonesian cultures. Make sure to visit the exquisite Rose Garden, filled with vivid colors of red, pink, and green roses. At the Restaurant WSS, you will be able to enjoy fresh Italian pastas and pizzas, Oriental delicacies, and Asian stir-fries.

The ship has a capacity of 160 people and, while the cruise was sold out, it never seemed  crowded .  The cabins were comfortable and roomy. Our Cruise Director did a wonderful job of organization and we were well informed of the next day’s activities by a newsletter delivered to our cabins each evening after dinner.

The food was fabulous!  Breakfast and lunch were served in a casual buffet style, with dinner (including unlimited wine) served with menu choices to satisfy any palate.   The dining room was comfortable, with large windows affording beautiful views as we cruised during the evening meal enjoying the scenery along the river.

Each evening there was entertainment in the spacious lounge.  The variety was amazing.  Local talent was brought aboard to treat us to insight into the culture of the region.  Additionally, we were treated to wine and beer tastings from regional vintners and brew masters.  On the comic side, we had a Crew Show that had us rolling in the aisles.

As the rivers were the main source of trade and transportation throughout history, each city and town along the way has a heritage going back hundreds if not thousands of years. Each day brought a new adventure with well educated local guides to share their love of their home with us.  Generally there was a guide for each 15-20 people which allowed ample time for questions and further discussion.

We all agreed that we had never had such a perfect vacation.  The days were busy, but enough time was scheduled to allow for leisure time, a nap, a game of Bridge, or just visiting on the Sun Deck watching the beautiful river towns as we passed by.

Can’t wait until next year for another Avalon Cruise!

• Giving cruisers a choice of appetizer, salad, entrée, cheese and dessert
• Featuring local fare options at each meal
• Highlighting sustainable cuisine on our French itineraries
• Providing cruisers more healthy menu options including low calorie, low sodium and glucose-free cuisine
• Introducing Night Fare, served at 10:30 PM to cap off each day with a treat

Avalon Waterways is adding even more selections for the “most important meal of the day” in 2011 as well. In addition to providing our travelers Early- and Late-riser breakfast options, we are adding complimentary sparkling wine – great for Mimosas – and made-to-order egg stations to our already robust breakfast buffet, fleet-wide. Guests can also order continental breakfast in their room and have drinks delivered throughout the day.

More drink options are also on the menu for Avalon Waterways in the coming year. In addition to offering cruisers the customary complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks at dinner and soft drinks included with lunch, we will feature a Cocktail Hour on our ships for cruisers interested in enjoying local wine, beer and other spirits before dinner, while socializing with fellow travelers. Complimentary cappuccino, espresso, latte and premium, Lavazza coffee will also be provided to our passengers throughout the day.

Celebration Packages are also new on our ships in 2011. We will be offering cruisers the chance to commemorate a birthday or anniversary in their room with several celebratory cuisine selections.

This year, we also introduced alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink packages: Packages that can be pre-purchased by interested passengers.

Meal Schedule

Early Riser Coffee, 6 a.m.
Start your day right with self-service coffee, hot water, croissants, cookies, and assorted finger foods.

Breakfast Buffet, 7 a.m.–8:30 a.m.
Enjoy a tempting selection of breads, cereals, fruits, cold cuts and cheeses, smoked salmon, pastries, yogurts, and juices. Hot items such as eggs, sausage, and bacon vary daily.*

*Buffet breakfast items are conveniently color coded on all Avalon Waterways river cruise ships to indicate foods that are low calorie, low fat/low calorie, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy

Late Riser Breakfast, 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
Self-service coffee, hot water, croissants, cookies and assorted finger foods.

Lunch Buffet, 12:30 p.m.
Select from intriguing appetizers, hearty soups, hot dishes, homemade breads, cold cuts and cheeses, salads, and delectable desserts.

Afternoon Tea, 4 p.m.
Take a mid-day break with coffee or tea and cake or cookies served in the lounge or on the top deck.

Dinner, 7:30 p.m.
Dine elegantly with a sit-down meal served in a single sitting. The chef will delight you with gourmet selections and the perfect, complimentary wines (complimentary beer or soft drinks also available). Menus typically feature an appetizer, soup, entrée, dessert, and coffee or tea.

Night Fare, 10:30 p.m.

Note: Meal times may vary depending on cruise schedule.

Avalon Waterways is pleased to announce the marriage of world-class river cruising with themed & specialty cruises, such as President's, Christmastime, wine, and music river cruises!

Expand your horizons on these marvelous wine-themed river cruises. Learn the differences between an Austrian Grüner Veltliner and a French Sauvignon Blanc. A distinguished wine authority explains how various grape varieties are cultivated, and teaches you what to look for in a good wine. Visit a wine village and taste the wines to test your newfound talent. An adventure Bacchus himself would enjoy!

Only 4 dates offer this unique themed river cruise.

Windmills, Vineyards & Paris Wine River Cruise

Amsterdam to Paris - October 2, 2011

Vineyards, vintages, varietals, and some very fine wines are the focus of our exciting “Windmills, Vineyards & Paris” Wine river cruise. As you leisurely float past the legendary vineyards along the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, a distinguished wine authority will describe how various grape varieties are cultivated, and will teach you what to look for in a good wine. On board your ship, the luxurious Avalon Luminary, participate in onboard tastings of regional wines, attend fascinating lectures on French and German wines, and be pamperedata food and wine pairing gala dinner.

Blue Danube Discovery Wine River Cruise

Budapest to Prague - July 14, 2011

Enhance your knowledge and love of European wines on our exhilarating “The Blue Danube Discovery” Wine river cruise. Learn the differences between an Austrian Grüner Veltliner and a German Riesling Spätlese—and a whole lot more! A distinguished wine authority will describe how various grape varieties are cultivated, and will teach you what to look for in a good wine. Marvel at Austria’s legendary Wachau Wine Valley, and consider visiting the Wine Academy or a typical Wachau wine cellar in Melk. Participate in a wine tasting excursion in Prague, On board your ship, the splendid Avalon Tranquility, attend an Austrian sweet wine lecture and tasting, and be pamperedata food and wine pairing gala dinner.

Burgundy & Provence Wine River Cruise

Côte d’Azur to Paris - October 30, 2011

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just an enthusiast, you’ll expand your horizons on our exciting “Burgundy & Provence” Wine river cruise. As you leisurely float by the legendary vineyards along the Saône and Rhône Rivers, a distinguished wine authority will describe how various grape varieties are cultivated, and will teach you what to look for in a good wine. Visit a wine cellar in Beaune, and participate in tasting excursions of France’s famed Burgundy, Chardonnay, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. On board your ship, the magnificent Avalon Scenery, attend a Beaujolais wine tasting, a food and wine pairing gala dinner, and a scrumptious wine and chocolate tasting. An adventure Bacchus himself would enjoy!

The Legendary Danube Wine River Cruise

Prague to Budapest - October 26, 2011

Enhance your knowledge and love of European wines on our exhilarating “The Legendary Danube” Wine river cruise. Learn the differences between an Austrian Grüner Veltliner and a German Riesling Spätlese—and a whole lot more! A distinguished wine authority will describe how various grape varieties are cultivated, and will teach you what to look for in a good wine. Participate in a wine tasting excursion in Prague, marvel at Austria’s legendary Wachau Wine Valley, and consider visiting the Wine Academy or a typical Wachau wine cellar in Melk. On board your ship, the splendid Avalon Tranquility, attend an Austrian sweet wine lecture and tasting, and be pamperedata food and wine pairing gala dinner.

Fast Facts

• Countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Ukraine
• Source: Black Forest, Germany
• Mouth: The Black Sea
• Length: 1,777 miles

View our selection of Danube River Cruises for 2011

As the Danube leaves the cover of German'’s Black Forest, it trolls through the pristinely-preserved medieval town of Regensburg. This bustling university town boasts ancient treasures like the Porta Praetoria—the north gate to the ancient Roman fortress, Castra Regina, built in 179 A.D. During the holidays, Regensburg shines bright with its Christmas market lighting up the historic market square.

Farther downstream, Passau, Austria, is a gem of a city located at the confluence of the rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube. Cobblestone streets lead the way to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes.

Continuing along, the village of Grein offers excellent photo opportunities, with its turreted houses lining the main square in the shadow of its idyllic castle perched high on a bluff. Situated in the rolling green hills of the Wachau Valley, Melk is home to the magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest and most intriguing monasteries. Step out onto the monastic terrace to look out over the Danube and take in the mesmerizing view of the sweeping countryside.

Float through the Wachau wine region to Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade. Above town are the ruins of the castle where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192.

Vienna, Austria’s capital, is next. The “City of Music” inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, the city has much to offer—the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, and the majestic Ring Boulevard, to name just a few. Visitors can waltz their way down shop-lined streets, savor the sounds of an orchestral concert, or delight in a Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café.

Sail on through the picturesque Austrian views before heading to the heart of Hungary. Spanning both banks of the Danube, Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis. Seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with Fisherman’s Bastion and the Matthias Church is among the many sights of Budapest that impress and excite.

South of Budapest, the quiet town of Kalocsa, Hungary, was founded by St. Stephen in 1009. The Archbishop’s Palace and the Kalocsa Cathedral are must-see sights in this town that is most known for paprika and folklore art.

The Danube winds away from Hungary and through the city of Novi Sad, Serbia. Steeped in history, the hilltop Petrovaradin Fort affords dramatic views of the Danube. On to Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. Full of lively pedestrian areas and imposing cathedrals and fortresses, Belgrade is a riveting study in contrasts.

The Danube flows away from Belgrade, through rustic hills lined with stunning Roman fortresses, and through the dramatic gorge of the Iron Gates. This narrow and formerly very dangerous passage divides Europe’s Alps in the northwest from the Carpathians in the southeast and forms a natural border between Serbia and Romania.

Downstream, Bulgaria’s most ancient and breathtaking treasures can be found a short drive away from the Danube. Veliko Târnovo, situated on three hills surrounding the Yantra River, is a natural fortress with stone houses clinging to its steep slopes. The historic village of Arbanassi is nearby, featuring the well-known Etnographic Museum and intricately designed frescoes in its Church of the Nativity.

Silestra is a key port city—essential to Bulgaria’s thriving agricultural industry. A short distance away, the resort town of Varna sits on the shores of the Black Sea. Its storied past comes to life as you walk through Roman baths and marvel at the Gold of Varna, an archaeological wonder.

Bucharest, Romania’s lively capital, is only a short drive from the shores of the Danube. Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained it the name "Paris of the East." Enjoy people-watching in the Royal Palace Square, the scene of riots in 1989 which led to the collapse of the communist dictatorship. The Royal Palace now houses the National Art Museum and is filled with priceless examples of Eastern European art.

View our selection of Danube River Cruises

Breakfast and lunch were served buffet style, with dinner offering open seating with a choice of two or three entrees each evening. The food was very good. The cuisine was based on local fare of the cities we were visiting...such as chicken paprika, Hungarian Goulash or Viennese Wiener Schnitzel. Being raise in a German family where my mother's cooking was the best, the chef onboard was able to bring back fond memories. Even something as simple as soup was turned into a satisfying meal that tempted the palettes.

From the outstanding Sound of the Vienna Concert we attended, to the beautiful foothills of Wachau Valley, a lovely landscape of vineyards, ruined castles and quaint villages, and the Baroque Abbey in Melk, the trip was truly sensational.

I would highly recommend this cruise to anyone considering visiting the area.

Contributed by:  G Thomas
gabriela@atlastravelweb.com

The Avalon Affinity will sail itineraries on the Rhine and Moselle rivers, as well as Christmas cruises on the Danube.

Avalon Affinity has four decks, including a sky deck with lounge chairs. There are two bars, an open-seating dining room, hairdresser and fitness center, as well as an elevator. Smoking is not permitted inside.

Staterooms (65), all outside, measure 172 square ft.; junior suites are 258 square ft. Cabins on the Royal and Sapphire Decks have "French balconies," sliding glass doors with a protective railing; remaining cabins have picture windows. 

Stateroom amenities include flat-screen satellite TV, radio, mini-bar, safe and hair dryers. Beds can be configured into two twins or one queen and come with high-quality pillows and duvets and Egyptian cotton linens. 

Consider sailing aboard the Affinity in July, on the Windmills, Vineyards & Paris cruise. Book by March 15th, and receive $350 off per person for July 19th & 28th departures.

Experience France, Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium, and Holland on this fantastic cruise vacation. See the city’s major highlights on a guided tour of Paris and travel between Paris and Metz via TGV high-speed train. Also enjoy guided sightseeing in Trier and Cologne, a canal cruise in Amsterdam, and take pictures of the windmills at famous Kinderdijk. Visit Reichsburg Castle in Cochem and enjoy a wine cellar visit in Bernkastel. Guided sightseeing in Arnhem includes a visit to the Airborne Museum Hartenstein, and you can sample the area’s famous Riesling wines in the pretty wine village of Rüdesheim.