European Orchid Trips
Explore the beauty of European orchids!
To give the participants of the WOC, some of whom will have traveled from far away, the opportunity to experience the rich variety of European orchids as well as to the orchid conservation programs of European botanical gardens, we are organizing several orchid - themed tours of approximately 7–8 days duration. Our partner, IC-Naturreisen, has many years of experience in organizing botanical tours to natural orchid habitats, often combined with fascinating cultural experiences. The Mediterranean tours will take place after the WOC, with participants either being picked up in Dresden on Sunday, March 29, 2026, or flying directly from Dresden on the morning of March 30, 2026. A pre-congress coach tour, featuring exclusive visits to botanical gardens and their orchid collections as well as cultural sightseeing at Heidelberg, Munich, Salzburg, Vienna and Prague, will take place before the WOC. It will start on March 17, 2026 in Frankfurt and end in Dresden on March 25, 2026. The tour prices will range between €2,400 and €3,000, depending on the destination. Given the international nature of the groups, the tours will be conducted in English. In case of high demand from members of the German Orchid Society (D.O.G.), additional German-speaking groups may be formed.
Botanical Garden Tour – Germany, Austria
& Czech Republic
Exclusive Orchid Collections, Cultural Treasures & Culinary Highlights from Heidelberg to Prague
Travel Dates: 17.03.-24.03.2026
Highlights:
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Expert-guided tours through orchid collections and historic greenhouses of renowned botanical gardens (Wilhelma in Stuttgart, Munich, Vienna, Brno, and Liberec)
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Accompanied by a D.O.G. member for your travel among friends
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Visit to Gärtnerei Cramer (orchid nursery) in the Berchtesgadener Land region with exclusive behind-the-scenes insights
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Guided tours of the historic old towns of Heidelberg, Salzburg, Vienna (including Schönbrunn Palace) & Prague
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Visit to Munich’s Olympic Park and the BMW World
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Culinary delights: Bavarian Hofbräuhaus in Munich, traditional Viennese coffeehouse, dinner cruise on the Vltava River in Prague & Czech brewery experience in Brno
Experience culture, nature, and unique orchid highlights as a prelude to the WOC 2026 in Dresden! Traveling by coach from Frankfurt through Southern Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic, you will arrive in Dresden the day before the opening of the WOC 2026. Along the way, discover the historic old towns of Heidelberg, Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, and Prague, cross the idyllic Alpine foothills, gain exclusive insights into the orchid collections of several renowned botanical gardens, and enjoy a private visit to an orchid nursery.
Included:
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Coach journey from Frankfurt to Dresden
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7 overnight stays with half board
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Professional English-speaking tour guide
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Visits to 5 botanical gardens with exclusive English-language guided tours of their orchid collections
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Visit to an orchid nursery with personal introduction by the owners
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Guided city tours in Heidelberg, Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, and Prague
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Evening dinner cruise on the Vltava River in Prague
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Brewery visit with lunch in Brno
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Entrance to Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna & BMW World in Munich
Would you like to join this trip?
Discover all the details, explore the full itinerary, and book easily online through the link below:
Italy -
Wild Orchids of Sicily
A Botanical Journey in Spring Bloom combined with Ancient and Norman-Byzantine Culture
Travel Dates: 30.03.-06.04.2026
Highlights:
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Approx. 28 wild orchid species & fascinating flora on Mount Etna
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Expert guidance by a local Sicilian orchid specialist
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Accompanied by a D.O.G. member for your travel among friends
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Cultural tour "Valley of the Temples" in Agrigento
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Visit to the Cathedral of Monreale (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
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Guided tour of the Botanical Garden of Palermo
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Geological excursion on Mount Etna
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Wine tasting with Sicilian antipasti at a traditional winery
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Optional: Beach extension in Sicily or a cultural add-on in Rome
Join us on an unforgettable 8-day orchid expedition across Sicily at the peak of the blooming season. Guided by a renowned local orchid expert, this journey takes you from the slopes of Mount Etna to the Iblei Mountains, the nature reserve of Pantalica, the rare habitats of the Aleppo pine, and the lush forest of Ficuzza. Each day offers rich encounters with a wide range of orchid species, including Ophrys bertolonii, Ophrys lunulata, Ophrys phryganae, Ophrys speculum, Orchis italica, and Orchis anthropophora, as well as the rare and endemic species Ophrys oxyrrhynchos, Ophrys pallida, and Ophrys biancae. Cultural highlights include guided visits to ancient sites like Taormina’s Greek Theater, the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, and the Norman Cathedral of Monreale. This expertly curated tour blends botanical discovery with Sicilian heritage, gastronomy, and breathtaking landscapes – ideal for passionate orchid enthusiasts and lovers of Mediterranean biodiversity.
Included:
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Outbound flight from Dresden to Catania
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Return flight from Palermo to Frankfurt
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7 overnight stays with half board
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Round trip in an air-conditioned coach
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Expert guidance by a local Sicilian orchid specialist,
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English-speaking tour guide throughout the journey
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Entry and guided visit to the Valley of the Temples
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Visit to the Botanical Garden of Palermo
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Visit to the Cathedral of Monreale
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Guided geological tour on Mount Etna
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Wine tasting at a traditional Sicilian winery
Would you like to join this trip?
Discover all the details, explore the full itinerary, and book easily online through the link below:
Greece –
Orchid Tour Crete
Orchids, Endemic Flora & the Ancient Culture of the Minoans
Travel Dates: 30.03.-06.04.2026
Highlights:
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Approx. 30 orchid species & Crete’s rich endemic flora
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Charming regional accommodations by the sea and in the mountains
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Accompanied by a D.O.G. member for your travel among friends
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Visits to ancient Minoan palaces & the Archaeological Museum
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Olive oil tasting – Crete’s “liquid gold”
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Option: Beach extension on Crete or city break in Athens
This journey is a true botanical highlight for orchid lovers from around the world. On one of Greece’s most spectacular islands, we explore an astonishing diversity of wild-growing terrestrial orchids – some of them endemic and found nowhere else. Accompanied by an orchid specialist, we’ll encounter delicate Ophrys ariadnae, majestic Barlia robertiana, and rare treasures such as Orchis sitiaca or the locally endemic Ophrys grigoriana. Blooming carpets of anemones on the high plateaus and the endemic Aristolochia cretica with its striking, primeval appearance add to the floral spectacle. Beyond its botanical wealth, Crete is the cradle of Europe’s first advanced civilization: the Minoans, who lived here over 4,500 years ago. We will visit the ancient palaces of Knossos and Festos, and in Gortys marvel at what is likely the oldest law code in the Western world. A visit to Crete wouldn’t be complete without sampling its renowned olive oil – the “liquid gold” already prized by the Minoans and still considered among the best in the world. Authentic encounters, traditional villages, and the flavors of Mediterranean Greek cuisine complete this exceptional discovery tour.
Included:
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Transfer Dresden – Frankfurt
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Flights from Frankfurt via Athens to Heraklion and back
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7 nights with half board
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Full tour by air-conditioned coach
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Expert orchid guide
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Visits to archaeological sites, museum and Byzantine church.
Would you like to join this trip?
Discover all the details, explore the full itinerary, and book easily online through the link below:
Spain -
Orchid Hotspots of Andalusia
A paradise for wild orchids, Europe's largest orchidarium & Moorish cultural treasures
Travel Dates: 30.03.-06.04.2026
Highlights:
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Around 30 wild orchid species & up to 15 natural hybrids
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Excursions guided by regional orchid experts
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Accompanied by a D.O.G. member for your travel among friends
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Curator-led tour of the Orchidarium in Estepona – the largest in Europe
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Visit to the world-famous Alhambra in Granada (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
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Visits of the historical cities of Ronda, Setenil de las Bodegas & Málaga
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Traditional tapas & sherry tasting
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Optional: Attend the Jornadas Andaluzas de Orquideoflora in Archidona or enjoy a city tour in Barcelona
From the early spring in Dresden to the early summer in Andalusia: Following the WOC 2026, let the rich cultural heritage of Granada, Ronda, and Málaga captivate you, and immerse yourself in the lush natural beauty of the Sierra de Grazalema. Local orchid enthusiasts will guide you to blooming orchid sites in their native habitat. A botanical highlight of the region is the rare Ophrys atlantica, alongside striking species such as Ophrys bombyliflora, Ophrys tenthredinifera, Ophrys speculum, and many natural hybrids. A special feature of the journey is the curator-led visit to Europe’s largest Orchidarium in Estepona, complemented by Andalusia’s vibrant cuisine and fine wines. Those wishing to extend their stay can attend the “Jornadas Andaluzas de Orquideoflora”, Spain’s largest orchid gathering, held annually in Archidona. The event offers lectures, excursions, and activities such as nature photography workshops and orchid-focused field trips. It takes place directly after the main tour.
Included:
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Outbound flight from Dresden to Malaga
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Return flight from Malaga to Frankfurt
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7 overnight stays with half board
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Round trip in an air-conditioned coach
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Orchid excursions guided by regional orchid experts,
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English-speaking tour guide throughout the journey
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Guided tour of the Estepona Orchidarium,
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Guided tour of the Alhambra in Granada
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Sightseeing tours of Ronda, Setenil de las Bodegas, and Málaga
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Tapas lunch in a traditional tapas bar in Málaga
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Wine and sherry tasting near Ronda
Would you like to join this trip?
Discover all the details, explore the full itinerary, and book easily online through the link below:
