Another reason to jet to Europe this year? The famous Floriade flower show, which takes place every 10 years in the Netherlands, will blossom in the Venlo region from April 5 until October 7, 2012. This is the sixth edition of the famous Floriade World Horticultural Expo, and the first time it will be held outside the Randstad conurbation. (Previous expos have taken place in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Zoetermeer and Haarlemmermeer.) This spectacular festival isn’t just for horticulturists eager to fine-tune their gardening skills; a daily cultural program means music, dance, and theater performances galore.
Arrive on a summer weekend and you'll be privy to a light show, live music at the Beach Club, films at the open-air cinema and star performances at the Floriade Theatre. Sprawling across 65 hectares of park and 40 hectares of showgrounds, the expo showcases 100 exhibitors in five different theme worlds (like “Green Engine” and “Education & Innovation). There’s also the largest indoor flower exhibit in Europe at the Villa Flora, and the biggest cable car ride in the Netherlands, transporting 4000 people per hour. Day tickets cost €25. For more information, visit the website: www.floriade.com