Chapman Freeborn’s Spring Recommendations
Spring is one of the best times to travel for several reasons. Most locations aren’t as busy as they would be in the height of summer, temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing, and many places start to really come alive at this time of year. Here are Chapman Freeborn’s top picks for destinations best experienced in spring.
Lisse, the Netherlands
The Keukenhof Gardens, located in the town of Lisse (just 40 kilometres from Amsterdam) are open from the 24th of March until the 16th of May this year. Almost 80 acres of the park are covered in more than seven million colourful hand-planted tulips, hyacinths and other gorgeous spring blooms. It is widely regarded as the most beautiful spring garden in the world and visitors can see whole fields carpeted in vibrant colours and designs.
The proximity of Lisse to Amsterdam means a visit to the Netherlands capital on the same trip is a must. Choose to stay in one of the city’s chic hotels such as the NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam or Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam.
Fuji-Hakone-Ize National Park, Japan
Fuji-Hakone-Ize National Park is Japan’s most visited national park, and for good reason. The iconic Mount Fuji sits within the national park and there are also waterfalls, volcanic islands, deep lakes and dramatic waterfalls.
Located less than 100 kilometres from Tokyo, spring is by far the best time to visit the park, because late March and early April is prime cherry blossom season in Japan. Visitors at this time can see the vivid pink hues of the cherry blossom trees framed by a snow-capped Mount Fuji, making for an unforgettable experience.
Flying into Tokyo for a visit to Fuji-Hakone-Ize National Park is a perfect idea. You’ll be able to stay in some of Tokyo’s most luxurious hotels and dine in some of Tokyo’s celebrated Michelin starred restaurants.
Iceland
Iceland has some of the most dramatic and picturesque natural landscapes in the world, but if you don’t fancy a visit during the bitter cold of winter then spring is a great time to do so.
Visiting at the very beginning of spring gives visitors a good chance of catching a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights dancing across the sky before the long days and Midnight Sunshine of summer comes in.
For those who enjoy outdoors activities and adrenaline fuelled adventures, then spring in Iceland will definitely appeal. Take a private caving tour to explore some of the many caves created by volcanic explosions, go quad biking in the hills above Reykjavik or snorkel in the unbelievably clear waters separating tectonic plates between two continents – North America and Eurasia.
After a hard day of adventuring, or just some simple shopping and sightseeing, relax and recuperate in some of Iceland’s best luxury hotels. Favourites in the city of Reykjavik are Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, 101 Hotel, Diamond Suites and the Radisson Blu Saga Hotel.
Wherever you decide to travel this spring be sure to do so in style by chartering a private jet with Chapman Freeborn
