Group tour operator and DMC for tours to the Netherlands
Steaming through the Dutch Bulbfields – BEST SELLER!
-
Medemblik - Museumstoomtram Steam Train
-
Windmill Village
-
Keukenhof Gardens ©Keukenhof
-
Keukenhof Gardens ©Keukenhof
-
Keukenhof Gardens ©Keukenhof
-
Royal Delft Pottery
-
Royal Delft Pottery
-
Hand painting a bowl in Royal Delft Pottery
Beautiful Boundless Bulbfields: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Keukenhof Flower Gardens, also known as the Garden of Europe, is one of the world’s largest flower gardens, situated in the municipality of Lisse, in the Netherlands. Keukenhof Park covers an area of 32 hectares and approximately 7 million flower bulbs are planted in the gardens annually. Despite opening in 1950, Keukenhof has a different look and theme each year. For eight weeks each spring, it becomes a ocean of colour, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world. Admire not just tulips, but daffodils, hyacinths, narcissi and crocuses too! Take a leisurely stroll through these remarkable gardens. If you prefer, you can also enjoy a whisper boat cruise through the vibrant displays.
We discover the iconic historic Dutch windmills and distinctive green wooden houses which were relocated here to recreate the look of an 18th/19th-century village. The Zaans Museum has regional costumes, model windmills and interactive exhibits on chocolate making. Artisan workshops demonstrate rare handicrafts such as wooden clog carving, barrel making and pewter casting
Furthermore, we take a memorable trip back in time, riding on two remarkable examples of historic Dutch public transport. On this fantastic excursion, cruise on the museum ship Friesland. Then, enjoy steam train journey through the Dutch countryside. Stopping at stations along the route, this is a great way to take in Holland’s natural beauty. Look out for iconic Dutch windmills during your journey. Admire the beautiful scenery, including the blooming bulbfields if you’re lucky! This is a wonderful and unique way to enjoy the flowers.
This is the perfect tour for flower and garden lovers. Holland has a fantastic reputation for outstanding blooms, and on this tour you can experience them for yourself!
Dates
April & May 2024
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK
Take an overnight crossing to the Netherlands.
Day 2
Windmill Village and Volendam
Today we spend the morning in Zaanse Schans the ’Windmill Village’, a living and working community whose origins date back to the 18th Century. Watch traditional clog and cheese making and visit the historic windmills and buildings. Local charges apply for some attractions and entrance to the Windmills but worth stepping inside for the experience.
Enjoy some free time in Volendam this afternoon, then make our way to the hotel for our 2 night stay.
Day 3
Heritage Boat and Steam Train Experience
This morning travel to the town of Enkhuizen. From here, you can see the remarkable Houtribdijk, a 17- mile dyke and dam completed in 1975 as part of the Zuiderzee land reclamation project. In Enkhuizen, we board the museum ship ‘Friesland’ for a relaxing cruise on the IJsselmeer to Medemblik. There’s free time for lunch before we climb aboard the ‘Museumstoomtram’, a charming, historic narrow gauge, steam-hauled train that travels for 20km through the bulbfields to Hoorn. The train stops at stations along the route, each a little museum in its own right, with views of windmills and (in season) the fields of tulips. This journey can be switched around so that you can take the Train first then pick up the museum ship.
Day 4
Full Day at Keukenhof Gardens
Today we head to directly to Keukenhof Gardens. With over 50 years of displaying its floral art with a different theme every year and a fresh look every day, Keukenhof has developed into a showcase for the flower bulb and ornamental plant industry. The history of Keukenhof, the name meaning ‘kitchen garden’, goes back to the 15th Century. Tulips proliferate but there are daffodils, hyacinths, narcissi and crocuses to admire as well. Perhaps see the gardens from a different perspective on a ‘Whisper Boat’ cruise. Optional guided tours also possible. On your return back home there is an optional visit to Delft Blue Pottery famous for its Royal Porcelain, is also known worldwide for its artistry. Here, take a guided tour of the famous factory to learn all about the instantly recognisable beautiful blue porcelain. We then head back to the ferry for out overnight ferry to the UK.
Day 5
Arrive back in the UK
Make your way back to your local area.
Suggested Hotels
We use a variety of hotels in the Netherlands which make a great base for this tour. Details on request.
You may also be interested it:
| 5 days / 4 nights |
Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| March – May 2024 | Prices on request | Price on request |
Alternative dates and hotels available on request. Dining options available on the overnight Ferries, please ask for more details.
