Boxwood brochure 2022

Programme
Day 1
Depart by Eurostar from London St Pancras, arriving in Brussels Midi
Station at midday. Transfer by luxury coach to De Uil, where lunch
is included. This was the former residence of artist Karel Aubroeck
(1894–1986), now occupied by interior designers Marc Massa and
Roger Liekens. The garden was designed by renowned floral artist and
garden architect Daniel Ost and includes a beautiful wild shade garden
and stylized formal garden. Continue to the stylish Hotel ‘t Sandt where
you will stay for the next two nights, dining together this evening in a
local restaurant.
Day 2
A day in Antwerp starts with a slow ride through the Art Nouveau
district of Cogels Osylei, Zurenborg, where the finest architects of the
early 20th-Century defined the grandeur of the Belle Époque. Dutchborn
artist and landscape designer Ronald van der Hilst moved to
Antwerp in 1993, bringing with him a great love of tulips. You will see
his Tulip gallery before visiting the small, enclosed garden of Hortus
Conclusus where Ronald and his partner Marcel have created a flower
filled heaven. At Rubenshuis Museum you’ll see where the artist Peter
Paul Rubens lived and painted. What you see today is a reconstruction
of a garden from Rubens’s era, taken from his painting A Walk in
the Garden. The afternoon is free for you to find your own lunch and
further explore this vibrant city. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the famous
restaurant Sir Anthony Van Dijck in the shadow of the cathedral.
Day 3
Travel into Zeeland, Netherlands, and meet Frans and Franny Geijsels
at their small garden and nursery, In Goede Aarde (In Good Earth).
Franny tends the gardens and Frans propagates and designs. They have
a great reputation in this region for selling high quality plants along
with sound advice on cultivation. Cross the border back into Belgium
to visit the garden of landscape architect Chris Ghyselen. Known for his
use of fine grasses and perennials, his garden leads through billowing
borders down narrow paths that softly blend into the surrounding
countryside. A simple lunch is included. You’ll then drive into the heart
of Bruges to Grand Hotel Casselbergh where you’ll stay for the next
two nights. Check in before enjoying a free evening in Bruges.
Day 4
Start with a stroll through Bruges on a guided tour of this intriguing
city. You have free time for lunch before heading to a region renowned
for polders and pollarding. Explore the flower-filled gardens that
surround the 14th-Century moated Kasteel van Oostkerke. At the
end of the Second World War, the garden was practically lost in a great
flood. In 1946 Baron van der Elst commissioned Dutch landscape
architect Mien Ruys to lay out a new garden. Today it is still much
loved by the family. Return to Bruges for dinner together at a good
local restaurant.
Day 5
Today you visit Kasteel Hex where the specialist plant fair is held
twice a year. September is the perfect time to visit the famous kitchen
gardens in the castle grounds, as well as the wonderful array of stalls.
You’ll meet nurserymen from Belgium, the Netherlands, France and
Germany. Return to Brussels Midi Railway Station for your journey
back at in London St Pancras.
An exclusive Telegraph tour hosted by
garden expert, Helen Yemm and
led by Sophie Piebenga
Tour Dates
6 - 10 September 2022
5 days
Tour Prices
£2,680 per person
‘No flight’ price £2,580 per person
Double room for sole use supplement £250
Deposit £450 per person
What’s Included
• Return Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels
• Private coach transfers and excursions
• Two nights’ bed and breakfast in the four-star Hotel
‘T Sandt, Antwerp
• Two nights’ bed and breakfast in the four-star The Grand
Hotel Casselbergh, Bruges
• Three evening meals and four lunches with wine
• Guided visits to sites listed in the programme
• Services of the Tour Leader and Hosts
• Detailed programme and garden notes
• All entrance fees, taxes and gratuities for coach drivers
and waiters
Your Accommodation
Hotel ‘T Sandt, Antwerp
Hotel `t Sandt is an elegant 17th-Century neo-roccoco
mansion has been converted into a luxurious contemporary
hotel with 29 rooms. ideally located in the heart of the historic
city centre just around the corner from most of the stylish
design stores, funky restaurants, and the trendy South quarter.
Guests may enjoy a beautiful Italian courtyard and summer
terrace which offers an appealing view of the Cathedral.
The Grand Hotel Casselbergh, Bruges
Grand Hotel Casselbergh is the ideal place to start your
visit to Bruges. Centrally located, next to the Burg and the
Main Market Square. This unique hotel is a perfect blend
of historic and modern luxury and takes you back to a
time of ecclesiastical and noble atmospheres. Grand Hotel
Casselbergh boasts 118 elegant rooms which combine
contemporary luxury with the authentic charm of 18th-
Century Bruges.
To book call 01341 241717 or visit boxwoodtours.co.uk
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