Visit Famous Floral Destinations with USTOA Tour Operators

With the blooms of Valentine's Day on the brain and spring to look forward to, I was thinking about one of nature's most beautiful gifts: flowers. From inhaling the beautiful scent of lavender fields in Provence to visiting iconic sites like the Holland Tulip Festival or the vibrant botanicals of New Zealand, USTOA tour operators can open the door to a world full of fascinating floral discoveries.  

March means cherry blossom season in Japan, and Goway's Cherry Blossom Odyssey is a perfect way to see one of Asia's most famous floral destinations. This first-class small-group tour takes guests from Kyoto to Tokyo with stops at the famed Kenrokuen Garden where the small pink flowers burst against a backdrop of deep blue ponds and lush greenery. Prices start at $8,650.

Springtime means tulip time in the Netherlands and Belgium where endless fields of vibrant tulips bloom from March to May. Sail through the iconic scenes of Dutch tulips with AmaWaterways' Tulip Time cruise. Highlights include a stop in 70 acres of tulips at Kuekenhof's public garden, as well as excursions to a Belgium chocolate maker's shop and a guided bike ride through the Dutch countryside. Prices start at $2,139.

The famed Chelsea Flower Show is the anchor event in Insight Vacations' British Gardens and The Chelsea Flower Show tour. This three-week tour of England's horticultural highlights includes London's Kew Gardens; tulips, daffodils and magnolias in the Lake District; the dazzling blue poppy in North Wales' exotic Bodnant Garden and wildflowers in the Leonardslee Gardens of Crawley. Prices start at $7,300.

Strolling through the lush lavender fields of Provence may sound like a dream but it can be a reality with Classic Journeys' Provence Cultural Walking Tour. Daily curated walks take guests through the region's breathtaking landscapes, the same landscapes that inspired famed artists Cezanne and van Gogh. Foodies will enjoy the opportunity to cook alongside a Michelin-starred chef and an exclusive stop at a local olive oil mill. Prices start at $6,295.

New Zealand is known for its dazzling natural beauty and EF Go Ahead Tours takes guests on a whirlwind trip around the unique island nation with its New Zealand: Untamed Landscapes tour. A visit to Fiordland National Park will surround guests with botanical wonders like tall violet lupines, vibrant tree fuschia and dainty mountain daisies. Prices start at $4,889.