Group tour operator and DMC for tours to the Netherlands
Dutch Bulbfields, Pottery, Cheese, Windmills and Palaces – NEW TOUR
The horticultural highlight of Spring in Holland must be the Keukenhof Flower Gardens. Originally the kitchen garden for the Dutch Royal Family, each year at Keukenhof Gardens between mid-March and mid-May, seven million bulbs planted across 70 acres burst into bloom. Not just tulips, but daffodils, hyacinths, narcissi, and crocuses too!
See traditional Dutch craftsmen and women at work in the Royal Porcelain factory in Delft and at the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Kinderdijk windmills, see the amazing Royal Palaces in the Hague and sample some famous Dutch Gouda cheese!
Dates
20 March - 11 May 2025 (actual dates of Keukenhof Gardens)
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK
Travel to Hull and embark mid-afternoon on the overnight cruise ferry to Rotterdam, Holland. There are many facilities on board including bars, cafes, restaurants and even entertainment on some crossings. We can arrange to pre-book meal packages on request (buffet dinner and breakfast). Settle into your cabin for a relaxing journey across the North Sea.
Day 2
Royal Delft and Royal Hague
Prepare for an early disembarkation and continue with a visit to the factory museum of Royal Delft Blue pottery, experience the beauty of Delft Blue pottery in the original 400 year old factory and see pottery in production, Admire the craftsmanship and watch the hand painting techniques as artists paint the high quality Delft pottery. There will be time to browse the on-site shop before departing to the Hague.
Here, meet up with a local guide for a ‘Royal’ walking tour to view the Royal Palace of Noordeinde, walk in the Palace gardens and get a glimpse of the Royal stables behind the gardens, which house the famous royal Golden Coach.
Enjoy some free time in The Hague for lunch and shopping before continuing to the hotel for 2 nights. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.
Day 3
Gouda and Kinderdijk Windmills
Meet up with a local guide for a walking tour of this picturesque city famous for its cheese. Wander along the pretty cobbled streets and canals and admire the golden stained-glass windows of the grand church. With its beautiful façades, courtyards and one of the most iconic cheese markets in the world, Gouda is truly a charming and authentically Dutch city. From local beers and ceramics to stroopwafels and, of course, the world-famous Gouda Cheese: you can see and learn all about these fantastic products in Gouda.
Continue to visit the dikes and windmills of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will get the opportunity to visit museums inside working windmills where millers tell their stories, take a boat trip or an optional guided tour. All the mills, pumps, dikes, and storage basins work together to literally keep their heads above water. That is how this characteristic and deeply Dutch landscape came about.
Optional guided tours and boat trips are available.
Day 4
Keukenhof Gardens
Visit the famous Keukenhof Gardens to see the world famous bulbfield gardens and flower park. Keukenhof was once a modest kitchen and herb garden for the Dutch Royal House. Today, however, each year between March and May, seven million bulbs planted across the park’s 70 acres burst into bloom. Visitors enjoy a spectacular rainbow carpet of flowers. For over 50 years Keukenhof has been displaying its floral art with a different theme each year and a fresh look.
Late afternoon, drive to Rotterdam for the overnight cruise ferry crossing. Enjoy the extensive on board facilities before retiring to your cabin.
Day 5
Arrive in the UK
Disembark early morning in the UK to continue on your journey home.
Greatdays offer a selection of good quality hotels in/around Gouda
5 days / 4 nights |
Half Twin | Single Supplement |
mid March-mid May 2025 | Price on request | Price on request |