Holland: The Fleurop expert on the tulip paradise
Text: Wolfram Scherer
Flowers were practically in Marcel Villiger's blood from birth. His parents founded their own flower shop 55 years ago. Today Marcel Villiger runs the family business in Hochdorf together with his wife. And as a Fleurop expert, he regularly accompanies travellers on our trip to the tulip paradise of Holland.
Holland is one of my favourite destinations
Marcel Villiger loves the trip as a flower expert. Even on the journey he tells his fellow travellers about his passion for flowers. “Travellers usually have no botanical background knowledge. I like to explain a few basics to them. Above all, though, they are interested in care instructions – for example, how to keep orchids alive for as long as possible.” And he builds anticipation for the highlights to come in Holland: the Keukenhof, for instance, the largest open-air flower show in the world, or the canals of Amsterdam.
Millions of tulips
Every year between March and May, millions of tulips bloom in the Keukenhof, probably the most beautiful spring park in the world, close to the sea. “The sight is simply spectacular,” says Marcel Villiger, “and it looks different every year.” Why do tulips thrive so magnificently in Holland of all places? Expert Marcel Villiger explains. They were first imported from Turkey over a thousand years ago. In the sandy soil near the coast in Holland they found ideal conditions. No wonder, then, that the world's largest flower auction is also in Holland today. It is another destination on the trip. As is a visit to a grower, who explains to travellers how the many different flowers are planted, packed and shipped.
Picturesque villages and a canal cruise in Amsterdam
It becomes clear that Marcel Villiger enjoys the trip to Holland not just for the flowers when he talks about the journey through the country. He is particularly taken with the picturesque places where the Deluxe coach stops. For example, the dreamy town of Delft with its water-lily-covered canals. Here he also likes to share his insider-tip pub with his fellow travellers. “You eat well everywhere in Holland. You really should try the raw herring.” Or the romantic fishing town of Volendam. And of course Amsterdam. “In the Venice of the North, I like to recommend a canal cruise to our guests.” And what have his personal highlights been so far? Marcel Villiger does not have to think long. “It was meeting my fellow travellers. Again and again we find ourselves in wonderful conversations.”
You can find more information about the Holland trip here.