A-Rosa has partnered with Brightwater Holidays, a specialist garden holidays operator, to launch the new Floriade and summer river cruise itinerary for 2022.

The seven-night voyage will depart 19 June, sailing on A-Rosa Aqua. Prices start from £2,295pp, including Eurostar travel from London St Pancras to Paris Gard Du Nord, and six Brightwater excursions.

Guests will visit the once-in-a-decade Floriade horticultural event, to be held in Almere, near Amsterdam, in 2022.

The four main themes of the event are green, food, energy and health, with a focus on green cities of the future.

Brightwater Holidays managing director Alison Wilson said: “Interest in gardening as a hobby exploded during the pandemic.

“This new river cruise for 2022 is the perfect choice for those who have a love for all things horticultural and offers the chance to enjoy the incredible Floriade exhibition, which only comes around every 10 years.

“I’d encourage agents to contact any local special interest groups in their area as I’m sure this will appeal.”

The itinerary will visit a range of garden-themed excursions, such as the botanical gardens at the University of Ghent, featuring more than 10,000 species of plants, spices and flowers.

A trip to Rubens House in Antwerp is also on the agenda. This attraction celebrates the life and work of the artist Peter Rubens and has a 200-year-old botanic garden.

The UNESCO world heritage site of Kingerdijk will also be on the itinerary, as well as a trip to the outdoor museum complex at Zaanse Schans.

Guests will travel on a premium all-inclusive basis with buffets and drinks included.

A-Rosa recently unveiled more information about its new ship, A-Rosa Sena.

The vessel, which will operate with the E-Motion concept for a more sustainable form of travel, is scheduled to depart for its maiden voyage in May 2022.